[N° 11. From the Representatives of the frontier counties of Virginia to the President of the United States. — Richmond [undecipherable] Decem. 1797] In addition to the address of the general Assembly on Indian affairs, We the representatives of the counties of Ohio, Monongalia, Harrison & Randolph are constrained to take the liberty of writing to you the defenceless situation of these counties, in order that you may be able to direct such measures, as may be necessary for their defence, as we have every reason to expect that the indians will break in upon our settlements as soon as the weather will permit them in the Spring. Strip from the northern boundary line where it crosses the Ohio river, at the mouth of the Little Beaver creek, down the said river to the mouth of big Sandy creek, distant about three hundred miles, we lay open to the ravage of the Indians, who may attack our settlements in any quarter they may chuse, it may here be Supposed that the troops stationed at Muskingum would check their progress in this business, but experience hath taught us, that they are of very little use, for we find that the indians use the river Ohio, both above and below that garrison in dispersed [undecipherable], either on their way to our country, or returning to their own, and indeed such will always be the case until more effectual measures are adopted for our defence, it may be further Supposed that general [undecipherable] can grant all the relief that is necessary for our safety; in answer to which we beg leave to observe, that tho' we have the highest Opinion of that gentleman's integrity and goodness, but from his necessary calls to visit the different posts on the Ohio river, even as low down as the rapids, we fear it will be out of his power to render us the necessary aid, before it is impracticable for us to find him in the time of distress. We further beg leave to Suggest that whilst our operations were confined to a defensive plan only, we have ever found the greatest degree of safety to our country arising from keeping out fronts and ranges on our frontiers; indeed it was owing to that plan, and that only, that large tracts of our country had not long ere now been depopulated. These fronts and rangers were composed of our own militia, on whom our people could with confidence depend, as they are well acquainted with our woods, and with the paths the indians use to come in upon our settlements in [undecipherable], we were thus Saved, we lived in perfect security, but as soon as they were withdrawn last Spring we immediately felt the effects of Indian cruelty, for from the month of April last to the month of October, at which time we left home, there was killed and captivated twenty persons, a considerable number of hogs and other property, property carried off, and Several horses found in our country. All military regulations being Submitted to you, we therefore beg leave to Suggest our wishes that you would continue to us, the aforesaid mode of defence, Should you approve of it, or direct to Such other measures as you in your wisdom may think more advisable, to be continued in our country until it may be thought necessary to carry on offensive war into the enemy's country as to bring about a lasting peace. Suffer us further to assure you, that we in the behalf of our bleeding country look up to you, and to you only, for that assistance that our necessities require, and [undecipherable] with praying that the great parent of the universe may conduct your [undecipherable] and that special providence, enabling you to [undecipherable] that exalted station to which He has called you, as well for the good of your fellow citizens as also for the happiness of [undecipherable] who are [undecipherable] within the bounds of [undecipherable] administration. We have the honor to be with very great regard and esteem your excellency's most obedient servants. John B. [undecipherable] — Senator William [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] } Ohio William [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] } Monongalia [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Geo. Jackson } Harrison Jn. [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] } Randolph