War Office 10^th Decemb.^r 1789 Sir, It is to be hoped and expected that you received your instructions from the President of the United States dated the 5^th of October last since which there has not been any thing written to, or received from you at this Office. As it is highly probable that you may before this letter can reach you be far down the Ohio it may not be prudent to be very particular in my communications. The people of Kentucky are loud in their complaints of the murders that have been committed in that district during the last summer — The President of the United States has received several letters from the Principal characters in that quarter, while he has directed that they be promised all the protection that he can reasonably afford, he has stated his opinion of the effects of the desultory expeditions into the Indian Country North west of the Ohio — an extract of a letter written by his direction to Samuel M.^c Dowell Esq.^r Chairman of the late Convention of Kentucky District and dated the 15^th instant is as follows "The President of the United States has desired that it may be clearly understode to be his opinion that the best foundation for peace with the Indians is by establishing just and liberal treaties with them — which shall be rigidly observed on our parts, and if broken on theirs to be effectually punished by legal authority. But irregular and unauthorized expeditions involve the innocent and guilty in equal calamity — Makes enemies of those disposed to be friends — disgrace government and defeat its designs. And further that in future it is his just expectation that no expedition be undertaken against the Indians North west of the Ohio, but with the approbation of the Governor of the said Territory, and the Commanding officer of the federal troops who are particularly instructed on this subject." The President of the United States is extremely desirous of a general treaty with the Wabash Indians as the rational foundation of peace — If a treaty of peace was once effected any partial breaches of it by the Indians could easily be punished — He therefore requests you to use your highest exertions for that purpose. The Letters from the Wabash and Mississippi State the necessity of your presence — It is to be hoped that you will be able to protect and accomodate the settlers with the lands to which they are entitled. The aspect of affairs with the Creeks require a post to be established at the Muscle shoals on the Tennessee — provided the same can be effected with the entire approbation and support of the Chickasaws and Choctaws which there is reason to believe may be obtained — and the President of the United States has directed that Major Doughty be sent to those Tribes to ascertain their Sentiments — If the post be established with an adequate force it will enable us either to intimidate the Creeks or to strike them with Success. The train in which the Commissioners were constrained to leave that business bodes ill, and at this time it is probable that McGillivray has decided with the Spaniards what line of conduct he shall pursue. I have suggested an idea to Brig.^t General Harmar under the strongest injunctions of secrecy, excepting with yourself — Please to examine it, and if practicable assist him with your advice therein — Whether in your opinion it should be practicable or not pray retain it as a perfect Secret. If you have any blankets or strouds in Store I pray you to deliver them to Major Doughty in order to present to the Chickasaws and Choctaws. I have the honor to be With great respect Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant Knox Secretary for the department of War — The Hon.^ble Arthur St Clair Governor of the Western Territory