Cahokia 1^st May 1790 — Sir: **You will observe that everything is referred to the Miamis, which does not indicate a peaceable issue. The confidence those have in their situation, the vicinity of many other nations, either much under their influence, or hostilely disposed towards the United States, and pernicious counsels of the British traders, joined to the immense booties obtained by their depredations on the Ohio, will most probably prevent them from listening to any reasonable terms of accomodation, so that it is much to be feared that the United States must prepare effectually to chastise them; and the consequence of not doing it, may probably be the defection of those who are now at peace, and must remain so, with the entire alienation of the affections, at best of the people of the frontiers. * * I am, your ob^t servant. Gen. Knox, Secretary at War. Ar. S^tClair [The Western Reserve Historical Society Cleveland, Ohio]