Indian Campaign in the Northwest Territory

Knox recommends to St. Clair that a military post be established northwest of the Ohio in Miami Indian territory, in order to awe the Indian tribes living in the vicinity as well as provide a "respectable appearance" to the British troops at Detroit and Niagara. He acknowledges that this endeavor may require many more troops than its objective is worth or that the country would allow, and it would also most likely spark off a war with the Indians. Knox states that this expedition requires a thorough investigation of the inclinations of the Indians and the British to ensure that if war is coming the United States is prepared for it.