[Letter from the Secretary of War to Daniel Shepherd and others, of Ohio County in Virginia, and James Marshall and others of Washington County in Pennsylvania.] War department, March 3, 1791. Gentlemen The President of the United States has received your letter of the 19^th of last month, stating certain depredations of the indians. And he has commanded me to inform you, that the Congress of the United States having been deliberating for some time past upon the means which may effectually protect the frontiers, have just concluded thereon. That he shall take the most vigorous measures to execute the intentions of Congress. That for this purpose men will be required to act offensively — that it is to be hoped and expected that as soon as the conditions shall be made known that the hardy yeomanry of the frontier counties will engage readily and cheerfully, for a short period to act against the indians and thereby prevent their depopulating the exposed parts of the country. That the governor of the western territory, who will immediately repair to Fort Pitt, or the commanding officer of the troops, will have discretionary power to make all necessary arrangements for the temporary defensive protection of the frontier counties which the occasion may require. I am, Gentlemen &c. To Daniel Shepherd & others of Ohio County- Virginia; And James Marshall & others of Washington County in Pennsylvania - - -