[Copy] [letter of 10 [undecipherable]] [Treasury [undecipherable] rec'd 2 March 1791] War department, 10^th March 1791 Sir In consideration of the present exposed situation of the county of —— The President of the United States, hereby authorizes you to embody, at the expence of the United States, as many of the militia by voluntary engagements, or otherwise, according to law, as in your judgement, the defensive protection of the said county may require. He is persuaded that from a regard to proper oeconomy, and your own character, you will not call out an unnecessary number of mens. The rangers to be called into service in pursuance of this authority are to be upon the same establishment of pay and rations as the troops of the United States, agreeably to the schedule herein enclosed. The county lieutenants are to make an arrangement for supplying the said rangers with rations, provided each ration shall not exceed the amount of eight cents. The county lieutenants are also to direct the said rangers to be mustered upon entering and leaving the service, and the officers commanding the said rangers are to make oath to the truth of their musters. That muster rolls, and abstracts for the pay and rations of the said rangers are to be made out and certified by the county lieutenants — who are to transmit the same to the War Office for examination and payment, and also their power of attorney to receive the money. You will keep the said rangers in constant activity in such directions, as may best serve to secure the inhabitants, and to give information of the approach of the Indians. You will report to me and the commanding General of the troops, in writing, the number you may have called out by virtue of this authority, and arrangements you have made for furnishing them with rations. This measure is to be considered as temporary, until other and more efficient arrangements which are in train, shall be carried into execution. I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant, [True Copy from the records of the War Office of the United States. [undecipherable] Jun^r [undecipherable] Clk. March 14, 1791]