[F36 x 15 Secretary of Wars [undecipherable] [undecipherable] dated 28^th March 1798 2^r 5 Mss No 89] War Department 25^th March 1798 Sir, In addition to the joint Letter to Governor Blount and you, I beg leave to address myself to you separately. As it is important for the public interests that no disappointment should arise relatively to the Battalion to be raised in Washington district, and its vicinity, the charge thereof excepting as to the manner of appointing the Officers is entirely confided to you, on the firm conviction that you will use every possible exertion, in the execution of the business — Unless the Companies of the said Battalion should be completed by the 15^th of May next by voluntary enlistments, they must be completed by drafts from the Militia, according to law — [Mss No 89] You will appoint a rendezvous for each Company, and a general rendezvous for the Battalion — and as soon as thirty men should be recruited by the Officers of a Company, you will direct that they be marched to the rendezvous of the Battalion. And as soon as one full Company should be collected there, that it should be marched for Fort Washington, on the Ohio. It may be alledged that this mode may occasion some mixture of Companies, but if so it would not be of any consequence, as the arrangement of the Companies may be completed at Fort Washington. You will contract for a price, to be given for the Rations, as well at the company, as the Battalion rendezvous, and on the march to Fort Washington. The price of the Ration composed as mentioned in the Schedule marked [A] is stated, at eight Cents. This cannot be decisive, but you will obtain the Rations upon the best terms. In addition to the Rations the men will want some few Camp Kettles and other Camp Utensils, with which you will please to have them supplied. Reliance will be placed on Washington district for a body of choice Rifle men, to find their own Rifles. Each Levy finding his own rifle, shall be paid for the use of it for the term of his enlistment the sum of two dollars, and if his rifle shall be lost by the inevitable events of the Campaign, he shall be paid eight dollars. Provided he shall produce the certificate of three Commissioned Officers as to the nature of the loss. Such of the Levies as may not be armed in the manner aforesaid, will be furnished with arms and accoutrements at Fort Washington, and all the Levies will be completed with ammunition at that Post. You are furnished with Three thousand four hundred and thirty eight [Mss No 89] Dollars, for the objects relative to the said Battalion, which are specified in the Schedule marked [B]. You will please to keep fair accounts for the expenditures of said money, according to its objects, and taking triplicate Receipts. The money for the pay of the Companies, and for the Bounties must be paid to the Captains. But no monies to be paid to them, until after they should have accepted and have been [undecipherable] — and not then until they should have given bonds with sufficient securities, according to the form herewith delivered, marked N^o 1. The Clothing allowed to the Levies will be as mentioned in the Schedule marked [C]. Contracts are attempting for this Clothing, which will be forwarded with all possible dispatch. The form of the recruiting instructions are herewith delivered, marked [D]. [Mss No 89] and also Copies of the Articles of War, and Baron Steuben's instructions which are intended for the troops. I am sensible that I am imposing much trouble upon you, but upon your return to this place and the Settlement of your accounts, you shall be allowed a reasonable compensation. Having had some conversation with you relative to your commencing a [undecipherable] military operation against the Indians Northwest of the Ohio, I think it proper to inform you that Major General St Clair is entrusted with discretionary powers upon that subject — and he is directed, if in his judgment the public [service] should require [undecipherable] to send an express to you, stating the number of mounted Volunteers or Militia to be employed, and to request you to take the command of these. In this event, although the battalion to be raised under your Orders, are to be enlisted to serve only as Infantry, yet you may mount them to serve on horse back, during the desultory operation required, afterwards to serve on foot if the service should require it. With great Respect I have the honor to be Sir/ Your most Obed^t & most hum[ble] Ser[van]t — H Knox Secretary of War P.S. It will be of the highest importance, that I should be informed of the progress you make from time to time, in raising the Battalion. H Knox [Brigadier General John Sevier]