[Copy] War Department May 24^th 1791— Sir, I have received yours dated Sidwells Creek 15 Miles East of Pittsburg on the 19^th instant. As the Virginia Series are marching without Arms and as it appears from your last letter there may be some danger on the road to Pittsburg it will be all important that you use the Armed troops in such manner as to prevent a possibility of injury to the unarmed Series or the troops which are on their way to Fort Pitt. You could detach arms accoutrements and ammunition to meet the Series before they arrive upon dangerous ground. I have directed Arms Accoutrements and Ammunition to be forwarded to the Maryland Series, and I would do so by the Virginia Series but it appears from information from M^r Greve and Colonel Darke that all the Virginia Series would be in motion before the first of June 11^th. were to march from Winchester on the 15^th so that they will arrive at Fort Pitt previously to this letter. The Series from Carlisle and Trenton will also be armed. I enclose you a Schedule of the troops which have actually marched and which will probably march before the first of June. By the 10^th of June I expect we shall march 500 regular, Pretty or Doyle and by this time the remainder also of the Jersey Battalion which will probably be about 60. The recruiting service at the Eastward is exceedingly dull we shall probably fall short in that quarter. Besides the request herein contained relative to the safety of the unarmed parties I shall write to Colonel Gibson to make up of Purdy's company which is about marching for that purpose. I am anxious to hear of Colonel Porter. You will please to give me and to Major General McClain the earliest information you shall hear relative to him. And also you will keep me constantly informed of every thing necessary for me to know. In a few days I shall be able with certainty to estimate the force which will march in the course of the month of June. I have the honor &c. Signed Henry Sec^y of War. A.C. Major General Richard Butler [Endorsed — No. 15]