[Copy] War Department June 16^th 1791. Sir I have received your letter of the 9^th instant. It may be expected that your arrangements will give protection to the upper part of the Ohio I am persuaded you constantly inform General St Clair of your arrangements. The circumstance of the want of Beef is a strange and unlooked for event as the Contractor has given one assurances of a full supply of provisions, but his Agents should omit to give him full information upon the subject I have written him, inclosed a copy of your letter and urged him to take the necessary measures for a full supply. The Quarter Master is furnished with a sum of money for exigencies. The Troops must not suffer for want of provisions while he has money or credit. The Contractor entered into engagements with the Secretary of the Treasury for to supply the troops with Rations of provisions for which he is Responsible. He says his arrangements are adequate to the end. I am not informed of the details but should suppose that General Picklin could inform you of the arrangements for the supplies. I generally knew that it was not intended the troops should remain a long time in the upper parts of the Ohio, and that the main part of the Troops were supposed to be secured at or near Fort Washington. But the arrangements of keeping the troops a short time on the upper parts of the Ohio must occasion some change in the Contractor's arrangements. I shall apply to the Boat Master to order that the Boat Rider may stay longer at Fort Pitt. It is not probable your letter to the fire nations will be received at Niagara unless you have entrusted it to a special Messenger. Colonel Pickering's treaty is to be held the 19^th inst. at the appointed post. I hope your arrangements will not interfere with it. Neither the remaining Company of the Jersey or eastern Battalions of this state are completed nor will they be in less than the latter end of this month. I am assured that all the tents and clothing for Clarkes Battalion and Canteens have gone forward some time ago. the painted Knapsacks will be sent forward tomorrow. As Captain Hamelin and Darling Companies marched the 9^th instant from Winchester they must have arrived by this time at Fort Pitt. only a few now remain to complete the Virginia Battalion, the deficiency being occasioned by desertions. The first division of the Maryland Battalions consisting of 188 marched about the 12^th instant. Capt. Doyle has marched for Lancaster and Cap^t. Beatty will march from Brunswick tomorrow or next day — these two will make about one hundred and fifty. Two Companies are about embarking from the eastern States and will I hope be at Brunswick about the 20^th to commence their march forward. Hospital Stores and other Articles necessary for the Campaign are about being sent forward to Fort Pitt. I inclose you a Copy of my last letter. I am Sir, &c. Signed: H Knox Sec^y of War A.C. Major General Richard Butler [Endorsed — Jno 21 —]