[Secretary Knox to rec^d June 8^th 91] War Department June 20^th 1795 Sir ) I have just had the honor to receive your Excellency's favor of the 10^th Instant. I beg leave to observe that the arms and ammunition, issued to the Ohio County, were issued on the existing exigences of the moment, not to any organized troops in the actual service of the United States, but to the Citizens of Virginia for their imme- diate defence. — That by charging of them to the State of Virginia, it is not intended to fix any princi- ple to you in bars to the ultimate settlement, but to form a due accountability from the County Lieutenant. The State of Pennsylvania by its executive, requested a loan of arms and ammunition for the use of the inhabitants of the frontiers, stipulating to replace them, and the said arms and ammunition were accordingly charged to Pennsylvania. The United States not having made any prov[ision for arming the Militia generally, it is not conceived the executive of the United States has any authority upon the subject, excepting to issue arms to such Militia as may be called into actual service at the expence and under the authority of the General government. I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency that the arrival of the troops at Fort Pitt, will enable the Commanding Officer to detach detachments in such a manner, as to cover the frontiers from Fort Franklin on the Alleghany to the Hockhocken on the Ohio, and that this measure will render unnecessary at present the further forces of the Militia, authorized by the Pres- ident of the United States, and that therefore they will be dispensed, excepting such Guards as the Commanding Officer shall judge necessary to act as rangers in each County. I have the honor to be With great respect, Your Excellency's Most obed^t servant His Excellency The Governor of Virginia H Knox Sec^y of War