[Copy] War Department July 4^th 1791. Sir, I have the satisfaction to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 20^th of May by Captain Pratt. I have written you regularly by the post every Thursday, and I flatter myself you have received them. I am sorry that Brigadier General Harmar should take the resolution to resign, as, with you, I esteem him to be a good Officer, notwithstanding the loss sustained on the late expedition — I sincerely hope he will reconsider that resolution, and continue in Service at least for the Campaign. The copies of my letters to Major General Butler will inform you of the measures which have been executed for the discharge of the militia and of the Guides which he will call out after the Troops shall descend the Ohio — I enclose you a copy of mine to him of this date. And, I also enclose upon a Schedule of the Troops who have marched, and who will march in the course of this month. I think this Schedule may be depended upon as to extent — Excepting such additionals as Major General Butler may raise in the number of which, I confess, I am not very sanguine. It therefore from your own view of the object you should require additional force, you will obtain it in the manner, and of the species of Troops, you may judge proper. If General Scott's expedition should be unsuccessful and satisfactory to the people of Kentucky there could be no doubt of your raising such another body of mounted volunteers with a less number, perhaps five hundred, would be sufficient. I mean that this body, to make up deficiencies to form part of your army, and act under your immediate orders. With such a body of light Troops well commanded and mixed with your regular cavalry it would appear that your movements would be irresistable. I should think, at this distance, the expense would be amply repaid by the service of such a Corps. They might be engaged for one time; and to be dismissed when you should judge proper. But if this, or any other effective arrangement you will be the judge. I will write to the Governor of Virginia, that if there should be any collected orders to be issued by him, that he will please to issue them immediately. The President of the United States arrived here yesterday in perfect health. I am not satisfactorily informed of the means the contractor has prepared for the transportation of the rations on the expedition. But, if there should be any deficiencies of any sort in his department you will not impute the failure to be delayed thereby if in the power of the Quarter Master to remedy them. But you will also take care not to interpose but in cases of necessity, in which cases you will have a full statement of the circumstances transmitted so that the contractor may be properly accountable for the deficiencies at the accounting. I have the honor to be Sir With great respect your very humble Serv^t H Knox Sec^y of War Major General St. Clair A.C. Endorsed: — No. 1.