[Copy.] War Department the 4^th of August 1791. Sir This morning I have been honored with the receipt of yours of the 28^th Ultimo. It affords great satisfaction to learn that all the troops and Stores are in readiness and will descend the Ohio immediately. The President of the United States is extremely anxious that the troops should be immediately assembled at Fort Washington. I am persuaded from your former letter that they have all descended the Ohio and therefore I shall be very brief in this letter. I estimate that Captain Pierson will be at Fort Pitt about the 6^th or 8^th. Captain Shearman marched with about Eighty three non commissioned and privates from this City on the 30^th Ultimo, and Captain Buel will probably march from New Brunswick on the 8^th or 10^th Inst. But neither of these are estimated for the Campaign. The recruiting Service for the regulars will still be continued and the recruits forwarded by Companies. I inclose you the certified list you request. As a Board of Officers will adjust the rank of all the Officers, I conceive it would be improper to give any opinion relative to the Rank of Colonel Darke and Gibson. I hope you have taken effectual measures to suppress the anxious interference of [strikethrough: Bartjane] the Frenchman or any other person with the Indians, such conducts is pernicious and no good can result therefrom. Colonel Pickering's treaty is finished satisfactorily. I have not received the particulars but I inspect him in town daily. Colonel Pickering did not propose that any of the Warriors should accompany our Army, he found that such a proposition would not be acceptable. It is probable Sir John Johnson has called the Indians to a treaty at Sandusky Creek. The object we shall endeavor to learn. It is said Wells has returned and if it is true he has brought some Western Indians with him, it is most probable we shall soon hear from them. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir &c. Signed Knox Sec. of War. A.C. Major General Richard Butler [Endorsed — No. 20.]