War Department 23^d December 179[_] Sir I have received your letter of the [undecipherable] and I apprehend you have received mine of the fifteenth. I hope that Captain Cushing's statement had not descended the Ohio circumstances as things are, untill he received my letter of the fifteenth. I find by a letter written by the inhabitants of Fort Pitt to the governor of this State, that their fears are exceedingly alarmed. I am persuaded however that my letter of the fifteenth will have the effect to quiet their apprehensions, especially if the detachment directed as should have been led by Captain Cushing is ordered in my left to him. I shall be [strikethrough: you] as soon as the horses are at home that M^c Swan shall have descended the Ohio you will therefore if you still suppose him within reach find the enclosed to him. [Rele]