War Office April 16^th 1790 Sir. I have recived your favor of the 26^th of March last. I will consult the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the explanations you require and transmit you the result. Although I am desirous of affording you a guard to cover you and your people in making the Surveys Yet I conceive it improper for me to give orders to any other than the commanding officer on the occasion. to him or such other officer as he may have appointed for the business you may apply, and exhibit this letter as an evidence of the continuance of my desire of you being furnished with a guard if the circumstances of the Troops will admit of the Same. I am Sir Your most obedient humble Servant [signature: H Knox] Major William Alexander