[(Duplicate)] War department, December 29 1791. Sir The President of the United States having duly considered the present apprehensions of the counties lying upon the Ohio, and the just causes thereof arising from the late defeata to the troops under major general St Clair is desirous of affording, at the expence of the United States all the protection which the nature of the case may require, and the public means will admit. A considerable detachment of recruits for the regular troops has marched for Fort Pitt— These troops will be posted in such a manner on the upper parts of the Ohio, as will best conduce to the safety of the inhabitants. But, in addition to this arrangement you, as lieutenant of Washington County, will be permitted to call into service such a number of the most expert hunters or woodsmen to serve as scouts or patroles, in order to alarm the inhabitants on the approach of any danger, not exceeding however eight in number for the county of Washington— It will depend upon you to make a proper choice of these scouts, for which you will be both responsible with your character to the people of your county who may be exposed by an injudicious choice, and to the United States, who will pay the money. As an inducement for suitable characters to perform the service, the United States, will pay such scouts the great pay of five fixths of a dollar per day, in lieu of charges and expences whatever. The service of said men must be proved in the manner herein after mentioned. To wit— On their entrance into service, they must be mustered in your presence by a justice of the peace, and sworn to the faithful discharge of their duty. In the muster then taken, the ages, names, and residences of the said scouts must be taken, and whether married or single. At the expiration of their services they must be again mustered, and sworn that they have faithfully performed service, for the number of days mentioned, and in the district specified. An account is then to be made by you, of the said service, which account must be supported by the musterrolls aforementioned, certified by you, and transmitted to this office for examination and payment, accompanied by a power from you to receive the money. You will please to acknowledge the receipt of this letter, and transmit me an account of your proceedings thereon. I am Sir, with great respect, Your very humble Serv^t H Knox Secy of War To the Lieutenant of the county of Washington Pennsylvania.