War department, 29^th December 1791 Sir, The President of the United States, having duly considered the recent Apprehensions of the country lying upon his Ohio, and the just causes thereof arising from the late disorder to the Settlements made, general St. Clair is desirous of obtaining, at the expence of the United States, all the protection which the nature of the case may require, and the justice means will admit. I therefore raise detachments recruited for the cavalier troops, two marching for Fort Pitt — these troops will be seated in Such a manner on the other parts of the Ohio as will best conduce to the Safety of the inhabitants. But in addition to this arrangement, you as Lieutenant of the county of Washington, in the State of Pennsylvania, will be permitted to call into Service Such a number of the most expert hunters or woodsmen from all fronts or families in order to alarm the inhabitants on the approach of any danger, not exceeding however, eight in number, for the county of Washington — I will express where you to make a better choice of these goods, for which you will be enticed to with your character to the privates of your number — No marks expended by an invidious disservice to the United States, who will pay the money. And as an inducement to Suitable characters to perform the Service, the United States will pay pay Such Scouts the price of five Sixths of a dollar per day, in lieu of charges or advances whatever. The choice 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 duties. At the muster then taken, the ages, names and residence of the Said Scouts must be So 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 districts reported. An account is then to be made by you of Said paid Service which account must be Supported by the muster rolls as mentioned, 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 hereon. I am Sir Your Humble Servant The Lieutenant of the county of Washington, Pennsylvania [signature] H. K[nox?] — July of near