War department 13 5^th Feb[ruary] 1792 Sir I have received your letter of the twenty[th] ultimo. Although every possible precaution ought to be taken for the [Stables?] of Fort Franklin, yet it is [undecipherable] that the fears of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. But I pray you endeavor that a detachment of mil[itia] be Sent as recommended by Lieutenant [Jeffers?] — They shall be received by a party when Cap[tain] [Bass's?] detachment Shall arrive at [Pittsburgh?], which will probably be by the twenty first instant, as I have ordered him to push forward with all possible despatch. Is it not possible that you could obtain [shot?] for the Six pounders from Trumbull and [undecipherable] furnace? But at any rate I Shall forward [some] instantly from Carlisle. The governor has forwarded ammunition on this Day — Besides which two thousand [five?] hundred and fifty eight pounds of Lead and [one] hundred pounds of powder have been Sent from hence, from the ninth of November to the [twentieth] of December inclusively, address'd to you as [per] enclos'd. The moment the Indian goods arrive they must be forwarded to Lieuten[ant] [Jeffers?]. I hope you will have, with the assistance the detachment of troops Just Such by Cap[tain] [Bass's?] nearly compleated the Stock house by the time Lieut[enant] [Bass?] Shall arrive. I expect that general [undecipherable] may have arrived at Fort Pitt. The President of the United States is [determined?] that the defensive protection of the frontiers shall be effectual. Captain [Bass?] will be employed in this purpose — and [lands?] have been authorised in the respective counties to wit Westmoreland, Alleghany and Washington. Letters to county [te]nants, on this Subject, were written, and forwarded to you by the last post — Besides which the [gover]nor is authorised to call into Service, at the [ex]pense of the general government, for a number of months, three companies of militia for the [purpose] of Stationing them on the Frontiers — I hope the several means combined will afford full Security to the inhabitants. Certainly it is an indispensable duty to be on our guard — and of course prepared for all events — but it is to be questioned whether the Indi[ans] after their [victory?] will make a winter campaign. Judging from circumstances within my knowledge — It is my opinion the [Complainte?] may be depended upon and I hope also his adherents. If this [prove?] to be the case it will be an excellent defence for the northern frontiers which however ought to be [Strengthened?] by a post at [Canawoga?] [Creek?] near the [Complainters?] — and it is probable that the [undecipherable] may be induced, if [practicable?] to be [undecipherable] on the [undecipherable] — [I am] Sir Your Humble Servant [To Major Craig] [undecipherable] [signature: H Knox] Sec[retary] of War