War department, January 7^th 1792. Sir My last letter to you was dated the 29^th ultimo of which duplicates were forwarded. This letter is written partly with the expectation of its being put into your hands at Pittsburg. The defensive protection of the frontiers demands an instant attention. The people are exceedingly and justly alarmed. I presume that you have arranged with general Scott, the defensive protection of Kentucky, and I hope you or colonel Sargent have done the same for Muskingham, and Galliapolis. Captain Haskell's company is I presume at Muskingum, excepting a detachment which is at Pittsburg, but which I have directed to be ordered down to Muskingum, upon the arrival of Captain Caps at Pittsburg which I hope will be by the 20^th at farthest. His detachment will consist of about 118 regulars — These are designed, if you approve thereof to be stationed at Pittsburg for the present, excepting a detachment ordered to Fort Franklin — You will see Caps's orders, and please to give him such further directions as you may judge proper. In addition to this detachment the county lieutenants of Westmoreland, Alleghany and Washington are authorized to call into service, scouts, not exceeding eight in number to each county — And besides which the governor of this State is authorized at the general expence, to call into service for six months, three companies of militia, for the purpose of covering the exposed parts of the frontiers of this State. The governor of Virginia made an arrangement for the defence of the counties of that State, by calling into service for a number months, certain companies of militia and scouts. This arrangement having appeared as judicious and oeconomical as affairs would permit, has been confirmed and authorized on the part of the United States. I request you to take a view of this whole subject of defensive protection, so as to be able on your arrival here to give such information thereon as the public interests may require. The President of the United States is anxiously desirous that while ample protection should be afforded that it should be as consistently as possible with the principles of a just oeconomy. I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect, Your very humble Serv^t H Knox Sec^y of War [Major General St Clair.]