Washington 16th Jany 1792 Sir I received your letter of the 29th Decr 1791 giving me permission to engage Scouts for the protection of the frontiers of this county. I have imployed two and as soon as the exigency of the case may require shall engage the others. The Frontier of this county extends about eighty or ninety miles owing to the vastness of the upper & lower parts of this county in Virginia which are almost entirely destitute of inhabitants, so that we are obliged in order to defend ourselves to extend our Spies round part of their county. To do the duty of Spy’s to advantage it requires at least three together that upon the first discovery of the Enemy one may come in to alarm the inhabitants while the other two follow them to discover where they will [illegible]. If a few more could be allowed us they would be (I think) necessary. I shall from time to time inform you of anything of importance such may be necessary. I am Sir with due respect your most obedt & very Humble Servt A Baird The Hon H F Knox hq: Secy of War