[Cover notation, rotated: Febry 11 1792 — No 2 — [undecipherable] — [undecipherable]] War department, Feb.^y 11^th 1792. Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of yours of 5^th Nov. last — accepting your commission, and offering your opinion on the future operations to be carried on against the indians, which has been submitted to the President of the United States. Congress have had under consideration, for some time past, certain reports upon the state of affairs on the frontiers, but have not yet come to any final resolution, but a decision is speedily expected. I hope that Mr. Swan, and Captains, Cushing's and Haskell's companies arrived safe at Fort Washington — N. Swan will finally adjust and pay the troops to the first of January, and wait at Fort Washington for further orders. I write this, by the way of Fort Pitt, with the hope that the rivers will soon break up, and afford it a passage — I should have written you before now, on the expectation of your being at Fort Washington but the river has been obstructed, and no opportunity has occurred by land. The objects on which I now write, are of great importance — In the first place, you will instruct major Hamtramck, that he sends intelligent and confidential agents of the french inhabitants, as well as the friendly indians, among the hostile indians, to endeavor to impress these sentiments on them — That the United States require nothing of them, but to be at peace — That we wish for none of their lands — That we should be happy, if they would afford us an opportunity, of convincing them of the truth of these assertions; but in order thereto, they must manifest sincere dispositions on their part, — by a proper representation of all their tribes, who will be permitted to repair to Fort Washington, to state any grievances under which they labor, or suppose they labor, from the United States. That if they fail to give this proof of their desire for peace, the United States will be compelled to raise a sufficient force to punish them for their past, and to prevent their future crimes. In order to enable the major to execute this business, with effect, you will send him, with the instructions upon the subject, one thousand dollars, for which he will be held accountable — I have enclosed an order on Mr Swan for this sum, and a further order for the same sum to be delivered to you for similar objects. You will endeavor, either by your prisoners, or such other means as you may devise, to send similar messages, independent of the messages through major Hamtramck. I have, by the way of the lakes, also sent similar messages, by two persons, whose names I am unwilling to commit to paper; but, if they come within your command, they will sufficiently able to demonstrate the authority of their missions. The public mind has received strong impressions, in favor of peace with the indians, and a prejudiced clamor has been raised against the war — It is therefore the directions of the President of the United States, that every possible expedient be devised to place, before the hostile indians, their true situation. I rely, with great confidence, upon your endeavors on this head, so that the most unequivocal evidence may hereafter be exhibited, that every proper measure has been taken, to produce a peace without further conflict. But while this principle is tried to its utmost extent, every preparation, for the next campaign, must be made with the highest vigor. Besides the troops at Marietta, there are at Fort Pitt, and Venango, about one hundred and fifty continentals, and about one hundred more will march from this city in a few days for Fort Pitt. As soon as Congress shall decide, upon the further measures, they will be executed with all possible dispatch. But, in order for early and decided measures the next campaign, it [appears] of the highest importance, that one or two intermediate posts should be established, between Fort Hamilton and Fort Jefferson, before the season of indian activity shall arrive — The places at which these posts shall be established, must be confided to your discretion — It would appear proper, that the first, advanced of Fort Hamilton, should be on, or near, the Miami, and at about fifteen miles distance, so as to cover, as far as may be, any water communication — The second post at about half way, from the first, to Fort Jefferson, so as to divide the distance from Fort Hamilton, to Fort Jefferson, in three equal parts — But, in the execution of these works, due regard must be had to the nature of the ground &c — It is conceived that the speedy execution of this order, would require great exertion; and that some risque would be encountered — But, as the measure seems of the highest importance, the President would willingly consent to the calling forth the militia of the settlements, between the Miamis, or a suitable number from Kentucky, as you should judge proper. The works might be soon put into a state of defence. Impressed with the importance of this line of communication, and anxious for its immediate execution, the President of the United States entrusts [the affair] to your judgment, with the hope, that if it be practicable, you will accomplish it. You will understand clearly, that if you should judge it impracticable to execute both works, that you would [execute] one if you shall be able. You will inform the Contractors, of the probability of the employment of a considerable army, and that it will be essential to their interests to have a due quantity of provisions on hand. It will be of great consequence, that considerable magazines of flour, and salt meat be formed in Fort Jefferson, and the other advanced posts, far beyond the consumption of the garrisons. This measure being executed, the troops will be able to march lightly from one garrison to another, and to assemble with confidence, in great numbers, at the head of the line at Fort Jefferson. These three objects are of the utmost importance, immediately — to wit — First — Intimations to the hostile indians of our desire for peace, and to obtain information of their designs — allies — numbers &c — Second — To establish one or two posts of communication from Fort Hamilton to Fort Jefferson — and, Third, To transport abundant supplies of provisions, in due season, to the advanced posts, besides the provisions necessary for three or four months consumption of the garrisons. I shall not further enlarge at this time — But, as soon as the communication is open I shall write you weekly; and I request to hear from you by every possible opportunity. General St. Clair is here, and in pretty good health. I have the honor to be Sir, with great [respect] Your very [humble] [serv]^t [H. Knox] [Lt. Commandant Wilkinson]