1792 April 7th H Knox Secretary of War to Col Benj Wilson War Department, 7th April 1792. Sirs, I am directed by the President of the United States to acknowledge the receipt of yours to him of 29th February 1792, and to inform you, that HIs Excellency the Governor of Virginia was authorized in behalf of the President of the United States, to add as many Scouts as he should judge expedient, at the general expence to any part of the exposed counties, not exceeding eight in number to any one County.
It is the disposition of the President of the United States that the most entire protection should be afforded the exposed counties, that the picture of the necessity requires.
The Executive of Virginia must be presumed to be competent to judge of this matter, and they have made an arrangement upon this subject.
But as some inconvenience may result from waiting for an application from the Governor of Virginia - the Counties of Randolph, and Monongahela will be permitted the four Scouts requested by your your Letter of the 29th February, together with such as sufficient number of rangers, upon the continental establishment as a temporary arrangement, as shall be deemed indispensibly necessary, not exceeding the company mentioned in your Letter, until the executive of Virginia may make an application confirmative of the same for the sections. I am Sir, You humble Servt H Knox Secy of War