[Col. Sargent from Gen^l Knox.] [XXXII-18 3050] War Department July 23, 1792 Sir. Your several favours of the 10^th of April and 16 of May have been duly received. (929) It is to be hoped that the post at Gallipolis is sufficient for the protection of the settlement, and that the other settlements are as well protected, as the nature of the case may require, and also the settlement below. If however it should appear otherwise, you are hereby authorized in the absence of the Governor to call out such portion of Militia, as shall be indispensably necessary for the defensive protection of any settlement in the territory of the United States North West of the Ohio. It is presumed that a just regard to your own character will induce a discreet exercise of this power. The Militia called out, or the called out, (excepting the scouts and spies so termed) Sho on the pay and rations of the troops of the United States without any allowance for clothing. The Militia to be mustered in the substance and termination of their service. I shall direct Major General Wayne to order escorts to the Governor, or Secretary acting as such in the absence of the Governor, or the Judges of the Western Territory when on public business, and when the said escort, can be furnished consistently with the public Service. While the pacific overtures to the hostile Indians are pending, offensive Operations against them ought to be prevented either by any of the people of the Western Territory or any other persons from the South eastern side of the river. The conduct of the party mentioned in your letter of the 10^th of May to Judge Symmes, has been noticed to Brigadier General Wilkinson, and he is particularly instructed thereon. Your letter of the 16^th of May an informs me that you declare the office of Adjutant and Inspector General has given me a great man. I have communicated your decision to the President of the United States who is in Virginia. The Military bill was long detained by discussions in Congress. It was intended by the Executives that the Adjutant General should have had the rank of Lieutenant Colonel — but in the collisions which happened in the passage of the bill, it was struck out, and afterwards judged inexpedient to attempt to restore it. I lament the circumstance as it has prevented the public from [strikethrough: your] receiving your [undecipherable] in so important a Station, for which your talents in my judgment eminently fitted you. I have the honor to be, with great esteem Your humble Serv^t H. Knox Winthrop Sargent Esq^r