War department August 13. 1792 Sir I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 8^th instant, enclosing copies of a letter from Arthur Campbell Esq^r Lieutenant of Washington County dated July 19^th, and from [undecipherable] Wilson commanding the Harrison Militia dated 19 July; also informing of the departure of His Excellency Governor Lee for the South Western Frontier. My last letter from Governor Blount was dated on the 11 of July. He mentioned that he had then called into service a troop of Horse, without specifying the numbers which would serve as an escort for him and General Pickens to Nashville for which place they Should set the next day. As the horses were to be accompanied by some respectable chiefs of the Cherokees down the Tennessee together with proper crews and Guards Governor Blount did not seem to be apprehensive of danger. It is to be greatly desired that Governor Blount should terminate all the disputes with the neighbouring Indians and find some other way than actual force to keep the refractory part of the Chiccamagas quiet — if War shall once commence with the Cherokees it will be difficult to prevent its spreading generally throughout the Southern tribes. The result of the grand national Council of the Cherokees held at Estanaula from the 26 of June to the first of July appeared to be favorable to a general pacification — This Council granted the escort of the chiefs to the goods — after which it is not probable that any individuals would attempt violence thereon. Had any injury been attempted either upon the party with the Goods, or the Governor it is most likely that we should have been informed thereof before the present time. It is therefore much to be hoped that the information given by the chief mentioned by Col. Campbell of the bad designs of the Cherokees was not well founded — I have the honor to be Sir Your most obed. Servant [signature] The Honorable James Wood Esq^r L^t. Governor of Virginia