Fort Washington, Aug. 20, 1792. x x x x x x x x You have heard doubtless of the overtures of peace, and from your knowledge of the Indians character, know how to estimate them (after the affairs of the 4^th of Nov^r.) The blood of some good men has been offered up to satisfy the clamoring and discontents of the East, & I hope it will prove effica=cious. The enemy opposed to us is an important one, if properly Managed; but a few more mismanaged campaigns may give him a degree of System & consolida=tion. which may render him seriously powerful ....., however, inclined to be=lieve the next attempt will prove decisively, formidable to us — without possessing an idea of the news of our continent. I am to infer from present appearances, that no offensive operation is meditated this season. In the mean time, the enemy is pushing his petit guerre with vigor, but without gaining any advantages over us, altho' I have sent forward twenty convoys to the advanced post since the season opened. I ventured a few days since to hazard a little offence, by following a party fifty [undecipherable] & killed one, and wounded two warriors. The[y] had stolen 10 horses from my rifle corps — they were all recovered; the army of the Enemy [undecipherable] If I had the liberty & the power, I would soon restrain their Depredations, and drive them from their present nearest residence I mean by desultory Excursions on Horseback dear Sir, &c Jos. Wilkinson. To Gen. Hand.