[No 19] To Gen^l Knox. Sep^t for se Pittsburgh 14^th Sept^r 1792. Sir, I have the honor to enclose you a copy of Gen^l Wilkinsons letter to me of the 19^th ultimo together with two to him, one from Major Strong the other from Major Smith, all indicative of the hostile disposition of the Indians. On Sunday last I was honored by the company of Gen^l St Clair to dinner — who was on a flying visit to this place upon private business. the same day old Geyesutha, arrived from Fort Franklin & delivered the enclosed talk — not officially from the nation, but his own voluntary act & private opinion — the principal object of his visit, was evidently a supply of clothing for himself — which the Governor gratified him in. — The same day Ensign Sullivan also arrived from fort Franklin, which place he left two days later than Geyesutha — just before he set out the Corn Planters [underline: interpreter], came in from the nation with intelligence, that he, with the [underline: New Arrow] & other Indians of influence from that town, had gone to accompany about five hundred of the Seneca & Canada Indians to visit the Hostile Indians & had set out from Bufaloe Creek a few days since — he also mentioned, that the first mesengers from the five nations were put to death by the Delawares — that the Senecas, or or, second mesengers were saved, but had not returned — that the Corn Planter was very uneasy & said if any of his people were killed he would immediately go to war with the hostile Indians. — so much for Indian intelligence. I have not as yet been able to obtain a full return from the Contractors of the quantity of provisions at the respective Posts & Garrisons — as soon as I receive a proper return I will form the necessary estimates. say rations for six thousand troops — with three months in advance & at the head of the line at least six months — the season for salting provision is not yet arrived, nor would it keep if put up at this early period, as you will observe by the enclosed correspondance. Permit me now to ask a few interesting questions — in order to enable me to direct the necessary deposits. — 1^st Is there any certainty of the Posts on the Lakes being given up in time for an early campaign next Spring. 2^d If not, wont it be expedient for me to descend the Ohio with the troops in time to cover them in hutts before the inclement season sets in. — 3^d will not a desultory expedition composed of mounted volunteers & some regulars be adviseable, provided the Indians continue hostile, under cover of which the head of the line may eventually be advanced to General St Clair's field of battle. — I will be much obliged by an early answer to these Queries. — 10 o'clock A.M. 10 o'clock, AM. I am this moment honored by yours of the 4^th instant N^o 16 with the enclosures. — You may rest assured that every exertion in my power has, & will be made to perfect the troops in discipline & for the service for which they are intended — we have had three General field days & on monday the Legion is ordered to be in perfect rea:diness to march in Columns — through the woods to a position where they will be practised in throwing up a [underline: sudden] breastwork, upon an attack being made upon our van guard & flankers — whilst this is doing a detachment of Dragoons with the light Infantry will gain the rear of the Enemy by a circuitous route — upon a signal the enemy will be pressed in front & placed between two fires — this will give the troops an idea of the actual service which in all human probability, they will eventually be compelled to experience — for I believe with you that M^r Brant has had his lesson from another quarter. — Fifty thousand bushels of Grain at first view, may appear an ample magazine for the Legion; but upon a more minute view & calculation it will be found far short, of what will actually be wanted; in case the war should progress: the four Troops of Dragoons, Officers included will be 340. — the Quarter master Generals Horses very limited say 60. for the Baggage, artillery & ammunition & for the Officers of each battalion, who are entitled to forage — No — Viz. the Major, Adjutant, Quarter master, Surgeonsmate & Paymaster. say [underline: five]: i.e. 65 for the Infantry, artillery & rifle corps — those for the General Staff of the Legion & Sub Legions cannot well be less than 50. the Total will be 515. say five hundred, at eight quarts per horse per diem for three hundred & sixty five days, will amount to Forty five thousand, six hundred & twenty five bushels which with an allowance of 10 p^r cent for waste & damage will rather exceed Fifty thousand bushels & that at a mode:rate calculation. — but in this there is no provision for Pack Horses, or mounted volunteers; it may be answered that the latter must find themselves — but the Packhorses will want [strikethrough: some] feed, other than what little grass they may pick up — particularly late in the fall & early in the Spring when we shall want their use in throwing forage & other Stores into the head of the line: so that Seventy thousand will be little enough — perhaps one hundred thousand bushels would be nearer the mark, should the war progress. — I observe by your letter of the 7^th instant you mention pay, until the [underline: first] of august; there must be some mistake: this you will observe by the enclosed [underline: Extract] of instructions to the Paymaster General which say the [underline: last] of august. — I have issued orders accordingly. — do, let this business be set right. — The escort of Dragoons will march tomorrow. — Governor Miflin's letter was dated some time in august — but Coletsville being out of the way cant tele the day. — Enclosed is a general return of the troops at