[Wrapper: Gen^l Knox's. Letter 30^th Oct. 1792 to the Gov[ernor of Virginia] Enclosing Gov[ernor] Blounts [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] X X X] War-department, October 30 1792. Sir, I have the honor by the post of this day to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's letters of the 19^th and 24^th instant. The officers of the militia called out for the defensive protection will be allowed the pay stipulated in the act of the 5^th of March last since the passing of the same. I have the honor to transmit you a copy of governor Blounts last intelligence of the 7^th of October since which nothing further has been received. As the constitution has invested the Congress with the powers of war, and as that body are on the eve of assembling the whole subject of the Chiccamagas will be laid before them for their consideration and decision. In the mean time, it is the desire of the President of the United States, that only defensive measures should be used. If, for this object, it should be your judgment, that the militia in the south western parts of Virginia, should be encreased [strikethrough: in that quarter], you will please to order the same under the former regulations. The organized companies of Virginia would indeed be a handsome body of troops, to be employed against the lower Cherokees in case Congress authorize an expedition against them, in which case, the orders of the President of the United States will be taken upon the subject. The accountant has not reported upon the militia rolls, you forwarded, but I have directed him to do it immediately, and arrangements shall be made for transmitting the amount. I have the honor to be, Sir, with great respect, Your very humble Serv^t H Knox His Excellency The Governor of Virginia.