[Copy] [28 no] War department To Thomas Wilson Esq^r. Senator — and The representatives of Ohio, Monongalia Harrison, and Randolph Counties of Virginia, Richmond H Knox [undecipherable] War department 24^th November 1792 Gentlemen, The President of the United States has directed me to acknowledge that he has received your letter of the 13^th instant and in his name to transmit you this answer. That he received your letter with a considerable regard to your frankness on the occasion, and that he has always set a proper value upon the opinions of so respectable a class of citizens. That a considerable portion of the army, serving for its defence of the frontiers will during the ensuing winter be stationed on the Ohio near the big Beaver Creek. That Major General Wayne has been directed to increase the force at Gallipolis, below the great Kenhawa, [undecipherable: Fort Randolph?] to form [undecipherable] a degree, as in conjunction with the troops at his posts, to form strong and efficient Patroles on the lines from Gallipolis to his Camp, and thence to [undecipherable] Frankfort. That in addition to these Patroles of the troops, the respective counties will be allowed the number of their own [undecipherable] heretofore directed, which with the Patroles will, it is conceived, form a due security against Indian outrages during the winter, in which the Indians generally do not indulge much. [These?] measures it is presumed the inhabitants in all the referred counties are properly prepared with arms and ammunition, and that they observe the due vigilance and caution so necessary in their [undecipherable] Situation. If upon experience it should appear that further militia measures ought to be adopted, the President of the United States will always be ready to order [such?] as appear to him to be proper & necessary. I have the honor to be Gentleman respectfully, your most obedient humble Servant H Knox To Thomas Wilson Senator, [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Representatives of Ohio County John [undecipherable] & John [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Representatives of Monongalia County [undecipherable] [undecipherable] & John [undecipherable] Representatives of Harrison County [undecipherable] [undecipherable] & John [undecipherable] Representatives of Randolph County, State of Virginia