[N° 38. From Maj. Gen. Knox Sec'y of War] War department. February 2^d 1793. Sir, I have received yours of the 21^st ultimo by the post, which I have just time to acknowledge. An enquiry shall be made into the defects of the howitzers — the metal of which they were cast was an old useless cannon, and if the metal be base it must have been caused by the mixture with the founder. — Your letter containing opinions upon important matters shall be submitted to the President of the United States. — I have before informed you the treaty will be held — we learn from the Farmers brother and others, that upon the St. [undecipherable] river is the place appointed. Colonel [undecipherable: probable reading Hull] of Massachusetts has gone to Niagara to make the arrangements of the provisions for the treaty. And three commissioners will be appointed before the termination of the Session of Congress to negotiate this business. — this conference will bring the public opinion to a crisis — either a peace will be made or the public mind united to carry on the War [strikethrough: —] vigorously. [undecipherable] Borden Strong has arrived with the money — the remainder to complete the year is preparing and will be completed in a few days. The recommendations you have made will be submitted to the President of the United States. But how can Doctor Lyman accept the appointment of Surgeon mate, as you know the President cannot nominate a Surgeon but from the mates. Your private letter of the 15^th I received yesterday — it shall have due consideration, but the time is too short to answer it by this post. Some time last Summer I enclosed you letters from the President of the United States, relative to one Richardson a son of respectable parents in Maryland, who had foolishly enlisted in Captain Buchanans company. It appears from letters in behalf of his anxious Parents that he has deserted. Governor Lee of Maryland has written relatively to this unhappy young man, which has been submitted to the President. — He is now accused of being a sort of ideot — If he should be apprehended and you can embrace any favorable mean to satisfy the Laws without condemning him to die, it will prevent the misery of his worthy Parents. perhaps this may be as efficacious as extreme rigor. Governor Lee has proposed a good man in his place, but it has been declined, while the young man remains in the predicament of a deserter. — I am Sir with great esteem your hum'd Serv't Knox. — Major General Wayne.