representation duly authorized without a formal ratification of there own is a grece of importance and ought to be ill asserted. I have the honor to be &c— Governor Blount War Department 14^th May 1793 Sir, Your several favors by M^r Allison were received some days past, and submitted to the President of the United States. The affairs being in the train as stated by you it seems unnecessary to reply particularly to your several letters as the hope is indulged of seeing you in this place so shortly. But Colonel Winchester who has been here and who has presented a memorial to the President of the United States from the Inhabitants of that district seem to render it necessary to write to you upon the subject of the defence of the Inhabitants in that quarter. You have been fully informed of the difficulties which have existed to prevent the President of the United States from giving orders in consequence of your representations for the most vigorous offensive operations against the hostile Indians. If these difficulties existed while the Congress were in session, and which it was conceived they alone were competent to remove when they occur in the present case with still greater force for all the information received at the time Congress were in session were laid before both Houses but no order was taken thereon nor any authority given to the President of the United States of consequence his authority remains in the same situation it did on the commencement of the last session. It is indeed a serious question to plunge the nation into a War with the Southern tribes of Indians supported as it is said they would be. * But if that war actually exists, if depredations are repeated and continued upon the frontier inhabitants the measure of protection is indispensable, but that protection can only be of the defensive sort. If other or more extensive measures shall be necessary they must probably result from the Authority expressly given for that purpose by Congress. Hereif it shall be your judgment that the Cumberland settlements require the assistance of the Militia of the other parts of your government you will impart it to them for such time and in such a degree as shall be commensurate with the occasion, always taking care to report the number actually called into service and the time for which they shall be engaged, and that they be dismissed as soon as the danger shall cease. Perhaps if Captain Hern's company or part of them (although it would be prejudicial to their discipline to separate them) were ordered to Cumberland it would be judicious. Doctor Williamson has repeatedly spoken of the danger of the communication between Washington and Mero district and that it would be obviated in a degree by a small post at the crossing of Cumberland river— This however and all other points of defence must