Letters from the Secretary of War to Major Henry Gaither, commanding the Troops of the United States in the State of Georgia. War Department 29^th April 1793 Sir, From the representations of his Excellency the Governor of Georgia, founded upon the information of W. Strayhorn and others it would appear that the Creeks had recently committed depredations upon the frontiers, and were disposed for war. As to the affair at Tradershall, it would appear at this distance rather the robbery of some marauders than the result of any design of the Creeks generally, at the same time it is confessed that this view may be dictated partly by the hope that the fact was so— the peaceable Creeks who were at, or near Colerain would certainly give it this complexion. But in case of real danger the country ought to be protected by the Militia. The propriety of the custom of calling out Cavalry or horsemen may justly be questioned. The expence would probably far exceed the value of the services between them and the foot militia. The Western frontiers experience great benefit, and have great confidence in a species of rangers, called [underline: scouts]. These are the most expert and hardy Woodsmen, and upon whose judgement reliance may be placed. They are Generally two of them together, and they traverse the country at right angles to the paths used by the Indians. Upon discovery of Indian tracks, they alarm the neighbouring Country and by their vigilance [blank] parties of Indians are, made to suffer severely for their mischiefs. Would it not be proper to adopt the patroles? Two of them would be equal to the watching an extent of twenty miles of frontier. They have been allowed in order to induce the service of the best hunters the high sum of five sixths of a dollar per day. If you should order any of these into service they must be mustered upon their entering and quitting the service. The pay rolls of the Militia horse ordered into service by Major Ball, and which you transmitted to this Office some time ago, are not supported by any muster rolls — These are essential to the adjustment of the accounts. No species of troops are to be in service at the expence of the United States but those which shall have been mustered upon Oath on entering and quitting the service. But more information is required as to the reason of the said companies having been ordered out. It is necessary to know by whose requisition and upon what occasion, and the cause of their continuance. I request that you will minutely enquire into this business and state the result at large of your investigation. Your letters of the 13^th January and 10^th February have been received. If the State of Georgia should be invaded, the Government will of course order the militia out to repel it. If circumstances of danger should upon mature reflection induce you to request of the Governor, that some of the Militia should be ordered into service for the security of the frontiers, you will do it accordingly taking care always that the numbers so requested are not more than the nature of the case may require, and that they are again dismissed as soon as the danger is over. But you cannot do a more acceptable service than to endeavour to the extent of your power to induce the Indians to continue the peace and to calm every attempt to raise a storm — Let this Idea govern all your conduct. Let me know constantly of every transaction of importance. I have the honor to be &c. Major Gaither. War Department June 10^th 1793. Sir, Your letters of the 17^th and 19^th of April, and the 6^th of May have been received with their several enclosures, and submitted to the President of the United States. The information which has been received of the depredations of the Creeks, is extremely mortifying, no just cause for this conduct being known to the Government. It would appear from a letter of the Governor of Georgia that he has called into service a considerable body of Militia and [undecipherable] encamped them at Shoulderbone. It is however to be hoped that the necessity for this measure will be of short continuance. But the Governor has been authorized on behalf of the President of the United States to call