[Secretary at War Rellen May 10. 1793] War department May 10. 1793 Sir, Your letter of the 30 ultimo has been received and submitted to the President of the United States — In reply to which I am directed to say that he is firmly convinced of the propriety of imparting to all the exposed parts of the frontiers, the most ample protection against the hostile incursions of the savages and that this protection cannot be derived from defensive measures alone. That vigorous offensive measures are essential to demonstrate to the Indians the power and justice of the United States to punish their cruel depredations. But opinions have existed and perhaps still exist in the minds of a great proportion of the Citizens of the United States that the Indian war was not only brought on but is continued unnecessarily; and that the hostile Tribes are desirous of being at peace with the United States. These opinions are well known have been of prejudice to the Government, and in a considerable degree clogged its efficacious operations. The President of the United States conscious of his desire to establish a peace upon the purest terms of moderation and humanity has conceived it to be of importance that the last effort should be made to reconcile the hostile Indians if possible without further conflict. For this purpose he has agreed that a conference should be held with the said Indians at lower Sandusky, and Commissioners respectable for their characters and dispositions for peace are on their way to that place and are expected to arrive there about the first day of June. Until the termination of the Treaty shall be known both the reputation of the Government and safety of the Commissioners will require that no offensive measures be undertaken North of the Ohio. To this purport a letter of which the enclosed is a copy was written to you the 24 ultimo. But if the conference should prove abortive from the incorrigible disposition of the Indians for war, it is intended that the most vigorous operations shall take place in order to produce by force what may be unattainable by milder means. In this case General Wayne may require some aid of the frontier Militia of Virginia, if so the President of the United States assures himself of the ready concurrence of the Executive and of all the good and zealous Citizens of the parts of Virginias of which such aid may be required. It is not however intended by any thing said herein to prevent in the mean time the necessary Scouts and Guards for defensive protections. I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellencys most obedient Servant — H Knox Sec^y of War His Excellency The Governor of Virginia