[Secretary at War &c. / July 25. 1793 — / to Gov'r Lee —] [x x x] [Issued by me / (signature)] War department July 25. 1793 Sir, Your letter of the 17 instant has been received. I have frequently urged in the strongest terms the Accountant of this department, whose sole business it is, to adjust finally the Accounts of Virginia for the Militia levies of the last year. He has assured me that some information for which he had written to the Auditor of Virginia, on the 22 May last was essential to the settlement. He has received the answer of the Auditor dated the 10 instant, who informs him that the letter of the 22 May had been probably lying in the Post Office. I have again enjoined the Accountant to settle the business as far as the documents will permit or the laws of the United States authorize, and to report the balance. This will be done in a few days and the balance, as reported, remitted to the Treasurer of Virginia. You may be assured, Sir, that every stimulus in my power has been used to obtain, at an early hour, this adjustment, and that its procrastination has been an unpleasant [strikethrough: occurrence] to me I have submitted to the President of the United States the papers relative to the request of the Consul at Norfolk. If any decision should be had upon the request it shall be remitted to your Excellency. Governor Blount, who is here, was highly flattered with the conduct of the Cherokees which indicated peace with them previously to his departure. But [strikethrough: the] the cruel and unprovoked Murders which have lately been committed upon some of our best friends of that Nation by a Captain Baird renders the continuance of peace problematical. The Cherokees however have agreed to wait to see what measures the President of the United States will take to give them satisfaction, before they seek it themselves. He has this subject now under consideration; but it is very doubtful notwithstanding the outrageous conduct of the said Baird whether he can be brought to condign punishment. General Pickens is also here, upon the invitation of the President of the United States, for the purpose of consulting him relatively to the impending hostilities of the Creeks. The Commissioners for treating with the Northern Indians probably left Niagara for Sandusky the place of Treaty about the 13. instant under appearances not altogether unpromising — I have the honor to be with great respect Your Excellency's most obedient Servant H Knox Sec'y of War His Excellency Governor Lee