War Department September 7, 1793 Sir I have been honored with your favors of the 30^th and two of the 31st of August. The prompt manner in which your Excellency has executed the requests of the President of the United States, is highly satisfactory to him. In explanation of my letter of the 20^th, relatively to Neutral and American Vessels which may be brought in as prizes by the illicit privateers, it is conceived that the owners of such vessels may have their remedy at law for the captures — that it may be necessary to take possession of them in the first instance by way of security — but that the restoration should be an act of the courts. Should they however decline, the vessels are to be repossessed by the militia, and the President notified thereof. The crews of such vessels are to be liberated in the first instance of their arrival. I have drawn my warrant in favor of your Excellency for the expenses of the militia and I pray that you will have the goodness to direct the receipts of the Officers to be transmitted as specified in my warrant. This according to course is transmitted to the Governor. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency's obedient servant, H Knox [signature: Jac Jillcott?] His Excellency Governor Huntington