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SE General Knox

   Secretary of War

             Boston

[added identifier notes:] J. Williams XXXIV - 97 3752

Dear General Mount Pleasant

                                                          Sept. 18. 1793

I arrived yesterday, and was but one day [&] [had/back] in coming from York Town . ——— When I left that place a report prevailed which you ought to know. —- A person from Carlisle report said that on the arrival of a waggon load of Cloathing a Bale was opened to get out some for the Recruits, when the waggoner & an assistant took the Malignant Fever & died, on which the People determined to burn the Cloathing. —- I can say no more as to the authenticity of this report than that it was believed at York. —– On my way I found that by repeated information that the[se] waggoners had died between Philadelphia & the Susquehanna. Two of of these [blotted out word] it was supposed were army waggoners with cloathing – I met a part of Troops marching toward Lancaster, these will no doubt protect what waggons may be within their reach, and take all the reasonable means of satisfying the people as to the prevention of further com- munication of the disorders; So far as those in advance are exposed, [scribble] no remedy can arrive in time for the evil. — the Situation of the Stores, and as that is supposed to be the Focus of the malady, the apprehension is more general — I hope your next official Accounts will prove that these Reports are are rather the suggest of timid minds, than the results of melancholy Facts. — I have just returned from your deserted Mansion & saw your Babe in fine health, you may depend on Mr. W. 7 my attention as \scrupulously as if it were our own child, & am the smallest reason to doubt as to its safety I will take the nurse and infant under my own Roofs. Then is no danger of these be no communi- cation with the Town, and I have given pointed directions on that care to your servants. The malady I hear abates, & indeed the approaching cool season must check it. —- Remember me respectfully to your good Lady and believe me most Sincerely & Affectionately, Your Friend & [ ] J. Williams