War department April 12^th 1796 Sir. In pursuance of the representations made upon the subject of the danger to which Mero district is exposed, the President of the United States authorizes you to make the arrangements herein directed, for the protection of the said district, provided you judge the measure necessary, until the first day of December next, or longer if the danger shall render the said defence indispensable. A post and Garrison to be established at the ford at the crossing of Cumberland River of 1 Subaltern, 2 Serjeants 2 Corporals and 20 privates.— For the protection of Tennessee bounty and the Inhabitants of Red River running into Cumberland 1 Subaltern, 2 Serjeants 2 Corporals and 21 privates— Davidson bounty 1 Subaltan 2 Serjeants 2 Corporals and 20 privates— the chief post to be in the town of Nashville Sumner bounty 1 Subaltan 1 Serjeant 2 Corporals and 17 privates. That besides these two Subalttons and thirty mounted Militia allowed the district. Had there been any regular troops who could have been spared this service they would have been ordered to have performed it on this not being the case recourse must be had to the Militia— you however judge which part of this Militia shall be of Mero and which of Washington district. Independent of the end of this Militia the following stores are ordered from this city via Pittsburgh to Nashville addressed to Gen^l. Robertson. viz. 1. 3½ Inch Iron Howitzers with ammunition for one [undecipherable] complete for each piece including twenty five grape in case shot— I am Sir with great esteem your humble servant (signed) Knox Sec^y of War. Governor Blount. [Re. No. 22 3]