Newark 27, May} Free Genl Henry Knox, Secretary at War Philadelphia 2624 813 XXXV-119 My dear Sir Saml Ogden Newark May 27th 1794 By a comparison of circumstances, I am led to fear the British Court intend to wage War against the United States! The great object of which is the alteration of our Western boundry line; so that their territory shall embrace all the Western Lakes, and confine our limits to the Ohio River. If this Idea is well founded, their next step will be to take Possession of Presque Isle, and there establish a Post; by which we shall be deprived of all access to Lake Erie, and it is not improbable they may in time attempt an establishment at the Mouth of the Genesee River. The latter Position will from its vincinity to our settlements require a larger force than they at present can spare. But should sufficient reinforcements arrive from England they cannot seize on a spot more favorable for their purposes. It being the only harbor for vessels of burden from Oswego to Niagara, and a very commanding position; would complete their possession of the Ontario. After my return last Autumn I believe I gave you an account of the Troops in Canada. If I did not I now tell you these were then at Quebec - 1 Regiment, Prince Edwards, [right margin 1] 1 at Montreal, Chambler, St. Johns, Ile Au Noix, Point a [Terre?], and Dutchmans Point (Oswego & Kingston) [right margin 2] [equation: 1 + 2 = 3] Regiments brought over - 3 at Niagara, Mouth of Chipaway River Forts Erie and [Slusher? or Schlosser] } 1 at Detroit and the upper Ports 1 and Govenor Simcox’s at Torunto (on the Northwest side of the Ontario opposite Niagara} 1 [Total] 6 Regts I should suppose the average cannot amount to more than 350 men each.
The Millitia of Upper Canada, may be found in case of a war, some what formidable; But as to that of lower Canada it cannot be considered as important.
Mrs. Ogdens, health is not so good as usual she joins in regards to Mrs. Knox & Family with Yours unalterably, Samuel Ogden Gen. Knox