[War department Major General Pickens [undecipherable: probable reading] to [undecipherable]] War department June 27. 1791 Sir The Cherokee Chiefs and Warriors who have been on a visit at this place are about returning to their own Country apparently well satisfied which indeed from their encreased annual pension they have just cause to be. As they are ladened with abundant goods it has been suggested that some lawless Whites might do them mischief on the frontiers. This would indeed be greatly unfortunate after all the pains which have been taken. Permit me to rely upon your zeal to prevent any Catastrophe of that sort and that in order to inspire the Indians with Confidence that you would encreasse the Guard at the Ocona Station to such a size and for such a period as you shall judge necessary for the perfect security of the said Cherokees. You will also please to have the said guard mustered at the time of their entering and leaving the service and an exact account of the expences of Rations made out and transmitted to me with the Money shall shall be duly remitted to your order. I have prevailed on a respectable young Gentleman — Lieut Dinomon to reside among the Cherokees as well to protect them in all their just rights as to prevent by his advrice any bad conduct on their part. I shall be happy to hear of their safe departure into their own Country — Sam^e Sir with great esteem Your obedient Servant H Knox [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] [Major General Pickens]