[Private] War Office March 23. 1795. Sir Pray enquire into the transactions of M^r. Dighton and his connections in surveying and selling large quantities of land: by which I suppose you mean lands within the Indian boundary. So as to ascertain the facts in such manner, as you can support them, if possible, in a Court of Justice. To survey Indian lands is a direct violation of a law of the United States. I wish you to be more particular about the abuse of denying the legal allowance of pay for rations, when the Militia find themselves. I also earnestly desire you to be watchful of the occasions of calling out the Militia; particularly the expensive mounted militia, so as to ascertain the facts and from time to time to transmit a minute statement to this office — The Governor represents that it is indispensably necessary to continue John McKee as agent for the Cherokees at Tellico Block house, notwithstanding M^r. Dingman was appointed for the Nation. Pray give me your opinion freely on this point. The Governor extols the young Man, not only as uncommonly well qualified for an Indian Agent, as one confided in by the neighbouring white people as well as by the Indians, but as fit for an officer of any rank — even that of General. You think Tellico Block house itself, and the other posts advanced into the Cherokee Country as unnecessary and improper even for the purpose of defence — P.S. Gov^r. Blount thinks M^r. McKee well entitled to 500 dollars a year, (the same as was allowed M^r. Hum) and that sum be estimated accordingly. In your estimate last August, you put down only 333⅓ dollars. What ought he to be allowed? I have proposed 400 dollars, as I am allowed for Robertson, temporary agent for the Chickasaw and Chactaw. Col. David Henley I am Sir Your humble Servant Timothy Pickering [War department.] [Col. Office March 23. 1795 Secretary of War] Colonel David Henley Knoxville.