War Office March 27. 1795. Sir, I find that a quantity of military and quarter master's stores were [strikethrough: kept] or but carried to[strikethrough: ne] Beauf- for the projected Settlements at Presqu'Isle; and a military post be there taken by the United States (which the President is disposed to do) may [strikethrough: what] remains of those articles be transferred, either on purchase or exchange, to the United States? I am informed also that a number of State troops are now on foot (about one hundred) and that [strikethrough: their] engagements will continue until the [strikethrough: expiry] May next. Permit me to ask whether that (or what) number is at Le Beauf; and whether, at the expiration of their present engagements, they may probably be further engaged, as militia, to serve at that post & Presqu' Isle, until the fort at the latter place shall be erected, when a small number of troops may suffice to defend it? As observed above, the President is inclined to establish a post at Presqu' Isle; and is in doubt only about the means of obtaining a competent force to protect and garrison it, in the present reduced & reducing state of the Legion. I wish it may be convenient to your Excellency to favour me with an immediate answer, as I am making to the President a report on this subject. I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your most ob^t Servant Timothy Pickering His Excellency Thomas Mifflin Esq^r. Governor of Pennsylvania