I have received Letters dated this day inclosing two extracts from the dispatches of Lieut. Col. Butler and Maj. Craig: The first stating the expediency of Establishing Block Houses and Garrisons at Franklin and Le Boeuf; and the second suggesting the advantages which would probably result from the appointment of an Inspector of Beef and Pork at Pittsburgh — As the law does not authorize a cession of lands to be made to the United States at Franklin and Le Boeuf, I cannot at present enter into any definitive arrangement on that subject. But an accommodation of the General Government for the purpose of establishing and main-taining garrisons on our western frontier, seems so obviously to be the policy and disposition of the State Legislature, that, till the next [undecipherable: probable reading "session"] enables that Body to decide, I shall think myself justifiable in [undecipherable: probable reading "acceding"] as far as I can. To the proposition which is contained in Colonel Butler's letter — You have my assent therefore, Sir to direct the erection of Block Houses and Barracks on any convenient place at Franklin and Le Boeuf; and upon receiving your report of the lots chosen for that purpose I will reserve them from any future sales which the law directs to be made, that I may have an opportunity of recommending to the General Assembly a cession correspondent to the views and interests of the United States — I am respectfully Sir Your most Obed^t & devoted Serv^t Thomas Mifflin Philadelphia 29 August 1795 — [Timothy Pickering Esq^r Secretary of War —]