War Office 23. June 1796. Sir, I do myself the honour to inclose you a duplicate of my letter of the 20. instant forwarded by express to which permit me to intrest your attention. As the frontiers of the State of Tennessee may occasionally require the protection of militia, it may not be improper to mention; that no claims for Militia services, which have not been authorized by the President can be admitted or paid agreeably to existing laws. And, that altho a State may call out its militia or any part thereof, without the consent of Congress or the President, when invaded or in such imminent danger as will not admit of delay; yet no pay can be allowed them, or remuneration made to the State till the whole circumstances of the case be laid before Congress and have received their decision and approbation. Should you conceive the services of any part of the Militia to be requisite for the defence of the frontiers you will be pleased to mention it to me, with the circumstances which induce the opinion and the number deemed necessary, that it may be submitted to the President for his consideration and orders — I am Sir with the highest Respect Your obed Servant James McHenry To Governor Sevier [Secretary of War / 23 June 1796] [Came to hand by the post. August the 18^th 1796]