[War Office — Secret Instructions to Capt. [undecipherable]] Sir, [The three] people that are over the line on the indian lands have given some serious threats against the measures of government and seem disposed to make some resistance in defence of those lands. By the authority invested in me you are appointed to examine their situation, numbers, views and means for resistance; and this you are directed to do in the most private [and most] manner. In taking their situation you will notice how far they are supposed to be in the indian [boundaries] and [undecipherable: whether on a line or more along] their probable strength, whether collected or scattered. You must also endeavour to find out their numbers able to bear arms. What views they have in resisting government, and if they have any expectation of assistance in this or any other States[,] [if so,] enquire what that force maybe, from whence they expect [them], whether to be mounted or foot men. How they expect to subsist them, and how they intend to help them embodied in arms. Examine well into their strongest settlements, and see what means they have for defence, if any Block House or any intentions [erecting] them, or any other [fortification]. These enquiries and examinations are to be made on the Clinch, Tennesee, or any part of the indian boundaries. If any other enquiries should suggest themselves to your mind make them, and mark them down, as also the [undecipherable]. And after conducting yourself in the most [circumspect] [Discreet] manner return with [your remarks] to me, that I may be able to form such views as may be proper at this time. As I depend upon your abilities and known integrity, I trust the importance of these serious transactions to you. Consider [your Country] calls for truth [and that she may be justified in] [undecipherable: force justice] [Missing Page/s — Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part missing, and we have not been able to locate a more complete copy of the document.]