[Page illegible] Sir I set out from Fort [undecipherable] on the 11^th arrived here on the 16^th of this month. I [undecipherable] to Colⁿ Gaither for our escort he had not received a[undecipherable] from you, on that head. but one [undecipherable] [undecipherable] quite sufficient. I ask only for a Serjean[t] [undecipherable] and twelve Dragoons, and leave them [undecipherable] no [undecipherable] of Clothing and I have at the request of Colⁿ Gaither, purchased some linnen for them, and one Shirt for each will be made in this neighbourhood and I shall furnish them with such other things as are indispensable and attainable on the way. General Robins will be ready on the 23^d [undecipherable] shall set out on that day go over the [undecipherable] mountains through the Cherokees to Tellico block[undecipherable] I have made all the necessary arrangements The left 3 feet wide in 5 minutes [undecipherable: crosses?] to [undecipherable] run[ning] up to the left 3 feet wide, in 5 minutes [undecipherable: crosses?] to branch running to the left. There is on this side a mountain of a Conical form – in 5 minutes [undecipherable: crosses?] to branch of the left, and in 9 minutes [undecipherable: crosses?] two small branches and over the edge of Whetstone mountain. The vale for [undecipherable] [undecipherable] exhibits marks of old [undecipherable]: From the ridge descend down 9 minutes and with a creek running to the right 3 feet over, fallen [undecipherable] for some distance below a [ledge?] of rocks, and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] hundred and mountain [undecipherable] in 12 minutes Chattuga 40 yards over, just above the mouth of [Wartomans?] Creek. The course of the path N. 18°. From this river to Tellico see the [note?] of the [undecipherable] Temporary agent for Indians affairs South of Ohio. B. on note B. 81° We arrived at Tellico Stockhouse, and were [undecipherable] the letters sent to M^r [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] General [undecipherable] [undecipherable] department in the post office has not received the [undecipherable] despatches to him [undecipherable] got the duplicate on the 7^th inst. before my [messenger?] arrived. [I beg?] you to mention me respectfully [to the] President to assure him of my sincere wishes for his happiness and to believe me [undecipherable] with sincere regard [&] Esteem Sir your Obedient [Servant?] The Honorable James M^c Henry Secretary of War. [signature]