War Office; April 20^th 1797. Sir. I have received your letters of the 17^th January 14^th February, and 4^th March, with their enclosures. The state of things you have described, affords reason for apprehending that those who have violated the laws, may be desirous to maintain their position, as long as possible. I hope, however, that the mild conduct of government, with the measures which will be taken to secure obedience to the laws, will operate on the minds of the deluded, and bring them to a proper sense of their duty— — I am very anxious to hear from you again, on the subject— It is represented to me, by Governor Sevier, that the militia guard at Fort [undecipherable], [undecipherable] occupied that post, which I presume may now be discontinued— You will be pleased to give due notice accordingly. Please to forward the inclosed letters to Colonel Benjamin Hawkins — Captain Wade — W. Linnmoor — M. Biggs — I am Sir, respectfully, Your obedient Serv^t James McHenry [your letter of the 27 March, since writing the above has come to hand] [Colone. David Henley.] [War offic.] [Colonie David Henley. L AC 18.3781]