[N^o 4] Extract of a letter from Brigadier General James Wilkinson to the Secretary of War dated Fort Washington 2 June 1797. rec^d 22 instant. "Lieut Colonel Howard of the Regiment of Louisiana, an accomplished Irishman, has arrived at S^t Louis with four hundred regular troops; he is strengthening the works of that place and organizing the Militia; and I have information through a confidential Channel, that it was determined, as early as September last, not to give up the posts on the Mississippi." [N^o 5] Extract of a letter from Brigadier General James Wilkinson to the Secretary of War dated Fort Washington 4 June 1797. rec^d 22 "Letters from all quarters announce the discontents and menacing aspect of the Savages; two White Men have been recently murdered on the Ohio below the Cumberland, and the Savages beyond the Mississippi and those who pass Massac, make no hesitation to avow their purpose for war; the Shawanese, at the old Paws Towns are our nearest neighbours; they profess friendship but are making no preparations for a crop, which is a certain indication of their intention, to change ground." "The enclosed extract of a letter from Colonel Hamtramche is corroborated by information from Kaskaskias, S^t Vincennes, and Massac." "At the same time Colonel Howard is strengthening his works at S^t Louis and organizing the Militia, who are taken into pay at Nine dollars per Month."