[13 June 1797] III 241 Extract of a letter from Brig. Gen Wilkinson to the Secy. of war dated Limeens. 13 June 1797. "In the present eventful moment, and with my understanding of the disposition of the Canadians and the Indians west of Detroit, I am inclined to believe, I shall find it necessary to proclaim law martial within the fortifications of the place and to plant the necessary guards at the portals of the town, for the safety of the troops against a coup. — The civil institutions of that place were ordained by the Secretary, while the governor was in the Territory, of course they are vicious; I shall nevertheless pay every respect to the authority I find in operation, and hope my conduct may be so regulated, as to meet the Presidential approbation — I must however request your opinion by the earliest opportunity, as to the propriety of the measure should it become expedient." [2 & 3 daily minutes (and dollars?) by [undecipherable]] Answer by the Secy of war. 14 July 1797. You judge rightly with respect to Detroit. Every precaution of a military nature, that may guard against surprise, or give perfect security to that or any other frontier post. cannot under such doubtful and uncertain circumstances as exist at present, be deem'd improper or a stretch of military authority" Extract of a letter from Brig Gen Wilkinson dated Detroit July 7th 1797. "The mode government established here should be suspended, this may be accomplished without difficulty or commotion, as the appointments are all held during the will of the governor, and their resumption would be but the business of an hour — the organization of courts of justice & Battalions of militia here so immediately after the evacuation by the British was an unfortunate step as the genius habits & understanding of the people were not adapted to such institutions, and they may be now brought into operation against the interest they were intended to support" Answer of the Secy. 25 July 1797 "I cannot say that I comprehend the extent of the utility of a suspension of the civil government at Detroit, where the danger from the Savages or invasion is not very pressing and evident. In a case affecting its safety or defense against an enemy, the inhabitants could have no reasonable objection to the measure but unless some danger is to be averted by it, or some good obtained, in which they would participate, it might serve to excite discontent and disaffection. You will weigh these considerations, and should no urgent necessity exist, extend the military power no further, than to suppress those practices or sales of Ceguo to soldiers which incapacitate them from doing their duty, and render the Indians less manageable and more burdensome" Extract from Brig. Gen Wilkinson dated Detroit 6 Sep^t 1797. "your letters of the 14th 21st and 25 of July have been received"