War Office. August 23. 1796. Sir, The president has received the Treaty; also an [undecipherable] with the Greeks at Coleraine and information from the Commissioners of the dispositions of the Indians to live in peace with and cultivate the friendship of the United States. As far the meeting has issued favorably, There are however circumstances relative to it which ought not to be disregarded. It cannot at this time be ascertained what may be the consequences of the refusal of the Greeks to sell their land to the State of Georgia; or whether the desire to encroach upon it may not be encouraged by the spirit in which the Agents of that State have unfortunately [undecipherable] reprehensible measures taken by Government to obtain it; in what manner the civil decision in the case of Hamton and others may affect the Indians. In this state of things the president has deemed it advisable to give such an arrangement to the military force within the Indian line, as may on the one hand, prevent the Indians from running into effect [undecipherable] or hostile incursions on the frontier inhabitants of Georgia, and on the other hand the [undecipherable] the United States from intruding on the Indian land contrary to treaty and laws. What Indian land is most exposed to intrusion? According to the best information I have been able to collect, it would appear that the Indian land, extending from the [undecipherable] settlements on the St. [undecipherable], and thence along the boundary line to the Altamaha, and up the stream to the junction of the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] for a considerable depth as far as [undecipherable] River, has every appearance of sterility or barrenness. That the land there east of the [undecipherable], on the [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] as being the most valuable, is most likely to be intruded on; consequently, that it is the district of Indian Country, which will require the greatest proportion of military force for its protection. 2. That as a great part of the soil of the Indian frontier possesses, on its natural depth a kind of [undecipherable] against [undecipherable], consequently, few [undecipherable] were stationed there with a view to that end. As to military Forts. The Indians recommend to the Commissioners as within the first district that of [undecipherable], the Bluff end of the [undecipherable], the one below Fort Fidius near or between two creeks called [undecipherable] and [undecipherable], both abounding with fish. The other about twenty five miles on a days ride distant from thence, higher up the River. Within the second district they mention a Bluff above [undecipherable] on the Indian side of the Altamaha, and nearly opposite Fort [undecipherable]. Those situations are the best which my information has been able to mention. [undecipherable] It is not meant that you should fix your forts at these specified places, if after viewing the Country, less exceptionable or more eligible ones should be discovered. You will therefore carefully examine the Oconee country in particular, and in making your choice be governed by the following principles. 1. The ground and situation should be such as to render the fort difficult to be attacked by an Indian Enemy; easy to be [undecipherable] in case of attack; easy to be supplied at all times with provisions; and an eligible, and [undecipherable] position to strike the Indians in the event of War. 2. The situation should be healthy; the soil and the wood in its vicinity, fit for the construction of the work intended to be raised upon it; the [undecipherable] near it good for battle; the water abundant and wholesome; and so [undecipherable] in the power of the garrison as not to be liable to be cut off by an Enemy. Having thus fixed upon the proper sites, you will immediately proceed to occupy them with Troops, for which purpose you will reduce the garrisons of Fort [undecipherable] and Fort St. [undecipherable], to each a Subaltern's command, and concentrate at the post nearest to Fort Fidius' own principal body, and at the post or posts higher up the River, a Subaltern's command. With respect to the [undecipherable] at Fort [undecipherable], you will transfer it to the Bluff above [undecipherable] or any other site in its vicinity on the Indian side of the Altamaha, that may appear fitter for a post. You will also, pursuant to these arrangements, give such instructions to the Contractor and [undecipherable] to the new posts a regular supply of Provisions. The President who has at heart the protection of the frontiers, and who thinks this arrangement calculated in an eminent degree to answer that end, has with the same intention ordered a complete company of Dragoons from General [undecipherable] Army to join you at Fort Fidius. It is conceived that these horse may be very usefully employed as patrols between posts; in giving notice of Indians or disposing of them agreeably to laws; and in communicating the approach or preventing the intentions of marauding Indians. In assigning stations to the Cavalry, you will consult as far as the good of the service will admit, the ease with which they can be supplied with forage. You will also enjoin it upon them to secure their quarters and horses every night in such a manner as to prevent surprise or thefts. The President requires the strictest observance of this regulation, and that it be considered a standing Order. I enclose for your Government an act passed the last Session of Congress entitled "An Act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers." I am Sir, with great respect Your Ob^t Servant, signed, James McHenry Lieut Colonel Henry Gaither