Near Downings Town 16^th Oct^r 1797 — Sir I inclose a copy of a letter to Brig. Gen^l Wilkinson under date of the Oct^r Inst — the better to enable you to appreciate fully and clearly the objects in view and expected from the distribution of part of the Military force of the United States, within our territory on the East side of the Mississippi. You will be pleased therefore to consider this letter so far as applicable in any of its observations or points to your situation and duties, as expressive of the line of conduct you ought to pursue and of the same force as instructions addressed to your self. Should this find you at the Natchez you will immediately dispatch a messenger to the Commanding Officer at the Chicasaw Bluff to inform him of your situation and as far as — as you know, the situation of things at the Walnut Hills. Should on the other hand, circumstances have obliged you to take post and fortify at the Walnut Hills you will take the same steps and give him what information you are possessed of respecting the Situation of L^t Popes party at Natchez. It is expected that the three posts below the Ohio, viz. that of Chicasaw Bluff, Walnut Hills and Natchez will assist each other in emergencies as far as can be done consistent with their respective Safety. With respect to the presents for the Indians mentioned in my letter to Brig. Gen^t Wilkinson. You will husband them as much as you can consistently with circumstances and endeavour before you bestow them, to have some knowledge of the person and they will not be thrown away, whether given to abate enmity or confirm friendships. I have empowered you to draw upon me to pay your men and for other purposes. You will be pleased to consider yourself also authorised to draw for the amount of the pay of the Garrison at Walnut Hills and [strikethrough: authorised] to have the payment made to the troops there under the usual & established forms. I am Sir with much respect your most O^bt! Serv^t. James McHenry Cap^t Isaac Guion.