War Office. March 14, 1798 [147] I have received your letter of the 8^th instant relative to the several points it touches. There is no doubt that [undecipherable: M^r Zachariah Co.] has already committed acts either treasonable, or approaching nearly to Treason. It will be best however to confine [strikethrough: to] the operation of the laws, and military force only against him and Associates in cases pointed out by the law, to defeat or prevent their forcing a Settlement on any of the Indian lands, which the United States are bound to protect from Intruders. Should any other parts of your letter require a particular answer, it will be given if possible, next opportunity. I am now over loaded with business, and I apprehend will be so for some time to come. With great respect. I am Sir, Your obed^t Servant James McHenry Brigadier General James Wilkinson.