War Office Sir By the last advices from Lieut. Col Butler date the 4^th Feb^y ult received yesterday evening, it would seem that Gore and his associates (equal to about three companies of regular troops and provided with Cannon &) were assembling and their boats ready for an attempt to descend the river Cherokee, and that [strikethrough: it was] strongly indicated, that they may have obtained passports from the Governor of the State of Tennessee and to some [undecipherable] or other for that purpose. It is thought proper, lest their daring adventure should escape the measures taken by Col. Butler to prevent their progress hence, that the Cherokee and Chickasaw Indians be apprised of the situation of things and that the United States will use their endeavors to prevent their making a settlement at or near the Muscle Shoals which appears to be the object of their expedition. This information should be given to these Nations as quickly as possible; that they may know that the attempt is discountenanced and will be resisted by the United States that they may be prepared to guard their Lands from such invasion & not confound with these frontier Citizens who remain on their farms or the peaceable Citizen who may have business in their Nations and no intention to attempt any settlement. The Goods for the Cherokees [strikethrough: already left this City] on the 12^th instant road, it is expected the Commissioner will arrive at Knoxville as early as the Goods. I have written to Col. Butler to give you early notice whether his measures promise to be successful or have failed. With great respect I am Sir your obed^t hum^e ser^vt James McHenry Silas Dinsmoor Esq^r