[undecipherable] War department 18 April 1798 Sir, I have received your letter of the 14 instant. Your idea of forming our principal post below the settle[ment of the] [undecipherable] within our line has weight and will be attended to, as far as it is ascertained that our territory is free from Spanish Troops and [undecipherable]. Till then our chief business will be with them and to secure our Territory against further intrusions. I must refer you to the enclosed letter to the [undecipherable] Tinkle for what respects you, you will [undecipherable] and have it [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] you also to my letter of [undecipherable] to the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] on the same subject for your information. I send you twelve copies of the instructions to and dispatches from our Ministers at Paris which you will be pleased to distribute among the posts, one is for yourself. You will be [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] I am Sir [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] with great Respect [undecipherable] were not all ready written to Your obed^t serv^t be sent on. James McHenry Brigadier General [undecipherable]