Pittsburgh 15 June 1798 Dear Sir I take the liberty of enclosing to you a pamphlet which in my Judgment is extremely well written, and the very important subject handled in manner not to be answered — The Spirit of our young men would be very easily brought into the Measure of Association in Volunteer [strikethrough: companies] under the Provisional Army laws. this would not depend upon political opinions & perhaps upon some of our Western; as this Subject is now occupying your Attention will you think of forwarding a Sketch of what you would think the necessary arrangements and bond of Association in order to enable the [undecipherable] to appoint officers. — It would of course be understood that the men would not be called to go out of this Country except in case of extreme necessity Gen^l Wilkinson sailed with his Galley a week Since and we have heard that he passed grave Creek on the third day after leaving this place. — The Gen^l has been decided and zealous in his politicks here, and his [strikethrough: discretionary] demeanor has produced some good effects here and has made proselytes among his friends of Kentucky who are frequently passing thro this place. — I like his present opinions respecting the policy of Strengthening the Mississipie & opposing by all means in our power the Introduction of the French into Florida. — Our people who have returned from thence lately say that the Spaniards are much alarmed at the report of the cession to France! — It might be easily learned whether the Spaniards would not thank us for a cooperation in that quarter, & there is now a prospect of their quarrelling with France again — We hear nothing from Tennissee — nor do I hear that any arrangements have been made by the Indians for removing over the River [undecipherable] as was suggested — On the other hand there is reason to believe that the Spaniards are not [strikethrough: at present] in the humour of encouraging their migration — that this is only the Report of our traders — the fact may be otherwise Be so kind as to present my most respectful compliments to M^rs McHenry & believe me to remain very faithfully Dear Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant James Ross Secretary of War — [Yale UL seal] [address panel, verso: 15 June 1798 / J. Ross / Gen^l [undecipherable] / Pittsburgh / Mail / The Secretary of Wars / Philadelphia / James] [MSS / S-1155]