[Oct. 2^d 1797 1] [Vol. 6 No. 19] near Downingtown 2 Octo. 1797 My dear Sir M^r Lewis writes me on the 29^th Sep- ulto. "I saw M^r. Wolcott the [undecipherable] of the [undecipherable] yesterday, who was very well. He informed me there was a general, or very strong report, that Gen. Wilkinson was in the South western [territory] at the head of the army there. He mentioned it with some surprize". On the 6^th of [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] was at Detroit, and making [undecipherable: preparations?] to move with a [undecipherable] detachment to Kaskaskias — where dispositions to revolt [strikethrough: undecipherable] among a few french settlers had been [undecipherable]. I believe I shall be able to settle matters in the South western territory (meaning Tennessee) without [undecipherable]. you will [undecipherable] the particulars of this affair on [undecipherable] [Return me the I am kept too busy to get [undecipherable] inclosed letter to yours sincerely Cap[tain] [undecipherable]. It will give you some information and save me some writing.] James W[undecipherable]