[Draft] [pg 187] New York [undecipherable] 12. 1799 Sir The [strikethrough: interesting] The [strikethrough: undecipherable] incidents which have Lately occurred in our political situation having rendered it [strikethrough: expedient] [strikethrough: undecipherable] necessary to enlarge the sphere of our military arrangements, it has, in consequence become necessary to [strikethrough: regulate] [strikethrough: undecipherable] the superintendence of [undecipherable] our military forces, [undecipherable] its various and detached [undecipherable: positions] [undecipherable] in such a manner as while [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to [undecipherable] the departments of [undecipherable] [undecipherable] incompatible War of details [undecipherable] not [undecipherable] its more general [undecipherable] will [undecipherable] continue [undecipherable] [undecipherable] important [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and system in the different [undecipherable: branches] of the [undecipherable] [undecipherable] The Commander in Chief [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the present [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Secretary at War [undecipherable] It has been determined [undecipherable] in pursuance of the above views [undecipherable] [undecipherable] to place all [undecipherable] to place the military force every where under the general Superintendence of Major General Pinckney, and myself, [undecipherable] [undecipherable] In the allotment for this purpose, my agency is extended to the garrisons on the Northern Lakes and to all the troops on the North Western boundary including both banks of the Mississippi; [undecipherable] on short to all the Western [undecipherable]; except the [undecipherable] may be on the [undecipherable] of Tennessee and Kentucky. Of this you will have been informed by the Secretary at War. from [undecipherable] the relation which is thus constituted between us I allow myself to anticipate [undecipherable] [undecipherable] mutual satisfaction — and I hope for such [undecipherable] to [undecipherable]: Every disposition on my part will certainly [undecipherable: facilitate] it, and tend to promote the discharge of your [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] manner [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and the advancement of the [undecipherable: service] [undecipherable] It was the united opinion of the Commander in Chief, General Pinckney & myself when lately convened at Philadelphia that your [undecipherable] [undecipherable] in this quarter was [undecipherable] [undecipherable] necessary; towards a full [undecipherable] of the affairs of the Western [undecipherable: Region] [undecipherable] in which you have too long had the direction in their various [undecipherable] towards the formation, with the aid of your [undecipherable], [undecipherable] more perfect plan for present [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] [undecipherable] arrangements — Much [undecipherable] be examined in a personal interview which at so great a distance cannot be effected by [undecipherable]. The actual and probable situation of [undecipherable] affairs in reference to foreign powers [undecipherable] [undecipherable]. You [undecipherable] therefore [undecipherable] [pg 188] [undecipherable] with all practicable [undecipherable] to repair to [undecipherable] Philadelphia upon your arrival there giving me immediate advice of it. If this can be most conveniently accomplished by way of New Orleans you are at liberty to take that route. On this point you are the best judge and will no doubt act with circumspection. It will rest with you to indicate the Officer who in your absence ought to [undecipherable] to the command and to give him the proper [undecipherable] It must rest with you to dispose of the command of the troops at the different [undecipherable: Stations], during your absence, and to give the proper instructions, in conformity with those which have been received from the Secretary at War. On this head, only one remark will be made. The confidence in your judgment [undecipherable] has probably led to the reposing in your [undecipherable: discretionary] too delicate to be entrusted to an officer less tried; and capable perhaps of being so used as to [undecipherable] the peace of the [undecipherable] States. Discretions of this [undecipherable] ought [undecipherable] not to be transferred beyond what may be indispensable for defensive [undecipherable: security]. [undecipherable] Care must be taken that the [undecipherable: Nation] be not embroiled, but in consequence of a deliberate policy of the Government [undecipherable] [undecipherable] Official letters from you to me, as your [undecipherable] have been appointed by the Secretary at War, are [undecipherable] to be forwarded through him. They must be [undecipherable] open and under [undecipherable: cover]. The [undecipherable] is that he [undecipherable] in case of great urgency, what could not conveniently wait for my direction, to interprete [undecipherable] [undecipherable] In your absence, it will be proper that [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the Officer or Officers near me, [undecipherable] in the command [undecipherable] communicate [undecipherable] with you, also transmitting their letters open under cover to the Secretary at War. This will [undecipherable] [undecipherable] the chain of your command [undecipherable] With great consideration &c, I am Dr [undecipherable] [Endorsement: To Brigadier [undecipherable] Wilkinson / July 12. [undecipherable]]