[Copy] S^ir p^g 21. Detroit 22^nd March 1799 In addition to my former communications relating to my peculiar situation, a recent circumstance, has rendered it indispensably necessary that I should strengthen my former request, by giving you a detail as minute and important of the occurances which have since transpired — The licentious (and froward conduct of the inhabitants, the majority of whom have ever been inimical to the Government of the United States, made it my duty to issue an order which was posted up in different parts of the Town prohibiting the sale of spirituous liquors to any of the Soldiers on pain of being brought before a General Court Martial, (and receiving such punishment as was due to their deserts. The order more particularly touching tippling houses (and taverns, one of which was kept by one (Dodemead) set the order at defiance and sold liquor to the Soldiers without any kind of restraint, nay even encouraged them to buy by evading every kind of restriction, an inevitable consequence of which was a continued scene of intoxication among the Soldiery destructive of every principle of military life, corporal punishment was of no avail, and it was not without some difficulty as even to find a sufficient number of men fit to perform the ordinary duties of the Garrison — Thus circumstanced and unwilling to resort to so rude an appeal as a Court Martial, I chose rather to pursue more temperate measures and placed a centinel before the door of the aforementioned Dodemead with positive injunction to prevent every and any Soldier from entering her house on pain of immediate punishment. This measure has had the desired effect and decency, order and tranquility have resulted therefrom — The above named Dodemead, still persisting in his [strikethrough: foolish] obstinacy, and questioning my authority, has instituted a Suit against one [strikethrough: to trespass] altho the Centinel walks in the publick street; how awhist may to the issue. I cannot conjecture, but feel indifferent as to the event, but was it to be brought before such a bench of justice as there is here (I speak of the inferior Courts not of the supreme) I should then be some what apprehensive of my impending fate — To give you an idea of these administration of justice, I will state to you facts as they really happened. The Court had engaged the house of Dodemead, for want of a better one, where they met and proceeded to business, which was transacted with calmness for two days, (notwithstanding the Centinel walked at the back door) at length a turbulent (and inimical fellow lately from Vermont, whose name is [underline: Brush] rose up (and suggested to the Court that they were proceeding illegally, and improperly, as their awards could not be given while a Centinel was walking before the door. The Judges, ignorant (and indecisive, listn'd to this idle language and startled at the idea of being under duresse; suspended their proceedings, and sent the Sheriff to me to enquire whether I would remove the Centinel from the door. my answer was, that the Centinel was placed there to prevent my Soldiers from committing irregularities (and not as a guard over the Court, as he had no orders to interfere with any Citizen whatever; with this answer the Sheriff return'd, yet still irresolute they took the opinion of the Attorney General who declared that he conceived all their deliberations free (and unrestrain'd, and that every act officially done was legal; not even satisfied with such a candid and clear opinion, the Bench addressed me again in writing by the Sheriff, when I return'd unsign'd, (and required him to inform the Judges, that it was unnecessary for them to take any further trouble, that no solicitations should induce me to recede from what I had before told him, (and that the Centinel should not be removed — upon which this [underline: Brush] rose (and moved, that the Court would order the Sheriff to assemble his posse commitatis, and forcibly drive the Centinel from his post; but shou'd this force be found ineffectual, that they would be perfectly justifiable in calling out the [underline: militia] of the Country, and with force (and arms depose the Centinel; however they reflected and had more prudence than to attempt either (and finally adjourned to another house — This imperfect sketch may serve to throw some light on the character of some principal men here. I was happy to find that it terminated as it did; for had they attempted either of the methods mentioned to estrange the Soldier from his duty, I should certainly have made use of that power which my country has placed in my hands, and maintain'd the respectability of Government (and my honor — Thus Sir, have I detailed this unpleasant transaction, (and hope no delay will occur in a decisive answer to me — Inclosed, you have a copy of a speech deliver'd by the Indians lately returned from the seat of Government, in which you will discover their dissatisfaction, which I have every reason to believe has been excited and inspired by a number of evil minded (and unfriendly persons here, (and I am still sorry further to observe that I have a well founded opinion that there are emissaries diffused among the various Indian Tribes circulating bills tending to disturb the peace of Government, (and stimulating them to acts of hostility — The returns of this post for the present month is also under cover. I have the honor to be with Esteem (and Regard Your very Ob^t Serv^t James McHenry Esqre (Signed) D Strong Lt Col^o Sec^y of War Com^t Comd^g