[Answer Yes] [attest J. Meriwether. A D E] State House Augusta 6^th September 1793 Sir, Your letter of the 19^th July, was handed me by Captain Freeman. its import is of great concern to this Republic, and ought to have met with no impediment in coming to hand. in consequence of the Contractor having bonded with security to furnish supplies for the Militia to act against the hostile Creek towns, a few days since I transmitted to the agent for supplies a Copy of the bond. with instructions to place in the hands of the Contractor any funds he could apply towards the intended operations. — So far I have progressed, and am now compelled to desist from pursuing the only measure, in my opinion that can give ease and security to the persons and property of the unfortunate settlers in this extended frontier. It will appear from the talk of John Galphim, and the affidavit of William Jones herewith transmitted together with taking into view the recent circumstances of Harrison's Fort being fired upon, and depredations being committed in the neighbourhood of the Fort at S^t. Saville, that hostilities have not subsided nor can it be expected that they will soon cease. Were the superintendant even in the nation, The United States can have no representation there, until the Savages are brought to understand that the arms of the Union are to be directed against them. — Where is the channel through which they can be brought to a sence of their crimes and be prevailed upon to give up at least some of the authors thereof? How are the unfortunate Captives now among them to be restored, and by what means will the vast amount of plunder taken from our Citizens be recovered, even admitting that the feelings of humanity were not awake in the breasts of the near connections of the women and children who have been butchered by Savage brutality. I say when I draw these gloomy reflections into view the hope of peace and safety to the Inhabitants of Georgia is very distant. The people have an undubitable claim on Government for protection, and the establishment of a proper peace can be of no duration, and it is such as the people of this Country can have no dependance upon, without previous measures being taken to compel a due observance thereof. The present system of defence is deemed not more than adequate for the frontier settlements, and should the proposed alteration take place, I have little doubt but the three Southern Counties Viz^t. Liberty, Glynn, and Camden, will be entirely depopulated by a total removal of their inhabitants. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most Obedient Servants Edw^d Telfair. The Secretary of War.