representation duly authorized without a formal ratification of their own is a quere of importance and ought to be well ascertained. I have the honor to be &^c— Governor Blount } War Department 14^th May 1792 Sir, Your several favors by M^r Allison were received some days past, and submitted to the President of the United States. The affairs being in the train as stated by you it seems unnecessary to reply particularly to your several letters as the hope is indulged of seeing you in this place so shortly. But Colonel Winchester who has been here and who has presented a memorial to the President of the United States from the Inhabitants of Mero district seems to render it necessary to write to you upon the subject of the defence of the citizens in that quarter. You have been fully informed of the difficulties which have existed to prevent the President of the United States from giving orders in consequence of your representations for the most vigorous offensive operations against the hostile Indians. If those difficulties existed while the Congress were in session, and which it was conceived they alone were competent to remove when they recur in the present case with still greater force for all the information received at the time Congress were in session were laid before both houses but no order was taken thereon nor any authority given to the President of the United States of consequence his authority remains in the same situation it did on the commencement of the last session. It is indeed a serious question to plunge the nation into a War with the Southern tribes of Indians supported as it is said they would be. But if that War actually exists, if depredations are repeated and continued upon the frontier inhabitants the measure of protection is indispensible, but that protection can only be of the defensive sort. If other or more extensive measures shall be necessary they must probably result from the authority expressly given for that purpose by Congress. Hence if it shall be your judgment that the Cumberland settlements require the assistance of the Militia of the other parts of your government you will impart it to them for such time and in such a degree as shall be commensurate with the occasion, always taking care to report the number actually called into service and the time for which they shall be engaged, and that they be dismissed as soon as the danger shall cease. Perhaps if Captain Kerr's company or part of them (although it would be prejudicial to their discipline to separate them) were ordered to Cumberland it would be judicious. Doctor Williamson has repeatedly spoken of the danger of the communication between Washington and Mero district and that it would be obviated in a degree by a small post at the crossing of Cumberland river. This however and all other points of defence must be referred to your judgment. Col^t Winchester represents the great want of arms and ammunition. May you not with propriety send part of those you have to general Robertson, taking care to guard the return of them, as mentioned in my former letters on this subject. I inclose you a return* of stores which General Wayne has been directed to send to the Chichasaws in consequence of your representation, and as an evidence of our friendship for them. Your arrival will still be anxiously expected and that you may be able to bring with you the heads of the Cherokees. Be assured Sir, that if you can quiet the troubles in your vicinity by pacific measures, you will render a most acceptable service to your Country and great honor to yourself. Of every important event you will render information for the solicitude is great, which is excited for the security of the inhabitants of your government. I have the honor to be &^c Governor Blount } [Enclosure] * Supply for the Chickasaws. 500 Stand of Arms 1500 Bushels of Corn 2000 pounds of powder. 50 pounds Vermillion 4000 Flint. 100 Bushels Salt. 4000 pounds of Lead. 100 Gallons Whiskey. One Armourer and tools.