Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to Governor Blount on the Mero district, on offensive operations against the hostile Indians and President Washington's policies, the role of congress, use of the militia, return of stores for the Chickasaws, and Blount's expected arrival with the heads of the Cherokees: Page #2

Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to Governor Blount on the Mero district, on offensive operations against the hostile Indians and President Washington's policies, the role of congress, use of the militia, return of stores for the Chickasaws, and Blount's expected arrival with the heads of the Cherokees: Page #2

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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 reported and continued upon the frontier inhabitants the measures 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 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 so 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