1

Knoxville 15 August 1796

Sir

Yours of 23 Ultimo, together with the Duplicate of the 20, ^of June last I have had the
Honor to receive- in answer to your first I did myself the honor of
Communicating to you, on the 20th dated on Replying on the 20 ultimo, in which
^I hope went safe to hand in which -
I signified my reasons some reasons Actionable ^a few some reasons for supplying the different
forts forts formerly ^which were supported by the Militia in the ^latter part of the time of Governor Blount, notwiths
=tanding ^the pacific appearances, I am of oppinion [sic] that to withdraw the Gaurds [sic]
Immeadiately on the Change of the Government, might would impress both the indians,
& the people in the frontiers, with Ideas not calculated to promote peace
And friendship between the two parties - the indians too readily would
take up ^form an oppinion [sic], that the protection of the United States was withdrawn
and no longer to be affoarded [sic] ^the frontiers,- which consequently would embolden them, and
probably might encourage them to theifts [sic] and Plunder Roberies [sic] to be committed to suppose no worse