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Knoxville 17 Jan^y 1797.

Sir

Ihad the honor of receiving your favors of 29 Sep. by the mail on
the 11 instant, and that of the 13th of August on the same day, the
latter came to hand by Mr. John Deadrick from the district
of Moro. from such circumstances it appears there is great [page damaged]
And irregularities in conveying your dispatches to this place.

Captains Captain Wade and Captain Spark have arrived, neither of the
Companies compleat. I would beg leave to mention, that
three companies of Infantry and a troop of horse, in my
opinion would ^not be more than adequate: to the Valuable
Consequences that would result from Cavalry being employed
in addition to the infantry would ensure the safety of the frontiers.
The very appearance of well appointed Cavalry will always have
powerful effects, and Awing and detering the indians from Hostilities.

I have continued the Militia Gaurd at Fort Blount,
to remain there until relieved by regular troops.

Several families on the road to Cumberland through
the Wilderness have had their homes stolen and waggons
plundered by the indians. I have wrote the agent & Cheifs
on