[draft] Fort Harmar Septr.25.1788 Dear Sir In my public Letter of this day I have taken the Liberty to mention my Ideas on the manner in which a War should be carried on against the - Indians - I do most sincerely wish it may not be necessary [tho], were it not for the State of public Affairs, it would be both more respectable and little more expensive than the present dubious situation, when presents must be made them, and expences incurred that would go a good Way in a Campaign against them, and, were it conducted with prudence and vigor would, set us at [rest] - There would be one difficulty however in the way, should my Ideas of separate and distinct - Attacks be Pursued, not very easily got over. - unless the united States should think proper to appoint - Officers, expressly for the purpose of commanding the separate [Corps], they would of course be under the directions of the militia Officers, which would not be the most - likely means to insure Success, or procure [economical] Arrangements. - General Harmar could in person command but one - and as there would be a [Host] of Collonists at least, with the Militia [with] the continental Officers except [strikeout] [inserted: the Genl.] would be under their Borders, and in case of any accident happening to him, the whole Business would [devolve against] some one of them - The Corps however affords Officers enough of Rank that would be much more capable [2] capableI should have very little apprehension from masking the command of one of them to Major Doughty for example - and the Major Wyllis and Hamtrammock I am told are equally capable tho' I know nothing of them personally - indeed I have heard Majr. [Hamtrammock] spoken of as a very intelligent active officer - might they not, in case the thing should happen, be appointed by Brevet for the purpose - please to think of this; for, if the Ragamuffins of Militia are to command, I have seen few in my Life that would be fit for it - I pray God it may in no - manner be necessary, for it is of very great Consequence that the Government get into motion with as few External embarrassments as possible - I fear there will be internal time enough and to share - I am happy however that it has succeeded so far - the opposition will I believe die away gradually, and I should not be surprised to see some of its greatest Enemies become [its] warm Friends, for I believe many very honest Men were opposed to it - but their fears were awakened and their other Passions wrought upon by Men of another [disinession] of whom there were not a few. All America I think is much indebted to the [unwearied] zeal and perseverance of the New York Patriots in Convention, among whom our Friend Hamilton made a very conspicuous Figure - Will you be as obliging as to remember me to him. You will be pleased to hear that the [diplomat] at this place goes on very well, and promises if they can have Peace a little to answer the Expectations of [3] of the adventurous - The soil is excellent and the climate delightful. - I have been prevented from visiting the lower Country but the delays of the Indians but propose to go down the River as soon as I have done with them - I shall then be able to judge of my own Views will be answered - at present I do not see it in this Light - when a Man gives up Society which in a great Measure, is my Case, he should have some - Compensation either in present or in future - now I have neither - the salary will scarce bear my Expences and I do not see that one foot of Territory can be obtained but by purchase which might as well be made at New York as here - nay indeed it must be made there however I shall know more about this by and by - I hope your Family are well and request that you will present my best Respects to Mrs. Knox and believe me Dear Sir your most obedient Servant Ar. St. Clair [docket] Genl St Clair Fort Harmar 15 September 1788