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OSM JOHNSTON TO MEIGS

Piqua May 10, 1812

Sir,

Since writing you by the mail information has come in that the Militia at Greenville have taken some Shawanoese without oposition I look for the messengers sent for the prisoners every moment and I calculate on their bringing in the Shawanoese also.

I understand your Excellency has ordered a part of the Rangers to take post at Greenville and that some of the Militia from below are on the march there also. these will be more than sufficient for that one point. the upper settlements on this River and those on Turtle and Lorimies Creeks are equally exposed & will require protection or the inhabitants will move off. The force at Greenville and the Rangers ought to be so disposed of as to cover the whole of this Frontier. it is from its contiguity to the Indians the most vulnerable of any in the state. I hope a part of the force will be extended eastward so as to occasionally meet the Rangers under Capt. Manary. The Shawanoese Indians state that mischief may be looked for from the Putawatimies & Kickapoos one or two murders more will be the means of depopulating the greater part of this County

The bearer Charles Manay resides at St. Mary's, it is an out post and in order to mantain and Keep up the intercourse with Ft. Wayne and our other establishments northward it is material that it should not be abandoned. Murray cannot remain there alone it is an excellent position to watch the movements of the Indians. a few men wouldenable the present occupant to mantain it. he is well acquainted with the Indians in that quarter of the country and Knows our friends from our enemies, he will explain to you in person. in the present crisis of our affairs persons of his Kind can do much good I believe his attachment to our government is beyond dispute

In great haste I have the honor to remain with very great respect Your Excellencys Mo. Ob. st.

Jno. Johnston

His Excellency

Return Jona. Meigs

Governour of Ohio

The people here are badly armed. would it be possible to procure the Loan of 40 or 50 stand from the public arsenal at Cincina? I should be gratified in hearing from your Excely by the bearer J.J.