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OSL WORTHINGTON TO MEIGS

Washington Nov 30th 1811

Sir

The situation of our common country is becoming daily more Anxious and requires of those to whom the people have confided trust - the exer- cise of their united exertions to manage the public affairs to the best advantage. With these impressions on my mind I have believed it my duty to tell you that however I may have differed in opinion with you or dis- approved of any part of your conduct heretofore you may rely with the most positive certainty on any assistance it may be in my power to afford you in the discharge of the important trust confided to you by the people of Ohio The late unfortunate occurrence on the Wabash I fear will be the means of exciting the greatest alarm on the frontiers of Ohio and if it ends in alarms only I shall feel thankful, So soon as an account of this affair reached this place the delegation from Ohio called on the president stated the exposed situation of our frontier and recommended in the strongest terms 1st that you should be immediately authorised to call out as many companies of Militia volunteers as should be considered necessary to be armed equiped & paid by the U States who should act as rangers along our frontier and protect the settlements 2nd That a loan of arms should be immediately made by the U States to the state of Ohio 3rd That the president should immediately appoint 3 commissioners who should go into the Indian country learn the causes of discontent of the indians and if practicable settle the differences without further bloodshed -- whether this course will be adopted or not I cannot tell I have thought it proper that you should be acquainted with what we have considered but under existing circumstances You will in the event of an Indian war have the most arduous task to perform and I trust will not fail to attribute to me the proper motives in addressing you thus frankly for be assured Sir whilst I do not Mean to say any thing which may have a tendency to offend I can with great sincerity say that I have nothing to ask hope or fear at the same time it would give me the most sincere pleasure to live in peace and friendship with the whole circle of my acquaintances Very respectfully yours &c

T Worthington

[Copy of a letter to Meigs]