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OSL VAN HORN TO MEIGS

Zanesville 1 October 1812

Sir

Yesterday in the evening a George Dickey and Henry Sherman from Tuscarawas County came dorm here with a representation from a number of the Inhabitants on the frontiers of that County, Stating that trails of Indians are frequently seen within 5. 6 or 7 mile beyond there, that they are much alarmed, several have already moved off and many more will follow if some[illeg] is not afforded them soon; That so many of their men are out with Col Bay that their fall Crops cannot be got in, and that the settlement will be ruined. That they sent out to Col Bay for a part to come home to put in their Crops & assist in guarding them against the Indians but without success. That they have neither arms nor amunition to defend themselves. Such is the representation of those men & twelve others, who signed the Representation Whether it be real or immaginary it is now but too evident that the Settlement will suffer & very probably be broken up. I would therefore submit to your Excellency the calling out Col Manns portion of the 5000 the return of which I have recd.& had the honor to state to you in one of my last letters -- and perhaps an additional number as that detachment will be small either from Washington or from their neighbourhood. Capt. S. C. Smiths, Compy. seem to be broken up, a part is with Major Millers Detachment, and the rest prin- cipally having been out with Col McConnell, it will be impracticable to make up their Company. I have also thought of the Volunteer prisoners, but a number are sick & others are gone home & no Arms for any of them. Moreover Col Cass is not yet return'd, and doubtfull if they can again take up Arms untill exchanged. For my Self I see no impediment to fighting the Indians, but the British they are (I believe) not to take up Arms against untill Exchang'd.

It will I presume surprise you to learn that Hull has made a formal communication to the Secy at W,ar and claim'd an inquiry into his Conduct. He Compliments the Officers & men, and takes all the blame of bad conduct on himself, if there be any.

I am Sir your Excellencys Obedt. Hml. Servt.

V Horne

3d. Octr.

Having had no oppertunirty untill now I have to add that Capt Stone (just returnd with sick Volunteers from Cleveland) That Genl. Wadsworth is at the Portage with 6 or 700 men said to be on his way to Huron - That Genl. Perkins is East of Cleveland up the Lake with 4 or 500 men. That a number of Families had moved in from Sugar Creek (Tuscarawas County) & many more, spoke of leaving through fear of the Indians The additional detachment under Capt. Bently are just Marched off -