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OSL WINGATE TO MEIGS

Franklinton the 25th February 1813

His Excellency
Governor Meigs

Sir

Agreeable to the instructions of Genl Gano was Expressly and prerempt- orily rode to Dayton To organize the two regiments of the Brigade I was to command I repaird to Dayton without delay with an Expectation of fleet- ing the detachment in Butler and to march on immediately and Join the army which was the purport of my instructions completely but when I arivd there I found but five companies and considerable difficulty to get them furnished with provisions & Camp Equipage I placed under the direction of Col Jas Mills and march them for St maries the 23d Inst agreeable to request of Your Excellency a s well as that of Genel Harrison and immediately came to this place with a full Expectation to see You here and must confess I am Extreamely sorry that was so unfortunate as not to find here as I am Completely at a Loss to Know how to act therefore beg Leave to suggest that some instructions from Your Excellency would be all important to me and hope You will be good enough to write me by, the bearer directions how to proceed as it must depend on you as I have got no instructions from any other Quarter the bearer will hand You two Letters one from Mr James Hillton [?] who is appointed Clerk to the regi- ment under the command of C1. Mills and one from Mr Samuel Bay As adjuct- ant to said Regiment and as some difficulty appears to arise they wish to be place on Some better ground as to their pay and as the Law regularing militia has not specifyd their rank it is suggested they cant Draw pay only as a private soldier which would not by any means be in proportion to their services and as they are both important offices in the organ- ising and diciplining a Regiment I am Led to believe the Legislature did not intend to create offices without makeing provisions to pay them when calld into actual service therefore wish you ill their behalf to take the premises under consideration and would it please Your Excellency to put them in a way or suggest some plan by which they could obtain a reason- able compensation for their services and as they are men of moderate cir- cumstances & of integrity I should feel happy but will leave that to your wisdom to suggest and if there is any thing in Your power consis- tant with your duty I hope You will Extend your Friendship towards those upon whom I consider worthy of their Country which will be Taken as a partickular favour from your Excellency --

I am most respectfully Sir. with the highest consideration

John Wingate Brig Genl
Comg. 3 dett. 0 Ml.