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SAM FINLEY TO WORTHINGTON

Chillicothe Decemb 13th 1811

Dr Sir

Your attention, as well as of your associates, to the peculiar situation of our State, is very pleasing, and merits our acknowledgments. We are certainly in a very defenceless condition; without arms - without discipline, indeed without every re- source except numbers: but what will numbers avail without arms unless in the posses- sion of them. I am assured that men will never be brought to a knowledge of military duty by the use of Clubs and Cornstalks, which you know to be the usual Substitutes i; the Muster field. Had our men arms in their hands they might be instructed - Measures might be adopted to enforce discipline We know not how soon we may be called upon to defend our borders. These men must take arms with them; of course, the arms being go the interior is left defenseless -

Captain Tabb, who you are well acquainted with understanding an additional force is about to be added to the present regular army, has Solicited me to write you in his favor. He wishes the command of a Company in the levies about to be raised. As my knowledge of him is limitted to his residence in this place it would be improper in me to recommend him, but your knowledge of the man is of an early date and you can with propriety either recommend him or not as to you may seem good. He is an active like man and say he is well acquainted (to use his phraseology) with military tactick I do not know whether he has ever been in Service, or if his knowledge of Tacticks is limitted only to field exercises.

I have lifted Henry Massies Obligation on you and Shall next week transmit a Check to Henry Maker for the Amount of his agreeably to instructions just received from him

Mr. Horseys power of Attorney, tho' not in the express words of our [illeg.] embraces the Substance and will be admitted We have no further news from the Indians on our side the river. On the other, it is said they have dispersed the road cutters after killing 17 or 18 of them. This wants confirmation. My family have experienced much sickness. Martha & [illeg. ] were confiened for 9 or 10 days They are better and I trust will be soon restored. I understand your little Boys are well Mrs. Finely sends her best respects to Mrs. Worthington. remember me to Messrs. Campbell and Morrow. I wish you health and prosperity.

I am Dr. Sir, very respectfully your Obedt Servant

Sam Finley

General Thos. Worthington

Washington City

17