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DAVID PURVIANCE TO WORTHINGTON

Zanesville December 17th. 1811

Dear Sir,

No doubt you will receive many comminications from this place, and I suppose it unnecessary for me to attempt giving you a detail of our proceedings here, as it would probably be a repetition of things you had already read or heard.

We frequently hear from you; The subjects are weighty & important, which occupy the attention of the present Congress. Those of us who have been instrumental in placing you & Doctr. Campbell in the high station which you now fill; are pleased to find that as far as we can hear you are attentive to your duty & the interest of your constituents. And we trust we shall never be put to shame on your account. We are sending you some resolutions on various subjects. But there is one particular which has not been embraced, in any resolution which we have passed; to which I wish to solicit your attention; Viz. That of providing some means of defence for our frontier settlements. I need not prescribe the mode, it is enough for me, to mention our sit- uation. Since the battle on the Wabash, considerable fears have been excited. Some suppose the Indian war is over, but former experience authorises no such conclusion. And if Indians are disposed to commit murder on the frontiers, they give no warning before the fire of the rifle, or the blow of the tommahawk; so that the people know not the moment when they are safe. I know of no part more exposed than the County of Dark which includes Greenville.

I submit the matter, believing that your influence will be used with the ad- ministration, that such measure may be adopted as the nature of the case requires, & circumstances will admit. It is unnecessary to write separately to my friend Doctr. Campbell. Let him read this letter, I send it to you both, I consider you one which you are there. I hope you are now, and will continue one in your aim to promote the public good. Mr Morrow I know only by character. give my love to him also.

I remain sir, your sincere friend.

David Purviance

Genl. Worthington

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