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MEIGS TO WORTHINGTON

Marietta March 1 1812

Dear Sir

Yours of the 16th and 19th ulto I recd just before I left Zanesville where I had remained several Days after the Assembly adjourned -- in the hope of receiving authority and Instructions for the organization of the Rangers - but receiving none I arrived here where I can earlier meet any letters from Washington. Why the delay as to the Rangers I know not. The People on the Frontiers will most assuredly be too much alarmed in the spring to cultivate their Grounds in quietness Mr. Johnston highly approved of the establishment of the Ranger Corps. On the 21st of Jany the war secy. sent me the Commissions for the officers & said he would transmit me Instructions for their Regulations as soon as other Engagements would pemit.

I have heard nothing from him since. If it not intended to put the Rangers in motion I pray to know it -- our Legislature has risen relying on the promised protection to be afforded by the Rangers, or other steps might have been taken.

In yours of the 16th you observe that you would have been gratified if I had felt myself at Liberty to have pursued the Course you proposed in relation to Artillery and Sword & Pistols. Upon the receipt of your[s] on that subject I thought I had pursued the Course you proposed. I certainly intended it -- if I did not it is to me cause of regret and if you will point out any Course to be pursued by me to effect the object I will pursue it with great Pleasure and alacrity.

I should suppose that the Indian Country or near it would be the best place to hold a general Treaty with the Indians -- if a Treaty is made thus -- it is in the face of the whole Tribes - and with their knowledge & Assent & they better feel the binding efficacy of it when they have been present -- The Chief who go to the City return loaded with Caresses -- Presents, in which the rest of the Tribe do not participate & of whom the[y] often become jealous. It takes a long time for Chiefs to go to stay at, & return from Washn. and their Absence would afford a fine opportunity for British Influence to operate However as I do not profess to be very conversant with Indian Affairs I will say no more but am respectfully yr obt st.

Return J Meigs

Hon T. Worthington

70