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LEWIS CASS TO WORTHINGTON

In camp Urbana June 8th 1812.

Dear Sir,

We reached this place yesterday On arriving at Staunton and making enquiry respecting the route down the Au Glaize, it was found that at this season of the year that stream was useless for any purpose of navigation, and that a road along it would be difficult and circuitous. It was concluded to change our direction to proceed to this place and from here by the best ground to the foot of the rapids. In this deter- mination I concurred, A road from here to the rapids would open to Detroit the centre of the state; and in the event of a war with England our supplies must be drawn from here. It is indisputably the shortest and probably the best route.

Boyd's Regiment joins us tomorrow. Things go on well in Camp. This morning four Companies marched for Menary's block house to open the road.

We have had a council with the Indians. They have agreed to permit us to open the road and to establish along it a line of block houses. You well know the situation of the men, who compose this detachment. They were generally respectable standing and of good prospects. They have made great sacrifices. They did not come for money, because all the money they can receive will be but a poor compensation. But the pub-.- lick faith ought to be sacred. It is bad enough to violate it, when the govt is un- able to fulfil its contracts. But what shall we say when the Govt neglects to perform its own engagements with means enough to do it. The law under which these men volun- teered promises to them the full value in money of the complete uniform of a soldier, when they are called into service. They have now been in service two months. By the instructions of the secy at war the men have been paid $16. They have been led to expect $40 for their clothing. Why not pay the whole at once. When you thus dribble it out by little sums it does no good. They never have enough to do them any good, and never appropriate it well. I cannot upon this subject write all I wish or all I know. But I do assure you the Govt must take prompt and efficient measures to comply with their contracts. We must look to you to see it done, and as soon as possible or I do anticipate serious difficulty. Let them pay these men as they engaged, and they will go to the end of the world. I wish also the full amts of forty dollars could be pd for their cloathing. I have no idea of a govt. setting down and counting by six pences, when men are individually making sacrifices, and when the best part of the community are preparing for defence.

Rely upon it, it must be done And still farther rely that you are the man who must see it done. Your standing, influence, and the confidence your fellow citizens place in you all justify them in looking to you. I know they will not be disappointed.

Sincerely ever yours

Lew Cass

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