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JOSEPH KERR TO WORTHINGTON

Chillicothe 11th. Novem. 1812

Dear Sir,

It is now within a few days of the time of my seting out with my Cattle & Hogs to meeting my contract with the Navy department -- I have myself doubted, and all to whom I have mentioned the subject appear to doubt, the propriety of taking the cattle and hogs eastward -- In consequence, I have written the Secretary of the Navy on the Subject and will wait his, or your, answer before I start them; the 25th this day two weeks is my fixed time; but will wait our mail more to render the thing certain --

Should war continue, or this falls campaign fail, my provision must be more needed here than in that country where provision is so plenty -- we have had one week of constant rain, this must render the roads of our Northern frontier almost impassable, and I fear will so far retard the forwarding of Provision that the object will not be compleated this fall -

All the fat cattle, and many lean ones, having been bought up this fall for the army, there can be but few fat for market in the Spring - I don't know what the arrangement is, but can't conceive how the Beef & Pork that is now driving out, is to be kept without Barrels and Barrels I know cannot be had -- and on the other hand I do not know whether the Government (for I understand the army is not supplied by contract) would be disposed to have provision trans- ported so far in Barrels as from here to the lakes --

I might be talcen to the head [of] navigation of Scioto by water, say 40 miles north of Franklinton, with ease --from there to Sandusky Bad would not be far to waggon

I have desired the Secretary to consult yourself and our other members and write me -- the contract is too good and too far advanced to be relinquished or neglected on any consideration except public good - and my situa tion will not permit me to remain long undetermined -- If I begin to fix for exportation by the way of Orleans, of the other part of my cargo, my attention must be taken that way entirely, If to the Northward I wish it there interely - And on the day I start my contract Cattle & Hogs the other will be determined.

I find now that I will have 1500 Barrels flour 350 of Beef and 450 of Pork for the western market -- beside 220 Steers & 700 hogs for Washington city - for the exportation of which early preparation must be made -- and when made must not be lost to me -- I shall close this after the result of the Electors Election is known and the Presidents Message is read -- for Peace there is little reason to hope, while things go so much against us as they have, Still I hope some thing favorable may have been forwarded -- I have ex- amined your survey of 100 acres and cannot find wherein it does not correspond with the entry, and have written Co.. Anderson to reexamine it & forward it-

I wish you to give me your Ideas of the prospect of Peace or war as I have not had time to form any Idea from the papers --

I am sir with great respect Your friend --

Joseph Kerr

The Honl. Thomas Worthington

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