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McARTHUR TO WORHTINGOTON

Chillicothe Jany 20th. 1813

Dear Sir,

The mails have failed for three weeks past and we are almost destitute of almost every information from the East. A part of the city mail came in on Saturday, but we understand that the major part of it was left at Marietta. Report says that the Ohio volunteers surrendered at Detroit are exchanged, but if this days mail brings no confermation of it, I shall very much doubt the correct- ness of the report. If they were really exchanged and could receive their pay they would most willingly return to Canada with Genl Harrison, and would agree to serve until Malden should be reduced. We have also heard that Hull is to be tryed next month in Philadelphia, but we have had nothing official on the subject. It will indeed be very inconvenient for the witness to attend the tryal, at Phila., why could not the court martial have been conveaned at Pittsburgh? If the volunteer officers have to attend the tryal, it will deprive them of the opertunity of accompanying Genl. Harrison.

By the papers we see that a bill is likely to pass congress for raising 20,000 men for one year, I am sorry they were not called volunteers much better men could have been had and in much less time; have them subject to the same rules and regulations and they will be equally efficient.

Should the Ohio volunteers be actually exchanged, I flatter myself that some valuable officers may be selected from among them. Col. Cass has just been elected Major Genl. to the 3rd division. He appears anxious to engage in the service, and I believe the most of us are equally anxious; provided we can get on with the first army. If I was about to recommend, I would say Major Thos B. Van Horn, Major Robert Morrison Major Wm. A. Trimble &c. But if there are any appointments to be made from the Ohio Volunteers it will perhaps be as well to suspend those appointments, i no inconvenience will result from it, until you hear from us again.

If we are ordered on to Phila. perhaps we will call by the city, and have some more to say on the subject.

Our militia bill is almost through the senae, but I cannot say there are very many improvements made on it. the Quakers are flanking about us, pleading for exceptions. I wish congress would pass a general exerption law, and leave nothing on the subject in the power of the states.

Attempts are again about to be made to remove the temporary seat of govern- ment.

It is said that Genl. Harrison expects to leave Sandusky for the Rapids in a few days and is in hopes to cross into Canada on the ice, it is the wish of all that he may succeed in his expectations.

respectfully yours

Duncan McArthur

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