Knox's report as Secretary of War: "Congress were informed in their last Session of the efforts which had been made to accomplish a peace with the hostile Indians north of the Ohio. These having failed it became a duty of the Executive to take such measures, authorized by the laws as should exhibit our power to punish the depredations of the refractory tribes... Humanity however dictates the desire that the deluded Indians may be convinced of the destructive consequences of their obstinacy in persisting to wage war against the United States..." Emphasizes the importance of "an energetic and well regulated militia... In this period of our political youth, our progress ought to be characterized by such establishments, as have been evinced by the experience of mankind to be best calculated to secure the great principles of freedom, and the due execution of the laws." Letterpress copy.