On considering that part of your letter of the [ ] instt which relates to the establishment of a Post at Presqu Isle1 I have no hesitation in giving it as my opinion that the position is eligable, in several points of view, & that the United States ought to fix one there. The doubt I have is, from whence, in the reduced, & reducing state of the Legion, and the uncertainty of the negotiation of Peace with the Western Indians a competent force is to be obtain’d to possess & garrison it.

On the last of these points a report will be expected from you.