GW at Philadelphia. Secretary of War Henry Knox wrote analyzing measures the Legislature and Executive of Va. adopted for the temporary defense of the western frontier. Knox thought that the expense of defending the frontiers was inevitable and recommended that Congress discuss the best, most efficient way to affect that defense.

Timothy Pickering, a former adjutant general of the Continental army, wrote to GW to decline the role of superintendent of the northern Indians. However, Pickering expressed his desire to continue to be considered for employment in the future.