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COUCH TO WORTHINGTON

Chillicothe Jany the 3rd 1812

Dear Sir

I herewith enclose to you a petition signed by our Citizens from the town and country, praying for an additional duty on foreign hemp or for such other provision as Congress may make to encourage the growth of our own soil

I am sensible that some of the Commercial States, will not readily adopt this measure, but they must one day yield to it - and no period since the adoption of the Federal Constitution, has been so favorable as the present, for an object so important to the Western Country. I drafted the petition myself, & have endeavoured to work in such terms, as not to give umbrage to the [illeg. about 4 words].

The people of Cincinnati, Kentucky, and other places West of the mountains have also circulated petitions, which will be received in Congress, similar to ours, and if w e have been to hasty in our prayers, we shall not be the only subjects that pray without a hearing. The petition is therefore submitted to your consideration, and the memorialists have full confidence that no exertions will be wanting, to obtain, if possible, an object so desirable

I received your favor of Nov. the 20th and shall duly appreciate any communication with which I may be favored through your leisure moments. We have no news here worthy of relation, There appears no more danger of Indian hostilities, the victorious and unexpected battle of the Wabash has given peace to the frontiers -- The Prophet (it is said) is surrendered by his Tribe and is now in jail at Vincennes -- perhaps he is frightened at Mr Meigs "four six pounder pieces"! You doubtless hear every thing that is going on at Zanesville -- I have lately been summoned as a witness in behalf of the State against Judge Thompson on the impeachment, the trial commences on the 20th inst -- When I expect to be present, and probably I shall have time to writ you from that place --

I enclosed you some time since, a letter by Lieut Jessup and I have since received a note from him in passing thro here, to W. City -- requesting me to inform you, that he will be a Candidate for promotion under the Law raising an additional Military force; -- from my knowledge [illeg. ] man, I believe him a young officer of merit -- but you can better decide when you see him --

There are several applications also from this place -- in one Company formed by agreement Mr Tabb -- Winch [?] Donals & Keitz are recommended as Capt, 1st & 2nd Lieuts in their order -- in the other Lindsley, Morgan, & Armstrong for the same offices -- but there is like to be a disagreement be- tween Morgan & Linsley -- for the Captaincy. I believe they have alternately recommended for the same office -- though some of the Legislature have mentioned Linsley for Captain, -- I have promised to write you on the subject -- but as you know them all you will pardon me for troubling you therefore, I could wish they may merit your attention.

I am happy Sir, to see that Congress are assuming attitude demanded by the crisis and that prosperity result from the labors of your Session is the humble wish of Your Very Respectful & Obedt Servt

Jesup A. Couch

Honl Thomas Worthington

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