Page: [1]  
 
 
Fort Fidius 
August 9th 1794 
Sir 
With pain it is that I am under the necessity of troubling your Excellency in order that I may justify myself on a matter of the utmost importance to my military reputation --  
[document damaged] from the public prints a presentment [document damaged] and Jury of Hancock County, highly [document damaged] to the character of the Commanding Officer of Fort Fidius, who was myself, at the time of such presentment -- I also do positively assent that it is wholly without foundation [document damaged] I never in my life sent any body of Troops out of this Garrison on their own private business armed, save only with their side arms --  
It is scarcely necessary to observe to a Military man, the side arm of a Soldier is a mark of the [unclear text: legal leave of absence ]  he has -- As for my giving protection to the Indians, and supporting them, I have never acted farther than my orders compelled me to do --  
For these reasons, I hope your Excellency will have an enquiry [inquiry]  made on my conduct since I have been in the State of Georgia, that I may have an opportunity of justifying myself to the World  
 
I am with respect Your Excellencys Obedt. Servt [Obedient Servant]  
[Signed]  [unclear text: R. B. Roberts ]   
[unclear text: Major 3d Sub Legion U. S. ]  His Excellency Governor Mathews --  
 
 
 
 
 
Page: [2]  
 
Letter [document damaged]  
Maj. Brook [document damaged]  
9th [document damaged]  
Answered [document damaged]  
[unclear text: Sec ]  letter [illegible text]  [document damaged]  
16th instant 
 
 
His Excellency the Governor of Georgia [Express] Augusta