Various

many reports seem to confirm that two indians were very inhumanly Murdered some where [somewhere] near unto the head of Kentucky River , by two Men supposed to live in Hawkins county ; I have Waited to hear from you or the indians on the subject, but as yet neither have sent forward any complaint, [added: or information] I was for some time from which Circumstance, I was induced to believe for a length of time, that the reports were premature.

The indians have lately killed in several places [unclear: towit ] in Powels Valley and at Cumberland and it is reported five The indians have lately killed in several different places, [added: [unclear: (towit) ]] as reported One in Powels Vally [Valley] & one More badly wounded, three more killed near the head of Kentucky , & one at Cumberland ; it [added: is] also reported that five more are are missing and believed to be killed that were out hunting in the Cumberland mountain , tho [though] of this [added: last] there is no certain accounts [added: as] yet come to hand. I am extremely sorry for these disturbances, and very much fear the approaching consequences, the [added: and] am fully determined to [unclear: pursu [pursue] ] and to Any further disturbances Mischeifs [Mischiefs] if in my powers, and will if possible have the perpetrators of the first murder apprehended. and [added: I] flatter myself that you will use your influence to have peace and [unclear: unk ] tranquility restored by endeavoring to restrain the indians from any further depredations, and convince them of the danger of bringing on a war, which would be the destruction of their nation

I have the honor to be & c [et cetera] —

Silas Dinsmore esquire

[added: Letters, one to the
Cherokees ; the other
to Silas Dinsmore
Feby [February] 10th 1797
fC
(No [Number] 21)
Recorded ] [added: McMaclin will please make out copies of these two letters]