Page [1] view page image
Knoxville 17 January 1797 Sir Since my last nothing of material moments excepting that Several waggons [wagons] on the road through the wilderness to Cumberland have been plundered by the indians supposed to be the Cherokees , and Some of them left without a horse, supposed to be done by the Cherokees The agent to the Cherokees has complained about Setlements [Settlements] being made as low down as the tennessee [Tennessee] , on which Subject I to him replied, a copy of which is herein inclosed [enclosed] for your information, Should any thing [anything] on that head be brought [added: Sent] forward to the department of war. It will elucidate in Some measure the circumstances all ending the matter, and you will take such Measures as your Wisdom Will best promote the interest of this state: — I wish the line could be extended to the Tennessee . It has for Some time past been reported that one Indian was killed, and another Wounded, on the Waters of Clinch ; I hope the report is not true, and I am induced so to believe from this reason, that neither the indians nor agent have complained to me on the Occasion. our post [added: [unclear: was ]] has several times been disappointed in meeting with and receiving in order the mail at Abingdon , which neglect may prove Very injurious to us. A letter from the Department [of
Page [2] view page image
of ] War to the executive of this State, Dated 13 August last only arrived here on the 11th instant, brought by Mr. John Deadrick from Cumberland , Another from the same department dated 29 September came by our post A few days, before. How these irregularities happen I am at A loss to know. It is not the first time my letters Directed to me at this place from Philadelphia , has went round by the way of Cumberland , and some of them came forward with a broken seal. I hope you will [added: please] Acquaint the post master General of such Irregularities, in order [added: that] the defect May be remidied [remedied]. Captains Wades and Spark's companies have arrived here neither of them compleat [complete], I [unclear: unk ] if no more is sent, these will be inadequate to the protection of our Frontiers, and the defect ought to be Supplyed [Supplied] by militia. Three companies of Infantry and a troop of horse, would answer the purpose, in which I have wrote the secretary of war I have the honor to be & c [et cetera] Signed J. [John] Sevier to each of the [added: our] members in Congress — } [added: [added: John Sevier] Letter to the members in Congress 17th January 1797 (No. [Number] 17) Recorded]
|