Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 29 January 1797

Sir

Yours of the 4 instant Iam honored with by Mr Teele, Ishould have been glad the ^runing of the boundary line could have been delayed til after the next ses^o of Congress; before Irecd your favor ^arrived I understood it was to be a run in the spring -

The Chickasaw Indians sits out today for their nation, and so far as Iam able to understand, are by no means Well pleased with the treatment they rec^d while at Philadelphia. Piomingo told me that a ^certain great man there, was like unto a cowardly old woman, through fear would treat her enemies better then her friends.

Reports are circulating that two indians was Killed by Edward Mitchell and John Lewiston, near the head of Kentucky river, and Ifear there is too much truth in the report. Iam informed the indians are much exasporated, and threaten to take satisfaction in case the Murderers are not punished. Ishall endeavor to have them apprehended, and should ere this had either the indians or agent lodged any complaint; They have not done it, neither do Iexpect it, having reason to believe that think the indians are lead to believe, that the executive, have nothing to do in indian affairs. Should my suspicions be well founded, the indians will be too ready to indulge unfavorable Ideas, after and consider them selves ^wholy independent of any measures proposed or held out by the Government. if they are to be directed and