Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 10 February 1797.

Sir

Various

Many reports seem to confirm that two indians were very inhumanely Murdered somewhere near unto the head of Kentucky River, by two Men supposed to live in Hankins County: Ihave Waited to hear from you or the indians on the subject, but as yet neither have sent forward any complaint, or information, Iwas 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 (to wit) in Powels Valley and at Cumberland and it is reported five The Indians have lately killed in several different places (to wit) as reported One in Powels Vally & one more badly wounded, three more killed near the head of Kentucky & one at Cumberland, it ^is also reported that five more are missing and believed to be killed that were out hunting in the Cumberland Mountain, tho of this ^last there is no certain accounts ^as yet come to hand. Iam extremely sorry for these circumstances, and very much fear the approaching consequences, the and am fully determined to put an end to any further disturbances Mischeifs if in my power, and will if possible have the perpetrators of the first Murder apprehended. and ^I flatter myself that you will use your influence to have peace and order tranquility restored, by endeavoring to restrain the indians from any farther depredations, and convince them of the dangers of bringing on a war, which would be the distruction of their nation

I have the honor to be &c -

Silas Dinsmore esquire

Knoxville 14 February 1797

Sir

Yours of the 3.^d Ultimo by M^r Casey came duly to Hand. I expect ere this reaches you Congress will Have risen, but as there is a probability that you may remain in Philadelphia some time after the session is over, I think it necessary to inform you that the indians have killed one person in Powels Valley and wounded another, also have killed one more on harpeth (Cumberland) I congecture that this has been done in retaliation for two indians said to be Very inhumanly murdered by Ned Mitchell and John Levistone some where near unto the head of Kentucky river, I hope to have there be an the matter shortly made up so as to restore peace and

Knoxville 17 Feb 1797

Gentlemen

It appears that the General government ^secretary at war - is fully determ ined to cause all those who are settled outside the treaty line to remove, I hope my sincerity will not be doubted when I assure you that I sensibly feel for the disappointments and troubles and distresses such a removal will cause many of the poor inhabitants settled in of powels vally [sic] to undergo, and had I it in my power to affoard [sic] and yeild [sic] you any relief it should be cheerfully and readily Granted, I have the ^consolation to inform you that

The Gentlemen officers who meets you on the Occasion I believe to be is benevolent, humane and compassionate, & I make no doubt will ^readily induge favor you with any indulgence, the circumstance and nature of the case will admit of

I have the honor to be &c

(Signed)

John Sevier

Copies of Letters to Captains Captain Sparks & Captain Waid And to the inhabitants of Powels Valley

17 Feb. 1797

N.^o 2

Recorded

29 ^1/3 2[6?] " ^o 33 " 96, ^1/3

103. ^2/3 60 43.^2/3

200 96 ^1/3

Knoxville 27th February 1797

Gentleman

Your letter by M.^r Newport and Major Womack Came duly to hand. The secretary of the department of War has given orders that your settlements may remain until the time is run, at what time that will be done I cant at present inform you, perhaps in the Course of the ensuing summer

Your Commissioners have discharged their trust with great fidelity and has made use of their utmost exertions in behalf of your interest and Welfare -

I have the honor to be &c &c

(Signed)

J. Sevier

The inhabitants of Powels Valley -