Early Governors' Papers

State of Tennessee, Knoxville, 13 April 1797

Benjamin Hawkins esquire & Andrew Pichin esquires

Gentlemen

It is with exreme pain I have to inform you, that many of the Citizens of this State is much alarmed on being informed that a very large body of indians is about to be Assembled on the Frontiers and such of this state

It must be recent in your memory memories that several murders have lately been committed on some of the Citizens of this State, by the Cherokees, as well as a number of Robberies at various times since last Autumn; It is also just to Observe that two indians was Murdered by some of the people of this State- It must naturally and inevitably Occur that such Outrages of such an inhuman nature is not easily and soon forgoten eradicated from ^out of the minds of those who have been injured, either by the loss of their friends or property, and that retaliation is but too

with Credit to themselves, Honor to the government, and satisfaction to the parties concerned.

Accept Gentlemen ^of my very sincere and respectful attachment

Ihave the honor to be your m^o ob. & very Hbl, ser^t

J Sevier

By the Governor Wm Maclin Sec^ry

Benj^a Hawkins esquire & Andrew Pickins esquire esq^rs