Early Governors' Papers

the ^conduct and institution of the executive, with a few ^some observations; And further ^Inow beg leave to take the liberty to inform you, unless Iam satisfactorily informed ^which I [hope?] may be the case the Cause ^& intention of so numerous a body a party of indians being about to ^assemble & embody on the confines of our state; Ishall from the ^due duty regard Ihave for the safety and protection of our state and ^the Citizens the great desire ^Ihave entertained to support and continue an uninterupted peace, be obliged, to order out a sufficient number of the Militia for the purpose of observing the movements of the indians ^and protect the Citizens from any [insultults?] that may ^in [notifiably?] be offered. and also to prevent any ^unwarrantable attacks being made on them, by numbers of people who have ^but too much cause for being irritated

Ihave the honor to be with due respect Your m^o ob. Hbl, serv^t

John Sevier

Mess^rs Hawkins and Pickens

Benjamin Hawkins esquire and Andrew Pickins esquires

Letter to B. Hawkins Esquire and And. Pickens Esquire Esq^rs 13 April 1797

by John Cowan

No 4

Knoxville 18 April 1797

Gentlemen

Yours of the 16th I am duly honored with by the hand of M.^r Williams, our Superior court for the district of Hamilton is now in session Once the great variety of business now before me, which I am obliged to attend too [sic], prevents me from replying in that full and concise manner as I could wish, and the nature of the case may require, but shall do myself the honor of communicating ^fully to you fully, in the course of two or three days at farthest

I have the honor to be with respect Your m^o obed.^t serv.^t

J. Sevier

Benj^m Hawkins & Andrew Pickens esquires}

copy of a letter to Benjamin Hawkins & Andrew Pickens esq.^rs

18 April 1797

by Charles Richard Williams

N^o 6

Recorded

Knoxville 24 April 1797

Sir

Mess^r Hawkins & Pickens are in the vicinity, About to commence ascertaining and marking the line, which causes much disquietude among those which have apprehensions of falling within the indian limits, as also a number of others who have claims to lands that may fall within the same

I hope I shall not be understood as having Any intention of dictating to the Executive of the United States, but with all due deference beg leave to observe and very sincerely request, that if it should still happen (which I pray may be averted) A ruption between the United States and any of the European powers; that the raising of the line could be evaded and procrastinated until a time more suitable would present itself, for such a purpose -

I am fully aware of the necessity of Quieting and harmonizing the disposition of the indians, but beg leave to observe that good and satisfactory reasons may be given for a suspension, especially if they