Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 20 August 1797

M.^r Zachariah Cox

Sir

For some time past Since your arrival in this state, various reports are ^in Circulation respecting An intended expedition you are about to make, -

As It appears to be a matter of ^some importance to this Government, through part of which I am informed you intend your route, to become acquainted ^& informed of with your intentions, and place of destination. I flatter myself you will have no objections to communicate, and lay before the executive ^of this state, ^the place of your intended operations and movements, at what place, place you intend making A stand, or settlement, and by what [? ?] means are enabled conceive yourself at liberty ^& entitled to prosecute the same -I You will not consider this application as arising from any doubt in me, that your equip ments or operations ^is intended to will be inimical, to this or the United States

I ^only conceive it a duty I owe the public, and the people State Over which I have the honor to preside, to become Acquainted with a Circumstance, which appears pregnant, with important consequences ^& events of for which, I hope you will have no objections

I have the honor &c &c &c

Signed

John Sevier

Zach Cox esq^r.

N^o. 1.

20 Aug^t. 97

Recorded

I I am informed

Knoxville 20 August 1797

Zachariah Cox esquire.

Sir

Since your arrival in this State various reports are in Circulation respecting an intended expedition you are about to make.

It appears to be a matter of importance to this Government, (through part of which I am informed you intend your route) to become acquainted and informed of your intentions and place of destination

I flatter myself you will have no objections to communicate, and lay before the executive of this State the plan of your intended opperations and movements, at what place you intend making a Stand or Settlement and by what authority you

you execute the Same. - You will not consider this application as arising from any doubt in me, that your equipments or opperations are intended to be inimical, to this, or the United States. I con= =ceive it a duty I owe the public, and the State over which I have the honor to preside, to become acquainted with a circumstance, which appears pregnant, with important consequences and events; of which I hope you will have no objections.

I have the Honor &c

(signed)

John Sevier

Zachariah Cox esq^r}

Copy of a letter to Zachariah Cox esq. 20 Aug^t 1797