Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 20 June 1798.

Dear Sir

Yours of the first instant came to hand ^I had the pleasure to receive on the 16th - some considerable time since I called on Col^o. Henly to know ^be informed what measures had been taken the m respecting the muster rolls of the Nickajac expedition, his answer was, that they had been returned forwarded to the Secretary of Wars office, and that he had wrote ^him where they might could be found; and I suppose he has informed me candidly - It has not been in my power to apply a second time to Col^o Henly ^since I rec^d your letter but Shortly will do so, and inform you, his Answer. - I am sorry that ^a war can not be avoided, but as if it must be the case, I hope Sincerely that our Americans will be unanimous in defending our Country - division will ruin us, and ^it for that reason must be avoided -

Some of the Indians Cheifs [sic] have arrived at Tellico, and more daily expected, and as the Commissioners are is all present I apprehend the negociation will soon commence - All is peace in this Country, & the a prospect of fine Crops- I have the honor to be &c

John Sevier

Hble M^r. Claiborne

Copy to Honor.^l M.^r Claiborne

June 20th 1798.

N^o 1

post

Recorded

Knoxville 28 June 1798

Dear Sir

Yours of the 8th instant I was honored with on the 24^th - I learn with surprize, you have not rec^d any letters from me, for I beg you to be assured, that I write both to you and M^r Claiborne by almost every post, with very few exceptions since you set out for Congress - The treaty is just about to commence; the prospects appear favorable, and Ithink have no doubt a good treaty may be obtained if desired by the Commissioners -

The poor people is still keept [sic] off their plantations, and the measures against them is as rigorous as formerly a measure ^a conduct very contrary to my expectations, as also every other person; a misfortune I am extremely sorry for, and I assure ^you it ^begins to lessens the peoples confidence in the government beyond calculation, and nothing but a good treaty in my opinion, will ever regain that confidence, the people a very short time since, so fully placed in the government

I have done everything in my power to quiet

Knoxville 15th July 1798

Sir

I have this day been I am honoured with yours of the 29 ultimo, inclosing the last dispatches from Paris - I am particularly pleased that you conceive it necessary to communicate to the Execution of each ^state such matters as may be deemed proper to impart, touching the safety and interest of the United States: It will aid them very much in their administrative ^departments functions and at all times times as it will by conveying a knowledge and certain information, of events and measures that have & may probably take place; from which Circumstances, which they may so direct and Govern their measures, as will may greatly facilitate the views of the General government, and add strength and energy through out the whole Union - M^r. Claiborne as ^is a young politician, tho I conceive ^him well meaning and ^highly deserving of public confidence, yet he has has not had any military experience I conceived it a duty I owed my country as & also my friend, in so alarming a crisis, to give him my Ideas and opinion on so very important and ^interesting a occasion, and I have reason to believe, that he is now become fully evinced of the propriety of our suggestions observations and opinions, with respect to the manner in which our country is to be defended.

His Excellency John Seveir

Sir you will please to accept of this my Resignation as a Justice of the peace for the City of Claiborne, and oblige Sir yr Very Hble

Peter Huffaker 29th June 1804