Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 19th November 1797

Sir

Since you left Tennessee two indians was inhumanly murdered, near the mouth of Stones river The circumstances appea is reported, that the indians at Hayse's Station, was somewhat a little intoxicated, and braged boasted of their war exploits, said they had killed Hays, the former owner of that the station, and a young man of the name of M^cCown near the same place It in the Course of a day or two afterwards the two indians were found near their Camp, both dead, and shot through their bodies- Notwithstanding the murder being thus committed, the indians on the Cumberland road, and every where else, seem friendly disposed, and say no damage shall be done on their side in as consequence a retaliation for their people killed -

Several persons suspected, have been apprehended, but no proof of the overt Act could be had -

The people on what is called the indian lands, appear to be in great distress, some have removed, & others have not, and say they will not, and ^again others that did remove, have returned, what will be the consequence I am not able to foretell, but I realy [sic] fear the event;

I need not request you to use our utmost exer= tions in behalf of those distressed people, for I am well assured you will; and if any thing can be done in their favor I know you will it will lay both the people & myself under very great obligations I am with great & sincere respect, your m.^o obed Sert