Early Governors' Papers

Any other government, since governments had [seen?] existence - It is necessary for me It would be arrogance in me, to point out farther to you, the situation of this State - your integrity, address, and abilities, is competent to the task, more so than I am able to point out, and I have the fullest confidence, that you and your colleagues will be sufficiently attentive, to the great interests of the state.

I have forwarded Inclosed is a copy of to you and your colleagues a copy of Judge Campbles letter to me ^me, and ^you and your colleagues my mine to the president; The conduct made use of exercised towards ^the Judge Campble is unacc =ountable, and alarming, and such [?] if persisted in, ^such as will bring about very serious events - permit me to offer you my thanks for the interesting inform ation contained in your favor, and beg to be honored with your communications as often as you can make it conveniant [sic] - I have the honor &c &c John Sevier

State of Tennessee - Knoxville 6th February 1798

His Excellency the president of the United States.}

Sir

In a letter of this day from the Honble David Campble Esquire one of the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and equity in this State, he complains that on the third Instant about ten oClock at night on his own premisses, and not within the Indian line, he was Arrested by two of Colonel Butlers officers, and conducted as a prisoner to his containment ^and I am informed and ^there detained until the next day before he was liberated -

permit me sir, with all due deferance [sic] to observe that no act hostile to the general government has been committed or attempted by the State of Tennessee, nor can any transaction of the our Government, warrant the imputation of any thing of the kind, in the most light our laws are sufficiently wholesome and [?], and also faithfully administered in a manner fully competant [sic] and adequate, to the suppression of every kind of penal

Knoxville 15 February 1798

Sir

I was am duly honoured with your favor of the 12 Inst^t by cap.^t Sparks. It is true that Judge Campble has Lodged a complaint, stating that two of your officers on the third Instant arrested him on his own premises, and within the line of the State of tennessee - You are pleased to mention that you have nothing to fear, from any report the Judge can make, provided he adhers [sic] to truth - permit me to assure you sir, that I have not ^the smallest doubt of your candor, and readiness, to Justify your own conduct, either in this or any other complaint case; nor I do I believe you would intentionally, violate the laws of your country or abridge the ^liberty, or priviledges of the Citizens - If the statement in the Judges complaint is correct, the conduct of the two officers, who arrested him is unjustifiable not warranted to so far as I am capable of Judging,