Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 13th March 1799.

Sir

Iam duly honored with yours of the 11th instant, Ihave had also the honor of receiving Governor Sargents letter of 15th January ult. I have been am creditally informed that Z. Cox, on Oath ^having been first made, by Lieu^t W^m P Smith, by V a warrant Issueding from The Honble Judge McNairy ^on which he was arrested and underwent an examination before the judge, after which was returned bound in Cognizance to appear again at some a future day before the

What charges has been exhibited against Cox Iknow not particularly, but suppose it must be for from information some treasonable offenses against the United States: Admitting such to be the case, it would be premature in ^at this time for the executive of Te this State, either to order ^him out of the custody, or, prevent a the trial before a Federal tribunal; Whose powers are a competant for the trying trial trying and punishingment of all crimes and misdemeanors, ^that may be have been alleged to have been committed.

permit me to inform you sir, that a speedy enquiry will be made respecting the affair & Case of Cox, and provided no lawful impediment appear to be in the way, every compliance and respect, will be duly paid Governor Sargents request, I have the honor &c

John Sevier

Col. Butler

Knoxville 23 March 1799.

The Honble Judge McNairy

Sir

And application from Governor Sargent has been made to the Executive of Tennessee, respecting Zachariah Cox's Escape from the Natchez- I have been well informed that Cox was apprehended and examined befor =e your Honor, relative to some charges alledged Against him, that he was ^again bound in Cognizance to appear at a future date to answer such Accusations as would might be exhibited against him; the result The result Ihave not ^been fully informed off the result. I have now ^now beg leave to request sir, you will be so oblidging as to cause me, to be furnished with a copy transcript of the proceedings against Cox, that has taken place before your honor against Cox on that Occasion; as it will be highly necessary for me to be informed the particulars as my conduct must in some a great measure be directed governed thereby

I have the honor &c -

Judge McNairy

Bull Canton March 11^th 1799-

Sir/

I have the honor of announcing to your Excellency, the receipt of a letter of instructions, from the Hon^ble. Winthrop Serj^t. Governor of the Mississippi Teritory [sic], under the date of the 15^th Jan.^y 1799: wherein I am informed, that he has written to your Excellency, demanding that M^r. Zachariah Cox, be delivered to such agent, as I may direct to receive him, in order, that he may be conducted to said Teritory [sic] for trial -

However disagreeable such duty may be, yet it is proper for me to inform your Excellency, that your [instructions?] shall be duly attended to, and a person directed to receive M^r. Cox, should you so direct, of which you will please advise me -

I am sir, with respect, your Humb^l. serv^t.

Tho^s. Butler L^t. Co^l.

His Excellency John Sevier Governor of Tennessee