Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville th 8 July- 1800

Sir

I received your Letter Yesterday relative to the murder of M.^r Kirkpatricks Son and Kuzers and will state to you my proceedings on this unhappy occasion

M.^r Kirkpatrick waited on me sometime since and told me the suspicion he had on his mind that both his Son and Kuzers were murdered by the Indians; having myself had information from Tellico that some of the Cherokees had gone from the nation probably upon a bad intent, I was led to make enquiries respecting them, and was informed by Hicks (a half breed and an Interpreter) that he beleived the two men name were murdered by some of the Cherokees, and mentioned to me one of the Indians supposed to be accessary to the Murder by the name of Sau'cer. or the Goose; the other he did not recollect the name of. Having got this information I gave it to M^r. Kirkpatrick and

advised him to go to So. W. Point, where, he would see the Commanding Officer and the Agent M^r Lewis, when it was probable he might get at the truth, recommending him however to rely on the Government for Justice, and to follow the advise of Colonel Butler and Major Lewis, by him, I wrote to both those Gentlemen and urged their exertions on the occasion, particulary as M^r. Kirkpatrick behaved with such moderation and good conduct.

I have seen the Colonel and the Agent since they informed me they were taking such measures to secure the guilty Indians as appeared to them proper but if they have finally succeeded I have not been informed. ~

I now acquaint your Excellen cy that I shall set off this evening or toMorrow Morning and if I can be of use in bringing those Indians forward to the barr of Justice I will make my exertions steadly operate with the other Officers of Government for the purpose.

with respect - I have the honor to be your Excellencys most obed^t Hm Servant

-David Henley-

Governor Seveir [sic]