Early Governors' Papers

nashville April 15, 1797

Sir

Inclosed you have letter from the Chickasaws The barrers which are five Chickasaws inform me that Woolf's Friend desired I might open your Excellency's letter, as the barrer had a virble message for me to let your Excellency know the incroachment on there land was meant mr Cox and Co: - as they ware informed preparations ware making at Knoxville to take settlers to the Bent of Tennessee and to inform you that should Mr Cox or any other person make attempt to settle thare that the Chickasaw Nation will ameadeately strike them as they have given him notes not to do it and they wish your excellency to give him such notice and that Mr Cox is to have no dependence on a few Chickasaws granting him permission for such permission is not by the consent of teh Chickasaw Nation and Sir, it is my opinion if Mr. Cox should make such attempts that Blood will be emeadeatley shed and perhaps cause an Indian war on the United States. I hope mr Cox good sense will dictate to him that this is a very unfavorable time, and that a few years years may turn up much more in his favour.

My Brother Elijah Robertson departed this life yesterday, he has had a severe attack of the Sandres on that exeses of drinking of spirits. As we are now with out a judge and it is with in your province to appoint one Major Howel Tatum has informed me he will serve till next assembly if your excellency should think proper to give him such commission. I shall still expect and hope to see you at may court - I am your Excellencys very humble servant

J S Robertson

Governor Sevier