Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 20 December 1807.

To the Black Fox head Cheif [sic] of the Cherokee Nation}

Brother - Your letter of the 27 of August last have come duly to hand - I would have Wrote you some time ago, but was waiting to get a report from Colonel Meigs to find out if possible in our [powers?] who, or what Nation of people had murdered some of our Citizens -

The Colonel about that time was going to Elk River, and promised he would endeavor to find out who had done the mischief, Since his return he has written to me, giving information, that it was the Creeks that killed the two men - I am glad to hear it was not your people; but at the same time I am sorry to learn you suffer the Creeks to come so much among you, when you know they are enemies to our people, and always do mischief when ever they have it in their power - Would you not think it unfriendly in us, if we was to suffer another nation of people to pass through and live in our Country, who would murder and destroy your people when ever they had an opportunity? Yes brother you would think and rightly too, that we did not act like friends. I am informed that the Creeks have built Huts, and is living on the banks of the Tennessee; What business have they there? They have none only to be convenient to kill some of our people, and plunder our Boats as they are going down the River - You know the Creek people are Rougues Roug Rogues, and you say steal from and robb [sic] your own people: If it be true, why dont you drive them from out of your Country? for a people who both murders & steals, aught not to be suffered to live in any place - You are surely able

N^o. 3

Letter to the Black Fox, cheif [sic] of the Cherokee Nation in regard to the Creek Indians living in their Nation

1807

Sevier.

Knoxville 6 August 1809

Sir

I have received your letter of the 25th July ult, wherein you have mentioned your intention of shortly seting out for the nation on your way to the Treaty - I am sorry to inform you that I have just received a letter from Col^o Meigs enclosing the Copy of a letter from the black Fox who states that the Indians cant meet us before the 25th of September- What is the cause of this disappointment Iam at a loss to know, but have my suspicion which is Ibelieve very well grounded, that some persons inimical to our Country, and also unfriendly to myself is the cause, Iam far from censureing Col^o Meigs on the Occasion - Ibelieve from what I can learn it is done in order, as well as to frustrate a favorable Treaty, to prevent my attendance also, knowing it will be inconvennient for me to attend in the time of the Assembly siting as I am chosen senator for Knox County- It will be necessary for me to attend ^be at the Treaty having made arrangments that must be attended to, which Itrust will be very usefull to the state- I have written to Col^o Meigs that it is my opinion we cannot attend, as they have put off the Treaty before the last of October or first of November, and I am of opinion that it would be but to put it off until the last of November- I have been constantly of the opinion that the longer the Treaty could be put off the better, for the Indians are becoming more and more attached to the West side of the Mississippi, and are constantly going off to that Country and of course less attached to their own- many more things I could name, but were it is unnecessary to you

Knoxville 20 December 1807

To the Black Fox head Cheif [sic] of the Cherokee Nation}

Brother - your letter of the 27 of August last have come duly to hand - I would have wrote you some time ago, but was waiting to get a report from Colonel Meigs to find out if possible in our powers who or what nation of people had murdered some of our Citizens-

The Colonel about that time was going to Elk River, and promised he would endeavor to find out who had done the mischief, Since his return he has written to me giving information, that it was the Creeks that killed the two men - I am glad to hear it was not your people; but at the same time I am sorry to learn you suffer the Creeks to come so much among you, when you know they are enemies to our people, and always do mischief when ever they have it in their power - Would you not think it unfriendly in us, if we were to suffer another nation of people to pass through and live in our Country, who would murder and destroy your people When ever they had an opportunity? Yes brother you would think and rightly too, that we did not act like friends. I am informed that the Creeks have built Huts and is living on the banks of the Tennessee; what business have they there? They have none only to be convenient to kill some of our people, and plunder our Boats as they are going down the River- You know the Creek people are Rougues Roug Rogues, and you say steal from and robb [sic] your own people: If it be true, why dont you drive them from out of our Country? for a people who both murder & steals aught [sic] not to be suffered to live in any place - You are surely able

N^o. 3

Letter to the Black Fox, cheif [sic] of the Cherokee Nation