Early Governors' Papers

The finances of the state are under investigation, and will meets with due attention. ~

It is with extreme pain, that the legislature have to notice the most atrocious ^murder of Runion - Every aid in the power of the general assembly, will be cheerfully rendered in cooperation with the Executive to bring the perpetrator to condign punishment. The importance of communication between this state and its sister states, is of a too promi=nent nature to be overlooked, the most rigid attention to this point will meet legislative observation ~ The general assembly will with pleasure cooperate with you, in every measure that will tend to promote the honor, dignity & prosperity of the state of Tennessee -

Signed

Tho^s A Claiborne Chairman

and examine how far and regular settlements as required by law have been made, the publick monies expended, and for what purposes.

It appears to the Executive that some time in the year 1802 a very barbarous and atrocious murder was Committed by the cherokees on the body of a young man by the name of Runion, residing in the County of Sevier, and it does not appear by any documents in the office of state, that the perpetrators have been apprehended, or any sufficient satisfaction rendered from the offending party, to the injured and grossly insulted state. This transaction having taken place in the time of my Predecessor, I would therefore pray you Gentlemen, to give your instru =ctions to the Executive on this Occasion -

I submit to your consideration the importancy of opening Roads leading towards the nearest Ports within any one of our sister states, and the great utility of Facilitating the navigation of our Rivers so far as may be within ^the compas of your resources

I shall reserve for farther communication such matters and relations as may deserve and merit your attention, beging of the Honourable the Legislature to be assured, that the Executive will with cheerfulness and promptitude coopperate in every measure that will tend to promote to the honor, Dignity, and prosperity of the state

John Sevier

Knoxville 7th October 1803.