Early Governors' Papers

Highwassee Garrison 11^th April 1809.

Sir

From information lately received I conclude that you will direct that the Cherokee Chiefs be invited to meet the Commissioners between the 1^st & 20^th August next to negotiate with them for the extinguishment of the Indian title to the land, lying within the chartered limits of the state, particularly to the lands bounded on the south by the Mississippi Territory. The Cherokee lands in that water may be estimated at about one million three hundred thousand acres. The Tennessee line will divide the tract probably nearly iin equal parts as to quantity; leaving a very valuable tract lying on the river not less than fifty miles included in the mississippi Territory The title to the tract probably might be extinguished at the same time if the Executive should think proper to direct it. It would be saving of some expense & perhaps determine the Indians in that quarter to go over the Mississippi where a great many of their friends are already gone the last year.

The tract yet owned by the Cherokees on the north side of Tennessee River ^above Tellico it his presumed is about the same quantity of that first mentioned; & I know that it has years ago been in contemplation to part with the two tracks, & the upper Cherokees to have the pay for the upper tract, & the lower Cherokees to have the pay for the lower trackt - On this account the whole may be as easily, or more easily obtained than a part. I am sir very respectfully Return J Meigs

Governor Sevier.

John Lowry, Cherokee Cheif to Gov Sevier 1809

Answd the 10th Augt P[er] Cap G W Sevier Highwassee 8th June 1809

Missent

8

The united [Seal] Lowry

His Eccellency John Sevier Knoxville