Early Governors' Papers

Archibald Roane Governor in and over the state of Tennessee

To the Honorable David Campbell, Andrew Jackson, and Hugh Lawson White, judges of the Superior Courts of law and Equity in and for the said state.-

The [Jailer?] of Knox County [by recipient?] to me that Stephen Duncan [illegible] Dixon and [illegible] Childress are now confined in the [Jail of?] Hamilton District on a charge of murder, and that he [illegible] Jail to be very [illegible] sufficient for the same keeping of said [illegible] [Thereby?] [illegible] to the [powers?] [illegible] [illegible] [illegible] [signing?] [entitled?] An Act in [Addition?] [to?] [the?] [act?] [illegible] an act to amend the act establishing courts of law and regulating the proceedings thereof, I do hereby empower you or any one of you to hold a court of [illegible] and Terminer pursuant to the thirty eighth section of the aforesaid [damage] amendatory act.

In Testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Tennessee to be affixed at Knoxville the 15th day of Juyly 1803.~

signed

Archibald Roane

By the Governor W^m Maclin Secretary

(CIRCULAR)

PHILADELPHIA Dec. 27th, 1796,

SIR,

THE Speech of the President of the United States to Congress, delivered on the 7th instant, contains the following paragraph.

" While in our external relations, some serious inconveniences and embarassments have been overcome, and others lessened, it is with much pain, and deep regret I mention, that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature, have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered, and is suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies, from the cruisers, and agents of the French Republic; and communications have been received from its Minister here, which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority; and which are, in other respects, far from agreeable.

" It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest with, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony, and a perfectly friendly understanding with that Republic. This with remains unabated; and I shall perservere in the endeavour to fulfil [sic] it, rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candor and friendship, on the part of the Republic, will eentually ensure success.

"In pursuing the course, however, I cannot forget what is due to the character of our government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect and fortitude of my countrymen.

"I reserve for a special message, a more particular communication on this interesting subject."

You will ask, "what are we to expect war or peace with France?" I answer that I have not heard any person say war, and people in general hope peace.

Information is here lately received, and is believed correct, that the French Republic have stipulated with Spain for two Floridas, and a part of Louisiana; by a part of Louisiana you are to understand, a part of the Spanish dominions on the west and adjoining the Mississippi, but what particular part I have not heard.-And not knowing the motives nor conditions, upon which the change of sovereignty of so large a tract of country has taken place, I can offer no opinion as to the effect it will have upon our State, and the other transatlantic inhabitants.

The Secretary of war yesterday reported to the House of Representatives upon the Petition of Hugh Lawson White, which was presented to Congress in the year 1794, and immediately referred to the Secretary to report. -The Prayer of this Petition payment for his services performed in the Cherokee nation, in the 1793, under the command of General Sevier. I have not seen the Report, but I am informed that it constians a statement of the facts, without any opinion for or against, and it stands for the order of the day tomorrow, in this House to which it has been made: so that a decision of Congress will be made this session, whether the officers and soldiers who served under General Sevier in 1793, in the Cherokee nation, will be paid or not. I hope the determination will be in the affirmative, but of this I am by no means certain.

I will inclose [sic] a copy of the Secretary's Report to the Printer of the Knoxville Gazette, with a request he will publish it for the information of such of the citizens of Tennessee as it may concern.

It is generally understood for whom all the States except Georgia, Kentuckey and Tennessee have voted for President and Vice President; and from the best judgment that can be formed how those three states will probably vote, it is believed Mr. John Adams will be President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice President.

A Committee was yeterday appointed in the Senate to report "a Bill giving effect to the laws of the United States within the State of Tennessee," which will no doubt pass without opposition, as similar acts have passed upon the admission of Vermont, and other States.

From the newness of the session, and the extreme coldness of the weather, Congress have done very little business, except appoint Committees to report Bills, decide upon Petitions, &c.

I have reason to believe three companies of regular troops (infantry) will be ordered to the frontiers of Tennessee, for the preservation of peace and order.

I am Respectfully, Your Obediant Servant

W^m Blount