Early Governors' Papers

15

The General Assembly of Mississippi, passed a resolution at their last session directing the Governor to appoint a suitable person to ascertain and designate the point where the thirty fifth degree of North latitude crossess the Missisippi river, for the purpose as is alleged, of hereafter establishing the line between that State and Tennessee. The Governor addressed a letter to me requesting the co-operation of Tennesee in accomplishing the business. In reply I informed him that I had no authority to make an appointment for that purpose; and requested him to delay the execu tion of the work, until after the commencement of your present meeting, expressing a conviction that you would authorize the appointment of some person to aid in procuring the information which he desired. Notwithstanding it is believed, that the line as establish ed by the commissioner of the United States in eighteen hundred and nineteen, was run with great care and accuracy, yet the courtesy which is due to a sister state, would sum to require that some person of scientific attainments should be appointed to aid in ascertaining the true point, at which the thirty fifth degree of North latitude crosses the Misssissippi river. It will be necessary at the present session to pass a law authorizing the choice of electors to vote for President and Vice President of the United States; and in the performance of this duty [page damaged] must be had to the act of congress

(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

The settlement on Tombigby the letter i and those bordering on the Mississippi K

If your Excellency should concur with me in opinion I request you to publish this regulation and to recommend to my fellow citizens over whom you have the honour to preside and who may be affected by it to conform to it.

I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir, your Excellencys most obedient serv^t.

Benjamin Hawkins agent for Indian affairs South of Ohio.

His Excellency The Governor of the State of Tennessee

The settlemants [sic] on Tomigby The letter i and those bordering on the Mississippi K.

If your Excellency should concur with me in opinion I request you to publish this regulation and to recommend to my fellow citizens over whom you have the honour to preside and who may be affected by it to conform to it.

I have the honour to be very respectfully Sir, your Excellencys most obedient Serv^t

Benjamin Hawkins agent for Indian office South of Ohio

His Excellency The Governor of the State of Tennessee.