Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 27^th August 1803

Dear Sir,

I have received Official information that the President by Proclamation has required the members of Congress to convene on the 17^th of October next. The late "Convention with the French Republic involving a Cession of Louisiana" which is to be submitted to Congress is a subject very important to the interests of the United States, and to the Western Country in particular - Tennessee ought to be fully represented at the commencement of the Session.

It is certain that you are again elected a Representative I would therefore request you not to wait for the Official Notification of your Election, as it might probably not reach you in time after the returns from the votes are counted out by the several counties are exam shall are ex amined by the legislature

I am &c

Archibald Roane

D^r William Dickson

(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

New Orleans November 18 / 1847

Your Excellency, It was probably before your in= auguration, that I addressed the Executive Department of Tennessee, soliciting the appoinment of Commissioner for that State, to have in Louisiana.

Under the fuss of new Executive [illegible], and the cans devoting afar all leviment ruler in the Legislature by reason of the present past? Close Contrast for U.S. Senator, I presume that my ap= plication has been for the moment overlooked.

I trust your Excellency will pardon me for taking a moment of your time by an - application: By my good friend M^r. Claiborne had trusted me by his letter to renew my [illegible], and with this, to enclose his Communication.

Please excuse the enclosure of my "card" twice I wish your Excellency to fill, that if you wrongfully appoint me, you will serve in excellent Company. With high esteem

Y'Excellency's Obt. Servt. Albert Childe Ainsworth

His Excellency Neill S. Brown Gov' of Tennessee

Governor Brown Nashville

A. W. Jourdan Louisiana

Hon. N S Brown

Sir, I have this day settled with William Honeycut in relation to the Crofford claim from Louisiana I find the amount in his hands as the advocate of Robert Honeycut after paying debts &c was in December 1841- $2277.61. James Honeycut was entitled to our 8^th of this amount which is $284.70, I could not compell [sic] him to pay interest. He filed his answer asserting he has at all times been ready to pay to the said James, or his legal representative when called on, his father says, he has not used the money in any way under these state of facts. I could not comp-ell [sic] him to pay in trust. How is Mr & Mrs Crofford to get the money, give me their address, and I will write to them, I have no news of importance, Eldridge, Davis Walker, Williamson, Schoggers, and [Millfross?] have appointments to address the people in evry [sic] part of Giles County within the next two days - I am staying at home, as I tell them for the purpose of keeping the [?] from taking the Town,

, Yours &c A.R. Richardson