Early Governors' Papers

Plumb Grove 4 July 1797

D.^r Sir

Yours of the 6 Ult. by M^r. Smith came duly to hand this day - you are pleased to mention that you have ^not rec.^d any information respecting the line to be run between the indians and ourselves -

Circumstances have been such that put it out of my power to say much on that head, for as yet little is done - The Commissioners proceeded on to there, where they took their [Course?] So. from Nashville to the ridge between Duck & Cumberland ^rivers in order to ascertain the point 40 miles above the Nashville - The last Accounts from them was that they had not ^then found the spot point, this report came forward a few day, past since;

I am induced to believe that the indians themselves will not have it run agreably to the principles of the treaty, particularly that part on the Cumberland

(Map of Muscle Shoals that mentions the following)

Big Tombigby Creek

Duck River

Knob Creek

Fountain Creek

Rutherford Creek

From here North is [plates?] 400 poles to the inch

From this place is a County road to

5 Miles

(Map of Muscle Shoals that mentions the following)

Duck River

Knob Creek

Rutherford Creek

From here North is [plates?] 400 poles to the inch

West Harpeth

From this place is a County road to

5 Miles 3 & ^1/2 Miles

Franklin Big Harpeth

August 22d 1803

Dr Sir,

Trainum who last spring stole Mr. Montgomerys horse, and who afterwards (as I have heard) was supposed to have stolen one from Capt. Joseph Payton of Jackson County was seen at the Crab Orchard last Thursday evening in Company with a man who had lost an ear

I have had information that it is strongly suspected that they lately murdered Maj. Brashear of Kentucky at the Kegg Spring near Duck River on the post road leading to Natchez and robbed him of 2000 dollars in Gold, and some silver. As I have no doubt Trainum is guilty of horse stealing and from the circumstances believe him guilty of the robbery and Murder above stated I am anxious that he should be apprehended for trial and wish you could make such inquiries as might lead to a discovery whether he has been in his old range on Clinch, and what rout [sic] he has gone, Whether he has deposited money there, &c

I have thought it ^might be prudent to conceal the information respecting the Murder ^to wait defaming him until some further intelligence can be had respecting him. I know you detest a Villain and will do on this occasion what prudence and a love of Justice may dictate

I am &c Archibald Roane

Henry Breazeale Esq^r Roane County

22^d August 1803

Dear Sir,

Trainum who formerly lived on Clinch, who stole M^r Montgomery horse last spring and swapped him in your county. Was seen last thursday evening at the Crab Orchard well mounted and armed with pistols, in company with a man who has lost an ear, It is conjectured they were bound for Stockdon Valley. I have heard that you suspected the same Trainum for stealing a horse from you, and that you had never yet been able to find him. I have thought proper to give you this information that you may have it in your power to use those measures you may think necessary. I will also add that from the information I have received ^it appears very probable that Trainum was lately guilty of murdering and robbing Maj^r Brashear of Kentucky near Duck river on the road from Natchez to Nashville

If this charge can be made supported against him, the person who apprehends him will be entitled to a reward of four hundred Dollars

I have thought it prudent not to circulate that suspicion here generally of his being guilty of the murder until the measures I have taken I can ascertain whether he will venture back to Clinch where he formerly resided. He is so notorious a Villain that I am anxious he should be apprehended and brought to Justice.

D^r Sir &c

Archibald Roane

Cap^t Joseph Taylor Jackson County