Early Governors' Papers

Knoxville 28th April 1796

Sir

This moment I have rec.^d information ^by letter from a Mr. Pucket that a party of indians to the amount of ten or twelve, fired on, a John Bird, Robert Henderson, & John Phillips Citizen of Sevier County; they returned the fire, and say they Killed one Indian, and wounded another, it is said supposed ^this happened on the west fork about 25 miles above the forks of Little Pidgion [sic], The men was out hunting horses that they supposed was Stolen, and while on the Trails was fired upon. I have wrote to the indians ^relative to the affair. The Contents you will see have an opportunity of seeing - -

I most earnestly wish to Keep the peace between the two parties, but this seems an unfavourable Circumstance I have no Doubt of your good offices to effect, concilat Concilatory measures, and beg you will intrerest take Every Method your prudence will dictate to promote Effort the same

I have the honor to be sir With respect & Esteem Your M^o. Obed. Hbl. Sev.^t

John Sevier