Early Governors' Papers

State of Tennessee

Nashville 12 May 1797

Sir

I have the honor to enclose in this you a Commission protempore, appointing you one of the Judges of the Superior courts of Law & equity held within this State - I hope I have my hopes & wishes that the same will be acceptable & agreable to you, and if so, have no doubt the duties of such an & such an important & conspicuous office, will be fulfilled ^discharged with honor & reputation to yourself and satisfaction to your Country -

I have the honor to be with very sincere and ^very great esteem

sir,

Your m.^o obed.^t & Hbl serv.^t

J. Sevier

Howell Tatom esq.^r

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

Plumb Grove 8th July 1797

Sir

It is with extreme pain I am informed that the indians have again lately done some damage, by wounding a man some where near unto Sharps Station - what can induce at this time such a conduct I am at a loss to understand, as they are sensible every measure is pursuing to accommodate their complaints -

Since I had the pleasure of seeing you at Nashville, I have been well informed, that there is emissaries in the Nation, and I wish they may not be stimulating these deluded people to commence hostilities - Imake no doubt permit me to request that you will exert your influence, to have the aggressor punished

John Sevier Governor and commander in Cheif [sic] in and over the State of Tennessee

To all to whom these presents shall come Greeting

It is made known to me that at the last Superior Court Held for the district of Mero at ^the town of Nashville, a Certain William Sutherland was Indicted on a charge of feloniously [stealing?], taking, and carrying Away, two negro Slaves, the property of Captain Donohoo, for which felony he was found Guilty, And sentence of Death ^have passed on him, which sentence Was to be put into execution on the 20th ^day of december (instant)

Now know ye, that a number of respectable Citizens of this State, have represented to me, that the said William Sutherland have heretofore sustained, a fair & respectable Character, and pray that mercy may be extended towards him, and being ever desireous to extend mercy and clemency to all those who may be fit objects to obtain ^& receive the same, I do hereby Grant a pardon to & reprieve ^to the aforesaid William Sutherland and consign to oblivion the Crime & felony aforesaid -

Given under my hand & seal in Knoxville the 12th day of December Anno Dom, 1797.

By the Governor.

Knoxville 14^th February 1798

Gentlemen,

In consequence of numerous frauds supposed to have been committed by William Terrell, and others, in obtaining warrants and grants for lands within the boundary reserved for the Officers and soldiers of the North Carolina Continental line, the Legislature of that said state, have appointed a Committee of for the purpose of seizing, upon and coveying to the City Raleigh, the records and papers of the Office of Martin Armstrong, which committee have went on to Nashville for the purpose aforesaid.

I wish to be informed wheather [sic] it will be proper for the executive to suffer the Committee to