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Knoxville 18th June 1802
Sir
General Wilkinson and Col. Butler wrote to me
some time ago that it was the order of the Executive of
the United States that the road to be opened in the route to
Natchez should be commenced at Nashville and requested
the concurrence of the State to licence and give permanen
cy to such an establishment --- The Legislature
not being in session application was made to the Courts
of Davidson and Willliamson Counties to pass orders to
have the road viewed and marked as far as the
Indian boundary line. --- I have been informed that
no difficulty will occur with respect to the county
of Davidson, they are anxious that the road should
be opened and will agree to any convenient route
The Court of Williamson County (which joins the Indian line) have
made orders that a road be viewed and marked
from the Indian Boundary where it intersects the road
to Natchez cut by the troops of the United States, the
nearest and best way to Franklin (the County town) and
from Franklin the nearest and best way towards Nashville
to the Davidson County line --- I am informed
Col. Butler declined opening the road in that route alleg
ing that he is not authorized by his orders because the
road by Franklin will be three or four miles longer than
a direct route from the boundary line to Nashville --
It was contemplated to remove all difficulty by endea
vouring to procure the consent of the owners of the lands thru
which a road in the most direct rout would probably pass
but on inquiry this is found to be impracticable at present
as many of the proprietors are non-resident.
It is to be regretted that an object so highly important to
the citizens of this State and Kentucky cannot be carried into