1

Jonesbro 12th December 1796

Sir

As there seems to be different opinions among the best
informed respecting the right of ^to the Vacant Lands C[page torn off]
the United States by N^o Carolina in their seso Act [page torn off]
Are of the opinion that the in Claim right of Congress was at an end, [page torn off]
from the time of the Admission of the state; nor others .... ....
the and their is others who are in a opposition to that op[inion]

As to my own part I confess [?] Iam in [page torn off]
of the former, and [?] of the it is my opinion that the [page torn off]
[page damaged]
[?] that the people of N^o Carolina ever had
was claimed in their Constitution. was it otherways, we should
not ^equally stand possessed of those free and independent
Rights and privileges as the original states do enjoy,
and is declared we should, ^participate after a certain fixed period. As you
are in full possession of all the facts ^& circumstances relative to [?]
the [?] circumstance; I shall not deem it unnecessary to trouble you with any farther
detail ^on the subject but beg leave to suggest, that it will be
necessary and consistant with ^the interest of my state
for our members in Congress ^be opposed to the sale the disposal ..
of any of our unappropriated lands [?] and make no doubt
You will be [?] watchful of [?] over