1

Knoxville 17 January 1797

Sir

Since my last nothing of Material Moment, excepting that
several Waggons on the road through the Wilderness to Cumberland
have been plundered by the indians supposed to be the Chicasaw, and
some of them left without a horse, supposed to be done by the Cherokees.

The agent to the Cherokees has complained about settlements
being made as low down as the tennessee, on which subject
I to him replied, a copy of which is herein inclosed for your
information, should any thing on that head be brought sent forward
To the department of War. It will elucidate in some measure
the circumstances attending the matter, and you will take such
measures in your wisdom will best promote the interest of the state.
I wish the line could be extended to the Tennessee.

It has for some time past been reported that one Indian
Was killed, and another wounded, on the waters of Clinch; I
hope the report is not true, and Iam induced so to believe from
this reason, that neither the indians nor agent have compained
to me on the Occasion.

Our post ^rider has several times been disappointed in meeting
with and receiving in order the mail at Abingdon, which neglect
may prove very injurious to us. A letter from the Department of