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State of Tennessee

To the Sheriff of Hawkins County

Sir

I am just now informed by an express from
the Governor of the state of Kentucky, that a most cruel,
daring, and unprovoked Murder was perpetrated by Edward
Mitchell and John Levingston citizens of this State and inhabi=
tants of Hawkins County, on two indians of the Cherokee nation
(one of the name of Red Bird) who was hunting in the State
of Kentucky on the waters of Kentucky river.

The perpetrations such horrid and unwarrantable
an acts, is contrary to the treaties existing between the United
States and the Indian tribes, as also all laws human and
divine, and such aggressions ought to meet examplary and
adequate punishment suitable to the demerit of their crimes,
agreeably to the laws they have so flagrantly and wantonly
violated.

In conformity to the demand made by His Excellency
the