1

Knoxville 24 April 1797

Sir

Mess^r Hawkins & Pickens are in the vicinity,
About to commence ascertaining and marking the
line, which causes much disquietude among
those which have apprehensions of falling within
the indian limits, as also a number of others who
have claims to lands that may fall within the same

I hope I shall not be understood as having
Any intention of dictating to the Executive of the
United States, but with all due deference beg
leave to observe and very sincerely request, that if
it should still happen (which I pray may be averted)
A ruption between the United States and any of the
European powers; that the raising of the line could
be evaded and procrastinated until a time more
suitable would present itself, for such a purpose -

I am fully aware of the necessity of Quieting and
harmonizing the disposition of the indians, but beg
leave to observe that good and satisfactory reasons
may be given for a suspension, especially if they