1

Knoxville 16^th August 1797

Sir

Yours of this day Iam duly honored with, in which
you mention that a large packet of letters is now in the post
office, directed in the hand writing of Mr Blount to Col^o
John McKee, and that probably the contents of the same may
be inconsistent with the peace and interest of the United States.

You also request my approbation, and an order to the post
master for you, to break the seal and examine the contents.
Incolsed is an order agreeably to your request and if you
should find any thing in the intimated letter or letters that
appear to be inimical to the interest, welfare, and public tranquility
of the United States or either of them, you are in such case per=
=mitted to send forward the same to Government, or otherwise
should the correspondence appear innocent you are
requested