1

Knoxville 16 August 1797

Sir

Yours of this day I am 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 M^r Blount to Col. 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 &
examine the contents. Inclosed is an order
agreably 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
that you are in such Case permitted to send forward
the same to government, or otherwise should
the correspondence appear innocent, you are requested
to close the seals and offer no further interruption

I am respectfully &c