1

Knoxville 17 August 1797

Sir

I should have done myself the honor of communicating to
you long ere this, had things been such that I could have
detailed with certainty anything interesting

We seem to be ^in suspense with regard to French affairs,
and various are the opinions with ^in respect to that business. I
believe the friends of America all hope a compromise will
be the result, and Great confidence is placed in the
Envoys likely appointed to adjust negotiate with the
French Republic, and I earnestly hope the conduct
of our diplomatic characters will bring about an honorable
and amicable reconciliation between the two Nations.

It is with pain I inform you, that one of the senators
of this state has imprudently involved himself in very
serious difficulties, and such already has been the
consequence, that his expulsion from the senate has taken
place, and as a further punishment ^impeachment is carrying on against
him by the house of Representatives, for which purpose a Committee
is appointed to sit in the recess of Congress, who are
sending