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Knoxville 20 August 1797

Fellow Citizens

Iam in informed from by good authority, that the
President of the United States, have given directions for all
those who are settled on indian lands to ^be removed therefrom,
and instructed the commandant of the Federal troops ^commanding in the state of Tennessee to take
necessary measures^ for carrying the same into full effect; However well
perswaded Iam that many of you have resided a number of years
on your present plantations, and having and agreably to the laws of the State
you were ^then Citizens thereof, procured titles for your said the lands
now in question; Iam ^nevertheless induced, from a duty of and regard to the laws
and authority of the General Government, as also your non interest
and safety, and for the preservation of peace and good order
within the state; to request that you, and every of you, strictly comply
with, and pay due ^regard & observance to all such requests requirements and
directions as you may receive from the ^by authority of the executive