1

Knoxville 20 August 1797

M.^r Zachariah Cox

Sir

For some time past Since your arrival
in this state, various reports are ^in Circulation respecting
An intended expedition you are about to make, -

As It appears to be a matter of ^some importance
to this Government, through part of which I am informed
you intend your route, to become acquainted ^& informed of with your
intentions, and place of destination. I flatter myself
you will have no objections to communicate, and lay
before the executive ^of this state, ^the place of your intended operations and
movements, at what place, place you intend making
A stand, or settlement, and by what [? ?]
means are enabled conceive yourself at liberty ^& entitled to pros-
ecute the same -I You will not consider this application
as arising from any doubt in me, that your equip
ments or operations ^is intended to will be inimical, to this or the United
States