1

Knoxville 20 August 1797

Zachariah Cox esquire.

Sir

Since your arrival in this State
various reports are in Circulation respecting an intended
expedition you are about to make.

It appears to be a matter of importance to
this Government, (through part of which I am informed
you intend your route) to become acquainted and
informed of 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 plan of your intended opperations and
movements, at what place you intend making a
Stand or Settlement and by what authority
you