1

Knoxville 1 May 1798

D.^r Sir

There is daily complaints and petitions coming
forward from the people of the valley, seting [sic]
forth their distresses which I believe is truly ^bears very heavy
on the poor people of that quarter - I am solicited
by some people of the inhabitants to state their
case to you, and if possible to obtain some more
indulgence, than has heitherto [sic] been affoarded [sic]. They
complain that and seem to think, that it is not the
wish that at times the conduct of some of the officers
appear to be ^very rigorously executed , and much pains
is taken, to apprehend the poor inhabitants, who
Are from their [sic] indigent circumstances, ^& extreme wants obidged
to visit their little ^late farms in order to collect & procure
something to supply their families upon- I am well
convinced that the general government is disposed
to render those unfortunate people relief- And
I am also satisfied that the critical situation of
American affairs requires the utmost harmony &
Uninimity amongst ourselves ^at the present day - I believe sir, in
this, you will readily concur with me in opinion,
such being the case, I must earnestly hope, that
every any favourable indulgence you can consistantly
with your duty will be extended towards those unhappy
sufferers.