1

Knoxville 4th May 1798

Sir

Your favor of the the 23 March ultimo, I have the
honor to acknowledge is duly come to hand, with
the enclosed proclamation which ^latter has been duly notified
to the Citizens at large, promulgated as much extensively as possible
agreably to the short time for the purpose -

It is with I learn with regret, the
menaceding situation of the United States on the other hand but should
a war to take place between them and any european
nations, I shall ^on the other hand I feel a consolation in hopeing [sic] that
nothing has been neglected on our parts, the part of our Gen^l government, to conciliate
and amicably adjust, any difference ^or complaints that have
taken place - I beg you to believe ^sir, that in case
a war should take place between the United States, and
any of the european nations, that you will find us
firmly disposed to give lend every aid & support, that may
Shall be within our power ^to protect and defend our common country of which you will please
to inform assure the president, and let him understand
that I will heartily ^& cordially together with the good people of this state, cooperate in the protection
of our common country,- I have on not far
from this place, and on the main river holeston, I have
a valuable set of new Iron Works, suitable for casting of