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Knoxville 4th July 1798

Gentlemen

Gen^l. James Robertson of Mero District, James
Stuart Speaker of the house of representatives, and
Major Lachlan McIntosh of Knoxville who are appointed
agents on the part of the state, will have the honor of
delivering you this letter -

Believing you are authorized by the
United States to extinguish the claim of the
Cherokees so far, as they may be induced to sell, they
will have my instructions to facilitate such extinguish=
ment, as far as in their power, and fully to state to
you the claims of the people they represent -

permit me to remark Gentlemen, that this
Appointment is not made under any apprehension
that the Commissioners appointed by United States,
will in any manner be inattentive to the rights and
interests of the people of Tennessee, but their remote
and unconnected situation with the affairs of this
Country, places many very interesting circumstances and
wants intirely [sic] out of their reach knowledge. A recurrence
and development of some facts, through the aid
of our agents, I am led to believe will greatly
facilitate your negotiation, and avail the