Sevier_Letter_161_46885

Knoxville 15 July 1798

D^r Sir

The Commissioners met the Cherokees in treaty a few days ago, the result was that the Indians would not relinquish or sell one inch of land, the Commiss ioners on discerning their disposition of the indians, thought best on taking the advice consulting with the state agents, to adjourn the treaty until the third of September.

Had proper persons been appointed, that who was acquainted with the Indians, and the manner in which the negotiation was to should be conducted with those kind of people, there would not have been a shadow of doubt of ^on the success; as it now stands I have little hopes unless by the aid of our agents ^and their powers you know are too confined, for to allow them to enter into the merits of the negotiations fully -

I am informed that one if not two, of the Commissioners intend dealing attending any further ^service on the business, if so, I wish hope it may be in your power to have some new commiss^rs appointed - General Robertson would be a very proper ^person and I think would ensure success- I need not point out to you the deplorable condition of ^the unhappy people who have been waiting with patience, and sanguine expectation to be permitted to return ^to their homes & plantations. Their case is truly a hard one, and the clamours of all descriptions is loud; and the success of the pending treaty is by with important events, and I pray that such measures may be

adopted, as will oust more, Quiet the minds of the people Citizens - If the treaty fails, the act of [men? more?] could ^not convince the people otherways then it has been a designed diplomatic trick- as to my own part I sincerely believe the Commissioners feel much hurt on the disappointment, and that they was perfectly disposed to do every thing in their power to accomplish the objects of their mission; and that, they have been so instructed. but many others think very differently - ^this may be observed, The president by appointing one or two commissioners in the state, would effectualy relieve himself from any imputation of being unfriendly, and accomplish the objects contemplated by the treaty if so desired-

James Colbert and his brother half breed Chickasaws, I have the honor to be Sir - informs me that that the French and spanards [sic] have sent to the Creeks and Chocktaws to join them, which the former agreed to, and a large part of the latter-

I have the honor to be &c &c

John Sevier

The Honorable M^r Anderson & Claiborne - each a copy separately -

The Honble Jos. Anderson & W^m C C Claiborne, each a separate copy

[?] to the Indian treaty

15 July 1798.

by the post

N^o 10

Recorded