1

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