4

As You have well observed that had we ^an army of fifty thousand well
disciplined troops, to which it would be easy to make additions
as needed, it might probably save us from an invasion, /and the
money would be cheifly [sic] expended among ourselves./

The commissioners appointed to treat with the Cherokees,
lately ^convened met them at Tellico, ^some of the cheifs of the nation but not on commenceing the negociation [sic]
it was soon discovered, the Indians was predetermined not to give
up an inch of land, on which the commissioners ^on discovering the ^prominent features
things were, I believe thought ^it most adviseable [sic] to adjourn, and hold open the treaty until about
the third day of September - This disappointment has occasioned
very much great alarm ^& uneasiness among the poor distressed families that have
been waiting and cannot ^with Great and patient expectation to be permitted to return to
their homes and plantations; and I am sorry to add, that it
has given great uneasiness throughout Tennessee in General many the State &
of The friends to Government feel ^with regret the disappointment, with ^much regret,
while others ^rejoice and are endeavoring to occasion ^cause the people to think believe it
was a designed thing and a diplomatic trick - I have every reason to suppose, ^ think that the
commissioners were perfectly disposed to do all in their power, ^to accomplish the objects of their Mission,
^and was so instructed but being wholy unacquainted with the Indians, and the manner
in which negociations [sic] were to be carried on with savage nations conducted with savage tribes, has much
embarrassed the business, and I believe ^if I may be permitted to hazard an opinion, the commissioners
dispair greatly of accomplishing their Mission. ^they Greatly dispair [sic] of obtaining the object and I am extr-
emely doubtfull [sic] on the occasion myself, as to their success ^alone; the
but should not in the least ^by any means, was their ^some persons appointed with whom
the Indians were Acquainted who ^was acquainted with the indians and understood the manner in which
they Indians were to be managed- I beg you will pardon me for
these observations, but ^the remarks I have made taken the liberty to make. Your knowledge of indian affairs ^I hope will ^
readily suggest the propriety of my observations. I am informed that
one, if not two, of the commissioners, intend to declining any further
attendance services