1

Tellico 4^th March 1797

Friend & Brother,

I have just rec^d your talk, it has been
a long time on the way. You mentioned in your talk you had
not heard of the murder of our People, you farther mention
that you wish me to exert my self and advise with my
People, though I know not what to advise about, as no da=
mage has been done by my People on the Persons or
Property of the Whites - this is the Seventh Person
Of my People that have fallen since the talk of Governor
Blount at this place, tho it has not altered my Disposition
for Peace, as it is my greatest wish to live in love and
Unity with the Whites and to have our Young men brought
up together.

Brother this is testament to the talks heretofore
held by me to the Secretary of War and the President. I
further observed that I was convinced it was not the wish
of them or myself to go to war, but was a fraid that the
Lawless men living on our lands & frontiers, would be the
occation of all mischiefs. -

Brother, I have been a long Journey,
and while at Philadelphia, red^d very different talks,
from yours You observe that that there are but a Handfull of us
and inconsequence of your superiority in numbers suppose
you have a right to do as you please. -

I wish you would talk to your People and
not suffer them to cross the river Tennessee to survey our
lands, Cut and spoil our Timber, and commit the Depredations
they constantly do - You further speak in a very threatening
manner, very different from the talks I have heretofore rec^d
I have done every thing in my Power to find the persons
that it is said done the Mischief on Clinch & am confide
=nt that it was not done by any of my Peoples. -