1

Highwassee Garrison
11^th April 1809.

Sir

From information lately received I conclude that
you will direct that the Cherokee Chiefs be invited to meet the
Commissioners between the 1^st & 20^th August next to negotiate with
them for the extinguishment of the Indian title to the land, lying within
the chartered limits of the state, particularly to the lands bounded on
the south by the Mississippi Territory. The Cherokee lands in that
water may be estimated at about one million three hundred thousand
acres. The Tennessee line will divide the tract probably nearly iin
equal parts as to quantity; leaving a very valuable tract lying on
the river not less than fifty miles included in the mississippi Territory
The title to the tract probably might be extinguished at the same
time if the Executive should think proper to direct it. It would
be saving of some expense & perhaps determine the Indians in that
quarter to go over the Mississippi where a great many of their
friends are already gone the last year.

The tract yet owned by the Cherokees
on the north side of Tennessee River ^above Tellico it his presumed is about the same
quantity of that first mentioned; & I know that it has years ago been
in contemplation to part with the two tracks, & the upper Cherokees
to have the pay for the upper tract, & the lower Cherokees to have the
pay for the lower trackt - On this account the whole may be as
easily, or more easily obtained than a part. I am sir
very respectfully
Return J Meigs

Governor Sevier.