3

and examine how far and regular settlements as required by
law have been made, the publick monies expended, and for what
purposes.

It appears to the Executive that some time in the year
1802 a very barbarous and atrocious murder was Committed
by the cherokees on the body of a young man by the name of
Runion, residing in the County of Sevier, and it does not
appear by any documents in the office of state, that the
perpetrators have been apprehended, or any sufficient
satisfaction rendered from the offending party, to the
injured and grossly insulted state. This transaction
having taken place in the time of my Predecessor,
I would therefore pray you Gentlemen, to give your instru
=ctions to the Executive on this Occasion -

I submit to your consideration the importancy
of opening Roads leading towards the nearest Ports within
any one of our sister states, and the great utility of
Facilitating the navigation of our Rivers so far as
may be within ^the compas of your resources

I shall reserve for farther communication such
matters and relations as may deserve and merit your
attention, beging of the Honourable the Legislature to be
assured, that the Executive will with cheerfulness and
promptitude coopperate in every measure that will tend
to promote to the honor, Dignity, and prosperity of the state

John Sevier

Knoxville 7th October 1803.