1

Knoxville 20 December 1807

To the Black Fox head
Cheif [sic] of the Cherokee Nation}

Brother - your letter of the 27
of August last have come duly to hand - I would have
wrote you some time ago, but was waiting to get a report
from Colonel Meigs to find out if possible in our powers who
or what nation of people had murdered some of our Citizens-

The Colonel about that time was going to Elk River, and
promised he would endeavor to find out who had done the mischief,
Since his return he has written to me giving information, that it
was the Creeks that killed the two men - I am glad to hear it
was not your people; but at the same time I am sorry to learn
you suffer the Creeks to come so much among you, when you
know they are enemies to our people, and always do mischief when
ever they have it in their power - Would you not think it unfriendly
in us, if we were to suffer another nation of people to pass through
and live in our Country, who would murder and destroy your people
When ever they had an opportunity? Yes brother you would think
and rightly too, that we did not act like friends. I am informed
that the Creeks have built Huts and is living on the banks of the
Tennessee; what business have they there? They have none
only to be convenient to kill some of our people, and plunder
our Boats as they are going down the River- You know the
Creek people are Rougues Roug Rogues, and you say steal from
and robb [sic] your own people: If it be true, why dont you drive them
from out of our Country? for a people who both murder & steals
aught [sic] not to be suffered to live in any place - You are surely
able