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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Williams to [Richard Caswell]
Williams, Joseph
November 22, 1776
Volume 10, Pages 912-913

[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.]
Letter from Colonel Jo. Williams to the Congress at Halifax about the Cherokees.

Surry County, 22nd November, 1776.

Hon. Sir,

By Mr Price I sent a Copy of the Articles of peace; I now send you a Copy of a letter from Colo Christian to Colo Russell; both of which are convincing proof to me, that some of the Virginia Gentlemen are desirous of having the Cherokees under their protection, which I humbly conceive is not their right, as almost the whole of the Cherokee Country ly in the limits of North Carolina & ought (I think) to be under their protection, & hope will be the opinion of every member belonging to this State. As our frontiers are Inhabited far beyond where the Colony line is Extended, in order to avoid futher disputes, It would be well for Commissioners to be appointed from each Colony & have the line extended, otherwise by all probability there will be great contentions in our frontiers.

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One thing more I beg to mention, if the North Carolina State would Station a Regiment at the mouth of Holston river, it would be a means of breaking off the communication between the Northward & Southward Tribes of Indians; I went & took a view of the place, & can venture to say I never saw any better formed by nature; provisions may be conveyed in five days from the big Island to the point in canoes or small boats. I propose waiting on you at Halifax about the 8th of next month.

I am Sir your most obedt hble servt
JO. WILLIAMS.