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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Russell to Jethro Sumner
Russell, William
April 09, 1782
Volume 16, Pages 587-588

W (?). RUSSELL TO BRIG. GEN. SUMNER.

Washington, April 9th, ’82.

Sir:

I am happy to hear by Col. Bledsoe, that the officers of the N. Carolina line intend this Session to address the assembly of that State, to get their lands allotted immediately; at least so soon as the business can be done without too great danger of the Indians. Very obvious reasons may be assigned to explain the necessity of the measure; particularly it will prevent lawless intrusions, which, from the nature of things at present, the officers and soldiers of Virginia and No. Carolina have too great reason to expect. I doubt not, Sir, but you have heard that the Virginia officers, at the last assembly at Richmond, deputed a committee on behalf of themselves and their soldiers to address the assembly (then sitting) to set right many grievances the line had for a considerable time endured. The land was a principal object, and, according to the desire of the committee, the legislature impowered the executive to have it surveyed and allotted so soon as it can be done with safety. It is absolutely necessary, before the business can be taken up by either the No. Carolina or Virginia officers, that commissioners be appointed by the two States to find the true latitude of the line, to extend and have it properly marked, or should the line run by Doctor Walker be found a true one, at least to have the chasms in it closed and marked, otherwise any surveys made near the line will be doubtful. If commissioners were appointed to begin the line about August, with a small guard from each State, it would enable the officers and soldiers to prosecute the surveying at the same time without any danger. The soldiers that attend will be a sufficient guard. The claims should be ascertained and the time of entering upon the business advertised as soon as possible; nothing would more effectually secure the land than allotting of it this fall. A desire to serve the gentlemen of the army induces me to trouble you at present, which I hope will be sufficient apology. From my opportunity and knowledge of the back country I am enabled to furnish these hints, and should they prove in the least useful the intention will be effected. I think it would be advantageous

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to begin the surveying of each line about the same time, which, should you approve of, by communicating your inclination to General Scott, in Powhatan, to Col. Davies, at Richmond, or myself on Holston, it may be put in a train of forwardness.

I have the honor to be, with great respect,
Sir,
Your most obedt. servt.,
W. (?) RUSSELL.