His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the State of North Carolina—To Old Tassel of Chote and chiefs of the friendly Towns of the Cherokee Nations:
Brothers:
I have received your talk by our Mutual friend Col. Martin, as also one addressed to your friend Col. Henderson—both of which was accompanied with three strings—I am truly sorry that some clouds, for some time past have made the way dark, that we could not see each other as formerly—we are Brothers, being born in the same land, and breathing the same air, should eat, drink, smoke and travel together as Brothers. And I am sensible Men over the water have told you lies which have led some of your young men astray, and which have scattered all the mist before us, that lately darkened our way to each other. I am ready to join with our Brother, the Governor of Virginia, in forming a general peace with such of you whose hearts are with us, and who continue to love us, and deserve our regard, I have received his Talk respecting you, with which I am pleased. Our beloved men will soon assemble before whom I shall lay your talk, their answer I shall send you. I am afraid I shall not be able to talk with you till the budding of the Trees, but in the mean while I shall send to Colonel Sevier not to hurt you or go on your grounds until he shall make a lasting boundary line between you and us; and the people of Nolichucky shall be ordered to comply with your request. Brother, you have not hurt us much, the Chickamaugas have done the most mischief. I request that you will apprehend all of this people who are enemies to us both and wish us not well, that they may be punished. That they deliver to your Elder Brother all Prisoners, Negroes, and other property taken—otherwise some blood will be spilt, which we wish to prevent, by our Young People, who have lost Mothers, Fathers and Brothers and other Relations, with property by them. I have shaken Col. Martin by the Arm as a token of friendship, which he will do to you for me as if I was present.
I have also signed this with my name and put my Seal that you may know it.
Comes from your Elder Brother in the year 1782, in the manner we compute time.