Estenally, Cherokee Nation, Feb. 20th, 1789.
Sir:
I have thought proper to mention to you my reception in the Cherokee Nation. I arrived here the 18th of January and was kindly received by those who were at home, but the greatest part of them was out a hunting, tho’ after I informed them my business, there were runners sent to the different parts of the Nation to collect the Warriors from all parts, to meet and hear the Talk I brought from North Carolina, and there being a great deal of rain in this Quarter, it occasioned the Waters to be very high, so that they could not be collected
until the sixteenth day of February, when they met at a Town called Coosowathee, and after they had heard all the Talk it seemed to give general satisfaction to old and young present, and they agreed to lay down the Hatchet and to rest in peace till the Grand Talk is held agreeably to the Governor of North Carolina’s Talk and have no objection against anything but to Treat at French Broad River, and it is the General voice of the Nation to Treat at Seneca, where the former Treaty was held and now have to wait to hear when the Commissioners will appoint the time, as they say they are ready when called for.I start from this to-morrow for the little Turkeys Town, and shall deliver the Talks there and get the answer to the Letter sent to the Chickamaugas. From thence I shall proceed to Mr. Alexander McGillivrays, and mean to return from thence as quick as possible, when I shall transmit you immediately a Copy of all the Talks. I have enclosed you a Copy of a Talk held at Coosowathee for your perusal. I have also sent a Copy to the State Commissioner, Genl. McDowall, and have the honor to be sir,
P. S.—I have enclosed your Excellency a Letter which Mr. John Sevier was sending through the Nation by a certain Mr. Billew, and as he came from an Enemy’s Country, they thought proper to search him and finding several Letters about him, nearly all the same purport, thought proper to stop them, the rest of which I have in my hands, but not having any conveniency to copy them, have sent you the Original.