From Alexr Martin Feb 11th 1784 To: Col Jos: Martin Indian Murders in Cumbd Gap Bench demanded Spanish-Delawares making a settlement at Muscle Shoals Gen McDowell - Col Seiver to drive off intruders on Indian lands over French Broad Danbury February 11th 1784 Sir I have received your Letter from Henry County without a date, also your Letter from Sullivan of the 25th January last. The information in the last is of such importance to the State, that calls for my as well as their immediate attention. The murders perpetrated in Cumberland Gap must be inquired into — the nation ascertained (of Indians) who have done the same: this you will please to engage in as soon as possible, and transmit an account of your discovery the earliest opportunity. Should these murders be fixed upon the Cherokee. Chickamonoga’s, you will in my name demand the persons guilty, to be Surrendered up to the Justice of the State; informing them on their refusal an expedition will immediately be levelled against them for satisfaction, which perhaps will expel them their Country — In the mean while you will demand Bench from the Chickamonoga’s to stand his trial for the charges you suggest against him in the the Superior Court of Morgan District. — Should they refuse, you will inform them that this State will consider them still hostile, and that they have no intentions of making peace To remove every suspicion of ill will they may still retain. Bench must be Surrendered — if he is innocent his acquital will be his justification, and a Satisfaction to the public.

I shall write to the Governors of South Carolina and Georgia also on this Subject: and give them the information of the Spaniards and Delawares making a Settlement at the Muscle Shoals on Tenesee, as that part of the River is Supposed to boundary this State, I think proper to give them the information you have sent me.

You will call upon the General McDowel and Colonel Sevier and the Commanding officer of Sulivan County, to order & drive off those evil minded persons who have intruded, and still continue on the Indian Lands, beyond French Broad River — I have again again repeated my orders to them. — I wish the Indians to have no complaints from our People. — The Indian Goods are not arrived from Philadelphia — as soon as they will arrive I shall give you notice, and ascertain the time of holding the Treatys I am Sir Your Most Obedient Humble Servant

Alex Martin P. S. You will also make demands of Campbell and McDaniel, that they may be tried in this state or be sent to the place where the felonies were committed.

Colonel Joseph Martin Superintendant of Indian affairs