Sir J^os Martin, Kaskaskee, 20^th November 1790 The situation of our dark country is truly alarming Several people, who lived at both my stations in Powels and by, have been killed within the course of this month. It is what I greatly feared for some time past. As the Indians would hear, that I was discontinued, as agent, the salvation of those people, depended on my influence with the Indians. I have had thoughts for some time past to erect a station on the bank of Cumberland river for the security of travellers, could I have some incourage_ment from Congress, to wit, to purchase about one hundred acres of lands from the Cherokees by order of Congress, as you know by the treaty that the fork of the river is the line between the United States and those Indians: the [undecipherable: last] part I have purchased from General Shelby. If a garrison was erected there and a trade opened to the Indians, I make no doubt but that quarter as well as the Kentucky road would be secure, as it is well known that the Indians seldom or never strikes what they have any trade. These hints I drop for your consideration: if you think with me, I hope you will move them the matter to Congress. We have no news here from our Army; had I been in office, I could have Received constantly from the Cherokees informing what numbers we had to encounter of the different tribes, &c. Sir, with my great respect Your most ob^t S^t Jos Martin [2415⁵ XVIII - 68]