Dear Sir Philadelphia Apr. 23. 1793 You will perceive by the inclosed letter from M^rs Innes that sometime the last year the Indians carried off, from a farm of his, three negro men. the matter prepared for their recovery, and his letter I never would produce nothing, and they do not move on it at all. I presume that one of the subjects of your receiving treaty with is the restitution of all prisoners, without regard to colour or conditions: this will open a new for the recovery of M^r Innes' negroes, and as it is not a question whether they shall be free or slaves, but whether they shall be slaves among the savages, or in the country of their birth; I conceive, I know no ground of scruple to endeavour to recover them. It is probable that the Indians of the very towns where these negroes are conducted to be (Kickapoo I believe) will be at the treaty, and these towns are so little remote from Kentucky that there seems a better probability that they may be heard of, & conducted home. I take the liberty of putting these papers into your hands, and of enlisting your endeavours for the restoration of the persons they describe. you will observe that M^r Innes is willing to meet any reasonable expence which may attend their recovery. I am with great & sincere esteem D^r Sir Your friend & serv^t Th^s Jefferson [Beverly Randolph Esq.] [14676]