that the Indians who did the mischief came in two parties and that each made a wide trail. This gives reason to believe that the number is greater than you expected — I repeat again my Order to you to well scour the mountain in pursuit and search of them. Your chastising them by which I mean your killing of them will afford me great pleasure. I have thought it extremely unfortunate that of the many parties that have for a Year past been called out in pursuit of offending Indians none have been successful. In you and the Men you command I have much confidence; to your Success at it must I hope it will be great I am Sir Your Obd Servt Captⁿ John Beard W^m Blount [Copy] Knoxville 2 June 1793 Dear Sir I received yours I am happy to hear You was so well prepared to [undecipherable: probable reading "afoot"]. I think it would be proper to find out by the Sign whether the trail is gone out or not, if they are pursue