T Pickering Jany 20th 1796 [marginalia} 1796, 1797, 1798 [stamped] FREE His Excellency Governor Blount Knoxville [In the Western Territory?] 219229 War Office January 20 1796

Sir, Six Indians, Chickasaws and Choctaws have shotted to Philadelphia, without an interpreter or Guide; and we cannot tell the object of their journey except that they might expect to be cloathed and to receive presents. They have been clothed and furnished each with ax rifle Gun and accoutrements; and are this day to set off in a waggon for Staunton with a Conductor. From thence I expect the letters I have written to Captain Alexander Gibson and Robert Douthat Esq. will procure another Conductor, who will be supplied with money to support the Indians to Knoxville travelling on foot from Staunton. This circumstance I suppose may not be pleasing to the: but tho’ I would wish to avoid giving disgust, I am desirous of discouraging such irregular and unauthorized visits and I must request you as far as lays in your power to prevent them. I would there have sent these six back with only their cloathing: but they manifested so much ?uneasiness, I gave them the rifles and now they appear perfectly satisfied I am respectfully Sir Your obedient servant Timothy Pickering His Excellency Governor Blount