[Illegible Text — Page 1: Some or all of the pages of this file are wholly or in part illegible. We have not been able either to locate a better copy of the document, or to enhance its legibility electronically.] Knoxville 4 of may 1797 Sir[undecipherable] The enclosed are copies of the conferences and other proceedings with the Indians at [undecipherable]. The originals I leave in the [undecipherable] of Col Henley. There were representatives from every town in the nation, and the whole proceedings was conducted conformable with [their?] wishes; it explains itself. I have it in contemplation as soon as we have fixed on the proper sites for military posts to lay out a small town at each to establish their useful means [undecipherable]. I have had applications made to us by some manufacturers to permit them to reside at the posts and carry on their trades and [one?] a hatter [undecipherable] provided conditions on his part to conform to such regulations as may be made in execution of the trust reposed in us and that he takes our Indians [undecipherable] apprentices and that he [undecipherable] avours to teach him to make hats. The Indians are pleased at the idea of having tradesmen in their neighbourhood, and they request we not to suffer him to make corn on their land — [undecipherable] would oblige us by giving us our ideas of such an establishment [undecipherable] so as to [undecipherable] as the basis of it; and [undecipherable] in the whole procedure. I would [undecipherable] the lights I can get and particular[ly] by your direction. I enclose copies of letters between M[r?] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] as extracted from [undecipherable] communicated of the 24. ult. I consulted with Col[onel] [undecipherable] and we are of opinion that a reply to you for information [undecipherable] was the guide to the parties concerned was the most delicate mode of procedure. [undecipherable] involve in an affair which may in its consequences involve the government in serious difficulties. If we should be fortunate enough to escape from being involved in difficulties with [undecipherable] European powers, [they] cannot [undecipherable] if any injury arise to [undecipherable] in permitting M[r?] to trade. The agents who I hope at all times [undecipherable] their duty; You have his [undecipherable] Statement, and you must decide. I left Tellico the 29 of April and moved up the [undecipherable]. The survey [undecipherable] [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] are by this completed [undecipherable] was to enable us to join the [undecipherable] from [undecipherable]. I left General [undecipherable] with his escort on his way to Cumberland. I arrived here last evening for the purpose of consulting with Col[onel] [undecipherable] and to write to you. I shall leave this early in the morning and follow the general, as far [undecipherable] as we go, and shall return with the [undecipherable]. This mode of procedure we have [undecipherable] judged to be indispensable. The Cherokees are giving proofs of their [undecipherable] to the customs of [undecipherable] regulations [undecipherable] they [undecipherable] in full council in my presence, pronounced after solemn deliberation as law, that any person who should kill [undecipherable] other accidentally should not suffer for it but be acquitted but to constitute it a crime there [should?] be malice and an intention to kill. They at the same time gave up of their own motion the names of the great rogues in the nation, as well as those in their neighbourhood and appointed some Warriors expressly to assist the [undecipherable] in preventing horse-stealing and in carrying their stipulations with us into effect. To him who exerts himself the most to prevent horse-stealing I have ordered a premium — [undecipherable] rifle gun with the name of the person engraved thereon, and a certificate that he is an honest man. I wish you would send me some testimonials of the description you sent of those given to the Choctaws [undecipherable] was of opinion twelve years past that the measure was a good one and recommended it highly [undecipherable]; and did not know [undecipherable] I came over here the [undecipherable] Indians that it has never been approved. I shall want him at a meeting of the [undecipherable] this summer. I have thought it would be advisable to have a few Indians in the [undecipherable] of the United States and [undecipherable] him [undecipherable] to enable him to help the Chiefs to fulfil their engagements with us. Without some such helps it will be difficult to put an effectual stop to their predatory parties. It would as this is intended as [undecipherable] must have the number limited to [undecipherable] for each nation of the Cherokee [undecipherable]. But to have the pay and clothing of a different [undecipherable] than that of Soldiers the clothing to be suited to the Indian mode of dress. If you should concur in opinion with my [undecipherable] for your directions. I have the honor to be with much esteem [undecipherable] [your ob'dient?] The [Honorable?] James McHenry Secretary of War