Belle Canton Feb 22^d. 1798 Sir Last evening I received your kind letter of the 20^th inst., and thank you for the kind attention to my business in your quarter; You say that there is a probability of my being one of the commissioners to hold a treaty with the Cherokees, my friend I have no Idea of any thing of the kind, as the representatives from this country, would oppose it, judging that I would not answer their purpose. This is evident from the steps they have lately taken, by laying before the President certain communications which they were sensible would defeat any intention of the kind, you may rest assured I have had my own troubles since I came within the State, but I have done my duty and I care not for the whole group — but am sincerely your friend and Hum^d. Serv^t. J. L. Butler L.C.C. &c in Tennessee Col^o. Sam^l. Hodgdon [address leaf: Col^o. Sam^l. Hodgdon / Milita —] [endorsement, written diagonally: [undecipherable] from the / [undecipherable] April 1790 / [undecipherable] Commissioners —]