Letterbook Copy

Instructions to Military Commander in Tennessee, Regarding Boundary with Choctaw & Cherokee

Gives instructions for supporting the party surveying the boundary line between the U.S. and the Cherokee and Choctaw nations, as necessary. Asks that Sparks enforce the "Act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers," though to hold off from disturbing white settlers on Indian land until the boundary has been ascertained. Gives instructions on the disposition of troops in Tennessee to defend whites against Indian hostility and Indians against white encroachment. Advises that forts be built without waiting for the surveying of the boundary, but leaves this to Sparks.

1797

01

27

War Office

No tif image.

Richard Sparks

James McHenry

Cherokees

Choctaws

commissioners

War Office

boundary between U.S. and Cherokee and Choctaw nations

Tennessee

boundaries

surveying

Indian hostility

white encroachment

1797012700201

135

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Copy of a letter from the Secretary of War to Captain Richard Sparks commanding the Troops of the United States in Tennessee.
War Office, January 27th 1797.
Sir,
Should the Commissioners who are to ascertain and mark the boundary line between the United States and the Cherokee and Choctaw Nations find it necessary to be covered by a military Escort, and call upon you for one you will be pleased to furnish it, and to give information to the Contractor, that he may take measures to provide the detachment with provisions.
I enclose you the "Act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes, and to preserve peace on the frontier," passed the 19th of May 1796. You will perceive in what cases it is allowable to employ the military force and will govern yourself accordingly. As it repects however, Settlers on the Indian Land, it is thought advisable to suspend proceeding against them till after the line shall have been established, when particular Orders will be transmitted you on the subject.
The force for the protection of the state of Tennessee will for the present consist of your company, Captain Richard's and Captain Wade's, which you will dispose of in such a position or positions as may appear best calculated to cover the frontier Inhabitants from Indian depredations, and the
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the Indian land from further Intrusions. I have directed the Agent of the Department of War to assist you with his advice on the occasion as a person acquainted with the Country and of military Experience.
I do not know that it would be safe to delay erecting works for the protection of the Troops till after the line shall be established.
If however you are of opinion, upon consulting with Mr. Henley, that no injury would attend the delay, I should think it better to wait that event, than risk taking Ground which is might be necessary afterwards to relinquish. I shall in the mean while write to the Commissioners who are to establish the line, to examine the Country with an Eye to the most eligible Sites.
I am Sir,
with respect
Your obdt. Servant
signed,

James McHenry