Letter Signed

Boundary Between the Cherokees and the U.S.

McHenry wants Hawkins and Pickens to examine the enclosed paper from William Blount relative to the boundary line between the Cherokees and the U.S. If the principles contained therein would more pefectly settle the line established by the Treaty of Holston and not violate the wishes of the Indians, then Blount's recommendations should be followed.

1797

06

18

War Office

Messengers Hawkins & Pickens.

Benjamin Hawkins

Andrew Pickens

James McHenry

William Blount

Cherokee Chiefs

General Knox

War Office

Philadelphia

boundary line between the Cherokees and the United States

principles laid down in the treaty

conference with Indians

Treaty of Holston

1797061800002

1

1

War Office 18 June 1797

Sir,
I received yesterday the enclosed paper signed William Blount relative to the boundary line between the Cherokees and the United States.
Should the line be still undetermined in the point it particularly refers to, and possible to conform the running thereof to his ideas and the principles laid down in the treaty, it appears that it would have a tendency to produce a more perfect acquiescence in the measures. I have caused the files of the office to be carefully examined; but can find nothing in the conference between the Indians who renewed the boundary line with General Knox to shew that they were disposed to recede in any degrees that which had been established at the treaty of Holston. If however, the treaty will bear the explanation given to it by the late Governor Blount an it should not be too late to endeavour to settle the line so, it is my earnest wish, that it may be attempted even should a little more time and pains be necessary to accomplish it. I enclose you also the talks held between the Cherokee Chiefs who attended at Philadelphia in 1794 as perhaps containing the meaning of the parties relative to the boundary. You will be pleased to return this paper as there is no copy of it in the office and no time left to make one without occasioning too much delay.
I am Gentlemen
with great respect
Your obedServent
James W Henry
Mess. Hawkins & Pickens