The continued diplomacy of Governor John Sevier prevented the situation from escalating into a catastrophe'. .......... Comments?.... --------------------- Knoxville, 20th December 1797 Circular To the inhabitants who lately resided on what is called the Indian Lands near the Tennessee River. Gentlemen: It may appear unto you as some neglect in me by not sending forward into the Cherokee nation a person agreeable to the instructions of the General Assembly; in order to apologize for the delay, I hope it will be sufficient to make known unto you that I am well informed that all the principal chiefs have for some time past been in the woods hunting, and until they return it will be useless to send any person into their country. So soon as I am informed of their return, you may rest assured I shall dispatch the gentlemen appointed, and will with great pleasure render you every kind of assistance that may be in my power. I have the honor to be, etc. /s/ John Sevier. ----------------------- Knoxville, 7 January, 1798 The People of Powell’s Valley Gentlemen: Your letter of the 4 Instance, I am duly honored with; nothing ever came before me that could yield me more pleasure than it would to render you relief on the present distressed situation of you, and your families. I have done all the Assembly empowered me to do, which was to send forward their memorial and address in your behalf; the same has been laid before the President, and Congress; and it is thought by some of our members that relief will certainly be extended towards you; and I feel a strong certainty, in my own mind, that your sufferings will surely meet with a remedy, In the mean time, I know nothing better to advise you than to hear your misfortunes with patience, and fortitude, until you hear the result of Congress on the subject. It is painful to me in the extreme to hear of your hardships and sufferings, and was it in my power to render your redress, God knows nothing could give me more satisfaction than to do it, in the most speedy manner. /s/ John Sevier ------------------- Knoxville, 1 February, 1798 The Inhabitants of Powel’s Valley Friends and Fellow Citizens: It is with much pleasure I announce to you I have just received the pleasing information from our members in Congress, that your grievances and sufferings will shortly be redressed. Your submission to the laws and orders of the General Government has gained you great reputation, and contributes very much to your interest on the present occasion; and a continuance o fa similar conduct cannot leave a shadow of doubt but you will inevitably be relieved from your distresses, which is the sincere wish of your friend. /s/ John Sevier ----------------------- Knoxville, 12 April, 1798 The People lately removed from Powel’s Valley Friends and Fellow Citizens: By late accounts from the delegation of this state, I have received information that the treaty is to commence as early as possible, and particularly in time, they expect, for you to return to make your summer crops. The goods for the treaty as I am now informed are now in this state, coming onto this place, and I expect that the Commissioners will arrive in a day or two. By the general government there is a large sum appropriated for the purpose of extinguishing the Indian claim, and I have no doubt but that it will be effected. Thus gentlemen you see the disposition of the government is to relieve your distresses; and, as such is the case, permit me to recommend to you patience and fortitude, hoping, as I do, that a very short period will relieve your sufferings and reinstate you all at your homes and plantations. I sincerely lament your sufferings, and shall always conceive it my duty, and feel a happiness in rendering you every service in my power. /s/ John Sevier ------------------------ (NOTE: As “early as possible” was October, 1798 at the Treaty of Tellico) ------------------------ Knoxville, 19 November, 1797 Mr. John Hunt Powel’s Valley Sir: Yours of yesterday I am honored with, and am sincerely sorry for your embarrassed situation, and would I to God I had it in my power to render you relief. You may assure yourselves that every thing will be done for you that is possible by me; but it in the President’s own power to do whatever he may think best on this very important and alarming occasion. I hope in three or four weeks to hear from Congress, and whether or not any thing is likely to be done in your favour, in the mean time I earnestly beg the people for their own interest to conduct themselves in a peaceable, orderly, and prudent manner. /s/ John Sevier