THE TREATY OF LONG ISLAND OF HOLSTON, JULY, 1777

THE TREATY OF LONG ISLAND OF HOLSTON, JULY, 1777 

By Archibald Henderson 
INTRODUCTION 

One of the most vexing and important problems confronting both 
Britain and the American colonies, preceding, during and following 
the Revolutionary War, was the establishment of western boundary 
lines with the Indian tribes. 

On October 7, 1763, a royal proclamation was issued, forbidding 
settlement to the westward of the sources of the rivers which flow 
into the Atlantic. The proclamation had the effect of promoting the 
movement to establish westward boundaries to the colonies, especially 
those having indefinite charter claims, extending westward to myth- 
ical ^'South Seas." Repeated and ruthless encroachments by the white 
settlers upon the Indian lands, showing callous disregard for the 
rights of the Indian tribes, was a primary factor in forcing the issue 
of running new western boundaries to the colonies, from New York 
on the north to Georgia on the south. ^ In the summer of 1767 Gov- 
ernor William Tryon of North Carolina personally directed the 
running of a boundary line Avith the Cherokee tribe, which, curiously 
enough, lay entirely in South Carolina. The line, fifty-three miles 
long, ran from Reedy River to a mountain which was named Tryon."^ 

At Fort Stanwix, New York, on November 5, 1768, Great Britain 
through Sir William Johnson, superintendent of Indian affairs for 
the northern colonies, negotiated a treaty with the Six Nations of 
Indians, by which a new western boundary was established, extend- 
ing as far south as the Tennessee River. Recognizing the conflicting 

' An abstract of the report of the comnussioners of North Carolina and Virginia who conducted 
this treaty with the Cherokee chiefs of the Overhill towns appears as an appendix to John Haywood's 
Civil and Political History of Tennessee (1823), reprint (1891). After repeated researches, the editor 
located the original document in the manuscript collections of the North Carolina Historical Com- 
mission at RaleiRh. It is a single folio of sheets, stitched together, numbering 102 manuscript pages. 
This record of the proceedings, made on the ground, is evidently the document referred to in the first 
of two letters from William Sharpe and Waightstill Avery, two of the North Carolina commi'^sionen*, 
to Governor Richard Caswell, August 7, 1777, regarding the treaty. They report .sending in to the 
governor a "full Journal" of the proceedings at Long Island on Holston, Julv, 1777. Cf. North Carolina 
Colonial liecfn-ds. XI, 566 ff. (Hereafter this work will be cited as A'. C Crl. liec.) 

•Consult E. H. O'Callaghan (ed.). Documents Relative to the Colonial I'^nt'T^/ of '.he Sla'e of Xexo 
York . . . (Albany. 1857), VII and VIII; C. W. Alvord, The Mississippi Vnllei/ in British Politict 
(Cleveland, 1917): A. Henderson, The Conquest of the Old Southwest (New York, 1920). 

» N. C. Col Kec, VII, 245, 460. 470, 503. When the North Carolina-South Carolina boundary line 
wa."H subsequently nm, Tryon mountain, earlier supposed to be well within Noith Carolina, was found 
to be ciuesed by the boundary line. 

[55] 



56 The North Carolina Historical Review 

claims of the Cherokee, Sir William Johnson acknowledged that title 
to the trans-Alleghany region west of Virginia and the Carolinas 
could be secured only by extingaiishing the claims of the Cherokee 
tribe/ 

Indeed, three weeks earlier than the treaty at Fort Stanwix, John 
Stuart on behalf of Great Britain had ne<2:otiated with the Cherokee 
tribe the treaty of Hard Labor, South Carolina, October 14, by which 
the boundary line was continued direct from Tryon Mountain to 
Colonel Chiswell's mine (present Wytheville, Virginia), and thence 
in a straight line to the mouth of the Great Kanawha. Within two 
years, hundreds of settlers in Virginia had encroached upon the 
Indian lands; and in consequence. Governor Botetourt directed the 
negotiation of a new treaty with the Cherokee. On October 18, 1770, 
a treaty was made with the Cherokee tribe at Lochaber, South Caro- 
lina, the new line beginning at the intersection of the North Caro- 
lina-Cherokee line (a point seventy-odd miles east of Long Island of 
Holston River), running thence in a west course to a point six miles 
east of Long Island, and thence in a direct course to the confluence 
of the Great Kanawha and Ohio rivers.^ When Colonel John Donel- 
son ran the line in 1771, he pressed for an alteration of the line in 
order to have natural boundaries. For an additional compensation of 
twenty-nine hundred pounds, promised the Cherokee tribe, the line 
was changed for part of its course, breaking off at the head of Louisa 
River, running thence to the mouth thereof, and thence up the Ohio 
to the mouth of the Great Kanawha.^ 

On March 14-17, 1775, at the Sycamore Shoals of the Vv^atauga 
River, Judge Richard Henderson of North Carolina, representing a 
group of capitalists organized under the name of the Transylvania 
Company, purchased of the Cherokee tribe their title to some 
20,000,000 acres of land, in present North Carolina, Virginia and 
Kentucky. Two deeds were executed, one for the bulk of the territory, 
the other for a free corridor to Cumberland Gap, called respectively 
the Great Grant and the Path Deed. Although purchase by private 

• Johnson to GaRe, Dec. 16, 1768. A spirited exchansce of letters on this matter took place between 
Johnson and Col. John Stuart, superintendent of Indian affairs for the Southern colonies. Cf. Thti 
Papers of Sir William Johnson (Albany, 1930), VI, passim. Consult also C. W. Alvord, "Genesis of the 
Proclamation of 1703," Michiftan Historical Collections, Vol. 36 (1908). 

• A^. C. Col. Rec, VII, 851-5. 

• Consult A. Henderson, The Conquest of the Old Southwest; also C. W. Alvord, The Mississippi Valley 
in British Politics, (Cleveland, 1917). 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston oT 

iudividuals from the Indian tribes was expressly forbidden by royal 
proclamation, the best legal talent in England and the American 
colonies maintained the legality of sncli purchase.' In the autumn 
of 1776, the Virginia House of Burgesses asserted its charter claims 
to that part of the Transylvania Company's purchase lying back of 
Virginia, and erected this territory into the county of Kentucky.** 

Following ravages by the Cherokee tribes upon the frontier settle- 
ments in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, a 
powerful punitive expedition, in four sections, was sent out against 
the Cherokee Indians in the summer and autumn of 177G. The In- 
dians were routed, their towns overrun, and crops destroyed. Two 
treaties followed this war, each resulting in the alienation of large 
sections of land from the Cherokee tribe. Bv the treatv concluded 
at De Witts Corner, South Carolina, May 20, 1777, the Lower 
Cherokee surrendered all of their remaining territory in South Caro- 
lina, with the exception of a narrow strip along the western border. 
The other treaty, at the Long Island of Holston River, on July 20, 
1777, which is considered in the present paper, resulted in the cession 
by the Overhill Cherokee of all their lands east of the Blue Bidge, 
together with a corridor containing the route travelled b}^ emigrants 
from Virginia and North Carolina to Kentucky through Cumberland 
Gap.« 

In the copy of the document which follows, spelling and punctua- 
tion are preserved throughout, as in the original. This very full and 
elaborate document throws much light on the events of those stirring 
times, which have received far from adequate treatment in our 
written history. 



'Consult A. Henderson, The Conquest of the Old Southwe-ft; also his "A Pre-Rpvolutionary Revolt 
in the Olil Southwest." in the Mix^isaipjii Valley Historical lieview, September, lfl30. 

' jV. a Col. Rec., XIV, 314. Cf. Max Farrand, "The Indian Boundary Line," American Historical 
Review, x. 

' Consult fifth and einhteenth Annual Reports of the Bureau of American Ethnoloey (Government 
Printing Office), and The Indians of North Carolina (Senate Document No. 677). For maps showing 
ces.sion.s and treaty lines, consult fifth Annual Report, I. c., and A. Henderson, The Conquest of the Old 
Southwest. 



58 The North Caeolina Historical Review 



PROCEEDINGS AT A TREATY WITH THE OVERHILL 
CHEROKEE INDIANS HELD AT FORT PATRICK HENRY 
NEAR THE LONG ISLAND ON HOLSTON RIVER IN 
JUNE AND JULY 1777. 

To the Commissioners appointed on behalf of the Commonwealth of 
Virginia to Treat with the Cherokee Indians the 26*^^ ins^. June, 

Gentlemen : 

I received your letter dated at Fort Patrick Henry and since that 
time Col. Christian has had before the Board of Council the proceedings 
of the Treaty held with the overhill Cherokee Indians. In transacting 
of which the Board are of opinion that you have acted with propriety. 
I have sent by Express to the Gov^. of North Carolina notifying him of 
the time proposed for the next meeting and desiring him to send Com- 
missioners to act on behalf of that State. I have had several conferences 
with these Indians and have generally thrown out the same Ideas that 
you did, and moreover endeavored to lead them into the light of our 
situation with Great Britain, and also that of our commercial connec- 
tions. I have referred them to you and the Commissioners who I hope 
will attend to represent North Carolina in order to have a boundary 
line between them and the white people established, and told them that 
if such Commissioners do not or when met will not join in that busi- 
ness, you are then to agree with the Indians upon a line betwixt them 
and Virginia in the best manner you can for the Interest of the frontier 
Inhabitants, so that you at the same time do strict justice to the Indians. 

It is a verry desirable object to obtain an alteration of our Boundary 
line run by Donelson. We cannot communicate with the Kentuckie 
with tolerable convenience but through Cumberland Gap. If the Indians 
therefore will agree to an extension so as to take in that place it may be 
very useful. But at all events it seems necessary to stipulate a right for 
our people to travel through that Gap unmolested. You are in all your 
transactions to keep in view as much as possible the Interest of the 
United States as well as that of this particular one. 

I have sent orders for M^. Maddison and M'". Shelby to supply you 
with what provisions you may want for the Indians which you are to 
supply them with as you think their necessity may require in order that 
they or their wives and children may not suffer for want of Bread. The 
goods, ammunition, Salt, whiskey and Tobacco which I expect will be 
laid in you are to distribute as you may think best to give the Indians 
satisfaction. You may promise them a further supply of goods as soon 
as our commerce will enable us to fernish them. As a proper person 
residing amongst those people might render great service to this country. 
You may employ one for that purpose and inform this Board who you 
may appoint and on what terms. And if a proper person cannot be 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston r>0 

engaged for the above purpose you may employ two Traders in whom 
you can confide to give the earliest Inteligence of any occurrence that 
may be of Importance. As a Black Smith may be of great service in 
dressing their Guns and other suitable work for them you may employ 
one to reside among them if to be had on reasonable Terms. Several 
things may happen in which you are not particularly Instructed, in all 
such cases you are impowered to Act for the good of the United States 
in the best manner you can. Should the Treaty terminate in the manner 
this Board expects it will be necessary to continue .many Troops in 
Washington County, You are therefore impowered and desired to dis- 
charge all the men on those stations except such as you may think neces- 
sary to continue. 

I am gentlemen 

Your most Humble Serv^ 

P. Henry 

To Col. William Christian 

Col. William Preston and 

Col. Evan Shelby or any two of them. 

On the 28^^ Col. Gist^ and a party of Indians arrived, and 
in consequence of this Intelligence the folloAving Letter was writ- 
ten and sent by Express to Gen^ Rutherford. 

Virginia Fort Patrick Henry on Holston River 

June 28th 1777^ 
Sir. 

Col. Nathaniel Gist has this hour arrived at this place from Chote. 
where ho had been ordered by Government, to bring in a number of 
Cherokees to a Treaty to be held here; and informs that an Indian 
runner had come from Tallassa, a Creek Town about 12 or 13 days ago, 
when he saw all the Warriors of that Nation convened at a great 
council. That they then agreed to a man on going to War against the 
frontiers of Georgia and were to set out for that purpose in seven days 
from that time. The fellow that brings this Intelligence Col. Gist is 
well acquainted with and says it cannot be doubted of. He also informs 
that the English have landed four thousand Troops at Pensacola who 
intended to proceed up through the Creek Nation, and that a number of 
Highlanders were amongst them; this account he had from an Indian 

' Nathaniel Gist, who had incraliatcd himself with the Cherokee chiefs, was a son of the famous 
Christopher Gist, seout and explorer. Christopher Gist was living on tlie Upper Yadkin Hivcr in 
North Carolina at the time he was employed to make the important exploration for the Ohio Company 
of Virginia in 17.')0. He and two of his sons, Nathaniel and Thomas, were with General Praddork on 
the stricken field of Braddock's Defeat. He was GcorRC Washington's guide in the notable mission 
from Gen. Dinwiddie to I.egiiardier de St. Pierre, the French commander of Fort I e Hoeuf. Nathaniel 
Gist was a colonel in the Viiginia line during the Revolution, and did valuable service in the war 
against the Cherokee Indians. During the latter part of the war he was in command of the fort at 
Old Hedstone, and at the conclusion of the war, settleil a.s a planter in Virginia, east of the Hlue Ridge. 
In the spring of 171)3 he removed to Kentucky, and settled on a 7000 acre tract in Hourb.Tn County. 
His home, "Canewood," was famous for hospitality. He died early in the nineteenth century. 



60 The North Carolina Historical Review 

who saw them and came straight from pensacola. The Indian also 
informs that the English Agents were buying great numbers of Pack 
Horses from the Choctaw Traders, for the purpose of carrying a cam- 
paign against some of the States perhaps Georgia. This interesting 
intelligence I have made free to send you by way of Col. Carter, that 
it may be forwarded with all convenient speed to Col. Williamson; that 
the frontiers of Georgia may have notice of their danger and if possible 
prevent the stroke intended against them by the Savages. I am 

Sir tho unacquainted 

Y^. verry Humble serv*. 
To Gen^ Rutherford W"^. Preston^ 

The Commissioners from North Carolina were at CoP. Car- 
ters on their way to the Treaty when the above Letter came open 
they immediately certified a true copy thereof and sent it the 
nearest way to Col. Williamson and wrote an apology to Gen^ 
Rutherford for taking the liberty. 

30*^^ June Col. Christian^ with Oconostota and his party that 
were at Williamsburgh came to the Port, and a few minutes after- 
wards Waightstill Avery,* William Sharpe,^ Robert Lanier^ & 
Joseph Winston^ Esq^"^. the commissioners from North Carolina 
arrived. 



« William Preston, only son of John and Elizabeth (Patton) Preston, was born December 25, 1729, 
in the little village of Newton Limanaddy, Ijondonderry County, Ireland. Pie accompanied the family 
to America as a small lad; and spent his early years in clearing forests, surveying, and keeping bool^ 
for the merchants of Staunton, Va. For several years prior to 1756, he served as deputy sheiiff of 
Augusta County. He served as a captain on the ill-starred Sandy Creek Expedition against the 
Shawnee Indians in 1757; and the same year he and Thomas Lewis, as commissioners, negotiated a 
peace with these Indians. For some years he was active in border military service, and was chosen 
colonel of the Augusta militia, Aug. 16, 1763. He served in the ^'irginia House of Burgesses in 1766, 
and was very active in county affairs, as justice of the peace, sheriff and county lieutenant of Fincastle 
County, where he resided. He took an active part in the campaign in defense of the exposed settle- 
ments in 1774, although not present at the Battle of the Great Kanawha. He was acli ,e in surveying 
lands in Kentucky, through his deputies; was a member of the Fincastle Committee of Safety, and 
opposed the activilies of the Transylvania Company. He was an active patriot thioughout the 
Revolution; and among other services headed a troop of three hundred Virginians who fought bravely 
at the Battle of Guilford Court House. He died at his home, .June 28, 1783. 

» William Christian was a native of Augusta County, Va. He was educated at Staunton, and early 
saw active military service, commanding a company under Col. Bird in the French and Indian War. 
Regarded as a leader in Botetourt County, whore he resided, he was appointed colonel of militia in 
1774. He headed three hundred men in the Shawnee War, but did not arrive at Point Pleasant in time 
for the decisive battle. In 1775, he was a delegate to the state convention. Appointed colonel of the 
Virginia line in the regular army, in 1776 he commanded twelve hundred men in a punitive campaign 
against the Cherokee Indians. During the remainder of the Revolution, he served the colonies locally, 
having res^igned his command in the regular army. A leader in civil as well as military life, he served 
in the legislature, where he took a prominent part In 1785, he removed to Kentucky, settling on Bear- 
grass. Here he was welcomed as a leader in defence of the country. The following year, while leading 
a partv in pursuit of marauding Indians, he was killed. 

• Waightstill Avery, born atGroton, Conn., .May 10, 1741, received an excellent preparatory training, 
and was giaduated at the College of New Jersey (Princeton\ 1766, with first honors. After studying 
law under I.yttleton Dennis in Maryland, he removed to Mecklenburg County, .\orth Carolina, where 
he became eminent as a lawyer. He was one of the leadris in the advanced and patriotic actions in 
Mecklenburg in 1775, looking toward independence. He represented his county in the Provincial 
Congress at HilLsboro, August, 1775; and as a delegate to the Congress at Halifax, November, 1776, 
he made important contributions in drafting the state constitution. So prominent was his leadership 
in negotiating the Treaty of Long Island, July 20, 1777, that it was afterwards commonly called Avery's 
Treaty. After serving as representative in the state legi.slature in 1777_ which elected him the first 
attorney general of North Carolina, he removed to Jones County. Resigning the office of attorney- 
general in 1779, he was elected colonel of militia of Jones County. In 1781 he removed to Swan Ponds 
in Burke ('ounty. He reprcjcinted this county in the house of Commons 1732-5 and 1793. and in the 
senate in 17C6. In 1777, he was appointed, by Governor Alexander Martin, along with John McDowell 
and John Sevier, to treat with the Cherokee Indians. He died in 1821. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 01 

State of North Carolina 

To Waightstill Avery, William Sharpe, Robert Lanier and Joseph 
Winston Esq". Greeting. 

Out of the assurance we have of Your Integrity Abilities and Fididity 
to the State, we do hereby appoint you the said Waightstill Avery, 
William Sharp, Robert Lanier and Joseph Winston commissioners on 
the part and behalf of this State to Act in Conjunction with the com- 
missioners appointed by the States of Virginia and South Carolina or 
either of them in establishing a Peace and fixing a Boundary line be- 
tween the Cherokee Indians and the white people. 

You or any two or more of You are therefore to proceede to the Long 
Island on Holston, on the twenty sixth day of this Instant or at sucli 
time and place as may be agreed upon by the Commissioners of the 
aforesaid States for the purpose aforesaid; And you or any two or 
more of you are hereby Invested with competent power to negociate the 
aforesaid Treaty; and any Acts by you or two or more of You in con- 
junction with Commissioners of the other States or the Commissioners 
of either of them done shall be obligatory on this State. 

Witness Richard Caswell Esq"". Governor Captain General and Com- 
mander in Chief of the said State under his hand and seal at arms at 
Newbern the 12^^ day of June Anno Dommini 1777, and in the first 
Year of our Independence. 

By his Excellencys Command R*^. Caswell 

James Glasgow Sec. 

* William Sharpe was born near Rock Church, Cecil County, Maryland, December 13, 1742. He pur- 
sued classical studies; and studied law, becjinning practice in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, 
whither he had removed in 1763. Prior to the Revolution he settled in Rowan, now Iredell, County; 
and wivs a prominent member of the Committee of Safety. He represented Rowan in the Provincial 
Congress at Ne^'vbern, April, 177o; and at Hillsborough, August, 1775. In 1776, he served as aide to 
General GrifTUh Rutherford in the Indian campaign. As delegate to the convention at Halifax in No- 
vember, 1770, he helped to frame the first constitution of the State. He was a member of the Continental 
Congress 1779-1782; and during the same period was tv ice representative of Rowan County in the State 
hou.se, 1781 and 1782. He died near Statcsville, Iredell County, .luly 1, 1818. 

' Robert I>anicr, whose brothers-in-law were Major Joseph Williams, Clerk of the Court of Surry 
County for many years, and Major .Joseph Winston, treated elsewhere, wa.s a prominent and influential 
loader of his day. He was long a resident of Rowan County; and in 1771 and airain in 1777, he was 
appointed by the legislature one of the cominis.^ioners to erect a court hou-e in the town of S.iHsbury. 
He lived at the Shallow F'ord on the Yadkin, where he kept a store: and supplied Gov. Tryon's army 
with flour, wheat and steers during the campaign against the Reijulators. In 1773, along with GrifHth 
Rutherford, Anthony Hampton, ,Iohn Hraley and Chri.«tian Rniter, he was appointed commLssioner 
to run the diviiiiiifr liiie.s for Surry County and St. Jude's Parish. He was appointed ju.-'tice of the 
peace (1776), and elected survey ..r (1778), for Surry County. He represented Surry in the Ict^islature, 
1770-,"); and was state senator in 1777. He was a delegate from Surry to the provincial congresses, at 
Hillt^borough, Aug 1775, ami Halifax, November, 1776. By the former he was appointed comini'^sary 
for the Salisbury District. Somewhat later he was elected trerisurer of Salisbury District, which olTice 
he held until his death about 1787. His career and services arc unrecorded in the historical literature 
of North Carolina. 

' Joseph Winston wa.«» born in Louisa County, Virginia, June 17, ]7i&. He received a fnir education 
for that day. At the age of seventeen, he was severely wounded in an engagement with Indians, 
narrowly escaping with his life. /\bout 1770 he removed to North Caroliiui, locating on Town Fork 
of Dan River, then Surry, later Stoke.s County. In August, 1775, he wa? a member of the Provincial 
Congress at Hiilsboro; and also represented Surry in the Provincial Congress at Halifax in April, 1770. 
In I'ebruarv, 1776, he went on the expedition against the Scotch Tories at (^ross Creek. Ranger and 
major of militia, he served on Hutherford's expedition against the Ch<>rok»e Indians in 1776. He repre- 
sented Surry County in the Icgislatvire as representative in 1777, as senator in 17S7 and 1789: and Stokes 
County as senator in 17!'0, 17'.M, 1R()2. 1S07, 1812. He wiis active in the Revolution, partiripatinir in 
many minor engagements and I ring distinguished for his conduct at King's Mountain and Guilfonl 
Court Mouse He represented his district in Congr.^ss for three teims. !7lt2-3 and lJ'03-7. In 1S12, along 
with John Sevier and Isaac Shelby he was pnsented with a swor<i, voftvl for gallantry at Kings 
Mountain. On the Organization of Stokes County he was elected licutenaut-colonel. He died near 
Germantown, Apiil 21, 1815. 



62 The North Carolina Historical Review 

Wednesday 2'^. July, an Indian Warrior named the Big 
Bullet was killed on the Great Island by some evil minded white 
man. A few of the Indian Chiefs were immediately assembled 
when Oconostota made to the Commissioners of both States the 
following speech. 

My Brothers will hear what I have to say to them as I have come 
from my Father below (meaning Gov^ Henry). We are now talking 
in the House of Peace let both our Fathers hear of the accident that 
has happened. I remember the talk that was lately given at W"^^burgh, 
and the Belt, I hold it still. The Gov'", told me that no man should 
break the Belt given me by him, whose talk I have now in my mind. 
He told me that he had hold of one end of the Belt and myself the other ; 
but the white people has given the first stroke and tryed to break it; 
they have struck me and spilt Blood about the chain unknown to my 
father. What they have done shall not spoil the good Talks. Let my 
Brothers now talk and try to clear it up. The talk is like last night 
which I had with our Father, it shall not spoil his good talks. I shall 
think nothing of it as it was done by a bad man. Our Father took 
fifty of our women and children and sent them flour to support them 
when they were like to perish. If he speaks nothing about this accident 
I shall not. But the good Talks between your beloved men are hurt 
with Blood sprinkled about; I hope you'll try to clear it oif. My 
Brother knows I have been with him and done all I could for Peace, as 
he was leading us by the hand for Peace this accident happened. I hope 
my Brothers will say nothing thats bad as we are talking of peace. My 
people shall hear nothing thats bad as I believe it was done by a verry 
bad man who has no way of living. Cameron and Stuart will hear of 
this accident, they will laugh and be pleased at it ; but I do not care for 
what they can say. I shall tell my own people not to mind Camerons & 
Stewarts Talks I have told them I was done with them, and all the 
Talks they give me, my Brothers of Virginia shall hear. 

I shall say the same to the warriors who I expect every day; and 
desire them not to mind it as it was done by a bad man. I look upon 
it as an accident; my Brothers need not believe I think hard of it, for 
I am no ways angry on this occasion as it was done by a verry bad man. 
This is the second time such an accident has happened, but it shall not 
make us think the least hard of it. 

To which the Commissioners returned the following answer. 

We your Brothers of Virginia and North Carolina are extremely 
sorry for the accident that has fallen out in the murder of one of your 
people by a wicked White man, while we are eating and drinking to- 
gether and talking of Peace; a Peace which we hope we and our children 
will enjoy to the mutual benefit of both Nations. We hope you are 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 63 

convinced that this horrid Action was done by some Devilish evil 
minded person who wants to destroy the good talks that are now be- 
tween your brother & you. We have lost people in your Nation by bad 
men, and we forgave it as we knew the good men and warriors were not 
concerned ; for the same reason we expect you will pass over this acci- 
dent, as the great Being above knows that we are innocent of it; and 
that it will not be a means of hindering the peace so happily began 
between us. You know that forty four of your people traveled to see 
the Governor of Virginia, that they were well treated and returned in 
safety, which may convince you of our regard for and care of your 
beloved man and his friends as well as of all your people. 

We now promise you that we will use our utmost endeavors to have 
the murderer taken and punished according to our Laws. We thank 
you for your good talks on this occasion, and are rejoiced that our 
sentiments are the same and that both parties are willing to wipe away 
the Blood off the great chain of friendship, which binds us together as 
one people. In hopes you will overlook this accident for which we are 
all heartily grieved, and that it will not spoil the good talks on either 
side, we give you this string of Wampum. 

July 3*"**. Began an enquiry in order to discover the murderer. Ex- 
amined a number of persons on Oath, found the Gun that had been dis- 
charged at the Indian, took up the owner, who acquitted himself by 
introducing a number of Witnesses that proved his being in another 
place at that time. 

In the afternoon the following Advertisement was posted on the Fort 
Gate and a number of copies thereof made out and sent through the 
country. 

Six Hundred Dollars reward. 

Whereas some wicked and evil minded person unknown on the second 
Instant did in a secret and cowardly manner, feloniously kill and murder 
a Cherokee Indian, called the Big Bullet, while the said Indian was 
attending a Treaty of Peace, and by the Law of Nations was entitled to 
all the protection of a foreign Embassador. And whereas the said 
Barbarous & Trecherous act of felony tends to destroy all confidence 
between the Indians and white People, prevent Peace, prolong the 
Indian War and perpetuate the calamities thereof, without and on the 
frontiers of Virginia & North Carolina. 

We the subscribers therefore in order to keep the way of Peace open, 
and bring the offender to condign punishment, have thought fit to offer 
the above reward of Six hundred Dollars, to any person who will dis- 
cover the murderer of the said Indian called the Big Bullet; being a 
Barberous, Treacherous felony against the Law of Nations, and such 



64 The Nokth Carolina Historical Review 

as would disgrace the most faithless Savage, and we do hereby promise 
and engage that the above reward shall be paid on conviction of the 
offender. 

Fort Henry 3*^ of July 1777— 

W. Christian Commissioners 

W. Preston from Virginia 

Waightstill Avery 

W"*. Sharpe Commissioners 

Rob^. Lanier from 'N^. Carolina 

Joseph Winston 

At a Treaty held at this place last April the Commissioners 
sent a Talk by Col. Gist to the Dragging Canoe who returned 
CoP. Gist the following answer. 

Brother 

Tho' your messenger is not come to me yet I have heard your Talks 
and hold them fast as long as I live, for they have opened my Eyes and 
made me see clear, that Cameron and Stewart have been telling me lies, 
when we had any Talks with the Virginians he was always mad with us, 
and told us that all that the Virginians wanted was to get our Land and 
kill us, and that he had often told us we would not hear him till the 
Virginians would come and kill us all. ]N^ow Brother I plainly see that 
he made me quarrel with the greatest friends that we ever had, who 
took pity on us even in the greatest distress, when my old men, women 
and children is perrishing for something to live on, this makes it more 
plain to me that he cared not how many of us were killed on both sides 
so that we were dead, killed in Battle, or perrished with hunger, any 
way so we were dead. 

Brother, I heard you were taken prisoner and confined, my heart was 
sorry as tho you had been my born Brother, when I thought of their bad 
treatment to you I expected never to see you. I thought they had killed 
you or sent you away as that I should never see you more. That made 
my heart verry cross and I went to war more for revenge for you than 
any other reason. But now Brother I am sorry for it, since I see that 
the great being above has sent you back to save me and my people. 
Now Brother the great Warrior and your beloved men are sitting to- 
gether, I am determined that I nor my people shall never spoil their 
good talks while I live, when I am dead there will be annother man to 
take my place. 

Brother I am going to see the man that told me all those lieing Talks 
and return him his meddle and Beds and tell him for the future to keep 
all his lieing talks to himself. He sends me word that he is coming 
from Mobile with a great many Scotsmen and intends to offer you a 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 65 

peace; if you wont accept it he intends to kill and force you to it. 
Brother I shall make no stop on the road, but shall be back soon and 
come straight to you and tell you all the news. If I should not come in 
soon pray excuse me to the beloved men as you are better acquainted 
with me than they are, and you can talk better than I can, and you 
know Brother I will not do anything that will make you ashamed of 
me among your people. 

Test Geo : Hart June 8^*^ 1777. 

Joseph Vann a half Indian who had formerly been employed by M*". 
Cameron as an Interpreter came to the Fort at the request of the Com- 
missioners by Col. Gist. He shewed a letter from Cameron as follows. 

Little Tallassa June 6^^ 1777. 
Sir 

I received the Virginia Talks which you sent me by Haley for which 
I thank you. It seems to be verry low with them indeed by the mean 
artifices they fall upon to deceive the Indians but their lies will not 
avail, as I fancy the present campaign will open the eyes of all America 
and deter them in future from revolting from their Lawful Kink. 
Excuse my not enlarging as I have not time, so must refer you to M*". 
M<^Donnald for the news as I understand you live contiguous to him. 
I am surprized you do not come in as I have sent several messages for 
you. I have kept you in pay till the 31^*^ of December last, and if you 
will be here before the last of this month, I will endeavor to retain you 
in pay longer; but if you should neglect to come it will not bo in my 
power to save you. 

I am your verry Humble serv*^. 
Alexander. Cameron 

To M^ Joseph Vann. 

July 4*^ The aniversary of the Declaration of Independence was ob- 
served. The Soldiers belonging to the Garrison were paraded and fired 
two rounds, each in six platoons and for the 13*^** one general voley. The 
Great Guns were also fired. 

The Indian Chiefs were acquainted with the festivity in the following 
speech, and had a present of whiskey delivered to them at the same 
time. 

Brothers. 

Just one Year ago the 13 United States declared themselves free and 
Independent. And that they would no longer be in subjection and 
Slavery to the King of Great Britain. The Americans have now for 
one year since their freedom fought against their Enemies that came in 
the Ships over the Great water, and have beat them in many Battles, 
have killed some thousands of them and taken many prisoners and the 
Great Being above hath made them verry prosperous. We hope there- 
fore that this day every year hereafter will be a day of rejoicing and 
Gladness. 

Brothers, as this is a day of general rejoicing throughout the 13 
United Countries from Canada to Floridas we hope our Brothers the 
Cherokees will now rejoice and be merry with us. 

The Young Warriors then closed the entertainment with a Dance. 




From this time till the 10^^ sundry Chiefs with small parties came in. 
On that day the old Tassell came in and spoke to the Commissioners as 
follows. 

My Brothers may be certain I will tell them the truth. 

It was but the other day we were talking together when we promised 
we would tell all we knew to each other. I will now tell all I know 
about the Norward Indians that lately came to Chote, as their talk was 
to me. These mingoe^ came in after Vanns express arrived. They had 
met with the second man of Chilhowey on his way here, and he turned 
back with them, and next day I met them at Chote and spoke to them as 
follows. 

Brothers, I am Glad to see you once more; we have been at war and 
making Peace several years. Last year you came here and told me lies 
from your council, which did me and my people great hurt. But I now 
make you welcome; but your stay must be short. (I gave them a small 
string and told them this was the beloved Town where the Warriors 
speak together). I see by your looks that your hearts are bad, and that 
you have been doing mischief as you came here. I gave you this string 
that you may tell the truth. I am now going to the beloved men at the 
Island where our talks with the white people are good, and not as they 
used to be. You are come now contrary to my expectation. Some of 
your people came here last year and told lies, and set me and my people 
at war with a people that I never intended to be at War with; and it 
looked as if my Nation were but like one House against them. It was 
but the other day I was at the Island making Peace with my elder 
Brothers and all your bad Talks shall not again spoil it. I am now 
talking with you who I have called my elder Brothers. I find the days 
are dark between you and the white People; but that shall not spoil my 
good Talks. You may kill a great many of them, even four, five, or six 
thousand and as many more will come in their place. But the red men 
cannot destroy them. Your lies made me have the short trouble I had, 
but I am now carrying on good Talks and all you can say shall not 
prevent them. And I hope you will soon be doing the same, as our 
elder Brothers are verry merciful to our women and children. 

They then answered 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 67 

Brothers we are only come to see you and not to hold talks. When 
we left our Towns all the Northern Tribes were ready to strike the 
white People. Only one man who desired them to wait untill he would 
go to the Lakes and see the white people there. We have been forty 
days on our Journey. Sixty of us set out together from our Towns and 
on our way attacted a Fort on Kentuckie where we lost one man and 
got two scalps. We left that Fort and attacted another small one, but 
no damage was done on either side that we know of. we then parted 
and forty nine went home; and we came to see if the Cherokees were 
cut off as had been reported. But we are now in haste to return to meet 
the Indians who are to invade the frontiers from this River to the 
Forks of Ohio. The Western Tribes have all been spoken too; and 
that Northern Tribes are all ready for War. The Nottawagoes had 
been spoken to by a great Town of white people far off, perhaps Quee- 
beck, who said "will you be always fools? will you never learn sense? 
"don*t you know there is a line fixed between you and the white people, 
"that if they set their foot over it you might cut it off ; and if they turn 
"and set their heels over, you might cut them off also ? Now they have 
"come over the line and encroached on your lands and why will you 
"suffer it? Don't you understand this?" These Indians then agreed 
this was truth, and immediately sent runners through all their land 
amongst all their Tribes, who agreed to send a few of their Warriors to 
strike the Blow, and then the white people might follow if they please, 
and go amongst them, and try to cut them off as they have done the 
Cherokees. These Notawagoes instantly sent out some warriors who 
killed two white men and then returned, and a large Body of them were 
about to set out a second time; but the white people at the great Falls 
(perhaps Niagara) said they should not go out untill they would give 
them a writing on paper to lay on every mans Breast they should kill, 
that the white people might know the reason of it. We were told by 
some Twightwes that a large Body of their people had set out to kill 
white people, and on our way here above the Falls of Ohio we saw signs 
of them returning with a vast number of Horses they had taken from 
the white people, and we dont doubt but they have done great Damages. 
The Nottawagoes said if the white people comes out against you they 
will be discovered as your men are always in the woods, then you must 
give us notice and we will come and fight them. There are three towns 
of the Shawnese & Delawares where the Cornstalk and Captain White 
eyes lives, whom we have spoken to and told them it was verry well for 
them to carry on their good Talks with the white people, for that these 
Towns & us had no connections. The Nottawagoe Warriors came to 
two Delaware Towns with Belts, and told them "they had agreed to go 
"to war with the white people and desired that they might moove off, 
'least in the war they might be trod down by them, or the white people. 
"That they did not want them to join; but they must remove beyond
"the mingoes, to be out of their way. And they might still carry on 
"their good Talks with the white people.'^ They also spoke to Cap*, 
"White Eyes and told him he was a great [chief?] and a warrior. 
"That they had given him the beloved Fire, and it gave them great 
"trouble to ask him to remove, as he was dreadful amongst the red men ; 
"for fear something might come out of the ground which would put 
"out that fire." This is all we can tell you which we can assure you is 
the truth. In the last part of the Talk they said "You are now making 
"peace for the security and safety of your Nation." We do not want 
"your assistance. If we suffer, we will bear the loss ourselves, for we 
"are looking for it, and deserve it; as our young men are determined to 
"go to war and try the white men. It may be that we and our elder 
"Brothers may yet talk together of Peace, and we will keep hold of the 
"friendship we have with the Cherokees, but we desire no assistance 
"from them, as we did not give them any when they were in trouble." 





I told the road they must take which was down the Little River and 
through Cumberland gap ; and that they must not hurt any white man on 
this side of that mountain, least it would destroy the good talks that 
were going on. But now I am convinced that it was them that did the 
mischief the other day (meaning the captivating Cash Brooks about 
thirty miles from this place) and not my people, for as I came up, I 
looked where they should have crossed the river as I directed them, but 
could not discover sign of them. 

11*^ July in the morning the Commissioners from N'orth Carolina 
were informed by a letter that a number of people on Nonachuckie & 
Watauga appeared to have Hostile intentions against the Indians on 
the Island, In consequence of which Mess'"^. Avery and Winston rode 
out in order to suppress all such outrages. 

The same day the Raven & Willenewau came in. In the evening the 
Old Tassel on behalf of the other Warriors spoke as follows. 

JN"ow you shall hear what I have to say to my elder Brothers. It 
seems as fresh in my mind as if it was only two nights ago since we 
had our last Talk. Our beloved man has been to see your beloved man 
of Virginia. Now I have seen you my elder Brothers which makes me 
glad and its augmented by our beloved mans return to us. I have now 
fast hold of you by the hand and will not let loose my hold. I am now 
verry thankful to the powers above that the people of my Elder Brother 
and my own people are now got here to this place; a place which I have 
come to with all my people to make all things straight. My heart is 
good to all my Brothers, but I am sorry I have been a little short in 
coming here. There was so many days appointed for my beloved man 
to go and see our beloved elder Brother and likewise to return in, 
which they did not according to the appointed time, but now we are 
here together in order to make all things straight. Yesterday you and 
I had Talks together, you said it was what I would to bring on the 
business, which I do not desire because you are the elder Brothers. All 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



69 



our principal men are now here and tomorrow morning if you please you 
may bring on the principal Talks. There are many of my people de- 
sirous to return home again, and I would be glad how soon the business 
might come on that they may go to work in their fields which are now 
suffering for want of Labour. 

A string of Beads 

The Commissioners postponed the business near two days 
waiting the return of Mess'■^ Avei*y & Winston. 

13'^ July The Potclay Chief of Chilhowey and the Pidgeon 
of Notchy Creek being Deputed by the Chief of the Cherokees 
now on the Long Island to have a conference with the Commis- 
sioners on the subject of the late murder of the Big Bullet in 
order that the whole matter may be done away and the Blood 
washed off before the Treaty is opened which is proposed to be 
tomorrow. To whom the Commissioners spoke as follows. 

Brethren, 

We your Brothers of Virginia and North Carolina are extremely 
sorry for the accident that happened in the murder of the Big Bullet by 
one of our wicked men. We have already declared to your beloved man, 
and we now declare to you that it was done contrary to our intention; 
and that we were altogether strangers to it and we also assure you that 
we have done every thing in our power to discover the murderer and 
have him tryed and punished by our Laws, for the Great Being above 
hath said that whosoever shedeth mans Blood, by man shall his Blood 
be shed. We now take the Ball out of his Body and bury it deep in the 
ground, that no uneasiness or remembrance thereof may remain in your 
minds, and that your hearts may be at rest while you sit at our Council 
Fire. With these few goods we cover the ground where this unfortunate 
man fell, and the grave in which he is laid, that these places may never 
more be known or remembered by his friends and relatives, and that 
their Tears may be wiped away, and that no drops of his Blood may fall 
into our Council Fire, or on the chain of friendship that links us to- 
gether, but that all may be washed off, and that we shall not drop our 
enquiry after the murderer as we abhor both him and the crime he has 
done. 

Three match coats & three Shirts 



These Deputies returned to their camp on the Island and after some 
time spent, they with about twelve other Chiefs returned to the Fort; 
and after spreading the three match coats on two Benches and seating 
the Commissioners and Oconostoto & Attakulla kulla thereon, The Pot- 
clay spoke as follows. 

My elder Brothers are now going to hear what I have to say to them. 
These warriors now sitting here have prepare<l to let you hoar a par- 



70 The J^orth Carolina Historical Review 

ticular Talk, because they did send the good Talks to Chota by the 
woman messenger, which all my beloved men and Warriors accepted, 
reeeived gladly and thought verry good. On receiving the Talks at 
Chote, I rose up to go and make reply to it. The Doors were all shut, 
were dark ; but I opened them, and made the path light for them to pass 
along. I found the seats that had been prepared, for our beloved men 
to have the good talks on, were lying here in the grass. I lighted up the 
pipe of friendship from off them; opened all strong Gates in the way, 
and went to see the Governor of Virginia. I opened and made the way 
clear. One of the beloved men of Virginia took me by the hand, and 
led me and my great beloved man to the great beloved man of Virginia, 
who sit him down on his Great seat of friendship & Justice. We found 
it a beloved place of friendship, which we never knew before, till we 
were placed on that seat. IN'ow our beloved man has been led in the 
same manner back safe to this place. My Great friend and Brother hath 
led my Great beloved man safe to this place, from the Great man of 
Virginia; where he had been brightning the Great chain of friendship 
so bright that its brightness might reach the skies. When we had got 
to this place, the chain happened to turn a little and one of our men 
fell; but that shall make no odds; all the warriors have agreed it shall 
not, and that they will hold the chain verry fast and strong. I look 
upon it as permitted by the Great Being above that this accident hap- 
pened. 

A string of Beads. 

Then the Mankiller of Great Highwassee rose and spoke as follows. 

I am now going to speak to you my elder Brothers tis a desolate place 

where we first took hold of each other, and went to the Great seat of 

Justice. I now mean to return thanks for the kind treatment received 

on the Journey. I am verry glad to see that my Great friend and 

Brother has taken such particular care of my Great beloved man. I 

find that it was not by his desire or that of any of my elder Brothers 

people, the late accident happened, for we are still drawing the same 

breath of light, every day with you, and sitting on the same seats round 

the same Fire. We cannot blame the Great Supreme Being above for 

the accident that has happened. Fve heard it said that this Great 

Being sent a beloved man to us to make mens minds peacible, and at 

the same time sent likewise a Bad man to the Earth, who I blame as the 

author of this mischief. But the first Great man is now clearing and 

taking it all away and turning it all to good. Now I^m convinced 'twas 

that bad man who was sent to the Earth, who put it into the mind of the 

bad white man to do this Act, and pluck away the Great bright chain 

which bound us together. But now every drop of Blood is wiped from 

off this chain so that not a speck remains thereon, and I give you this 

in confirmation thereof. . ^ . /. t-» i 

A string of Beads 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 71 

I am now going to speak to my Brothers of North Carolina who were 
here likewise when this accident happened, and confirm to them what 
has been said to my Brothers of Virginia, and to assure them it is all 
done away, and shall no more be thought of, for I have thrown away all 
thoughts thereof into the Swift running water which must carry it 
clean away. I am convinced in my own Breast it is not the Great 
Being above, but the wicked one who put it into the heart of the evil- 
minded white man to do this act. The Good being is allsufficient all 
powerful and good, and is a lover of all Flesh ; and would not do it. He 
let down a Great stake and fastened it in the Ground; it was a wood 
that would never rot but stand there always. This was for all good 
men to take hold of and hold fast by. But the bad man is frequently 
laying stones and chunks in the way of bad men for them to stumble 
over. 

A string of Beads 

July 14*** 1777 Present in Council 

William Christian ) ^ . . ^ ^. . . 

William Preston f Commissioners for Virginia 



Waightstill Avery 
William Sharp 
Robert Lanier & 
Joseph Winston 



Commissioners for North Carolina 



Col. Nathaniel Gist on business from General Washington 

Oconostoto & / <. ^1 

the Raven \ o^ Chote 

Ata kulla kulla* 

Big White owl & ) i. ^^ j r^ ^ 
Pidgeon 1 of Notchy Creek 

• Atta-Kulla-Kulla. In his "Narrative of a Kentucky Adventure in 1775," DeBow's Reriew, February, 
1854, Felix Walker, in speaking of the Treaty at the Sycamore Shoals, March !4-17. 1775, says: "Among 
others at the treaty, there was a distinp-uished chief called Atta-Kulla-Kulla, the Indian name, known 
to the white people by the name of the Little Carpenter — in allusion, say the Indians, to his deep, artful, 
and ingenious diplomatic abilities, ably demonstrated in negotiating treaties with the white people, 
and influence in their national councils; like as a white carpenter covdd make every notch and joint 
fit in wood, so he could biing all his views to fill and fit their places in the political machinery of his 
nation. He was the most celebiated and influential Indian among all the tribes then known; con- 
sidered as the Bolon of his day. He was said to be about ninety years of age, a very small man, and 
«o lean aud light habited, that I scarcely believe he would have exceeded more in weight than a pound 
for each year of his life. He was marked with two large scores or scars on each cheek, his ears cut and 
banded with silvet, hanging nearly down on each shoulder, the ancient Indian mode of distinction in 
•ome tribes, and fashion in others. In one of hie public talks he deliveied to the whites, he spoke to 
this effect: Hewas an old man, hadpiesidedas chief in theii council, and as president of his nation, for 
more than half a century; had formerly been appointed agent and envoy extraordinary to the King 
of England on business of the first importance to his nation; he crossed the big water, arrived at his 
destination, was received with great distinction, had the honor of dining with hi.^ majesty and the 
nobility; had the utmost respect paid to him by the great men among the white people; had accom- 
plished his mission with success; and from the long standing in the highest dignities of his nation, he 
clumed the confidence and good faith in all and every thing he would advance in support of the 
rightful claims of his people to the Bloody Ground, then in treaty to be sold to the white people." 



72 The North Carolina Historical Review 

The old Tassel 

Willanawaw } of Toquse 

To tac ha ch 

Utasch or norward Warrior \ 

Creek killer ( of Teblicho and 

Chestnut l a new Town at its mouth 

Raven "^ 

Mankiller ) 

Queluca I of Highwasaw 

Tarapine ) 

oi • (of the Island Town & 

fekiyuca r y-t .. 

Shiatuka ) ^^^^^^ 

In, he, ke, hiyah ) of Tuskee^a 
An nu chah S -L^sKeega 

Chow, we, hah a messenger from the valey settlements 
to hear what should be done 

Joseph Vann and Charles Murphey Interpreters. 
Major Daniel Smith Clerk.^ 

Col. Christian opened the conference with the following speech. 

Friends and Brethren, Beloved man and Chiefs of the warlike Nation 
of the Cherokees. 

We your Brethren of Virginia are rejoiced to see you once more 
sitting round the council Fire, which was kindled at this place last 
spring, and which burns brighter and clearer by our frequent meetings 
before it and that we have the pleasure to see the Great Chain which 
binds us together made stronger and our friendship enlarged by the 
addition of our Brethren of N**. Carolina who are now sitting in 
council with us, and who we are assured came heartily disposed to 
strengthen and brighten the chain, to put an end to a short tho de- 

» Daniel Smith, born in Stafford County. Virginia, October 28. 1748, was educated at William and 
Mary College. He became an expert surveyor, and early identified himself with western afifairs. In 
1773 he was appointed deputy surveyor, in 1780 high sheriff of Augusta County. He was active in the 
defence of the frontier during Dunmore's War. His maps and surveys of the Holston country were 
authoritative for that period. In 1779, he and Thomas Walker, as commissioners for Virginia, ran the 
dividingline between North Carolina and Virginia, disagreeing with the North Carolina commissioners, 
headed by Richard Henderson, who ran an independent line. Somewhat later he removed to the 
Cumberland region, where he became prominently identified with the growth of the settlements. In 
1788 he was appointed brigadier-general of Mero District; and 1790, secretary of the Territory South of 
the Ohio River. In 1796 he was a member of the constitutional convention. He was appointed to the 
United States Senate to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Andrew Jackson, and served 
from October 6, 1798. to March 3, 1799. He was subsequently elected to the United States Senate, serving 
from March 4, 1805, to March 31, 1809, when he resigned. Died at his home, 'Rock Caatle," near Hen- 
dersonviUe, Sumner County, Tennessee, June 6, 1818. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 73 

structive War, and to confirm a Lasting, Just and Honorable Peace. 
We hope that our meetings will be frequent and friendly, and that our 
Children will sit round this fire when we shall be no more. We your 
Brothers of Virginia flatter ourselves that the treatment that your 
beloved man and his Warriors and friends met with from our Governor, 
and on their long journey to and from W"^^burgh has given them the 
greatest satisfaction; and we hope you are pleased that we have led 
them by the hand in safety to this place, and that we have delivered 
them into the bosom of their friends without any violence or insult 
being offered them during more than sixty days they were under our 
immediate care. We on our part are pleased that our common friend 
CoP. Gist and the young Gentleman who went with him into your 
Country are returned safe to their friends and that they were well 
treated while they were there. This mutual confidence will convince our 
common enemies that the white people and Cherokees are one people 
fastened together by the strongest bands of friendship and interest. 

Brethren, we have taken every method in our power to supply you, 
and we have it in command from our Governor to assure you, that as 
soon as our trade which has been greatly interupted by the war with 
England is on a better footing you may expect a farther and more ample 
supply of goods. 

We have also endeavoured to relieve the distress of your people by a 
timely supply of provisions, salt, powder, lead and other necessaries in 
a larger and fuller manner than we have done our own frontier people 
who were sufferers by the war. This war and these distresses you we 
unhappily involved in by the advice of the N^orward Indians and bad 
men among yourselves, who persuaded your young men to begin a war 
contrary to the advice of your old wise beloved men and warriors whose 
hearts was good towards the white people. 

But we now hope your young men have seen their error, and that for 
the future they will listen to the advice of their fathers and the old 
wise men, and pay no more regard to any bad men who may be amongst 
you or to any who will send letters to you to engage your Xation any 
more in a war with your elder Brothers the white people. You may 
now be convinced by our whole conduct since the war and even when 
our army part of which belonged to North Carolina was in your country, 
how desireous and ready we have been to renew our ancient friendship 
and to be at peace with the Cherokees. You remember the talks we had 
here last Spring when we laid the foundation of a peace between you 
and your elder Brothers the white people. In confirmation of what I 
have now said I give you this string of wampum. 

Brothers 

We are now met in full council to build up that peace and make it 
strong and lasting; so strong that our greatest enemies cannot break it, 
and so lasting that our children yet unborn may mutually enjoy the 



74 The J^orth Carolina Historical Review 

blessings and benefits of it. This is our design in meeting you here; 
and we expect you are come to this place with the same intentions. The 
Great Being above who made us all, and who gave understanding to men, 
hath put it into all our hearts to meet here this day to put an end to a 
destructive war, by a firm and honorable peace; and we hope he will 
look down upon us with pleasure while we are engaged in so desireable a 
work, for he is a God of peace and does not delight in war tho he 
often permits it. In order to bring about this happy event we once 
more invite you to open your whole hearts, let all your complaints and 
grievances be made known without reserve and hide nothing from us, 
and we will do the same with you. As this is the surest method to 
heal all diiferences that have subsisted or do subsist amongst us. We 
are fully authorized by the Governor of Virginia to fix a Boundary 
between your country and the white people, and to settle a firm peace 
with your Wation for the benefit of your people as well as ours. 

Though we have been here some time we waited with patience as we 
know your journey was long and that you could not all be here at the 
day appointed. In the mean time we have had the pleasure of talking 
with your beloved man and many of his warriors and of seeing your 
young men eating, drinking and dancing with our young men like 
friends and Brothers. We are verry sorry that Judge friend, the Drag- 
ing Canoe, the lying Fish and young Tassel are not come to the Treaty 
as we expected they might have been of use in your Council ; but as you 
assure us there are warriors here to represent all your Towns and that 
you are fully authorized by your people to confirm the peace, we shall 
go on with that important business. In confirmation that our hearts 
are good towards the Cherokees and that what we have said is truth we 
give you this string of wampum. 

a string 

M*". Avery then delivered the following speech. 

Friends and Brethren beloved man and Chiefs of the warlike N'ation 
of the Cherokees. 

We your Brothers of North Carolina are appointed by the Governor 
and council of that country to meet you at this place to hear your talks 
and if your talks and hearts are good toward the white people, we have 
power to join with our Brothers of Virginia to make a firm and lasting 
peace with you for the benefit of your people and our people. 

We rejoice to see you all at the Council fire and to hear of the friendly 
intercourse between you and your Brothers of Virginia. 

We rejoice that your beloved man and some of his people have made 
a visit to the beloved man of Virginia & have returned in safety. 

It was that your hearts would last year to make war with us, but we 
are now glad to hear that you want to make peace. Your nation begun 
the war and made the path dark towards three countries (Virginia N**. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 75 

Carolina and South Carolina) You made the path dark and bloody. 
The warriors of these three countries have now traveled in the path 
which you made dark and bloody, but we are glad to hear that your 
Nation and South Carolina have washed the blood out of the path and 
that your Nation and the Virginians are now washing the path bright 
and clear between your two countries. 

If your hearts are good we are willing that the paths every where 
between your country and North Carolina should be made light and 
clear also. 

We are glad to hear that a chain of friendship is established one end 
in your Nation and the other end in Charles Town, & that another chain 
of friendship is fixed one end in Chote and the other end in W^^burgh. 

We have power and are willing to establish another chain the one 
end in Chote and the other end in Newbern. We have power to carry 
one end to our Governor in Newbern and he is there ready to take hold 
and hold it fast. Your elder Brothers of North Carolina were not first 
to make peace, nor will they be first to break it, but will be steady and 
faithful friends. 

Brothers, as we came from our beloved man below we desire to hear 
what our brothers the Cherokees have to say; as you struck first and 
made the path dark, it is necessary that you should begin to clear it 
up. We desire you to open your hearts and freely make known to us 
and our brothers of Virginia all your complaints and grievances, and 
we will listen and hear and will endeavour to redress them and do you 
Justice. 

To convince you that our hearts are good and that we are willing to 
make peace with you, we give you this string of wampum. 

A string 

July 15'*^ 1777. Present as yesterday and Col. Shelby also. 
A letter from Col. Williamson of South Carolina a speech of the 
Commissioners for South Carolina and Georgia to the Creeks and 
their answer thereto, as also the articles of a Treaty between 
South Carolina &; Georgia and the middle Valley and lower 
Towns of the Cherokees were read and interpreted to the Indians. 

Col°. Williamsons answer to CoK Prestons letter of the 28^** 
June last is as follows. 

White Hall July 5^^ 1777 
Sir, 

A copy of your letter to Gen^ Rutherford of the 28^^*^ June was just 
now delivered to me the contents of which is very alarming. But from 
all the inteligence I can collect I have the greatest reason to believe the 
inteligence given by Col°. Gist is ill founded. What I think is a con- 
vincing proof that the Creeks are not disposed to break with us so 



76 The North Carolina Historical Review 

readily, was their readiness to agree to and meet the Georgia Commis- 
sioners in Congress at M^. Galphins Cowpen at Ogeechy in that State, 
the 5^^ of last month a copy of the talks are herewith forwarded. 
Eleven of the principle head men of the Creeks are now on the road 
(with M*". Galphin) to Charleston to visit the president and settle some 
matters in regard to the trade opened with them from s^. State, during 
their absence below I cannot imagine these people will adopt unfriendly 
measures, from all these considerations and letters just received from 
Charleston, which gives not the least hint of troops being expected on 
the coast, I think this news must have been fabricated by some Emisary 
of Stewart or his party merely with a view to disturb the frontier set- 
tlers of the Southern States. Altho times wear a promising aspect, we 
should be on our guard, and I heartily thank you for your early com- 
munication of this matter. M*". Gist mentioned it to me in a letter dated 
Chote the 9^^ of June but not so particularly, copy of which with other 
advices I this day dispatched by express to Charlestown to his Excel- 
lency the President. M''. Galphin writes me a few days ago that the 
Big fellow with a small party of disaffected Creek Indians were just 
returned from an excursion down about Holston River & brought with 
them one scalp ; but the head men who attended the Congress said if he 
& his party did not immediately lay down the hatchet they would spoil 
the path to Pensacola. 

Herewith I send you the latest Gazette from Charlestown which con- 
tains the articles of the definitive Treaty of peace entered into by the 
Commissioners from this State and Georgia with the Cherokee Deputies 
at Dewits corner where six hundred and three Indians attended of all 
denominations. I am with respect 

Sir your mo ob^. humb®. serv^ 
A. Williamson 

Articles of the definite Treaty of Peace concluded on and 
signed at Dewits Corner the 20*^^ day of May 1777 between the 
States of S°. Carolina and Georgia and the Cherokee Indians. 

Article 1®^ The Cherokee N^ation acknowledge that the Troops that 
during the last summer repeatedly defeated their forces, victoriously 
penetrated through their lower Towns middle settlements and vallies, 
and quietly and unopposed, built, held and continue to hold the Fort 
at Seneca, thereby did effect and maintain the conquest of all the Chero- 
kee lands, eastward of the Unacay Mountain; and to and for their 
people did acquire possess, and yet continue, to hold in and over the said 
lands all and singular the rights incidental to conquest ; and the Cherokee 
Nation in consequence thereof do cede the said lands to the said people, 
the people of South Carolina. 

Article 2**. South Carolina will immediately send a supply of goods 
into the Cherokee Nation and settlements for sale and permit the Chero- 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 77 

keea during their good behaviour to inhabit the middle settlements and 
valiea westward of the highest part of the occonnee mountain ; but they 
shall not, beyond a line extended South West and North East across the 
highest part of the Occonnee mountain, proceed or advance without per- 
mission from the commanding Officer at Fort Kutledge, to apply for 
which one runner may at any time be sent by the Cherokees: provided 
never the less that during this present year the Cherokees may raise 
gather and remove the corn they have planted on the East side of the 
Occonnee mountain. 

Article 3**. The Government of South Carolina will endeavour that 
the Cherokees be furnished with supplies of goods as usual; and that 
the trade will be put under the best regulations. Every person who, 
without a proper pass or license shall arrive in the Cherokee Nation 
or settlements the Cherokees shall immediately apprehend and deliver to 
the commanding Officer at Fort Rutledge, and seize to their own use 
all the cattle. Horses, goods, and effects conducted into their settlement 
by every such person. 

Article 4**^. Every white person who instigated or endeavoured to 
instigate the Cherokees to the late war or encouraged or aided them, or 
endeavoured to do so in the prosecution of it, and who now is or here- 
after may be in their power shall without delay, by the Cherokees be 
apprehended and delivered to the Commanding Officer at Fort Rut- 
ledge; and the Cherokees shall take to their own use all the effects which 
in their Nation or settlements they may find in the possession of or 
belonging to every such white person, and for every such white person 
so delivered, shall be paid five hundred pounds weight of dressed leather 
or the value thereof. 

Article 5***. Any Indian who in the Cherokee Nation or settlements 
shall murder a white person shall be immediately apprehended and con- 
veyed to Fort Rutledge by the Cherokees who in presence of the Com- 
manding Officer, at that post, shall put the murderer to death; and if 
any white or other person belonging to South Carolina or Georgia, shall 
in the Cherokee Nation or any white or other person shall in South 
Carolina or Georgia murder a Cherokee Indian, every such person, duly 
convicted thereof shall suffer death in presence of the Cherokee Indians, 
if any shall attend at the time and place of execution; and that they 
may have an opportunity of attending, due notice of the time and place 
of such intended execution shall be sent to the Cherokees. 

Article 6^**. All white and Indian persons shall be set at liberty as 
soon as possible; all Negroes taken during the late War and who now 
are or hereafter may be in the power of the Cherokees, shall as soon as 
possible be delivered up to the Commanding Officer at Fort Rutledge, 
together with the horses by any of their people before the late War 
stolen from South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina or Virginia, and 
which now are or hereafter may be in the power of the Cherokees, to the 
end that restitution may bo made to their true owners. 



78 The North Carolina Historical Review 

Article 7^^. For every runaway ITegroe that shall be apprehended 
and delivered by the Cherokees to the commanding Officer at Fort Rut- 
ledge shall be paid one hundred weight of leather, or the value thereof. 

Article 8^^. The hatchet shall be forever buried and there shall be 
an universal peace and friendship reestablished between South Caro- 
lina including the Catawba and Georgia on one part and the Cherokee 
Nation on the other; there shall be a general oblivion of injuries; the 
contracting parties shall use their utmost endeavours to maintain the 
peace and friendship now established, and the Cherokees shall at all 
times apprehend and deliver to the Commanding Officer at Fort Rut- 
ledge, every person white or red, who in their Nation or settlements, 
shall by any means endeavour to instigate a war by the Cherokee Nation, 
or hostility, or roberry by any of their people, against or upon any of 
the American States, or subjects thereof. 

In witness of all and every thing herein determined between South 
Carolina, Georgia and the Cherokee Nation, we their under written 
Commissioners and Deputies by virtue of our full powers, severally, and 
not one for the other, have signed this present definitive Treaty, in their 
respective names, and have caused our scales to be hereunto affixed. 

Done at Dewitts corner this twentieth day of May in the year of our 
Lord ono thousand seven hundred and seventy seven. 

Andrew Williamson 

Leroy Hammond I ^ . . ^ c^^ r-i ^^ 

William Henry Drayton > Commissioners for S". Carolina 

D. Horry 

Jonathan Bryan 

Jonathan Cochran [• Commissioners for Georgia 

William Glascock 

Oustassittee 

Canaliskeeticowee 

Cleronakee 

Skullaluska 

Cloooketa 

Choownatee 

Oosknah 

Chinisteska 



Cherokee Deputies 



Then Oconostoto informed the Commissioners that the old 
Tassel and old Raven were the chief speakers for him and the 
whole Nation that to them he had resigned his power on account 
of his age, but if they ever should speak contrary to his sentiments 
he woud put them right. 

The old Raven then rose and spoke as follows. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 79 

IsTow my elder Brothers shall hear what I have to say. It has been 
several days since my elder Brother brought my beloved man here. I 
was pleased to hear the good talks yesterday from all the beloved men 
who came here to meet us. It has been several days since you returned 
from the fatiague and trouble of bringing my beloved man here, for 
which I am very thankful, and also much pleased to see we all here are 
of one mind. I am come and I find every thing agreeable ; I brought all 
the young Warriors and many people belonging to my Nation to hear 
this good talk (here he handed one end of the belt which the old Warrior 
had got from the Governor, to Col Christian and held the other end 
himself) It has been a considerable time since my elder Brother took 
my beloved man and led him to his Great seat of Justice and back again 
here ready to conclude all the good talks heretofore entered upon. I 
give you hold of one end of this Belt which I hold the other, and I 
never will let it go, but hold it fast forever. This is the bright chain of 
friendship which we have hold of, not only us but the young ones on 
both sides, even the children yet unborn have hold of it through us, and 
shall be fast linked together by it. This is the Great chain of friend- 
ship which the great beloved man of Virginia ordered should be taken 
hold of by us his children ; it is" a light for those yet unborn to walk by, 
that they may see the path of peace and know what is done at this place. 
It was ordered by the Great beloved man of Virginia that it should be 
held fast by both of us everlastingly. The Great man above put it into 
his heart to do so, that it might be a light for both our people to walk 
by; I join you all heart and hand, (here he withdrew the belt) Yester- 
day you spoke to me that I should particularly open all my grievances, 
by which I understood you were taking pity on me, for which I am verry 
thankful, and as both your talks are good alike, you shall hear them. 
You said that you had my beloved man here some days, and that you 
waited patiently untill the rest of us come passing the time away by 
seeing both our young folks dancing and playing together. Now I have 
come myself and return you my thanks for the kind treatment given to 
my beloved man. This is the spot where we took hold of each other, on 
which the white seats of justice were first placexi and the peace fire 
kindled up. I am only the younger Brother but yet I know how to keep 
these white seats of Justice fast here where they are set. and I will do 
it, as this is the place where the seats of Friendship are; the place where 
each of us have taken hold of one another, it being put into all our 
hearts to do so by the Great man above. I am determined to keep this 
light of friendship always fresh in my mind even as now. Three be- 
loved men are talking together Virginia, Carolina & Chote all talking 
the peace talks together; on my own part I never will neglect the least 
particular of this Peace, but observe every part thereof verry faithfully; 
each beloved man will confirm the same for the quiet and safety of all 
three parties. I have no more beloved men behind to tell every thing 



80 The IToeth Carolina Histoeical Review 

that is done to, but you have and I rely that you will make everything 
known that is done here to your Great beloved men below. My elder 
Brothers of Carolina will open the doors of peace as well as Virginia, 
that we may see each other clearly, and that they may stand open ever- 
lastingly; you my elder Brothers was talking to me yesterday at this 
time of day I listened attentively; you desired me to open my heart 
and make known my grievances; I should have been glad if they had 
reached your ears long ago, but I believe all talks that I ever made that 
way were spoiled; but now I believe you will do me justice, for which 
I shall be verry thankful. I believe that long before my remem- 
brance this land was first found out, the time you know as you have 
writings; but I do not know when the first settlements were made on 
these waters; but I believe they were before my remembrance, by the 
time these meddles were given to us; (shewing a meddle) ever since 
these have been among us we have been more and more distressed; my 
grieveances have been for several years. The beloved man which I had 
in my land some time ago used to give us talks which I thought were 
verry good, but I believe now they were bad and never went to you or 
your beloved men. We were kept in blindness by him and no grieveances 
redressed which he frequently promised should be done. He told us 
that when we found any of your people on our land to take their guns, 
Horses and every thing they had and said if we killed them no harm 
would come of it, which advice I followed and it had like to have been 
my ruin. But I find now that my elder Brothers know my poverty you 
are the beloved men, I ought to have applied to you before for I see you 
take pity on me ; you drive me to open my heart, I'll hide nothing from 
you, which when I've done I'll leave you to consider on. You my elder 
Brothers took me by the hand and told me to sit still and not believe any 
of their lies. I believe, all your talks were straight and good. There is 
another red people on the frontiers of Virginia who we are not at war 
with we talked together, they did not stay long with me, but went to the 
woods; I told them I was coming here; perhaps some of my elder 
Brothers may suspect I encouraged them to hurt you ; I have no private 
place about my body to hide any thing if I had done so. Tis my heart 
I am opening to you. I shall make short my talks, for many words are 
not necessary to come to the truth, all my people knows this to be a 
truth & I hope yours do likewise. 

A string 

Now my elder Brothers are going to hear the last of the talk I shall 
deliver to day. The Great beloved man of Virginia spoke to mine who 
went to see him and said ^'Now my friend & Brother I take you by the 
hand here is my friend who will leat you to the rest of your people; 
there the people of North Carolina will meet you likewise, and fix a 



Treaty of Long Isi.and of Holston 81 

hard and lasting Boundary between your and their countries for I find 
you have been much wronged" I hope this Boundary will bo made so 
that it may not be crossed without consent being first had. 

A string 

I have now said all I can say to the purpose, I dont care how soon I 
could be going home for I have a bad enemy in my com field, I want 
to go and turn him out. (meaning weeds) The peace and safety of both 
parties was made before we came here, we only come to shew you our 
good will and to meet our beloved man. 

The old Tassell then rose and adressing himself to the Com- 
missioners of Virginia (after shaking hands) spoke as follows. 

It is the third moon since we first took hold of each other by the hand, 
which was ordered by the Great man above, and you remember what 
talks we had together ; I spoke freely from my heart that it might sink 
deeper into yours; as we were making the peace when I was here 
before, my friends you said this was the bloody path, I have swept it 
clean, and it shall no more be thought of. You likewise said that all 
the flesh wasted on both sides should be thought of no more, but as if 
they had been hurried so long ago that a large tree had grown upon the 
grave. Twas you and me had this talk when we were concluding peace. 
It shall be an everlasting peace. It was so ordered by the great man 
above and for that reason we will be the last to break it, altho a wicked 
white man did spill a little blood which shall no more be thought of. 
Now all my elder Brothers have heard both beginning and end of our 
Talks. I expect there will be interuption for any of either people to 
go where they please. These beads are for CoP. Gist to take to the 
Norward 

A string to CoP. Gist 

I remember what you said concerning the letters from Col°. William- 
son who I know verry well, I heard all you said on this matter before, 
and also that CoP. Williamson had been through all our Country and 
that he wanted the land as far as the Seneca. I remember all the talks 
which my people said they had with CoP. Williamson. When he said 
he wanted the land as far as the Unacay Mountain, our people said they 
would consider of it. I live in Toquoe and my beloved people in Chote, 
we did not go far away and came back again these middle settlement 
people did so too, and I dont see how they can claim the land by that, 
for we drove the white people from their houses too. Many of their 
people have been to that treaty but chiefly women and children they 
returned from there naked as my hand and crying with hunger by 
which it appeared that they only wanted our land and not to make 
peace. The beloved men of Virginia now here I suppose are good men 



82 The North Carolina Historical Review 

sent by their Great beloved man. I tbink tbe same of my Brothers of 
North Carolina. Now I hope your Great beloved men will take pity 
on us and do us justice, as our provisions is chiefly destroyed, and give 
us a little room, because your people have encroached upon us verry 
close and scarcely given us room to turn round. I've been talking with 
the beloved men of Virginia, and I hope nothing will break the good 
talks we have had together. My Brothers of North Carolina were not 
here before to hear the good talks, but these they hear and I hope all 
three of us will observe them. 

Col^. Christian in behalf of the Commissioners then spoke 
as follows. 

Brethren, Our Governors the beloved men of Virginia and North 
Carolina have given us their Commissioners full power and authority 
to settle a peace and fix a boundary line between the Overhill Cherokees 
(as the middle and lower settlements are not represented here) and 
their own countries, in the same manner as if they were both present, 
this important part of the peace now making between us we ought to go 
fully and clearly into at this time, that nothing might be left to occasion 
disputes hereafter but that every thing in our power may be now done 
and finished, to make the peace firm and the boundary lasting and that 
every obstacle thereto may be removed and thrown out of the way. 

We would now desire to be informed what people they were that have 
settled on your lands by whom you have been injured and at what time, 
that it may be in our power to give you an answer which we shall do 
tomorrow morning at which time we shall propose a boundary. 

July 15*^^ in the evening. Present as before. 

The Raven then spoke as follows. 

As you gave me the opportunity to consult all my people about the 
matter proposed, I have got all their opinions since we broke up a 
while ago, there is a great many of my people waiting at home to hear 
what is -to be done here. The Great beloved man of Virginia took pity 
of us and sent for us here to settle every thing well and clear. You 
shall hear what we have concluded on and shall leave yourselves to judge 
of it till morning. As the beloved man of Virginia has taken pity of 
us from the greatest to the smallest, and the beloved men are here from 
both States, who we are thankful to hear, and hope they will take upon 
themselves to do us justice. We have been trespassed upon by bodies 
of people on our hunting grounds. The Great beloved man desired that 
a boundary line should be run between us and the white people, and 
said that Col°. Shelby lived near the line and was to see that each 
party kept on their own side of the line. Here is the long Island where 
we are talking the peace talks and where we have the white seats of 



Tkeaty of Long Island of Holston 83 

justice, and the beloved fire; let the place never be removed but kept 
for Justice, and the peace talks; let these seats and this fire always 
remain fast here on this particular spot of ground. If you fix upon a 
boundary and have it run I dont want your people that have grain in 
the ground to remove till their grain is ripe; let their grain first be 
ripe and then remove. 

If the beloved men think fit let the West line be extended to the 
North fork and from thence to the great gap in Cumberland mountain. 

The proposal that I shall make to North Carolina shall be that the 
line where it struck the River above Col°. Shelbys shall run from 
thence a South course. The Nonachuckey people have extended much 
dowTi that River and on several Creeks. 

They are the people we want moved off, and some about the mouth of 
Watauga. There is Chilhowey and Cettico that have their Hunting 
grounds chiefly up Nonachuckey that is the course they hunt and never 
down the River. If I can carry home the news that these people are 
to be removed, they will be verry thankful. 

Mr. Avery then interogated them as follows. We take notice that 
the Indians complain of encroachments on Watauga & Nonachuckie, do 
you complain of all Watauga? 

(The Raven) We complain only of the lower part as high up as 
Col**. Carters and Nonachuckie. 

Mr. Avery) do you complain of all Nonachuckie? 

Raven) We complain of about and below Browns and Tuskega old 
Towns. 

Mr. Avery) did not the white people settle there by your consent ? 

Raven) They did, but fear only made us agree to it and we ex- 
pected redress again, but the white people instead of stoping wdiere they 
were; encroached still farther and farther; fear only made us agree to 
a settlement at all, but we expected Government would again remedy us. 

M*". Avery) did you not afterwards agree to sell those lands and 
receive pay for them? 

Oconostoto) I told the Watauga & Nonachuckie people that I would 
send talks to my Father over the water (it was then good times) I told 
these people that if he agreed to it, then they must stay, but that his 
consent must be had. They gave us guns, but as they made a great deal 
of grain raised stock and destroyed our hunting, I told them that we 
could not take pay for the lands but the rent only. 

A memorial of CoP. Richard Henderson and company was presented 
to the Commissioners of Virginia & North Carolina relating to their 
purchase of land from the Indians which they have ordered to be 
entered on the Journal of their proceedings immediately after this; and 
they are unanimously of opinion that as they have no instructions from 
their respective Governments to enquire into the validity of private 
purchases from the Cherokees, and as they are fully satisfied that if 



84 The North Carolina Historical Review 

the Commissioners were now to interfere with the Indians to support the 
private claims mentioned in the said memorial, it would at this critical 
time be attended with bad consequences to the treaty of peace now 
carrying on with that Nation, and as the matter does not properly come 
before them, they ought not to take any notice of the memorial in any 
of their conferences with these people. 

The MEMORIAL. 

To the Gentlemen Commissioners appointed by the States of Vir- 
ginia, North Carolina & South Carolina, to negociate a peace and 
settle a boundary between the Cherokee Indians and the white people. 

The memorial of Richard Henderson, Thomas Hart, Nathaniel Hart, 
John Williams, William Johnston, John Luttrell, James Hogg, David 
Hart, and Leo : Hen : Bullock, sheweth. That your memorialists did on 
the seventeenth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand 
seven hundred and seventy five purchase of the said Cherokee Indians 
in fair and open Treaty a large tract or territory of land lying on the 
Ohio and Branches thereof and immediately adjoining the line lately 
run by CoP. Donelson^^ as a boundary between the Virginians and the 
said Cherokees, which was at that time conveyed by two seperate deeds 
from the said Cherokees to your Memorialists; by which said purchase 
and deeds all the lands below or on the South East side of Kentuckie or 
Louisa River up to the head thereof or to where Col^. Donelsons line 
crosses or strikes the same, thence along said Donelsons line to Holston 
River six miles above the long Island, thence down the said River to 
where the course of Powels Mountain strikes or intersects the same, 
thence North Eastwardly along Powels Mountain or the course thereof 
to a point from which a North West course will strike the head of the 
most Southwardly Branch of Cumberland River, thence down the said 
River including all its waters to the Ohio, thence up the Ohio to the 
mouth of the said Kentuckie or Louisa River, were Granted and con- 
veyed to your Memorialists with free liberty of forming immediate set- 
tlements thereon without the least disturbance or molestation of them the 
said Indians. And whereas the settleing and agreeing on a Boundary 
line between the said Indians and white people seems to be a principle 
object under your consideration, and what we suppose you have full 

>» John Donebon, born about 1718, was a native of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. He was well edu- 
cated and possessed gifts as a writer. He served his state in the House of Burgesses. In 1772 he ran the 
famous line about which so much controversy took place, known as Donelson's Line. The purpose 
of the treaty at the Long Island of Holston, July 20, 1777, was to altei Donelson's Line, to extend Vir- 
ginia's boundary westward, and to open a free pathway for emigration to Kentucky. It was during 
this treaty, without doubt, that Judge Richard Henderson secured the services of Donelson and 
James Robertson to lead two parties, for establishing a settlement at the French Lick, afterwards 
Nashborough, later Nashville. Donelson's journal of the voyage in "the good boat Adventure," 
which set out from the Long Island on December 22, 1779, is a fascinating account of a remarkable 
voyage. Henderson thus was the prime mover in the founding of Nafhyille, Robertson and Donelson 
remaining there to defend and stabilize the group of settlements. Later he was active in land affairs 
and political issues in Tennessee, and in Kentucky, which he frequently visited. In 1783, Donelson 
and Joseph Martin, under appointment by the governor of Virginia, conducted a treaty of amity 
with the Indian tribes near Nashville. In 1784-5 he was actively interested in land speculation and 
was appointed surveyor for the recently established county of Houston in Georgia. In the autumn 
of this year he was slain from ambush by an assassin whose identity was never discovered. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



85 



power to perform. Wo hope regard will be had to our said purchase, 80 
far as not to permit the Indians to reclaim the lands or any part thereof, 
which by consent of the whole Nation they so fairly sold and willingly 
gave up. 

Your memorialists conceive with great difference to the Gentlemen 
Commissioners, that the Cherokees cannot nor in Justice ought not to 
enter on the lands, on the N^orth side of Holston or hunt thereon above 
where the course of Powels Mountain intersects the said River, nor in 
any manner be permitted to enter on the land sold as aforesaid to your 
memorialists. 

Your Memorialists acknowledge that some of the good people of Vir- 
ginia have given out in speeches that the lands so bought of the Chero- 
kees were not the property of your Memorialists, but belonged to that 
State or Commonwealth; that in consequence of such claim the matter 
is to be heard on third monday in their next Session of Assembly, at 
which time your Memorialists have no doubt but that Assembly will 
disclaim all pretentions to the lands in dispute, and the title of your 
memorialists become firmly and indisputably established. As the Treaty 
and purchase are matters of public notariety and the depositions respect- 
ing that matter are now in possession of the Virginia Assembly so they 
cannot at this time be laid before the Commissioners for Treating and 
settling a boundary between the Cherokees and white people. 

Your Memorialists hope that the Commissioners will not proceed to 
run a line through their purchase, or yield any part of the lands con- 
tained therein to the Indians as it will be a manifest injury to private 
property and what no law or policy whatever can require, as the 
Indians voluntarily and for a valuable consideration gave them up, and 
after a most deliberate consultation agreed forever thereafter to restrain 
themselves from reclaiming or demanding the lands in question. 

June 18^*^ 1777. 

John Luttrell 
James Hogg 
David Hart & 
Leo : Hen : Bullock 



Richard Henderson 
Thomas Hart 
Natl Hart 
John Williams 
William Johnston^* 



July 16'^ 1777. 



Present as Yesterday 



Col**. Christian spoke as folloAvs. 

Friends and Brethren. 

We your Brothers of Virginia could readily give you reasons why the 
lands on this River were settled by white people, and shew that the good 

'I For biographical sketches of all the co-partners of the Transylvania Company, consult the fol- 
lowing books, monographs, and historical essays by the editor: "The Conquest of the Old Southwest"; 
"The Star of Empire"; "The Creative Forces in Westward Expansion" (American H''storical Reriev), 
XX); "Richard Henderson and the Occupation of Kentucky" (Mississippi Valley IIisU*rical Ktriew, 
I); The l>ansylvania Company and the Founding of Heudorson, Kentucky; and Thansylvania: an 
Attempt to Establish the Fourteenth American State. 



86 The North Carolina Historical Review 

old King over the water granted these lands to us who were his subjects, 
and give us great encouragement from time to time to settle ourselves 
and families thereon, we could also shew you that this present King who 
has endeavoured to enslave his people, could find no other way to break 
these Grants than by ordering his servants Stewart and Cameron to tell 
you that the white people had settled these lands without his consent, 
and to desire you to drive them off or kill them, this was one reason 
why you went to war, by which you have been so much the sufferers. 

But to convince you more and more that we want to do you the 
strictest justice as well as our ov^m people who settled this River under 
the authority we have just mentioned ; we only desire to take in on our 
side the line those who have actually settled on this River and planted 
corn last year ; and go so low on the River as to take in these settlements 
and to run a straight line from the River to a point two or three miles 
below Cumberland gap, that our road to our settlements on the Ken- 
tuckie (a country we long ago bought of the N^.ward Indians) may be 
open and that our people may travel to and from that country un- 
molested, and without doing you any damage. This boundary will fully 
satisfy your elder Brother of Virginia ; it is all he desired us to ask and 
but a verry little more than you yourselves offered last night. The lands 
that will fall within the lines we have proposed, produce but little game 
to your Hunters and therefore cannot be of much service to your IS'ation, 
and this boundary will stand firm and unshaken through many genera- 
tions; as our Governor will recommend it to the Great Council of Vir- 
ginia to make Laws to punish any white man who will settle below it 
within the limits of Virginia, or by any means attempt to injure you 
in the peacable possession thereof. We shall also recommend it to our 
Governor to order the line from the River below the plantations to the 
mountain three miles below Cumberland Gap to be run as soon as the 
season of the year will admit, which we suppose will be in the fall, or it 
may be done now if you desire it. By abiding to this line a final end 
will be put to all our differences and the Cherokees & Virginia be lasting 
friends. We desire to inform you that we do not wish to oblige or force 
you to comply with this demand, for should you believe it unjust or 
hurtful to your Illation, and therein differ in opinion from us we would 
desire you to tell us freely and without reserve in the same manner as if 
we were sitting round your council fire in Chote. You may be assured 
that we did not send for you to this place in order to take any advantage 
of your distance from home or w^eakness here. We consider you as a 
Great I^ation met w^ith us in free and open Treaty; and you may be 
assured that we will protect you from all harm and conduct you safe to 
your Country; and that altho we may differ in opinion we will do 
you all the service we can; therefore whatever you do or say on this 
important article of our Treaty we hope you will do it from your heart 
and speak your sentiments without fear or reserve. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



87 



We desire in the name of Virginia if this line is agreed on that for 
the future you shall not consent that any white people shall settle on 
your side thereof on any account whatsoever within the limits of Vir- 
ginia without the concurence of the Governor or his Commissioners 
appointed for that purpose ; so that you ought not to sell, rent, or make 
any agreement whatsoever with private persons respecting the Lands 
aforesaid or give them the least encouragement to settle or hunt thereon 
or even keep their stocks of cattle or Horses within your country. And 
should any wicked white man attempt such a thing you are to give us 
notice thereof and we shall order a party to bring him off and punish 

A double string 



The warriors then withdrew for a short time to consult each 
other and after returning the old Raven spoke as follows. 

Friends and Brothers. 

I am going to speak to you because it is a general talk. Yesterday 
you heard all the sentiments of my heart. I left you last night to con- 
sider what I said to you. You desired me to consider a proper Bound- 
ary; and you now propose another to go a little farther than I men- 
tioned. As my friends and Brothers are talking together they are to 
declare every thing in truth to each other. I understand from my 
friend it was by the old Great Man over the water that my land was 
settled; but I know nothing of it. The time is fresh in both our mem- 
ories when he was sitting on the Throne and if the land ever belonged to 
him its more than I know of. You and I were talking last night to- 
gether on the subject of the Boundary line and I told you what I thought 
a proper place. You propose a line that goes beyond what I mentioned 
and binds verry close upon me. My people have many minds about it 
and I cannot readily agree that the line you propose shall be established. 
One of the greatest grievances that I complained of was that of en- 
croachments on our lands. But let not this hurt our peace talks. It 
was the desire of the great beloved man of Virginia that a firm 
boundary should be made between the elder and younger Brothers and 
altho there is a little odds in our opinions let it not spoil our peace. It 
is oftentimes the case when one Brother wants a thing which another 
sets store by that the first desires hard to get it; but if they are affectionate 
Brothers it is no odds. I hope nothing will be carried to the Governor 
of Virginia but what's agreeable to him; altho I cant agree to the 
demand that is made. I own I was a little surprised when I heard 
what my friend said just now. But I confess I ought not as he told me 
at the same time that both me and my people should be safe, which was 
not the case some years ago. this matter is a little misterious and I 
cannot give you a clear answer. But I hope you will reconsider the 
matter and reflect that it is one of my greatest grievances. T hope you 



88 The Noeth Carolina Historical Review 

will take no resentment at this my objection as from tlie talks we have 
just had I have no reason to think you will. What I desire is that you 
would reconsider the matter and I will consult my people likewise 

returned the String 

Down this River is the place that causes some of my Warriors to 
object ; but it will not spoil our good talks. We want to fix a firm and 
lasting Boundary. When this is once done my people will know where 
it is and they shall not trespass upon you. 

M"". Avery then spoke as follows. 

Beloved man and chief of the Cherokee I^ation. Brothers you have 
complained to us that the people of North Carolina have encroached on 
your lands. Now listen and hear what your Brothers of North Carolina 
have to say to you. 

Many years ago the Governor of North Carolina, who you called the 
Big Wolf, Governor Tryon, agreed with your Nation, and fixed a line 
between your and our people. And so long as both Nations lived in 
peace our Governor and Council did not order any settlement, to be 
made over that line. If any such had been made without your consent, 
you ought to have complained to our Governor and Council. When our 
Governor and Council heard of the settlements on Watauga being made 
without their consent, and that you had made bargins with those 
people about lands without consulting them, they were not well pleased 
with those people nor with you: that you should make bargins to place 
inhabitants, between your Country and our Country without their con- 
sent. However in time of peace these inhabitants were not driven away 
or removed off. Neither were they taken under protection. But they 
were let alone; no officers were appointed by Government; no beloved 
man sent to sit on the seats of Justice there. You did not complain to 
the Gov*", and Council to have them removed. When you began the late 
War, you broke over the line between your Nation and our people agreed 
upon and fixed by the Big Wolf, and you killed our people on the head 
waters of the Catawba & broad river. And after you had broke over 
the line and made the path dark and bloody between our two Countries 
we traveled in the path of War to your Country. Our Governor and 
Council sent out an Army against your Nation. And at the same time, 
by the desire of the settlers on the waters of Watauga & Nolachucky, 
took them under the protection of the State, and supplied them with 
money, amunition & salt &c. And they were taken in, & admitted in 
time of the war, as our people. We promised to support them in that 
place; &; by the assistance & a little of the power of North Carolina, 
they have lived there in time of War. Before the War this power was 
restrained & kept back beyond the line fixed by the Big Wolf. But now 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



89 



by making War you have been the occasion of bringing this power to 
Watauga & Nolachucky. And now some of our beloved men may come 
&; sit on the seats of Justice there. You have requested that those 
people should be removed quite away; and the power of North Carolina 
is great enough to remove them. But you made war & we then took 
these people for our own people. You have made it verry troublesome 
for us to remove them ; and it would be more agreeable to our Governor 
and great Council, for them to stay. We desire in behalf of the State 
of North Carolina, that if a line should now be agreed upon between 
your Country & our Country, that you for the future, shall not consent 
that any white people shall settle on your side the line, on any account 
whatever, without the consent of our Governor and Great Council or 
Commissioners by them appointed for that purpose, and we desire that 
you will now faithfully promise that you will not hereafter sell rent or 
make any agreement whatsoever, with private persons respecting the 
Lands on your side the line, as aforesaid; or the range or privilege of 
Hunting thereon; lest such bargins should again ocasion Disputes be- 
tween you and your brothers of North Carolina. Brothers; We are now 
about to fix a line that is to remain through all generations, and be 
kept by our Childrens children; and we hope that both Nations will 
hereafter never have any more disputes. We shall recommend it to our 
Governor &; Great Council of North Carolina, to make Laws to punish 
any white man, who shall settle or encroach on your lands or in any 
manner injure or disturb you. By fixing a line and abiding by the 
same, we may be lasting friends. We desire to inform you that we do 
not wish to oblige or force you to comply with our proposals now to he 
made; for if you should believe them to be unjust and hurtful to your 
Nation, & therein differ in opinion from us, we desire you to tell us 
freely and without reserve, in the same manner as you would tell 
your own people in Chote. And whatever you say on this important 
article of our treaty, we hope you will speak freely from your Hearts. 
We desire to know your opinion whether you think it w^ould be just to 
remove the inhabitants of Watauga & Nolachuckey; or whether you do 
not think it would be better for both Nations for your beloved man k 
chiefs to fix a boundary, below our inhabitants, beginning at the ford 
on holston, where the path crosses at the lower end of valley, running 
thence a straight course towards a point about three miles below Cum- 
berland Gap, untill it intersects the line hereafter to be extended between 
the States of Virginia & North Carolina; and from the said ford, a 
straight line towards Nolachuckey River five miles West of the mouth 
of McNamies Creek thence South, crossing Nolachuckey to the Southern 
bank thereof & from thence South East into the mountains, which divide 
the Hunting grounds of the Overhill Towns from those of middle set- 
tlements. * o . 

A btring 



90 The Noeth Caeolina Historical Eeview 

To which the old Tassell replied. 

I look upon it the line you ask is much too nigh to my l^ation it takes 
in all your settlers on Kolachuckey River, which are themselves too 
nigh ; but this shall not spoil our good talks. I want liberty to raise my 
children and have an open Country. I speak freely because I have a 
right to speak in my own behalf. This line I cannot agree to, as it is too 
near my [N'ation ; nearer I believe than you think for. for I look upon it 
you would not make an unreasonable demand. I am verry thankful for 
the many good talks between us for the safety and security of my people ; 
but did not expect you would talk of boundaries so near my Towns. It 
seems as if my elder Brothers speak with a stranger mouth than I can, 
but this argument seems weak when set against what I say, for that line 
is too near me. I believe my elder Brothers want to know my principles. 
I thought they had known them before. I never was guilty of telling 
lies, all my people depend upon my word; and I tell you none of them 
have a bad heart against my Elder Brothers at this time. This is all 
I have to say this evening upon the subject, tomorrow I will speak 
again. 

I want to talk about CoP. Gist going to General Washington & I 
want the Commissioners to write a letter for CoP. Gist to carry to that 
great Warrior in behalf of my Nation. 

17^^ July. Present as on the 15*** 
The old Tassell spoke as follows. 

Now the beloved men of North Carolina shall hear my reply to what 
they said to me last night. The talks you gave me came from the 
Governor to make a path from your Country to mine and was verry good 
till you came to talk of the boundary line. My beloved man and the 
beloved man of Virginia have taken hold of each other fast high up 
the arm. 

It may be the same by my brothers of North Carolina. But by their 
asking so much land it seems as if they want to see what we would say, 
that we might refuse something, and they might catch us in a trap for 
an excuse. I left people both at home and in the woods far beyond 
there, who are waiting and listening to hear what I do. As you are talk- 
ing of much land I dont know how they would like that part of your 
proposal. As I said before the beloved men are here together. My 
beloved Man has been to see the Great beloved man of Virginia who I 
suppose wrote to your Great beloved man to send you here, and talk 
about making Peace. I want to know whether he wrote anything to 
him to require so much land as you seem to do. I am talking to my 
Brothers so I call you all. as to land I did not expect any thing on that 
subject; but only concerning peace. The man above hath ordered it so 
that the white benches shall be set down for us, and I hope nothing will 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



91 



enter either of our hearts but good thoughts. I would leave it to the 
beloved man of Virginia to settle all things (about Lands) between us. 
I am talking with my elder Brothers on a subject I cannot clearly com- 
prehend. I did not expect it would have been put to me at this time; 
for my elder Brothers have imposed much on me in the land way. if 
this and another house was packed full of goods they would not make 
satisfaction. But I will leave the difference between us to the great 
Warrior of all America. It seems misterious to me why you should ask 
so much land so near me. I am sensible that if we give up these lands 
they will bring you more a great deal than hundreds of pounds. It 
spoils our hunting ground; but always remains good to you to raise 
families and stocks on, when the goods we receive of you are rotten and 
gone to nothing. 

Your stocks are tame and marked; but we dont know ours they are 
wild. Hunting is our principle way of living. I hope you will consider 
this and pity me. Here is my old friend the Elk (meaning CoP. 
Preston) and two particular from Virginia hearing the answer I make 
to my brothers of J^orth Carolina, you require a thing I cannot do, for 
which reason I return you the string of Beads to consider upon again. 

In my talks at Chote Town house there shall be nothing bad towards 
my elder Brothers. I will hold them fast and strong. I have been 
often told that my elder Brothers were naked and had nothing. I said 
if so I will be naked also. I looked for nothing but to raise my children 
in peace and safety. My former friend who is now my Brothers enemy 
told me if I listened to you I should wear hickory bark shirts ; but that 
Talk I do not mind. 

returned the String 



Then the old Tassell spoke to the Virginia Commissioners as 
follows. 

I am going to speak to my friends and elder Brothers who I hope will 
remember what I am going to say. Ever since winter the good talks 
have been going on between us. Here is the Raven who first came to 
us with the good talks. Your second messenger happened to be killed 
by some of our bad people, who were not at that time well to my elder 
Brothers, and it was a great grievance to me. When the Raven came 
here last winter it was proposed to him by my elder Brothers, that a 
great and good w^arrior should go with him into the Nation ; but this he 
objected to for fear some bad people should accidentily meet with him, 
and kill him. In that case the Raven said **he must die also." Then 
another man was sent with him, for which I am verry thankful to my 
elder Brothers, in that they left the good Warrior with his own people. 
Now I have got this good Warrior fast by the hand, and will lead him 
to the beloved seats in Chote, where he shall sit down and keep the 
beloved talks, between me and my Elder Brothers. I'll take him and 



92 The North Carolina Historical Review 

lead him through all the Towns in safety. He shall sit down and smoke 
with my heloved man. and hold the chain of friendship hard and fast, 
that nobody shall pluck it from him, as I have him by the hand and 
determine never to let him go. I hope my elder Brother will never be 
sorry that he is gone with me. As he is a good man to you he will be 
the same to us. Any News that comes to us there of any kind, and 
from any place he shall send it here to this seat of Justice, that my 
elder Brothers may know it. 

CoP. Christian then spoke as follows: 

Friends and Brethren 

At our last meeting at this place, a letter from our Great Warrior 
Gen^ Washington was delivered to his Brother Oconostoto, by one of 
his war Captains and your friend CoP. Gist. By this letter you were 
invited to send some of your young warriors to our GenP. Camp where 
they will meet with a hearty welcome, be treated as friends and be at 
liberty to return in safety to their country whenever they desire it, and 
also they shall be under the care of CoP. Gist and be paid and well 
cloathed during their stay. He likewise mentioned to you the success 
of his Battles and engagements on many occasions. 

We can now assure you from the best inteligence we have been able to 
procure that his success continues and that his army is increased to a 
great number. You are sensible that CoP. Gist went all the way to see 
that Army and the Great Council of thirteen United Countries last 
winter, and brought inteligence and good talks from thence. You know 
the pains and trouble he has been at, and how careful he has been to you 
in bringing about a happy peace, betwixt you and your Brethren the 
white people. And that he has long been a friend to your Nation from 
these reasons we would earnestly recommend it to you, to let some 
of your Warriors and young men accompany him to the Northward, as 
they can safely trust themselves with him. They will then have an op- 
pertunity of traveling through an extensive, rich and populous Country. 
They will see the Grand Council of thirteen United Countries, in the 
Great City of Philadelphia, and at the Generals Camp they will see 
the finest and largest Army that ever was in America, drawn into the 
field to fight for the liberty of all the good people therein, and to keep 
them from being enslaved. They may also if they choose it learn the 
white peoples art of War, under that Great and experienced General, 
who will be a father and friend to your Nation. When they return, 
they can bring back all the News. We do not want them to fight our 
Battles, but to see the riches and grandeur of our Army and Country. 
This invitation has been given to many tribes of Indians in friendship 
with the white people ; and some parties of the Warriors as we have been 
informed have joined the General. For the same purpose he has de- 
sired some of your young men, which is to show our enemies, that we 
have many Nations of Indians in friendship with us. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



93 



To which the Tassell replied as follows. 

Here is my friend and Brother (pointing to Col Gist) whom I look 
upon as one of my own people. He is going to leave me and travel into 
a far Country, but I hope he'll return. Here is one of my people the 
Pidgeon that will accompany him but I do not know of many more 
that will. He will think no trouble of the journey it is all by land and 
will seem light to him. He once went over the Great Water where he 
could not see which way he was going; but this journey will be all by 
land and he will think nothing of the fatague. I am verry thankful 
that such a man as the Pidgeon has undertaken this journey; because 
we think much of him, and I rely that my friend will take care of him. 
I cannot be accountable how many men will go with the pidgeon and 
my friend ; I know of only three or four there may be more but will see 
at night. Now this is the last talk I have to give. We have been long 
here and some of my people are desirous to go to their cornfields which 
may be on sufferance for want of labour. 

Tomorrow I am verry sensible some of them will set out. I want the 
talks over myself as soon as possible; but I know matters of great con- 
sequence cannot be hurried on. I hope the business will get so far done 
that I may go in three days. But we will see one another often times 
at this place where the beloved fire is left. 

A string to CoP. Gist 



The Tassell continued his speech as follows. 

The beloved man who is pitched upon to hold the good talks (meaning 
Cap^ Jo. Martin )^^ fast with me; my beloved man the Raven shall take 
him fast by the Hand and lead him to the beloved seats in Chote, there 
to hold each other forever. I had a beloved man once in my land, which 
was Cameron, who was always talking in my house, in behalf of the 
white Traders, who brought us supplies of goods. It has been but a 
little while dark. Here is Ellis Harland who lives in the beloved Town ; 
when we get home, shall go to Seneca and bring us goods as usual, there 
is George Lowry, my Trader in Toquo, him and Col**. Gist took hold of 
each other, and hold the peace Talk, and my friend here, knows it; I 
determine to send him with Ellis Harland likewise. Joseph Vann is 
inclined to supply us with goods; He will be living again with us verry 

'• Joeeph Martin, born in Albemarle County, Virginia, in 1740 was wild and lawless as a lad, neg- 
lecting his education and running away to join the army at Fort Pitt. In 1769 he made an abortive 
attempt to establish a settlement in Powell's Valley, but was driven off by the Indians. In 1773 he 
removed to Henry County, Va., and the following year served as a lieutenant in Dunmoro's War. 
In Janiiary, 1775, as agent for the Transylvania Company, he established the famous settlement, 
afterwards forted. known as Martin's Station. Following his appointment as captain of militia, he 
served on Christian's expedition against the Cherokee Indian?. Among other phases of military 
service, he was in command of the troops at the Long I.sland of Ilolston during the treaty, July 20, 
1777. As outcome of that treaty, he was appointed by Gov. Henry agent to the Cherokee tiibe on behalf 
of Virginia. Until his death on December 18, 1808, he was one of the most influential men on the North 
Carolina frontier, frequently serving as agent and commissioner for Virginia in negotiations with the 
Indians, and representing Sullivan County in the North Carolina legislature, which appointed him 
brigadier-general of Washington District. No frontiersman of his day served in so many important 
public capacities or accompli.shed more for the pacification of the Indians and the settlement of the 
Weatern borders of North Carolina and Virginia. 



94 The N^orth Carolina Historical Review 

shortly in friendship, and I hope will be agreeable to you. When I have 
this your warrior and my friend sitting on the seat of Justice in Chote, 
every small thing that is heard (as often times it is from the Creek 
l^ation) shall be sent and explained by him to my elder Brothers; 
and I will always assist him in this good work. The Warriors that go to 
the great and noble Warrior, will let him know that I have this good 
man with me in my towns. It may be some satisfaction for him to 
hear, of one of his Young Warriors being so well received in our beloved 
Town. I hope your great and noble Warrior of America, will consider 
my condition, because it is poor and low with me; because I think the 
people of South Carolina are seeking too much land from me. I hope 
these my friends here do not take this amiss. My desire is that this 
powerful Warrior will give me some redress, for the great injury of 
taking from me one of my principal Towns. 

This day Col°. Christian delivered to the Commissioners of 
North Carolina the following proposals (viz) 

July 17*^ 1777) The Virginia Commissioners propose to join with 
the Commissioners of iNTorth Carolina, in recommending to the Gov- 
ernors of the two States, an extension of the boundary line between the 
States as far West as can be obtained of the Indians ; if possible beyond 
the present inhabitants who planted and were actual settlers in 1776. 
that then the Virginia Commissioners will propose to the Indians to 
run a line from that point, to a point in the mountain three miles below 
Cumberland Gap; and that they will give the Indians a specifick sum 
for the lands North of that line; and that the North Carolina Commis- 
sioners should propose to the Indians, from where the extension of the 
Boundary, between the two States terminates, to turn such courses as 
will secure their inhabitants as far as the line of the hunting Grounds, 
between the middle & Overhill Settlements. 

CoK Christian having intimated that an immediate answer in 
writing was expected, the following was prepared and delivered 
(Viz) 

We the Commissioners of North Carolina do agree with the Com- 
missioners of Virginia, to recommend to the General Assemblies of the 
two States, to extend the line between them as far West, as the Indians 
shall agree to give up at this Treaty. But we think that the proposals 
made yesterday respecting the boundary line between our State and the 
Indians, ought not to be altered. We think it would be verry unjust to 
give up to the Indians any part of the settlements, that our State took 
under protection during the War. We are of opinion that the proposal 
of yesterday, will no more than secure us a regular boundary tolerably 
straight so as to include our inhabitants on both sides of Holston River, 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston Ui) 

as many on the North side will probably fall into our State. As we 
expect that no settlements will be permitted to be made within five 
miles of the Indian line on our side; we think it will be so much the 
more necessary that this line should be regular & straight; and that it 
would be verry inconvenient to have it irregular with many angles. We 
have no intention to purchase any lands from the Indians; neither can 
we imagine that the General Assembly of our State will think it just to 
pay large sums of money for lands and settlements, which they have at 
a great expence, protected during the War. 

July 18*^ Present as on the 15^^ ; 

CoP. Christian spoke as follows. 

Friends & Brethren, 

Our business at this place was to make peace with our ancient allies 
the Cherokees ; a peace that cannot be broken by the artifice or injustice 
of our enemies & yours and which we hope will be settled on such a good 
foundation as to continue unbroken through many succeeding genera- 
tions; and under which your nation may live in safety, flourish and 
become more powerful than ever. In order thereto we desired you to 
make your complaints & grieveances all known without reserve; and we 
should do the same with you. This we have both done; and find you 
have been greatly imposed upon, and abused by bad men amongst your- 
selves, who persuaded you from time to time to rob the white people, 
and at length to go to war with them, before you made your complaints 
known to our Governor; by which means you involved yourselves & us 
in trouble. But as all this is done away, and we are once more become 
friends and Allies; we thought the surest way to continue that friend- 
ship and strengthen that Alliance, would be to fix a boundary between 
you & your brothers of Virginia that may stand firm & unbroken thr'o 
ages yet to come. The boundary we propose is to take in all the inhabi- 
tants on this side the River, to the second Creek below the Warriors 
ford at the lower end of Carters Valley, being about three miles below 
the fording; then a straight line in Cumberland Mountain, three miles 
below the great gap, thr'o which the path goes to the Kentuckie. Breth- 
ren consider that the difference between this line, and that run by CoP. 
Donelson, by consent of your Nation; and you will find it is not so 
great as you imagined. You are sensible that if we had desired or 
wanted your land, we should have left an army in your Country and not 
have invited you to treat with us, or support you in your greatest dis- 
tress & promised to assist in protecting you against your enemies. All 
this was done to you as friends, without requiring any other return than 
your friendship and confidence. Nor do we now mean to ask the above 
lands from you, for any favour you have already received or is about to 
receive from us at this Treaty, so far from it that we propose to give you 



96 The North Carolina Historical Review 

two hundred head of breeding Cows and one hundred head of Sheep for 
it, by the fall to be delivered at this place when the line is run, at which 
we desire some of your Warriors to be present that your people may 
have stocks of their own. This stock we give as a compensation for the 
land that falls within our state when the boundary line between Virginia 
and Worth Carolina is run, which may be of great use in cloathing and 
supporting your people. In short, on your agreeing to this boundary, 
our peace will be confirmed and you may rest assured of the friendship 
of Virginia on all future occasions, and that we will become one people 
linked together by the strongest chain of friendship, interest and mutual 
defence. This is the earnest desire of our Governor and his great men 
who desired us to do you the strictest justice, as we expect it is of your 
beloved man and his warriors. It will then be in our power to prevent 
our people from breaking over the line or other wise injuring you, 
which will not be in our power if there is no boundary fixed between us. 
We will also send a beloved warrior with the interpreter to reside in 
Chote to write your letters, and deliver our talks to you from time to 
time and to transact your business while he continues there; and we 
will also send a person down with you now, to repair your Arms, when 
they are out of order, at the expence of Virginia. 

Brethren we have now endeavoured to show you some of the many 
benefits that will arise to your people, by fixing on and settling a 
boundary between your country and Virginia, in the manner we have 
proposed, from which you may readily conclude the many incon- 
veniences that must follow on a refusal th'o we are at Peace. 

We hope you will calmly and attentively consider these things, and 
be assured that we dont want to take least advantage of your situation, 
but to do every thing with you on just and generous terms. 

A double string 

The Commissioners then withdrew, and left the Indians alone 
to consult, after a short time being met again, the Raven spoke as 
follows. 

Now my elder Brothers shall hear what I have to say which is the 
certain truth without wavering. You and me have each other fast by 
the hand and we will forever keep our hold; altho some difference may 
arise in our opinion, while we are talking the friendly talks together. 
The bright chain of friendship is laid aside till we can settle the bonds 
of our Countries. I find that my elder Brothers pities me, and is not 
willing to share me of my land, which makes me take consideration of 
the matter. Here is my friends. Brothers and beloved man on both sides, 
holding verry agreeable talks together which I hope will never be inter- 
rupted. The path shall last forever and I shall sit at home safe, and 
confide that my elder Brothers will put it out of the power of all people 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston \)1 

to cross it, as if it was a wall that reached up to the skies. I shall sit at 
home and believe that this path now going to be made is such as no man 
may cross. My elder Brothers may be assured that I will prevent all my 
young men in the same manner. I trust to your beloved man to take 
care that none of your people breaks over this line. As all the good 
talks have been ended and we are making the path good between us we 
will always be Brothers and this path shall forever be observed, as our 
children after us are here represented and we are acting for future gen- 
erations. My elder Brothers desired me to mention a boundary, and 
after that you proposed another. But I tell you now we will begin our 
line at the mouth of big Creek just below Robisons fort, and run from 
thence a straight line three miles to the left of Cumberland Gap. As for 
the path towards Kentuckie, I dont know exactly where it is; but the 
Gap I speak of is a verry remarkable one, and there is a verry high nobb 
to the left of it which the line may run to. And let the path go where 
it will I dont mind, for you are welcome to a path, through our land 
any where. From the mouth of this Creek to the top of that mountain, 
is the boundary fixed in my mind, and I give it up freely; tho it is or 
used to be a considerable part of our hunting ground; by reason you 
talk verry good, and has pity on me. My young people have not all got 
guns. My stock is all wild, and as you have pitied me, I hope you will 
give me a few, out of the abundance you have. I should not have spoke 
on this head, but a number of my young men are quite without, and our 
stock is getting verry wild. Many of my people are at home and some 
that are counted particular wamors ; to them I shall endeavour to make 
all things straight and prevent all evil, th'o from the talks sent to me 
I have no right to think any w411 attempt, to break our chain of friend- 
ship. I have taken hold of a warrior of my elder Brother to carry 
home with me, that nothing shall be hid. He shall sit down with me 
at home on the seat of justice, and give you every intelligence that comes 
to my Nation. He is the same man first proposed last winter, and I 
am glad the reasons I then gave weighed with you for not sending him, 
but the unfortunate one (meaning Sam^ Newel) Now as we have 
fixed on a boundary which when it is run, as the warrior will ever be 
with us, if any of my people trespass on you through him you shall 
know it and the same will be done if your people encroach on me. I'll 
hold the bright clear string of friendship in the front of my breast, as 
a mark that he shall be noticed through all my nation. This Warrior 
I'm going to receive, shall never receive any damage. I always will 
suppress any plot (if any should be) that may be to his hurt. I have 
done talking now. I understood there was a quantity of ammunition 
here to be given us; I should be glad it might be given to us this evening 
that we may be done. This string I give that it may be confirmed to 
you that what I have said is the truth; and that I expect to take your 
Warrior home with me and make him a great Warrior in my Nation. 

A String 



98 The ^orth Carolina Historical Review 

CoP. Christian then spoke as follows. 

Friends and Brethren, 

We are sorry to give you or ourselves any farther trouble about a 
boundary between you and your Brethren of Virginia, as the time is 
passing, that both parties longs to get to their homes and families. We 
agree with you that the line shall be like a wall, high and strong that 
none can pass over or break down. But all that we asked at first was to 
keep our settlers within that wall, and that we could travel to the Ken- 
tuckie without doing you any injury for which we have offered you a 
reasonable reward or consideration. But we hope you will consider the 
matter again; and th'o from the mouth of the Creek you mention, to 
that we proposed, the line to begin at, is but a verry little way, it will 
leave out near twenty of our people, who have planted corn there, and 
can be of little use to you. Therefore we expect you will allow the 
line to begin at the mouth of the second Creek below the ford and extend 
to the place you point out in Cumberland mountain. Then these people 
who settled there will be pleased as well as all your Brothers and the 
line will be strong. You know our beloved man the Governor has not 
strained you in any thing, for which reason we expect you will not stand 
out about that small point of land; but small as it is, several families 
must be ruined if they should be moved off; and it cannot be of any 
real benefit to you. 

The Raven then spoke as follows. 

I depend on you to let the Governor of Virginia know that I had 
fixed a boundary, but that at your request I suffered it to go to the 
place you propose upon my land. 

Col. Christian spoke as follows. 

Brothers 

We have now settled the boundary between you & your Brothers of 
Virginia and you may be assured our Governor and great council will 
make it verry strong. What we have promised you shall be delivered 
when we run the line, of which you shall have due notice. We will 
inform our Governor, of your friendly behaviour at the treaty, and 
show him your good talks. We will send a proper person to reside in 
Chote to hear your talks and do your business and ours while he stays 
there. And we promise you he shall be a good man and warrior. 

That all we have done or may do here may be remembered by us and 
our children yet unborn, we will write the whole on a large paper; and 
your beloved man and Warriors sign it on behalf of all the Overhill 
Cherokees, and we shall do the same on behalf of our Governor and his 
council. And that you may have it, when you please, to show it to all 
your people and know all that it contains; we will give you a fair copy 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 99 

of it. While we are preparing this paper, in the mean time we would in 
the name of our Governor, earnestly recommend it to you to agree with 
our Brothers the Commissioners from North Carolina, & fix a strong 
wall between your people and that country, by which the peace, safety 
and happiness of your Nation will be fully secured and you v;ill have 
the great chain that begins in Chote held fast by the Governors of 
three Great Countries, which border on yours. And there is no doubt 
but these Governors will on all occasions, show you their friendship, 
and do your people all the service they can ; by which these three great 
Countries and the Cherokees will become one people. In confermation, 

A String. 

July the 19^^ present as on the 15^** 
M*". Avery spoke as follows 

Beloved man and chiefs of the Cherokee Nation. 

Brothers We (North Carolina and Chote) have for some days past, 
been speaking the talks of peace. We have listened attentively to what 
you said, and hope we remember all. What you say about peace is 
verry good and friendly. 

Brothers now listen and hear what we are going to say we come from 
the Governor & Council of North Carolina, to speak for them and all 
that country. They must all hear the peace talks that you and we shall 
speak this day, and will all observe the peace that shall be made, and 
we must do justice to all. Brothers listen well to what I am going to 
say. In former times you had little intercourse with your Brothers of 
North Carolina. We considered you as neighbors friends & Brothers. 
Your young men and ours have had time to grow up in the last peace. 
After the Big Wolf (Gov**. Tryon) had settled a line with your Nation; 
our Governor and great Council sent you no talks all that time, that we 
know of, or received any from you. Thus matters continued untill last 
fall was a year, our Great Council appointed a beloved man to deliver 
you a talk; you were then our friends. They gave this beloved Man a 
thousand pounds out of their Treasury, which was sufficient to buy 3 or 
4000 of Gun powder, with this money he was to purchase such goods as 
would best suit you and to give them to you as a present. M"". Wilkin- 
son at Keowee was to give you notice. Our beloved man went last april 
or may was a year, few or none of you came to hoar our good talks <S: 
receive our presents. We then thought to s(Mid you good talks frequently, 
to cultivate a good friendship with you, and hear good talks from you as 
friends. We hope this will be the case when we live in friendship 
hereafter. 

We propose that a beloved man shall reside at Chote in behalf of our 
State to deliver the talks of our Great beloved man to your Great beloved 
man and all your Warriors; also to write your talks to him, that the 



100 The ISTorth Carolina Historical Review 

good talks may go from the everlasting doors of friendsliip, that shall 
always stand open at IsTewbern to the doors of friendship at Chote; and 
the good talks also go from Chota to Newbern ; and that by this means 
the path of Peace may be kept clear, and Brothers on both sides see one 
another clearly, your complaints if you shall hereafter have any will 
surely come to the ears of our great beloved man & the great Council, 
which you told us you long ago wished for. 

In your talks to us, day before yesterday, you seemed to doubt whether 
your Brothers of I^orth Carolina, were sincerely willing to make peace 
with you. Brothers we were sori*y to hear this. We appeal to the great 
being above who knows all our hearts. He knows all our hearts are 
sincere, and that we are willing to have peace with you, if you will make 
peace with us on just and honorable terms ; a peace that will be lasting. 
We do not desire to make a short Peace; but a firm and ever lasting 
peace. If you will not settle a boundary line with us the peace cannot 
be lasting; for we cannot tell our people how far to go, and this will 
make disputes between us hereafter. You propose to delay this matter 
and refer it to the Governor of Virginia, but he has nothing to do with 
it, both States having distinct seperate interests (and powers) like two 
Brothers. You said that you did not expect it, did not come prepared 
for this necessary part of the Treaty, which is verry strange & mis- 
terious to us. You also seem to suspect that we went to entrap you 
for an excuse, but in order to convince you that your suspicions are 
wrong, we would observe to you that when your Nation had begun the 
war, that was provocation & excuse enough; if your Brothers of North 
Carolina had been averse to peace, they needed no other excuse to carry 
on the war. But our armies returned & left the whole country to your 
Nation, as before the War. This may convince you that our State are 
not desirous to drive you away; but to let you live there in Peace as 
friends & neighbors, if you will remain peacible and be friends. This 
may also convince you that our State did not covet your lands inas- 
much as one army, did not stay in the middle settlements, where they 
had possession, and might have built forts and kept the country. We 
desired you to speak your mind freely and believe you have done it ; we 
thank you for it. We also have spoken our minds freely, and this is 
the way to know one anothers sentiments fully. 

Now listen Brothers to what we shall say. Our Great beloved man 
and Great Council of North Carolina, are desirous not to suffer any 
bad men to live between your country, and your Brothers of that 
Country; and they want to establish a seat of Justice at Watauga, and 
to send a beloved man to sit thereon; that this beloved man may keep 
all bad people in order, and cause those that are verry bad to be hanged 
up by the neck ; and suffer none to injure you or make mischief between 
us. You have proposed that all the people of Watauga & Nolachuckie, 
should be removed quite away, and we have told you in what manner 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



101 



during the war which you had made; North Carolina took them under 
protection for their own people and supported them there in war; and 
that you by making this war had caused this protection to come, that 
having now become friends and promised to support them, we desire to 
be always friends. We now tell you that wo think it unjust and un- 
reasonable, for you to ask us to drive them away. You mention your 
distress. You allow it good and right to pity those in distress, during 
the war, you distressed the inhabitants of Watauga and ^^olachuckie. 
You were stronger, and endeavoured to destroy their substance and kill 
them all in their distress North Carolina pitied and gave them help & 
support; this we hope you allow was right and good, their substance 
which you destroyed and the damage you did them was verry great. 
They are still in distress & still entitled the pity <S: assistance of North 
Carolina & must have it ; which you will also allow is right. The Horses 
Avhich you took from these people, your beloved man promised last fall 
should be brought in and returned and the stock made good we are 
sorry that this has not been complied with on your part. 

Brothers listen. The Great Being above hath said that the man who 
would have friends must show himself friendly. Now as Calamity is 
the common lot of mankind, you may in the course of things see great 
trouble & want our assistance as friends & allies now Brothers, if you 
are good and friendly on this occasion, who knows but the Great Being 
above who lives to reward friendly actions, may put it into the Heart 
of the Great beloved man of North Carolina & the Great Council to 
help you at some future day when your necessities may require it. He 
no doubt, put it into their hearts to make you the present we spoke of, 
and he can send down all good thoughts into the hearts of man. Lastly 
to convince you that we are sincerely disposed for peace, & willing to 
be as easy with you as we possibly can, in justice to our own inhabi- 
tants, we have reconsidered the matter of the boundary line, and now 
propose one which we understand will be more agreeable to your War- 
riors (viz) Beginning on the North bank of Holston River, at the 
mouth of Clouds Creek being the second Creek, below the lower end of 
Carters Valey, running thence a straight line towards a high point or 
Nobb in Cumberland Mountain to the left hand of the great Gap, 
untill this line shall meet with the line between the two States, hereafter 
to be extended ; and running from the mouth of Clouds Creek aforesaid 
a straight line to the highest point of a mountain called the High rock or 
Chimney top, and from thence a straight line to the mouth of Camp 
Creek otherwise called McNamies Creek on the South bank of Nola- 
chuckie River, and from the mouth of Camp Creek, a South East course 
into the mountains that divide the Hunting grounds, of the Over hill 
Towns from those of the middle settlements. 

In confirmation, a String. 



102 The North Carolina Historical Review 

The Warriors being consulted for a short time, the Chiefs re- 
sumed their seats, then the old Tassell arose and replied as 
follows. 

The beloved men of Carolina shall now hear what I have to say, now 
I will let you know what I have to say; and I hope you'll remember, 
That the Island you see there belongs to CoP. Gist. It is to keep the 
beloved fire on, to bring the Cherokees to talk by. I\^o man shall hold 
any right thereto but Col°. Gist. Your beloved fire shall be on this 
side the River last war your beloved fire was on this side and ours on the 
Island, so that it must be reserved for him. I am the man that speaks to 
my elder Brothers, I speak to my elder Brothers nothing but truth as I 
always do. dont stop your ears, but hear and remember well. Dont 
forget, as people sometimes do. Observe that none are so deaf as those 
who will not hear. Dont forget. Here was my elder Brother talking 
just now. I shall remember what w^as said. I shall send my great Talk 
to the Great Warrior of America, for him to consider what has been 
doing. He is the head of all, he ought to hear and consider the talks; 
likewise the Governor of Virginia that nothing may be hid that has 
been done. You have asked me for the ground I walk upon ; you have 
asked me for my land; the dividing line to begin on the River where 
the Virginia people left it, running thence to the Chimney top; thence 
across ISTonachucky to the Creek you mentioned. Let this be the line 
untill CoP. Gist returns and brings word from the Great Warrior of 
America, and then the line can be marked. As you are the beloved 
men of Carolina, I listened to your talks they went to my heart. The 
land I give up, will ever hold good ; it will ever be as good as it is now ; 
and when we are all dead and gone it will continue to produce. There- 
fore I expect when you come to run the line, that you will bring some 
acknowledgement. You have now come empty handed, with nothing to 
make us an acknowledgement for the land, which will afford bread to 
those yet unborn, when goods will be rotten and gone. You come here 
from the Governor of Worth Carolina to talk peace talks & make a line ; 
but you'll tell your beloved man of the value of the land. — IN'ow I am 
done; I give up the land you asked; I shall say no more. If you ask 
for more, I will not give it. In confirmation I give you a string. 

A string. 

About this time it rained ; The Commissioners, Indian Chiefs 
and some Warriors retired to a house in the Fort where M"". 
Sharp spoke as follows. 

Brothers, We have now heard you talk about the Boundary line and 
want to understand it clearly. We would bo glad that the Great War- 
rior of America should hear all the good talks that hath been between 
U8 at this place. But we think it absolutely necessary to have the line 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



103 



agreed to and established between jour country and ours immediately. 
We think it is not necessary to delay that matter untill we hear from 
the Warrior of America; because our present controversy is a matter 
that only respects your Country and ours, and the sooner it is done the 
better, and what we agree to no man will alter. Remember now that we 
dont promise, nor flatter you with the hopes of any reward but our 
friendship which we hope you will merit and thereby may be as lasting 
as your JSTation. [therefore we hope you will now agree with us on a 
boundary, and meet some of our beloved men, sometime this fall (of 
which you shall have due notice) and have the path marked clear and 
make it high and strong ; thereby our peace may be lasting and tend to 
the happiness of both Nations. 

N, B. The paragraph contained in the last five lines of the above 
talk was objected against, as improper to be delivered at this time, and 
the reasons given by M^. Avery. 

The Raven replied sitting, 

I do not know how to answer. I am agreeable to the last talk. I hope 
the great beloved man of Carolina will take pity on us and consider us 
for the land which I think he ought to do, but I do not demand it. 
But it was always a custom when lines were run to get something. I 
hope pity will be taken on me but the line shall be made firm and 
lasting as I give up the land. 

Articles of a Treaty of Peace made and concluded at Fort Patrick 
Henry near the Long Island on Holston July 20^^ 1777, between the 
Commissioners from the Commonwealth of Virginia in behalf of that 
State; and the subscribing chiefs of that part of the Cherokee Nation 
called the Overhill Indians. 

Article 1^^ That hostilities shall forever cease between the said 
Cherokees and the people of Virginia from this time; and that Peace, 
friendship, and mutual confidence ensue, and if either party is attacted 
by any Nation of Indians whatsoever, the other party is to give such 
assistance as may be required, as soon as men can be raised for that 
purpose, after the requisition is made, without pay or reward. 

Article 2^^. That all white or negroe prisoners belonging to any of the 
United States, among the said Indians, if any there be; shall be given 
up immediately to the person who shall be appointed to reside at Chota 
as agent for the State of Virginia; to whom also the said Cherokees are 
to deliver all Horses Cattle or other property belonging to the people of 
Virginia; which they have taken since the beginning of the late War 
that can possibly be discovered and procured. 

Article 3**. That no white man shall be suffered to reside in or pass 
thr'o the Over Hill Towns without a proper Certificate signed by three 
magistrates in the County of Washington in Virginia or in the County 



104 The North Carolina Historical Review 

of Watauga in N^orth Carolina to be produced to & approved of, by 
said Agent. Any person failing or neglecting to comply herewith is to 
be apprehended by the Cherokees and delivered to the said agent, whom 
they are to assist in conducting such person to the Commanding Officer 
at Fort Henry, and the said Cherokees may apply to their own use, all 
the effects such persons may be in possession of at the time they are 
taken in the I^ation. And should any runaway Negroes get into the 
Overhill Towns, the Cherokees are to secure such slaves untill the agent 
can give Notice to the owners, who on receiving them are to pay such 
reward as the agent may judge reasonable. 

Article 4*^. That all white men residing in or passing thr'o the 
Overhill Country properly authorized or certified as aforesaid, are to 
be protected in their persons and property, and to be at Liberty to 
remove in safety when they desire it. If any white man shall murder 
an Indian he is to be delivered up to a magistrate in Washington County 
to be tried & put to death according to the Laws of the State. And if 
any Indian shall murder a white man the said Indian is to be put to 
death by the Cherokees, in the presence of the agent at Chota or two 
magistrates in the County of Washington. 

Article 5^^. That as many white people have settled on lands, below 
the boundary between Virginia and the Cherokees, commonly called 
Donaldsons line, (which lands they have repeatedly claimed in the 
course of this Treaty) & which makes it necessary to extend and fix a 
new boundary; and just and equitable to purchase the lands con- 
tained therein. It is therefore agreed by & between the said Commis- 
sioners in behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia of the one part, and 
the subscribing Chiefs in behalf of the said Cherokees, on the other part, 
in free & open Treaty, without restraint fear reserve or compulsion 
of either parties; that a boundary line between the people of Virginia 
& the Cherokees be established, and the lands within the same be sold 
and made over to the said Commonwealth, which line is to begin at the 
lower corner of Donaldson line on the north side of the River Holston 
and to run down that River according to the meanders thereof, and 
binding thereon including the great Island at the mouth of Clouds 
Creek, being the second Creek below the Warriors ford at the mouth of 
Carters Valey; thence running a straight line to a high point on Cum- 
berland mountain, between three and five miles below or westward of 
the great gap, which leads to the settlements on the Kentuckie this last 
mentioned line is to be considered as the boundary between Virginia 
and the Cherokees. And all the land between the said line, and that 
run by CoP. Donelson, and between the said River and Cumberland 
Mountain as low as the new Boundary, is to be the present purchase. 
For which tract of land or so much thereof as may be within the limits 
of Virginia, when the boundary between the States of Virginia, & Caro- 
lina is extended, the said Commissioners agi*ee in behalf of the Com- 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



105 



monwealth, to give the said Cherokees two hundred Cows and One hun- 
dred Sheep, to be delivered at the Great Island when the said line shall 
be run from the River to Cumberland Mountain, to which the said 
Cherokees promise to send deputies and twenty young men, on due 
N^otice of the time being given them. And for and in consideration of 
the said stocks of Cattle and Sheep, the said Chiefs do for themselves and 
their Nation sell make over & convey to the said Commonwealth all the 
lands contained within the above described Bounds, and do hereby for- 
ever quit and relinquish all their right title Claim or interest in and to 
the said lands or any part thereof and they agree that the same may be 
held enjoyed & ocupied by the purchasers, and that they have a just 
right and are fully able to sell and convey the said lands in as full clear 
and ample a manner, as any lands can possibly be or ever have been sold 
made over or conveyed by any Indians whatever. 

Article 6^^. And to prevent as far as possible any cause or pretence 
on either side to break and infringe on the peace so hapily established 
between Virginia and the Cherokees, it is agreed by the Commissioners 
and Indian Chiefs aforesaid, that no white man on any pretence what- 
soever shall build plant improve settle hunt or drive any stock below the 
said boundary, on pain of being drove off by the Indians, and his 
property of every kind being taken from him. But all persons who are 
or may hereafter settle above said line are quietly and peacibly to reside 
therein without being molested disturbed or hindered by any Cherokee 
Indian or Indians, and should the Stoek of those who settle near above 
the line, range over the same into the Indian Land, they are not to be 
claimed by any Indian, nor the owner or any person for him to be pre- 
vented from hunting them; provided such person do not carry a gun, 
otherwise the gun & stock are both forfeited to the Indians, or any other 
person, who on due proof can make it appear; nor is any Indian to 
hunt or carry a Gun within the said purchase without licence first ob- 
tained from two Justices; nor to travel from any of the Towns over the 
Hill to any part within the said Boundary, without a pass from the 
Agent. This article to be in force untill a proper Law is made to pre- 
vent encroachments on the Indian Lands & no longer. 

Article 7^'\ That all Goods of every kind given by the Commonwealth 
of Virginia to the said Cherokees are to be delivered them; and that 
one of the Commissioners with a party of men go some distance to 
escort them out of the settlements. 

Signed by the Virg^. Comr®. & 20 Chiefs & Warriors 



Col". Christian spoke as follows 

Friends and Brethren, Warriors and Chiefs. 

Last Spring we your Brothers of Virginia met you at this place, and 
kindled the Council fire. We then smoked the pipe of Peace shaked the 
hand of friendship and brightened the Great chain that linked our 



106 The E'orth Carolina Historical Review 

fathers together, which unhappily had contracted some rust. We opened 
the path from Chote to Williamsburgh, washed the Blood away that 
darkened it and made it so clear and light, that your beloved man and 
a number of his friends walked therein without stumbling; and shaked 
hands with our beloved man the Governor and his great Council and 
had many good talks with them. We have met a second time to confirm 
the Peace we then began and have been many days speaking together 
like friends, round the same council fire. All our talks have been good 
as they were intended to strengthen and brighten the chain of friend- 
ship. 

Our alliance has been made stronger by our Brethren of I^orth Caro- 
lina who sit before this council fire with us. They have taken hold of 
the Great chain to put it into the hands of their Governor at Newbern 
who we make no doubt Avill receive it with pleasure and hold it fast. 
We have hurried the War hatchet and the black belts deep in the ground, 
and planted a tree over them, that they may forever be hid and forgotten 
by us; and in their place we have taken fast hold of the Great Chain 
and the White Belts which we will never more let loose, we have made a 
firm, lasting and as we believe an honorable Peace; and established a 
boundary between your country and ours, which we hope will last till 
time shall be no more, future generations will see it and enjoy the happy 
effects of it when all present shall be in the dust and forgotten. 

The cry and the noise of War will no more be heard in our land, by 
which so many brave warriors fell; nor will your Warriors faces be 
any more blacked, to meet us in the field of battle nor their hands 
stained with the blood of lonely people traveling in the path. On con- 
trary we will every man return in peace and safety, to our own homes 
and employ ourselves in the most delightful business of life, that of 
raising and taking care of our children. Then our thoughts will be easy 
and our minds at rest ; and we will not be so ready to listen to the talks 
of bad men, nor so easily imposed upon by them. The Great & Good 
being who rules and governs this world in wisdom, hath put into all our 
hearts to make this Peace. We hope he hath smiled with pleasure upon 
us while we have been employed in it; and that the Peace we have now 
made will be a blessing to our posterity while that Great light shines, 
or this water continues to run in this stream. After giving our warrior 
and friends who are going with you into your particular care and de- 
livering such presents as our Governor has sent to this place, nothing 
more remains for us to do, but to assure you of the friendship of Vir- 
ginia; and that we will truly represent your good conduct to our Gov- 
ernor ; and to shake you our Brothers by the arm, wish you a safe 
journey to your country, a happy meeting with your families and 
friends and peace and prosperity to your whole Nation. 

A String. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



107 



Articles of a Treaty of peace made and concluded at Fort 
Henry on Holston River near the Long Island July 20*^^ 1777 be- 
tween the Commissioners from the State of North Carolina in 
behalf of the said State of the one part and the subscribing Chiefs 
of that part of the Cherokee Nation called the Overhill Indians 
of the other part. 

Article 1^^ That Hostilities shall forever cease between the said 
Cherokees and the white people of North Carolina from this time for- 
ward; and that peace, friendship & mutual confidence shall ensue. 

Art. 2. That all white or Negroe prisoners among the said Cherokees 
(if any there be) belonging to said State shall be given up immediately 
to the person who shall be appointed to reside among the said Cherokees 
as agent for said State; to whom also the said Cherokees are to deliver 
all the Horses cattle and other property belonging to the people of the 
said State, which they have taken away since the beginning of the late 
War, that can possibly be discovered and produced. 

Art. 3^^. That no white man shall be suffered to reside in or pass 
through the said Overhill Towns without a sufficient certificate signed 
by three Justices of the Peace of some County of North Carolina or 
Washington County in Virginia or higher authority of any of the 
United States to be produced to, and approved of by the said agent, 
any person failing to comply herewith shall be apprehended by the 
Cherokees and delivered to the agent, whom they are to assist in con- 
ducting such person to the nearest Justice of the peace to be punished 
for the Violation of this Article; and the said Cherokees may apply to 
their own use all the effects such person shall then and there be pos- 
sessed of at the time he is taken in said Towns or County thereunto be- 
longing, and should any runaway Negroes get into the Overhill Towns 
the Cherokees are to secure such Slaves untill the agent can give notice 
to the owners, who on receiving them shall pay such reward as the agent 
may judge reasonable. 

Art. 4^*^. That all white men residing in or passing through the Over- 
hill country, authorized or certified as aforesaid are to be protected in 
their persons and property, and to be at liberty to remove in safety. 
And the said State of North Carolina shall have liberty to send one or 
more Traders with goods into any part of the said Overhill Country or 
towns for the purpose of furnishing the said Cherokees with necessarys. 
If any white man shall murder an Indian he is to bo delivered up to a 
Justice of the Peace in the nearest County to be tryed and put to death 
according to the Laws of the State. And if any Indian shall murder a 
white man, the said Indian shall be put to death by the Cherokees in 
the presence of the agent at Chote or two Justices of the Peace of the 
nearest County. 

Art. 5^**. That the Boundary line between the State of North Caro- 
lina and the said Overhill Cherokees shall forever hereafter be and 



108 The North Carolina Historical Review 

remain as follows (to wit) Beginning at a point in the dividing line 
which during this treaty hath been agreed upon between the said Over- 
hill Cherokees and the State of Virginia, where the line between that 
State and ISTorth Carolina (hereafter to be extended) shall cross or 
intersect the same; running thence a right line to the I^orth bank of 
Holston Biver at the mouth of Clouds Creek, being the second Creek 
below the Warriors ford at the mouth of Carters Yaley; thence a right 
line to the highest point of a mountain called the high rock or Chimney 
Top; from thence a right line to the mouth of Camp Creek otherwise 
called McJN'amies Creek on the South bank of N'onachuckie River, 
about ten miles or thereabouts below the mouth of Great Limestone, be 
the same more or less; and from the mouth of Camp Creek aforesaid a 
South East course into the Mountains, which divide the Hunting 
grounds of the middle settlements from those of the Overhill Cherokees. 
And the said Overhill Cherokees in behalf of themselves their heirs and 
successors do hereby freely in open Treaty, acknowledge and confess that 
all the lands to the East, North East & South East of the said line and 
lying South of the said line of Virginia at any time heretofore claimed 
by the said Overhill Cherokees do of right now belong to the State of 
North Carolina; and the said subscribing chiefs in behalf of the said 
Overhill Cherokees their heirs and successors do hereby in open Treaty 
now and forever relinquish and give up to the said State and forever 
quit claim all right, title, claim and demand of in and to the Lands 
comprehended in the State of North Carolina by the lines aforesaid. 

Article 6*^*^. And to prevent as far as possible any cause or pretence 
on either side to break and infringe on the peace so happily established 
between North Carolina and the said Cherokees, it is agreed by the 
Commissioners and Indian Chiefs aforesaid, that no white man on any 
pretence whatsoever, shall build, plant, improve, settle, hunt, or drive 
stock below the said Boundary line on pain of being drove off by the 
Indians, and further punished according to Law. Nor shall any man 
who may go over the line in search of any stray creature be permitted 
on any pretence to carry a Gun on pain of forfeiting the same to the 
informer. 

In testimony of all and singular the above articles & agreements the 
parties aforesaid have hereunto set their hands and seals in open treaty 
the day and year above written. 

Read interpreted signed and ratified in the Great Island opposite to 
the Fork. 

Memorandum before signing, that the Tassell yesterday objected 
against giving up the Great Island opposite to Fort Henry to any per- 
son or country whatever except CoP. Nathaniel Gist for whom and 
themselves it was reserved by the Cherokees. 

The Raven did the same this day in behalf of the Indians and desired 
that CoP. Gist might sit down upon it when he pleased, as it belonged 
to him, and them to hold good talks on. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



109 



Waightstill Avery (Seal) 

William Sharp (Seal) 

Robert Lanier (Seal) 

Joseph Winston (Seal) 



Witnesses 
Jacob Womack 
James Robison 
John Reed 
Isaac Bledsoe 
Brice Martin 
John Redd 
John Kearns 



Oconostoto his X mark (Seal] 

(of Chote) 

Kay eta eh his X mark (SeaF 

(or the old Tassell) 

(of Toquoe ) 

Savanukeh his X mark (Seal] 

(or the Raven) 

(of Chote ) 

Willanawaw his X mark (Seal] 

(of Toquoe) 

Ootosseteh his X mark (Seal] 

(of Highwassa) 

Attusah his X mark (Seal] 

(or the N^.ward warrior ) 

(of the mouth of Tellico River) 

Oosku'ah his X mark (Seal] 

(or Abram ) 

(of Chilhowey) 

Tholloweh his X mark (Seal] 

(or the Raven from the ) 

(mouth of Tellico River) 

Toos tooh his X mark (Seal] 

(from the mouth of) 

(Tellico River ) 

Awo Yah his X mark (Seal] 

(or the Pidgeon ) 

(of Natchey Creek) 

Oostope* teh his X mark (Seal] 

(or the mankiller) 

(or highwassa ) 

Tille ' hau ' eh his X mark (Seal] 

(or the Chesnut) 

(of Tellico ) 

Quu lu kah his X mark (Seal^ 

(of Highwassee) 

Anna ke hu jah his X mark (Seal] 

(or the Girl of Tuskegee) 

Anneechah his X mark (Seal] 

(of Tuskega) 

Ske'aktu kah his X mark (Seal] 

(of Cetico) 

Atta kul'la^kulla his X mark (Seal 

(or the little Carpenter) 

(of Natchey Creek ) 



110 The !North Caeolina Historical Review 

Oo koo ne kali his X mark (Seal) 
(or the white owl ) 
(of Watchey Creek) 

Tha ta gulla his X mark (Seal) 

(or the Potclay of Chilhowey) 

Tus ka sah his X mark (Seal) 

(or the Tarapin) 
(of Chiles tooch) 

Sun ne wauh his X mark (Seal) 

(of Big Island Town) 

In the Island July the 20*^ before signing the fifth article of the 
Peace with the Virginians, when CoP. Christian came to that part 
which mentioned the Great Island; The old Tassel made an objection 
saying "I told you yesterday so plain that no one could misunderstand. 
We will not dispose of this Island but we reserve it to hold our Great 
Talks on. Even the grass is for our creatures and the wood to kindle 
our beloved fire with, people may settle around it but not on it. As 
CoP Gist is our friend and Brother, it is his ground as well as ours; 
and he may sit down and settle upon it. "When the old Tassell was 
called upon to sign the Articles after they had been all fairly Iterpreted, 
he said "ever since I signed a paper for CoP. Henderson I am afraid of 
signing papers. He told me many lies and deceived us. He never 
shewed to me but one paper and I hear he has eight or nine. But on 
being told by the Commissioners that this was a public agreement be- 
tween two N^ations, and as they would have a copy of the Articles, 
there could be no danger of deception. 

He then signed verry readily. 

Immediately after signing the JSTorth Carolina Articles Mr. 
Avery spoke as follows. 

Friends and Brothers Chiefs and Warriors of the Cherokee Nation. 

We have now kindled the beloved fire, smoked the pipe of Peace and 
joined the hand of friendship which is much augmented by our Brothers 
of Virginia. We have now made a firm and as we hope a lasting peace 
that will tend to the prosperity and happiness of both Nations. We 
now assure you of the firm and steady friendship of North Carolina. 
We expect that your Great beloved man and some other Chiefs and 
Warriors will make a visit this fall to our Governor and Great Council ; 
and we promise they shall be treated kindly as friends and Brethren, 
conducted there and returned safe to the bosom of their own Country 
and people. We do also assure you that we will make known to our 
Governor Great Council and all our people, all the good Talks we have 
had together since we came to this place; and they will all rejoice to 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



111 



hear them. We hope that your people and our people will remember 
and keep the Peace inviolate. 

The beloved man that we send to your Towns to do your business 
and ours we expect you will treat as a friend & Brother and assist him 
in the recovery of the property that you took from the white people 
during the late War, and which you have now promised to deliver. 

As you are in a great hurry, we shall not detain you longer than to 
observe that the great being above hath put it into all our hearts, and 
we have hurried the hatchet deep in the ground never to be taken up 
again, and wiped away all the blood out of the path ; it is all wholy done 
away, that our children yet unborn to the latest ages may sit around 
this beloved fire. We now take you by the arm high up, wish you a 
hearty farwell, and the happiness and prosperity of your ISTation. We 
shall carry the chain of Friendship to our Great beloved man who will 
receive it willingly to his heart, hold it fast and keep it bright forever. 



A String. 



The old Tassell then spoke as follows. 



I Avas apprised of the matter yesterday taking hold of an agent. I 
think one is not sufficient for both States, I will take hold of one of the 
North Carolina Warriors, and take him home. A great number of my 
people at home will hear all the good Talks, and when I bring a warrior 
from each State, and preserve their peace and safety, then my people 
will see clearly. ]^ow I have taken hold of my Brother from North 
Carolina by the hand. Some of my people that are ungovernable, may 
say something when I go home, but I will have the two beloved War- 
riors from both States by the hand. They can do the business better 
than one. 

As to trade and commerce, it lies in the breast of the seat of Govern- 
ment, and my two beloved men will be there to see that all things will 
be done right and taken care of. I have had a little trade from pensa- 
cola, things were dear, the first peace Talks of South Carolina and 
Georgia said "We see how your father took pity on you and supplied 
"you with goods, but they were so dear you could not buy a rag to cover 
"you we will let you have them cheaper.'^ 

We the subscribers. Commissioners appointed in behalf of the State 
of North Carolina to negociate a Treaty of Peace and settle a boundary 
line with the Cherokees, having happily accomplished these desirable 
purpossees with the Over hill Towns; in order to recover the Horses & 
other property belonging to the inhabitants of said State and have the 
same sent to their respective owners, & other purposes. 

We do therefore appoint Captain James Robison a temporary Agent 
for said State for the purposes hereafter mentioned. 



112 The IsTokth Carolina Historical Review 

In consequence of this appointment, you the said Agent shall immedi- 
ately repair to Chot^ in company with the warriors returning from this 
Treaty; at which place you are to reside while you continue in this 
business untill you receive further orders from the Governor of said 
State. 

When you arrive there or as soon afterwards as it is prudent you are to 
endeavour to find out the temper of the draging Canoe and whether or 
how far he and his people approve of the present peace with North 
Carolina ; as also Judge Friend the Lying Fish & other Chiefs who did 
not appear at the Treaty and if they do not fully accede to the peace 
and boundary, whether there is any danger of one or more of those 
Chiefs renewing Hostilities against this or any other State. You will 
also endeavour to find out any talks that pass between the Cherokees, the 
Southern, Western and Northern Tribes of Indians. You are to make 
the strictest enquiry among all the Towns for persons who are enemies 
or unfriendly to the American cause, and have them convened before 
some Justice of the Peace to take an Oath of fidelity to the United 
States and on their refusal to be dealt with according to the Laws of this 
State, You will examine all travellors who pass through that country, 
which you can meet with, and such as have not proper papers must be 
secured agreeable to the third article of the Treaty. You are immedi- 
ately to use your utmost endeavours to have in your possession all the 
horses, cattle and other property belonging to the inhabitants of our 
State and cause the same to be conveyed safely and immediately to their 
respective owners. You will miss no opportunity of informing Govern- 
ment of the things worthy of notice. In all your transactions in that 
department you are to conduct yourself with the utmost prudence; and 
by that means obtain the favour and confidence of the Chiefs. 

As many things may occur which we cannot foresee and consequently 
cannot instruct you, in these cases you must exercise your own judgment, 
having the strictest eye to the honor and interest of the United States in 
general and this in particular; as also to the articles of our treaty. 

Your close attention to the business to which you are now appointed, 
and your candour and uprightness in the performances thereof, will 
put in your power to render essential services to your country. 

Sir 

Your Humble Servt^ 

\ Waightstill Avery 

William Sharp 

Robert Lanier 

Joseph Winston 

Fort Henry 20'^ July 1777. 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 



ii;^. 



July 21"^ 1777 

To the Beloved men and warriors of the middle, lower and 
Valley Towns of the Cherokees 

Friends and Brethren. 

We the Commissioners from Virginia and ]^^orth Carolina have the 
pleasure to inform you that we have kindled the Great Council fire at 
this place, that the beloved man of Chote with a number of his War- 
riors and about four hundred of his people are sitting round it; and 
that we have been here several days delivering good talks to each other. 
We have brightened the chain of friendship that had contracted some 
rust ; and the beloved man of Chote and our Governors have taken fast 
hold of it. We have washed the blood out of the path from Chote to 
this place ; and from here to the Great Towns where our Governors lives, 
so that the Cherokees may walk therein with safety. We have estab- 
lished a boundary between the Overhill country and the two Countries 
of Virginia & North Carolina. A boundary so strong that it cannot be 
broken down, and so high that our Enemies cannot get over it. We and 
the Chiefs & warriors have signed our names to the articles of our peace 
and are about to part in peace tomorrow and return to our homes in 
safety and think of nothing but raising our children. 

As the chain of friendship between North Carolina and your country 
has been broken, and the path made dark and bloody ; we wish the whole 
Cherokee Nation to be at peace with all the neighboring Countries, that 
all the paths may be made open & clear; the great chain of friendship 
brightened and the Great Council fire once more kindled. We your 
Brothers of North Carolina will recommend it to our Governor to hold 
a treaty of peace with you and to give you due notice of the time and 
place where it shall be held; that all our differences may be made up 
and peace friendship and mutual confidence once more restored between 
North Carolina and your country. And we do, in behalf of the powers 
of that Government promise protection & safety to all such of your 
chiefs. Warriors and people who shall attend, & they shall be supplied 
with provisions during the Treaty. 

In the mean time hostilities shall cease and no more be committed by 
our Warriors on your people; and we expect on your part that your 
warriors will not commit hostilities on our people; and that when we 
send a messenger to your Towns with good talks, you will permit him 
to perform his business and return in safety, and that you will protect 
him from insult. 

We your Brothers of Virginia earnestly wish & advise you to be at 
peace & in friendship with all your neighbors. You know the evils of 
War as you have suffered greatly by it; and you are no stn^ngers to the 
blessings and benefits of peace. Therefore, there is no doubt but you 



114 The Nokth Carolina Historical Review 

will readily meet in Treaty with your Brethren and settle all differences. 
We desire you to have this talk read in your towns that all your people 
may hear it. In confirmation we send you a string 

of White Beads 



Com''^. from 



William Christian 

William Preston ^ _. . . 

Evan Shelby" i ^""S'"^ 



Waightstill Avery n 

William Sharpe ( Com", from 

Robert Lanier i ^^. Carolina 

Joseph Winston ^ 

After the foregoing Talk had been interpreted to the messen- 
ger from the Valey, one of the Chiefs of Cowee and a few other 
middle settlement Indians, that came to see the Treaty, 

Clana nah one of the Chiefs of Cowee spoke as follows, 

I have listened to all your good talks and hope I shall remember all; 
and my people shall hear all. I look upon Chote to be the beloved town 
of the whole I^^ation, and that it has been the means of saving all my 
people. When my people hear all the good talks that have passed at this 
place they will be verry thankful. When I shall be coming at a great 
distance from Cowee my people will see the light of good news, like the 
day springing from afar. The beloved man of Cowee sent me to this 
place to hear all the talks that shall pass. I have found them all good 
and for the safety of my Nation. The chain of friendship is brightened, 
which will last during all ages and my people will be verry glad to hear 
it. All the beloved talks are equal to the talks of the beloved town of 
Chote; it is all one seat of justice. 

It was by the consent of the beloved man of Chote to have a seat of 
Justice at Cowee; It will be a day of rejoiceing there to hear all the 
good talks at this place. I am verry thankful to have it in my power 
to receive your good talks & carry them to my people. It is not only I 
that rejoice but when they shall hear it it will open the hearts and 
breasts of all my people, with rejoicing at the good news. It will be an 
everlasting peace and safety to both sides, both me and my elder 

>• Evan Shelby, born in Wales in 1720, emigrated with his father's family to Maryland, about 1735, 
settling near North Mountain in present Washington County. Here he lived an active life as woods- 
man, hunter and Indian trader. During the old French and Indian war, he served prominently, first 
as lieutenant and later as captain, under both Forbes and Washington. He won distinction for his con- 
duct at the battle of the Great Kanawha; was second in command to Col. William Christian in the 
Cherokee expedition in 1776; and led the successful expedition against the Chicamaugas in 1779. At 
Sapling Grove, now Bristol, Tenn.-Va., whither he had emigtatcd in 1771, he built a fort known as 
Shelby's Station, which harbored many refugees during peiiods of Indian warfare. Here for years he 
kept a store, farmed and raised cattle on an extensive scale, and mingled with the leading pioneers 
of his day. In 1777, when his home was believed to be in Washington County, Virginia, he was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Henry, colonel of the county and justice of the peace. In 1779, his estate was found 
to lie in North Carolina; and Shelby, then a colonel, was appointed brigadier-genei al by Gov. Richard 
Caswell. In 1780 and 1781, he served Sulivan County as senator in the North Carolina legislature. 
He died at his home on December 4, 1794. 



I 



Treaty of Long Island of Holston 115 

Brothers. I am glad to see that a beloved man of North Carolina is 
here to carry my talks to the great beloved man of that country. In 
confirmation 

A String 

Theelhoona ^koo a messenger from Cheeweyeh in the Valley 
then arose and spoke as follows, 

I listened to all the talks, & am glad to hear them all good, and will 
carry them all to my people. I am the more proud for what you 
have told me this morning, that my own people shall hear all the good 
Talks as well as Chote and that part of the Nation; especially as you 
are a beloved man of North Carolina and I am only a messenger. I 
have received your good Talks verry gladly and shall carry them home 
when my people are waiting and will receive them gladly as I have done. 
There are a great many beloved men in the Valley, listening and waiting 
untill I come home to hear your good talks, & they will receive them 
with a great deal of joy. You the beloved men of North Carolina have 
spoke to me. that you will send for me to a treaty. I will keep myself 
always prepared and my people will be in readiness whenever the Mes- 
senger comes for to attend and meet you at that Treaty. You the 
beloved men from North Carolina have given good talks which I shall 
carry home. We our people & yours are Strangers now, but I hope we 
shall not be so long; but be acquaintances & friends. In confirmation 

A String 

M"". Commissary. 

You are to deliver to Cap^ Isaac Shelby at Fort Patrick Henry six 
hundred weight of flour & one bag, in lieu of so much borrowed for the 
North Carolina Agent, and charge the same to the Public Account. 
Yours &c. 

21«^ July 1777 ^ Waightstill Avery 

To M*-. And^. Grier ( William Sharp 

Commissary for Washington Destrict i Robert Lanier 

^ Joseph Winston 

It having been found during the course of the Treaty that it would 
be impossible to obtain Hostages; the Commissioners of North Carolina 
requested that some of the Indian chiefs and warriors would go down 
and make a visit to the Governor of that State, thinking that those 
visiters would for the present and during the journey answer the same 
purpose as Hostages, after the Articles were signed five Indians offered 
to go down into Rowan County to see three of their friends who were 
captivated during the War, and stay there untill the intended treaty 
with the Middle Settlements. For the above reason their proposal was 



116 The IN^okth Carolina Historical Review 

excepted, & the said five Indians were delivered, (in form, in presence 
of the head warriors) to the care of Major Womack; & the following 
protection and instructions for their safe conduct were given him. 

Fort Patrick Henry 
22^ July 1777. 

Whereas the Treaty of Peace between the State of IsTorth Carolina 
and the Over Hill Cherokees, hath been held and the Articles of said 
Peace agreed to, signed & ratified in open Treaty five Cherokee Indians 
have been delivered into your custory and charge (towit) Aneechah one 
of the Chiefs of Tuskega, Willey of the same Town & three from Cowee 
of the middle settlements. 

You are hereby directed to conduct them in safety to the Quaker 
meadows, and there deliver them to CoP. Charles McDowel who will 
have them safely conveyed to the house of William Sharpe in Rowan 
County. The said Indians are recommended to the protection of the 
several Officers both Civil and Military in this State, and to the kind 
treatment of all the good people thereof. As they will while among us 
be a great security for the peacible behaviour of their Nation ; and as 
the good treatment these may receive from our people be the means of 
inducing others to come, who when the like measure shall be necessary, 
may answer the same valuable purpose : We therefore request and hope 
that every person will endeavour to protect them from insult, and give 
them good usage that they may go home satisfied. 

Sir. 

Your Humble Serv^ 

Waightstill Avery 
W"'. Sharpe 

The Commissioners wrote to the persons who had the three prisoners 
in their custody, to send them to the house of William Sharpe that they 
might all be collected at one place & remain there until farther orders 
from his Excellency the Governor. 



HISTORICAL NOTES 

Edited by D. L. Corbitt 

The notes in this issue consist of two articles on the Federal Con- 
stitution, a letter to Samuel Johnston relative to the Constitution, a 
private letter from ^^Richmond to a Gentleman in Philadelphia" 
discussing the Constitution, and obituary notices.