Beschreibung:

Autograph letter signed "J. Robertson," to Colonel Hays, instructing him on what actions to take against hostile Cherokee Indians.
Nashville], 11 October 1794. 1 page (13 ¼ x 7 ¾ inches, 337x197 mm). Condition: Minor soiling, minor separations at folds. Provenance: Colonel Hays; Frank T. Siebert (sale, Sotheby's New York 21 May 1999, lot 313). extremely scarce autograph letter regarding a cherokee indian attack, written by the founder of nashville. In 1770, James Robertson led a small group of North Carolina families over the mountains and into the Watauga River valley, establishing the first settlement in what would become the State of Tennessee. During and after the Revolution, Robertson explored the region, founded Nashville, and both acted as agent for and led expeditions against the Cherokee. At the time of this letter, Robertson was serving as the Brigadier General of the militia of the Territory South of the River Ohio. Evidently leaving the region, he writes to a Colonel Hay giving him instructions in case of attack and in the course mentions Andrew Jackson Having no formal education and being taught just the bare rudiments of reading from his wife, the letter is written in a very crude hand: “Should you have sertain information that a body of Indians is approaching our settlements in a hostile maner, you will order a sergeant a corprel and twelve privates from your cavalry as probers. The sergeant and six provates to reconnitor from Pleasant Grove - the coprel and three from Capt. John Bosleys. The other three from Andrew Jackson's Esq. - You will likewise hold your Redgment in order to march at one howers warning should this Dept be invaded, and take such steps as you may judg will best effect the pertection of the peremters…If a flag should be sent from the Cherokees, you will attend to do the business, but if it can be detained till I return will be best. Save three prisoners which is requested by Capt Georg Colbert to recover three negroes the Cherokees have taken from him. From your understanding of Indian affairs I need say no more.” According to the catalogue from the Siebert sale, no other robertson letters have appeared at auction since 1958 . Although the legends of Daniel Boone (with whom Robertson accompanied), have somewhat overshadowed Robertson, his accomplishments in the region as an American frontiersman are unrivaled.