By Deborah L. Boggs
Title: Green Clay Collection, 1810-1823
Primary Creator: Clay, Green (1757-1828)
Extent: 2.0 Folders
Date Acquired: 03/27/2003. More info below under Accruals.
Subjects: Clay, Green, 1757-1828., Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826--Correspondence., Kentucky--History--War of 1812., United States--History--War of 1812--Campaigns., War of 1812.
Languages: English
Clay, Green, 1757-1828.
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826--Correspondence.
Kentucky--History--War of 1812.
United States--History--War of 1812--Campaigns.
War of 1812.
Repository: Eastern Kentucky University - Special Collections and Archives
Accruals: Purchased 2 letters from William Miller dated 1810 and 1817. See 2014-020.
Access Restrictions: Use photocopies first
Acquisition Source: N/A
(Photocopy only, original located at the Library of Congress)
Madison County. KY May 4, 1823
Sir)
I hardly Expect you recalled me, I am the Brother of Parson Charles Clay once of Albermarle Co. I went out with a troop of [light?] horse to the Northward in company with you Brother Randolph: in 1778. from your house.
The Object of this letter is to enquire of you if you have a knowledge or recollection of any Treaty made with the Cherokee Indians which was in force in 1779 at the opening of the land Office under the Comm[onweal]th of Virga. The first Treaty we have any knowledge of is the Treaty of Hopewell of the 3rd Jany 1786.
We think a Treaty might have been made with the Cherokees after the Decl[a]ration of Independence, which might not have been published: if such was the fact, we know of no person more likely to possess a knowledge of it, than yourself: The lands below the Tennessee River now the subject of controversy between Kentucky and Virga. May be effected by such a Treaty so far as respects Individuals only. The land law of Va. Expects from location of Treasury warrants The country and limits of the Cherokee Idns. & c[etc.] any Information in your power, which you may be pleased to give us on this subject will confer a lasting Obligation on Many Persens in this State and Virginia deeply Interested in this question. May God give you many days yet, in health and much happiness.
Green Clay
Monticello May 28.23
Sir
Your favor of the 4th is just now received, and I am sorry it is not in my power to give you any information on the subject of your enquiries. Such a length of time has elapsed, so much is my memory impaired by age, and so much other matter has since past through it, dislodging what had preceded, that not a trace remains of any treaty with the Cherokees concerning the lands you mention. if such a one was concluded with the U.S. if would be found with their laws; if by the state of Virginia, it may have been among the records destroyed by the British, in which case it could only be found among the Cherokees, who may have preserved it. With my regret that I cannot aid you with any recollections be pleased to accept assurances of my high respect and esteem
Ths Jefferson
