TNGenWeb Project/TNGenNet, Inc., (a Tennessee nonprofit public benefit corporation). "The Howard-Smith Collection" Transcription copyright: 1998, by Mrs. F. A. Augsbury; all rights reserved. The originals are at the McClung Library in Knoxville. This file is in text format. Please use your browser's "back" button to return to the previous page. ******************************************************************************** To: James T. Gaines esquire, New Canton Post office, Hawkins County, East Tennessee From: Joseph McMinn, Dover, Tennessee --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dover, Stuart County 4 June 1817 Dear Sir In conformaty with my promise I steal as much time from conversing with the Sovereigns as to afford me an opertunity of writing you a line. I set out on the 6th ult and have been travelling on and near Walkers line untill I come to this place last evening-I am fearfull we cannot close with the proposition of K.y etc for establishing that line--- I have enjoyed uninterupted good health with my boy & horses, as to the latter they are in fine order and thus far there has not been a saddle bump nor the slightest appearance of a hair being injured-and not withstanding I have travelld, thro the most waste and uninhabited part of the state-I know as most violent injustice to my conceiver and my fellow citizens did I not say that they have been hospitable in the extreme-as well as quite lavish with their expressions of good will toward my reelection, of which no doubt appears to be entertained-indeed I should feel very certain my self, (who am for less sanguine than many others), if the election was to commence this day-but as I have never voluntarily permited myself to be imposed upon by my vanity, I will on this very conspicuous occasion keep it subject to proper bound.---- I leave here after taking an early Breakfast with a fine old widow lady-for Reynoldsburg distant 35 miles from whence I will steer for Nashville meandering by each court house-and thence by the Southern counties to the cherokee Treaty etc.-we have had very fine rains and grass look well--, corn at this place is 50 cents per bushel expences high etc.-but the liberallity of my friend, will leave my Bill a very small one indeed I pray you tender my love to your good lady-your Parents-your sisters-mr & mrs Morrison with all others untill you become weary with Politeness-need I say to you that I dont wish you to write me sooner than 1st July at Knoxville and will that not be much earlier than you will do me that favor Adieu Farewell Jos. Mc.Minn