DAVIDSON TN 1,
Straightline black handstamp postmark: Nashville T. Aug . . , and manuscript rate: 25
Manuscript receiving mark: Recd at Wilkes Courthouse 1st Nov 1803, and docket: From Wm T Lewis 1803Addressee: Major Wm B Lenore, Morganton Burke County, N Carolina
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 20th July I received a few days ago, and by this that I do myself the pleasure of replying --- The decision of the last court will not operate ultimately against us, and the probability is that we may retaliate on Colo. Outlaw and result in a decision in our favor --- I still am inclined to believe that we will recover below the mouth of Holston, at any rate there is not a doubt but what we shall be successfule in obtaining all above the confluence of the two rivers, in either case I am not disposed for a compromise, unless Colonel Outlaw will agree to give me two dollars per Acre provided he will agree to pay us for whole of location, viz --- 3,500 Acres --- With respect to my agreeing to take 1000 dollars it is not the fact; had I have made such a consent, I would have written you --- I feel very solicitous in having a decision situated as matters are, I find it will be impossible to have a hearing until the spring session --- I have stated the situation of our suit to the members from this County, and I have every reason to believe that they will make such appointments & arrangements to bring us to fair trail --- Doctor Claibern is a member from this County. I have made him acquainted with the whole business, and I have not a doubt, but he will do everything in his power to facilitate a recovery of the suit, one way or the other. It is said that Judge Jackson is about to retire, Judge White also, if so two disinterested characters will be appointed, and I flatter myself all will be well --- This being the state of the business, I think it uterly unnecessary for you to attend at Knoxville as it will be impractical for the business to be brought on at the next term. --- at the spring sessions I shall most certainly attend and I should be happy in your attendance also; during the Session of our Legislature I shall be informed of the changes in the Judiciary department, the result I shall communicate to you ---
With sentiments of ____ and respect
I remain
YfriendSigned: Wm T Lewis
Autograph of Wm. T. LewisNotes:
The straightline postmark is listed as the earliest type of Nashville postmarks. ASSCWilliam Tyrell Lewis was a noted player in Tennessee's early land history.
