Green Clay to Thomas Jefferson, 4 May 1823

(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