ALS. One page double sided handwritten letter on laid paper signed by First Governor of Tennessee John Sevier (1745-1815), Knoxville, TN, addressed to Colonel David Henley, Agent to the War Department for the Southwest Territory, Knoxville, TN, dated April 2, 1797. The letter discusses Henley's obligations to his duties, particularly in regard to his responsibilities as quartermaster and paymaster for locally stationed troops and militia, stating "Sir In a report from the Secretary of the Treasury of the United States [Oliver Wolcott, Jr.], I observe [that] he has stated sundry claims for militia services filed in the office of the accountant of the war department performed in the years 1794, 1795, and 1796, within the States of Georgia and Kentucky, but no mention is made by any claims for similar services rendered within the State of Tenne[s]see. One of the members of Congre[s]s has also informed me, that the Secretary at War [James McHenry] told him, that no papers relative to Ore's(?) or Major Johnsons comands were forwarded to his office; I have no doubt but your conduct on the occasion has been circumspect and impartial, therefore I have taken the liberty to mention this circumstance to you, wishing to be informed why or what what[sic] may be the reason those papers have not been forwarded in due order of time, otherways if they have been transmitted, you may have it in your power to exculpate yourself from the imputation of neglect. I have the honor to be with great respect sir your Obt. Humble Servant John Sevier" with additional inscription reading Colonel David Henley Agent to the war department" lower left. 9 1/8" H x 7 3/4" W. Biography: Colonel David Henley (1748/9-1823) is believed to have been born in Charlestown, Massachusetts. On January 8, 1776, he set fire to Charlestown which was occupied by British. On January 1, 1777, he was made Colonel of the Massachusetts Regiment. He was in command at Cambridge when the troops that had been captured at Saratoga were brought thither. Henley stabbed an insolent but unarmed British prisoner. Court-martial proceedings were held at Cambridge, Massachusetts, from January 20, 1778, to February 25, 1778, but he was acquitted. British General Burgoyne challenged him to a duel, which was to take place in Bermuda. He accepted the challenge but the duel never happened. General Washington selected him in November 1778 to be his spymaster, and charged him with compiling information to give him a snapshot of British capabilities. He largely succeeded in that task. After the Revolutionary War ended, Colonel Henley was selected by President Washington in 1793 to represent the War Department at Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was agent for the War Department in charge of Indian affairs from 1793-1801. He was known to be a hothead, but was also a strong law-and-order man. Tennessee's Constitutional Convention was held in his office in 1796. He died in Washington, D.C., in 1823, while a clerk in the War Department. In 1994, the Knoxville Federal Courthouse was proposed the site of his office. However, it was later constructed at the northwest corner of Main Street and Gay Street. The Henley Street Bridge in downtown Knoxville is named after him. A tablet was placed by the state of Tennessee at the location of his office in 1947." (source: "Colonel David Henley (Continental Army)," accessed October 19, 2022, https://www.geni.com/people/Colonel-David-Henley-Continental-Army/6000000013560627035).

PROVENANCE: By descent from the estate of Stanley Horn, Nashville, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Letter with areas of dampstaining, largest 9 1/8" x 5", primarily to left side, tears, largest 1 1/8", to fold lines, minor areas of loss to edges, toning, later pencil inscription below Sevier's signature. Sevier's signature is affected by dampstaiing but is otherwise in good, legible condition.