Sampson Williams Letter
In this letter to Colonel David Henley (then serving in Knoxville as the War Department's agent in charge of Indian Affairs), Sampson Williams reports a number of robberies that he believes were committed by Cherokee Indians. According to Williams, Cherokee people have stolen five horses from two of his neighbors (who he describes as "good honest Citizens") and one cow from a traveler named Perkins. The theft of the horses has provoked outrage, and Williams asks Henley to send into the Nation to the Agent to enable him to get the horses for the owners, or "otherways take Such measures as are provided by law to Secure the Value of the Horses." Williams is also concerned that the theft of the cow will cause angry locals to have the Cherokee arrested and taken to Nashville.
Dates
- 1798 December
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Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 folder)
Abstract
In this letter to Colonel David Henley (then serving in Knoxville as the War Department's agent in charge of Indian Affairs), Sampson Williams reports a number of robberies that he believes were committed by Cherokee Indians.
Biographical/Historical Note
Sampson Williams was born in South Carolina on December 2, 1762, to Daniel and Ann (Echols) Williams. The family migrated to Tennessee in 1786 and settled in the Mero District (now Davidson County). Williams began operating a ferry on the Cumberland River at the meeting of the Eastern and Mero Districts in 1791. Governor Blount authorized him to raise men to defend the crossing the next year. Blount obtained permission to establish a larger outpost in 1794, and both Williams and his brother Oliver served as captains of the militia at the resulting Fort Blount. Although the Fort was turned over to Federal troops when Tennessee joined the Union in 1796, Williams continued living there for some time. Williams was also involved in several campaigns against the Creek Indians in Middle Tennessee. He commanded Andrew Jackson during one of these expeditions, and the two became lifelong friends.
Williams and his family later moved to Jackson County, Tennessee. In 1806, the County's seat was named Williamsburg in his honor. When the county seat moved to Gainesboro in 1817, Williams and his wife, Margarett Young (1780-1852), bought the courthouse and used it as a private residence. Williams died on February 1, 1841, in Williamsburg and is buried in Jackson County.
Arrangement
Collection consists of a single folder.
Related Materials
Interested researchers may also wish to consult:
MS.1959: Sampson Williams Letter, circa 1795
MS.2388: Sampson Williams Letter to Colonel David Henley, 1794 December 24
Acquisition Note
Special Collections purchased this collection in June of 1999.
Repository Details
Part of the Betsey B. Creekmore Special Collections and University Archives, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Repository