A Letter from John Sevier, Governor of Tennessee,
to George Washington, 25 December 1798

Knoxville 25th December 1798

[Stamped with the seal of the Library of Congress]

Sir

I am in suspense as to the probable or improbability of being called into the Army, a station I would prefer to any other that of being in arms to defend an injured and grossly insulted country. Being under such impressions, I hope I shall be neither thought ambitious or restless as to appointment, filling at present the most honorable, my countrymen have in their power to confer; nevertheless, permit me sir, through the small acquaintance I have had the honor to cultivate with your excellency, to solicit your interest in being brought forward if any vacancy shall present itself, into the Army of the United States: provided you should deem me adequate to such a task.
      Should I be so happy as to merit your patronage, I flatter myself neither you nor my country, could have any occasion to regret.
      Nothing of movement have transpired in this quarter. A military ardor & spirit
warmly

292-124
[numbers probably written by the LOC]

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warmly diffuses throughout the State of Tennessee and as many as five companies of cavalry have tendered their service whenever called upon, who are compared of such men, as would in my opinion do honor to any army in the universe.

I have the honor to be, sir
with sincere and very great esteem,
your excellency,
most Obedient humble servant.

John Sevier

His Excellency
     Geo. Washington Esq.
     Commander in Chief of
     the American Armies