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In full confidence of my seeing the Cherokee Chiefs agreeable to the appointment I sent them under cover to you dated the 16th February

last I arrived in this town the 16th inst, but not meeting with any express here, from yourself or your deputy, nor hearing the least intelligence of the Cherokee Chiefs, after waiting four days in that expectation, I have determined to march tomorrow towards Reedy river. The route I shall take will be thro' the Catawba Old Nation, across Loves Ford on Broad river, thro' Fair forest, and from thence directly to Reedy river: This intelligence I think proper to communicate by express directed to yourself, your deputy or the head men of the Cherokee nation, whichever the messenger may first reach. This general direction is absolutely necessary to prevent delays, as the escort and retinue I march with are considerable and maintained at a certain expence to the province. This makes it expedient the service of running the line proposed by the Cherokee Indians should be executed as soon as possible. I therefore shall expect the Cherokee Chiefs to meet me on the route above mentioned on which I shall proceed with all the diligence and expedition the escort will admit of

Mr William Temple Cole the messenger is a very trusty person and may be safely charged with your intelligence where I shall join you and the Cherokee Chiefs

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