Thomas Jefferson Papers

Thomas Jefferson to Green Clay, 28 May 1823

To Green Clay

Monticello May 28. 23.

Sir

Your favor of the 4th is just now recieved, and I am sorry it is not in my power to give you any information on the subject of your enquiries. such a length of time has elapsed, so much is my memory impaired by age, and so much other matter has since past through it, dislodging what had preceded, that not a trace remains of any treaty with the Cherokees concerning the lands you mention. if such a one was concluded with1 the US. it would be found with their laws; if by the state of Virginia, it may have been among the records destroyed by the British, in which case it could only be found among the Cherokees, who may have preserved it. with my regret that I cannot aid you with any recollections be pleased to accept assurances of my high respect & esteem

Th: Jefferson

RC (KyRE: Clay Collection); addressed: “Genl Green Clay Madison county Kentucky”; franked; postmarked; endorsed by Clay. FC (DLC); on verso of portion of reused address cover; in TJ’s hand and endorsed by him.

1FC: “by.”

Index Entries

  • Cherokee Indians; treaties with search
  • Clay, Green; and treaties with Cherokee Indians search
  • Clay, Green; letter to search
  • Indians, American; Cherokee search
  • Indians, American; treaties with search
  • Jefferson, Thomas; Health; memory loss search
  • Revolutionary War; records destroyed or lost during search
  • United States; state papers and public documents search
  • Virginia; British attacks on search