.MTA1Mg.NzA0ODI

163 165 Brainerd Jan 21 1837 Mr John Howard Payne, New York

 Dear Sir, Permit me with fraternal confidence to submit the preceeding communications for your personal perusal. You will find it defective, doubtless, with regard to orthography, presentation, and diction. I have written in haste and must ask your indulgence, even if you should find it difficult in some cases to spell out my blind hand?. But should you consider any part of it as worthy of your attention, it is entirely at your disposal. What I have communicated to you, sir, I have received of the Cherokees, and believe they related what they supposed to be facts, yet doubtless, on further examination, we should find room for much improvement & correction.  In the course of your inquiries relative to the Cherokees, should you perceive any way by which I would please, afford you any gratification, Sir. I should rejoice to have you make this known freely, with the assurance that it will be my delight to serve you in any way consistent with my duty to the afflicted, and oppressed Cherokees   Yours respectfully,  D.S. Butrick