185, 189, 191.] One of the most difficult questions with which the committee had to deal was that of holding a treaty with the Indians.

Commissioners came out from Virginia and North Carolina especially to hold such a treaty [Footnote: Donelson, who was one of the men who became discouraged and went to Kentucky, was the Virginian commissioner.

Martin was the commissioner from North Carolina.

He is sometimes spoken of as if he likewise represented Virginia.]; but the settlers declined to allow it until they had themselves decided on its advisability.

They feared to bring so many savages together, lest they might commit some outrage, or be themselves subjected to such at the hands of one of the many wronged and reckless whites; and they knew that the Indians would expect many presents, while there was very little indeed to give them.