Copy of Signed Document

Letter to General Alexander McGillivray and the Creek Nation

Letter admonishing the Creek Nation for alleged violations of peace, including the destruction and theft of property on nearby plantations.

1788

11

28

Partially illegible.

US Commissioners

Alexander McGillivray

Creek

Indians

Richard Winn

Andrew Pickens

George Mathews

Negroes

Cherokee

Georgia

Creek Nation

Horses

1788112890201

1

4

Hopewell on [Illegible] November 28th 1788
Your letters of the 19th August and 12th September are here before us, with regard to the former wherever you mention [unclear]has been [unclear]and all is yet to do here we have to tell you that every thing in our power has been done to bring forward a Treaty, and under the Authority of Congress, to give you full and ample redress in [blot] what concerns your territory, at the same time we must [assume? assure?] that that honorable body will not lose sight of doing Equal Justice to the state of Georgia, whose claim to what you call the disputed Lands is confirmed by three different treaties signed by your chief headmen & warriors; therefore we earnestly recommend you and the Chiefs seriously to consider under these circumstances how impossible it is [blot:for] us to comply with your requisition relative to removing the people out the Oconee; this can only be the business of the Treaty after a full investigation of the right of Greene.
For Answers to your last, wher[blot] so pointedly attack that Body under whom we have the honour to Act, we cannot be silent lest it should be tortured into a Conviction of guilt. Narrow and illiberal indeed must be that mind which could for a moment suppose that Congress after withstanding one of the greatest powers of Europe with her allies together with almost the whole of the Indian Tribes combined, should at this day have recourse to base Artifice in order to Accomplish the ruin of a few Indian Tribes, while she's Enjoying the blessings of peace at home and
an
an honourable name among the Nations of the world.
We have already [unclear] you the Governor of Georgias proclamation dated July 31st last for a Truce of Arms; which has been as Strictly adhered to as possible, and any thing that has happened in Violation of it had you been more Explicit & mentioned the times & place [blot:where?] the Indians horses & slaves were plundered, strict Enquiry might have been made [blot: and] the offenders punished.--
If we have taken a view of the conduct of the Indians on your part, we have more right to Complain.— We daily hear of the most cruel depredations committed by the Creeks on the Georgians the Man you allude to (Alexander) we are credibly informed was in pursuit of a party of Creeks that had stolen 12 horses from Green County and not withstanding we have had many Assurances that hostilities should cease.— the Governor of Georgia has presented us with the following list of the different Counties, that have suffered.—— to wit Liberty County between 25 & 30 Negroes and several Large Stocks of Cattle
Effingham County One Man killed
Wilkes from 6 to 10 horses plundered
Green 21 to 27 Horses Ditto
Washington 6 Horses D.o
Frankling 16 To 20 D.o D.o 1 Man Wounded
We must add to the above list a pair of fine Dun Geldings, taken from Gen.l. Martin about a Mile from his plantation, supposed by some of the Coweta's, while he was acting under Congress as agent for the Cherokee's & Chickasaw's ――
The Seminolian Indians are likewise doing a good deal of mischief.― We know not wether the [sic] belong to any part of the Creeks but wish to be informed from these Violations committed what can the Union expect unless a strickter compliance on your part is observed, in putting a stop to hostilities.― We are well persuaded Congress will not look in Silence, and see any part of the Union robbed of its Citizens
Inclosed you will find a late resolve of Congress, and a proclamation relative to the Cherockies
It is our sincere wish that you will meet us the [8?].th. Day of June next at the place appointed before, but should this appear to you a
too
too distant distant [sic] a period, a Month sooner will be no object with us in holding the treaty; in the interim we fully assure You nothing shall be wanting on our part in the observance of a strict Suspension of Arms on a presumption that you will act in the like manner――
We request You will consult the Head Men & Warriors on this occasion, and send us a pointed & decisive Answer Signed Jointly as soon as possible.
We are &c: &c:
Signed [blank] Richd. Winn
Andw. Pickens
Geo: Matthews
Copy
[Addressed:]
To Alex. McGillivray Esq.r& the Headmen & Warriors ofThe Creek Nation
[Memo, written sideways:]
Copy of a Letter to McGillivray Dated 28th of Nov.r 88 ―