Letter from Secretary of War Henry Knox to James Seagrove, Temporary Agent to the Creek Nations on his handling of the robbery and murder at Traders Hill on the St Marys
Document 1793Acknowledges receipt of letters to President Washington and Knox. Knox notes that the information [the robbery and murder at Traders Hill on St Marys] was very much unexpected, considering the optimistic tone of former communications. Knox questions whether the costs incurred for conferences with Indians are worthwhile, since the result has been hostilities instead of the desired effect of tranquility. Knox implies that Seagrove is not getting sufficiently out and about as Creek Indian Agent, and suggests that Seagrove should attempt to visit the Creek nations because it is the most solid principle of conciliation; Knox orders Seagrove to go to the upper and lower Creeks if it is safe to do so. Knox notes that the upper Creeks permit depredations by the young against the Cumberland Settlements. Suggests that war with the Chickasaw may shift focus. Governor Blount has transmitted information on this event. Knox calls attention to robbery of Robert Seagrove's store. He believes that this event was the work of a predatory party, and not part of any fixed plan by the Creek Nation particularly since no information has been received of any depredations from the Oconee. All of Seagrove's accounts have been laid before the President of United States General Washington, and certain parts pertaining to conferences have been given to the legislature.
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