Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Henry Knox Secretary at War regards aftermath of robber and murder at Traders Hill on St Marys

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who have acted imprudently which I think is the case with some of yours. I have not much to say at this moment, as we expect to see you soon, when you will hear much from us— we have much to say. In thirty two days from the date hereof we shall expect to see you in our land when we take you by the hand as our friend and father, and smoke the pipe of peace and friendship together. Signed in the presence of T. Bernard, Interpreter. James M. Holmes } Geo. J. Hull } James Seagrove to the Secretary of War. St. Marys 30^th April 1793. Sir, On the 28^th instant I received by express from the chiefs of the Creek Nation the enclosed talks by which you will find them disposed to comply with any demand, which if they do will be a most happy circumstance for our Country. From the Information which I have received, I have reason to look for the prisoners daily. I shall feel embarrassed what to do with them especially the two white men which the chiefs say shall be sent to me. Our prison in this Country is very bad, and to put them in Fort St. Tammany, would not do there, they would be almost certain of escaping. The Indian which shot there made has come which has been a very great saving to our cause. Yesterday

Type

Copy of document

Description

Seagrove reports that he has received notification that Chiefs of Creek Nation will comply with demands to hand over the perpetrators and hostages. Seagrove is embarrassed by the lack of a secure jail facility; and Fort St. Tammany [on the St. Mary river] is no more secure. Previous Indian captives have escaped. Reports that interpreter Mr. Bryant has returned from a visit with the Simonolas [Seminoles] and notes that Chief Payne and a number of his headmen will meet Seagrove at Colerain. Seagrove hopes to establish good relations with the Florida tribe. Seagrove sends the belt of peace given by the Chiefs of the Upper Creeks, and a White Wing from the Cussetahs, both intended as gift for President George Washington. Plunder continues in Florida and war between Creeks and Chickasaws seems certain. Two whites killed by Old Tallafee King's people, presumably for incursions on their lands.

Date

04/30/1793

Author

James Seagrove

Recipient

Henry Knox

Sent from

St. Mary's

Repository

National Archives and Records Administration

Collection

Third Congress: Transcribed Confidential Reports and Other Communications Transmitted by the Secretary of War to the House of Representatives, 3d

Document number

1793043040055

Page start

259

Note

Cited in Knox to Seagrove, 09/16/1793.This document is enclosed in a statement relative to the South Western frontiers, as connected with the state of Georgia and Creek Indians, the south Western territory of the United States and the Cherokees submitted to the House of Representatives on December 4, 1793. This document is an integral part of [Public Reports] and other communications of the Secretary of War, 12/99/1793.

Notable persons

Henry Knox

James Seagrove

Chiefs of Creek Nation

Simonolas

Seminoles

Chief Payne

Upper Creeks

Cussetahs

President George Washington

Creeks

Chickasaws

Old Tallafee King

interpreter Mr Bryant

Notable locations

St. Mary's

Fort St. Tammany

Colerain

Cussetah

Chickasaw

florida

Seminole

Notable items

peace belt

white wing

prison

jail