James Seagrove to Alexander Cornell. St Mary's 5^th July 1793. Dear Brother, I now take up my pen to describe to you what I conceive an unfortunate affair to you and me, and I fear also to our respective countries, it is as follows. On the 30^th day of last month M'Donald arrived at the station at Colerain and informed Captain Randolph, the commanding officer that he was from the nation with dispatches from you, and the Chiefs— he was kindly received, and after some time gave the people to understand, that four Indians came down with him part of the way; that he had come a head of them but as they delayed so long behind he concluded they had been followed by a runner, and turned back; and gave as his reason for this opinion, that by this time, it was a general war in the nation, and no hopes of peace or satisfaction being given. This alarmed the officers and men, upon which M^r Donald was asked for the letters, when he answered that an Indian had them all who was one of the party. Captain Randolph then ordered M'Donald to go immediately out and meet the Indians; he went some distance, and returned; and a scout of seven men who were out from Colerain, unfortunately fell in with four Indians on horseback, some with guns, and not knowing them to be friends rode up briskly towards them on which the Indians set up a whoop and ran. The horsemen pursued, and being better mounted; came up with them, on which the Indians dismounted, and took to trees, one of them snapped his gun several times, which convinced the White people they were enemies, upon this they fired and killed all four of the red people. On examining the letters and papers, it was found they were our friends, and what adds exceedingly to the pain and distress of myself and every body here, is that our good young friend and Brother David Cornell is among them that fell. This my dear Alexander is the most distressing thing I ever met with in my life, to think of friends falling by the hands of friends through a cursed mistake is bad indeed; but is now too late to be prevented, we therefore as friends and brothers must make the best of it, and not suffer it to involve us in further trouble. This unfortunate affair hath arose from the stupidity or villainy of M'Donald, who I shall keep a prisoner, until the whole is cleared up— I have only to say my friend for you and the other relations and friends of the deceased, that full satisfaction shall be made agreeable to the treaty of New York, and I beg you to interest of yourself, the mad dog, White Lieutenant, your uncle Joseph Cornell and all others concerned, not to alter their good opinion of us on account of this accident, or to take any hasty measures in consequence, as it is my determination to satisfy you fully on this business. The horses and other property belonging to the people killed I have taken into my possession and they shall be returned to their friends as soon as the path is clear. To convince you my friend that it is not our wish to hurt any of the Indians who are our friends, there are now with me at this place eight Indians, seven of them Cussetahs and one Chochaw, who have been here a month, eating and drinking as they please and walking about my house. They were found on this frontier and brought in and as there are a great many parties of bad people out, and as it was expected troops would go into the nation to punish the bad towns, I advised these people to stay with me which they have done and are very happy. Our great father General Washington has forbid the governor of Georgia or any of his people going into the Creek land to war until I have your final answer. This is the cause of the troops had crossed the Oconee being ordered back. Remember, my friend that when the red people killed Captain Flemming, and the rest of our people, we did not take any hasty or rash measures, tho' the provocation was great, but sent to you for satisfaction, and have waited now four moons without doing any thing; I hope you will consider this and act as we have done; Had not our friend Davy been killed, I should certainly have come up with him agreeable to request— You have always been a good friend and I hope you will continue so. Give your Uncle a good talk from me and tell him he will find me a better friend to him and his family than ever General M'Gillivray was, and that he shall have every justice done him depending on your friendship. Remain &c