Extract of a Letter from James Seagrove Esq^r. to The Secretary of War dated Savannah, 31^st July 1793 The instructions and orders of the President of the United States as contained in your letter of the 30^th of April hath received my particular and immediate attention; and the enclosed papers will point out the steps which I have taken to carry the same into effect. From the whole of my communication with you, and the chiefs of the Creeks, you will observe that it hath been my wish to be in that nation, but that a train of circumstances and unfortunate events rendered it almost impossible. Whilst General McGillivray lived I was certain of being opposed by him and his adherents both in and out of the nation. I was so well informed of the baseness of that man and his treacherous conduct to our country, as not to leave a doubt but that he would be guilty of kindling a flame against us, or any person who should endeavor to establish peace and good understanding between the United States and any of the Indian tribes to the Southward but more particularly the Creeks. My instructions being to avoid all disputes or give cause of jealousy or suspicion to McGillivray in way of rivalry, I thought it most advisable not to put myself on the nation until I had the assent of a majority of the Chiefs in my favor to that effect. This I obtained unanimously from all present at the conference at [undecipherable], and the time was fixed by the chiefs for my entering them to the first of May in order to arrange and fully understand all matters between their country and the United States. The Indians who were present at the conference declared in public that they were imposed on by General McGillivray, respecting the treaty of New York and many other matters, and that they would oblige him to appear at our general meeting and answer for himself or quit the nation. This no doubt he heard of and knew of my growing influence, and finding that I would attend as agreed on. He and his Spanish friends in conjunction with M^r. Panton, formed and executed the bloody plan at trader Hill on St. Marys in March last. This opinion is corroborated by several testimonies I have already furnished, and I think fully confirmed by the declaration of James Burgess, as sworn to by George Galphin. There cannot be a doubt, but the Spaniards and Panton were apprehensive that if I was allowed to get into the nation it would be unfavorable to their projects, and M^r. McGillivray was convinced that his double dealings would not stand the test. Therefore it was determined by those characters to have murder and robbery committed on our citizens in which they have been too successful. This act of violence prevented my going into the nation although I had made every arrangement at that time for the purpose. Since that period you have been advised by one of the repeated outrages by the Creeks, as well as that they had not complied with my demand of satisfaction. Had it not been for David Cornells being killed on the 30^th Ult^o I certainly should at all events have gone into the nation and to the Upper Creeks with him, as from the letters received from some of the Chiefs it appeared to be their wish. It would have been unwise to have gone immediately after such an event, at least until it was known how the people of the nation would act in consequence. This I do not yet know, but from the measures which I have taken, and what I am able to judge from circumstances, I do not think any rash step will be taken by the relations of Cornells. He in fact is no great loss to them, having been a turbulent ungovernable young man, and but of late that he became a convert to our cause, which you will find by his letter sent you in mine of the [blank] wherein he acknowledges his having killed Americans on the western waters by desire of Governor O'Neill of Pensacola and Panton. By the enclosed copy of a letter received by me the 20^th instant from the white Lieutenant of the Oakfuskies and also one from the Big Warrior of the Euftahs, together with Tom Barnards of the second instant, I am led to believe that I may be able to effect an entrance into the nation, but not without difficulty and danger, all of which I disregard provided I can accomplish the wish of the President of the United States and thereby serve our country. You will see by the letters now enclosed that four of the Creek towns are disposed for mischief, and Panton is actually among them stirring them up to war. He publicly tells them that they are not to fear the United States, they cannot hurt them; that they must not on any account consent to give satisfaction by punishing the murderers or restoring the property; that unless the Americans remove back to the old boundary on the Ogeechee not to treat with them. This conduct of Pantons keeps up a flame in the nation and as he hath at his commands large magazines, both public and private property, goods which he distributes among the people he is sure will be attended to. It matters little whether or not M^r. Panton and others acting in this way in the nation are sanctioned by the government they live under, the effect of their doings are equally felt. But as to myself I am convinced that they are countenanced and supported in it, or they would not have the audacity. See the oath of William Stringer before Timothy Barnard. Every day affords fresh instances to confirm me in this belief. Whilst these things are allowed and tamely viewed, it is in vain that I or any other servant of the Union, labour to preserve peace with the Savage tribes. The Indians themselves begin to see through their schemes. One of the Spanish Agents of the name of Billions who was busy practising on the Upper Creeks, was killed by them about a month past. I have therefore said so much on this subject, that I shall not add at present. Having determined to go into the Creek towns if possible I shall in conformity to your desire repair to the Rock landing, so as to be there by the first of next month to wait the movements of the friendly Indians. But to accomplish this there are obstacles, the greatest is that of making my business known. To keep it secret from Governor Telfair, may meet with censure if not destruction. For should his excellency see fit to send another expedition into the nation whilst I am treating of peace the consequence to me is evident. I believe it will be best to acquaint him in confidence, tho' I have very little hope of his paying any attention thereto, for I am told he does not recognize me as a public Officer, never having had it announced to him in form. to this I must attribute his total silence and want of respect to my frequent letters to him. A cursedly calculated this state is at present to engage in a general Indian War — yet strange as it may appear, there are many warm advocates for it, some of whom I have reason to believe would oppose my going into the Creeks to make peace. As a preparative to my going into the nation, I thought a necessary step to send home the Indians who had been detained by me at St. Marys, and also their property. this I have ordered to be done and sent by the person who carries my dispatches, which will make them the more acceptable. This step I doubt not will add to the