depredations mentioned in my last. It has been report here that a trail of forty has been discovered on this side the Oconee, but we have not yet heard of any mischief done by them. I received this day before yesterday a letter from M^r Seagrove, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose you. By this Sir, you will learn what hopes there are of keeping the Indians quiet by any negociations he can have with them. I would wish to believe that his apprehensions of personal danger and his opinion of the opposition of the frontier inhabitants to pacific measures are rather exaggerations. The people might possibly offer violence to him; but they cannot be so mad as openly to oppose the government. It is certain that a War with the Creeks would be very popular, and that not a few are disappointed, that the late intended expedition did not proceed, it is however an unfortunate circumstance that M^r Seagrove is not a favorite with these people he says it arises altogether from his being an Officer of the Federal Government, and because he has at all times shewn himself zealous in preserving peace with the Indians. I shall not attempt to give an opinion upon this dispute. I have thought it my duty to transmit a copy of his letter to me, that if there should be any foundation for his fears you might have in timely information thereof, and I have also for the same reason mentioned to you the relation in which M^r Seagrove stands with the people of this country. I know Sir, that I may write to you in the most perfect confidence. If it were to be known that M^r Seagrove had written the above mentioned letter, the whole State would be inflamed against him. Since writing the above, the Western post has arrived, who reports that a M^r Alexander has gone out with ninety men, with the determination to prevent M^r Seagrove having any communications with the Indians, and that the people on the frontier are generally opposed to any meeting with them. I have the honor to be &c Constant Freeman. James Seagrove to Constant Freeman. Fort Fidius 11^th September 1793 Dear Freeman, I have this moment heard of a waggon going to Augusta, and therefore shall just tell you that we all got safe here notwithstanding the plans meditated for my destruction. I was informed while in Augusta, that it was determined I should not reach this place alive. That I was a most dangerous man. that I was taking measures to keep this country in peace. This may be considered by some a crime of the deepest dye, but as such I did not consider it, and therefore determined to pursue my directions to that effect. We got on very quietly and without any great danger, until within thirty miles of this station, when we were met by Cap^t Dickinson with twenty continental troops, detached by the officers in consequence of information that parties of villains were out on the road determined to destroy Col. Gaither & myself. The officers here had, I have occasion to think, just grounds for their fears for their safety. We however left the troops, and arrived at the garrison about 7 O'clock on the 9^th inst. I found every body here well, but the Country round in a most determined state of opposition to all federal measures. There is several parties of horse men out to prevent my having any intercourse with the Indians. They publickly declare they will oppose every attempt that can be made to peace. Some parties of Horse have actually had the insolence to appear before the garrison and forbid any person going to the nation. I shall however dispatch Aken and the black fellow this evening to go forward to meet the Indians and know their determination. I do not yet know whether or not the Indians are coming on to meet us. I have not time to be particular. I give you this unconnected line just to let you see what a blessed situation I am placed in. I am Sir Y^rs James Seagrove. Augusta 23^d September 1793 Sir, I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 5^th instant and to inclose a duplicate of mine to you of the eighteenth. I am happy that I anticipated your orders as far as I was authorized in not concurring in any arrangements for invading the Creeks. From the moment I arrived in this State