Collection

Documents

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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on enclosed documents respecting inimical Creek Towns

  Governor of Georgia Telfair indicates to Secretary of War Knox that enclosed documents respecting the inimical Creek Towns will give information as to why it is useless to stop citizens of Georgia from going in quest of their property. Prisoners directed to Augusta, await exchange for white captives
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  Extract of letter from General Twiggs describing Indian robberies, damage, theft at Green County Georgia

  Indians came to Mr Caibb's in Green County and stole property; to Mr Hill's and plundered and stole horses. Colonel Melton pursued, but waters too high. Inhabitants below Carr's Bluff near Colonel Pugh's don't think themselves safe without a block house and guard. From the files of executive W. Urquhart SED.
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  Deposition of Henry Carrel sworn before Jared Irwin Justice of Peace and taken from files of executive W. Urquhart S.E.D.

  From Washington County Georgia, Carrel describes horses stolen on the Long Bluff. Captain Stocks and detachment pursued Indian culprits, killed some, recovered horses, rifles, smooth bore gun and sundry other items and returned without damage except hunger and fatigue.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on deposition of Henry Carrel and extract of letter from General Twiggs on recent depredations of Creek Indians

  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on deposition of Henry Carrel and extract of letter from General Twiggs on recent depredations of Creek Indians.
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  Deposition from William Jones to Jared Irwin on prospects for peace following death of David Cornell

  In deposition given at Washington County Georgia, Jones states that having resided among the upper Creeks, has found them inclined toward peace until the death of David Cornell, whose circumstances have exasperated his family and who are determined to have satisfaction. Sworn before Jared Irwin and taken from Executive files of W. Urquhart S.E.D.
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  Letter from John Galphin to General Jared Irwin on the continuing hostilities between Creek Nation and Georgia settlers

  Galphin extends olive branch. He recounts the background of the dispute, noting that white ambitions seem to know no bounds. Notes that treaty must be established by legislative body and not by clandestine means with a few Chiefs who don't possess authority to dispose of land. Notes that no sovereignty was ceded to whites in 1763 except the lands purchased by his majesty's subjects. Creeks have always been independent people and they look with astonishment at steps taken by United States to rob of rights. Galphin wants to know Georgia people's intentions and as a measure of good faith has instructed warriors to commit no hostilities across the Oconee. If white intentions are dishonest, Galphin says there are sufficient forces to stain the land with blood; Creeks will sell their lives with their country. Galphin is critical of James Seagrove's designs. Says his meeting in November 1792 at St. Marys was part of plot to get land. Asks why Seagrove did not come into the Nation himself instead of sending his assistant Timothy Barnard, who has limited credibility with Chiefs. True copy from files of W. Urquhart.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox describing the remote prospects for peace with the Creek Nation

  Telfair implies that the 19 July letter's call for restraint from Knox in the hope that those who committed crimes at Traders Hill can be brought to justice will not give security to the people of Georgia. Notes that Harrison's Fort has been fired upon, depredations at Fort St. Saville. Creek Indian Agent Seagrove cannot accomplish anything unless the savages understand that force will be used. Asks what means will be used to bring the perpetrators to justice; how will the captives be restore; how will stolen property be returned? Notes that the government is obliged to protect the people; paper peace can be of no duration. Notes that the federal government's calls for limited and defensive operations against the Creeks will result in depopulation of southern counties of Liberty, Glynn, and Cambden.
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  Letter from Governor of Georgia Edward Telfair to Secretary of War Knox on council of war held by Telfair

  Governor of Georgia Telfair informs Knox at the Council of War based its meeting on assumption that an expedition needed to be taken against the hostile towns. Following questions and issues discussed: Best season: Fall Best place to engage enemy: Oconee at Tom's Path crossing Number of men required: 2000 horse and 3000 foot. Draft militia for term not exceeding 60 days. Use of Federal troops Reinforcement from South Carolina Against inimical towns Cavalry and infantry from counties of Cambden, Glynn, and Liberty. Discussed possibility Governor will use his influence to request additional pay from Georgia assembly. Attested by J Meriwether A.D.E.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on convening of council of General Officers on subject of reducing five inimical Creek towns

  From the State House at Augusta, Georgia Governor Telfair informs Secretary of War Knox that he has convened a council of Georgia militia General Officers on the subject of reducing the five inimical towns of the Creek Nation, the contents of which to be transmitted separately for review by the President of United States General George Washington. If properly supplied, expresses optimism that military expedition will be success. Indicates that a map of the Creek nations is furnished by the Surveyor General of the State of Georgia.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox giving assurance that President Washington will be advised of any troop movements

  From the State House in Augusta Georgia, Governor Telfair assures Secretary of War Knox that he will keep the President of United States General Washington advised of any movements of troops and expresses hope that the system pursued will in the end bring peace.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on General Twiggs' assessment of Creek dispositions, and death of half breed Cornell

  From the State House Augusta Georgia Telfair informs Knox that Twiggs assesses that Creeks are not confident of their strength, that those who have been friendly remain so, and that those inimical towns should be punished, captives liberated, property restored. David Cornell was killed by a detachment of Georgia militia horse while carrying dispatches for James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent vicinity Camden County. Details forthcoming.

• Extract of letter from General Twiggs with additional reason why troops did not proceed during expedition against Creeks at Oakmulgee

  From the files of Executive, William Urquhart and presumably addressed to Governor Telfair, Twiggs notes an additional reason why his troops did not proceed on in the expedition against Creeks at Oakmulgee. Notes that in addition to lack of provisions, he foresaw the likelihood that troops would have killed some of Cusseta nation hunting in small parties. This would have united friendly towns against his forces and produced evil consequences
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on General Twiggs' unsucessful expedition to the Oakmulgee

  From the State House Augusta Georgia, Governor Telfair reports on General Twiggs' failed offensive expedition against the Creeks from the Oconee River to the Oakmulgee. The governor attributes the failure to lack of provisions, tired horses and other adverse events, but nevertheless applauds the prudence of General Twiggs.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on war with Creek Nation, requirement for additional reinforcements, arms, supplies

  From the State House, Augusta Georgia, Governor Telfair reporting to Secretary of War Henry Knox, that Georgia in a state of alarm. Number of militia drawn into service greater that he expected. From General Twiggs, a report that 700 volunteers will move into the enemy's country. Requests more supplies, swords, pistols. Inquires about the general system to be adopted by President of United States General Washington.
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  Extract of letter from Andrew Pickens Esquire to General Clarke

  From Hopewell Georgia, taken from files of W. Urquhart, Pickens gives intelligence report stating Creek Nation with exception of Cussetas, have declared war against the United States. John Galphin and 500 warriors had set out to join the Seminoles and plans to fall on the southern parts of Georgia; but Pickens believes the intent is to make an attack along the frontier of Georgia.
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  Deposition Michael Cupps, Nancy Smith on Indian killings Greene County Georgia

  Extract from deposition taken from files of William Urquhart, given by Michael Cupps and Nancy Smith to Elihu Lyman Esquire, justice of peace Greene County Georgia. Cupps was near the Oconee 22 April, heard gunshots; says he saw about 30 Indians massacring Richard Thresher, two children, negro wench. Wife with infant ran into river. Woman sustained scalping, multiple gunshot and tomahawk wounds, died 24 hours later. Infant found drowned. Nancy Smith said number of Indians 100.
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on the Creek barbarities and additional troops

  From the State House in Augusta Georgia, Governor Telfair notes horrid barbarities and carnage on the frontier caused by the Creeks. As such is adding troops and establishing camp at Shoulderbone to be commanded by General Officer. Says that no idea of peace should divert from preparations for war; people of Georgia must be protected. Acknowledges receipt of supplies.
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  Extracts from depositions indicating likelihood of general war, construction and garrisoning of blockhouses, and measures taken to secure help from Governor of South Carolina

  Georgia Governor Telfair cites some depositions [extracts follow letter] which he says support notion that a general war is imminent with Creeks and Cherokees. Is building and garrisoning block houses. These he considers expedients until the President of United States General George Washington can better provide protection for the settlers. Plans to coordinate with governor of South Carolina William Moultrie and Southwest Territorial Governor Blount for mutual defense, if necessary. Attested by William Urquhart, Benjamin Harrison and Francis Pugh extracts note that Indians shot, scalped and killed William, son of Colonel Pugh, and took Dick a negro owned by Pugh and some horses. From Joseph Tabbs of Franklin County. He saw General Clarke at town of Washington Wilkes County, and from him heard of six murdered by Indians near Scull Shoals near Oconee in Greene County
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  Letter from Georgia Governor Telfair to Secretary of War Henry Knox on Seagrove's accounts, Creek disavowals, President Washington's policies, and arms and ammunition

  Telfair looks at Seagrove's accounts with skepticism, for it is the policy of the Creek nation to disavow all murders and depredations. He does not expect the murderers from the incident at Traders Hill at St Marys to be turned over to Seagrove. Perhaps at best, some of the property will be returned. Looks to the President of the United States to take serious measure of this situation. He will have to adopt measures of negotiation or coercion. Regarding European affairs, perhaps necessary to have reference to them in policy with savages. Anxiously awaits arrival of arms and ammunition.
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  Deposition by eleven inhabitants of Glynn County

  Extract from files of Ex Dept. William Urquhart. Inhabitants' report being robbed and plundered by Creek Indians, including cattle and horses. They say the Creek Indians have been treated kindly. Another extract comes from Mr Cooke to the Honorable Judge Houston dated at Williamsburg 21 March 1793 indicating that amount of cattle stolen around 2000.
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  Prospects of aid, magazine of arms, calling up militia of neighboring states

  Georgia Governor Telfair expresses peculiar satisfaction in contemplating prospect of aid and arrangement of calling militia from neighboring states in case of general hostility. Refers to the depredations of Creeks as serious.
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  Appointment of Captain Constant Freeman as agent for War Department for Troops in Georgia

  Knox informs Major Gaither that Captain Constant Freeman has been appointed as agent of War Department for troops in Georgia. Asks that Gaither afford Freeman all assistance in exercise of duty. Stresses that every part of public administration be conducted with republican economy
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  Letter from Federal Commissioners Sandusky conference to Chiefs of Six Nations regarding end of peace talks

  Commissioners resending message to Chiefs of Six Nations. They also inform the Chiefs of the break down in peace talks over the Council at rapids of Miami River insistence that Ohio River be mutually agreed upon as the boundary between Indian and United States lands. Commissioners will return home with the first fair wind for Ft. Erie, and report proceedings to President of United States General George Washington.
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  Response from Federal Commissioners for Sandusky Conference to General Council at rapids of Miami speech of 13 August 1793

  Response to Council of Miami Rapids speech of 13 August 1793 [received 16 August and submitted on the same day] and relayed via two Wyandot runners from Captain Elliott's at the mouth of the Detroit River. Addressed to the Chiefs and Warriors of the Indian Nations assembled at the foot of the Miami Rapids. The commissioners restate that it is impossible to make the Ohio River the the boundary between Indian lands and the lands of United States. Commissioners state that, since the Council has made this point non-negotiable, the treaty proceedings must therefore come to an end. Commissioners express regret that peace was not the result.
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  Indian Council at rapids of Miami River response to Federal Commissioners' speech of 31 July

  From the Indian Council at the foot of the rapids of Miami, written 13 August, delivered by two Wyandot runners, arrived to Commissioners 16 Aug. This is reply to the Federal Commissioner's Speech of 31 July 1793. Reason for delay was need to conduct multiple interpretations to Nations and the need to answer fully. Refer to treaties held at Fort Stanwix, Fort McIntosh and Miami and commissioners' statement that papers from these treaties were sent to a General Council of the States, who then proceeded to dispose of the land ceded. They reply that the states' intent was not to make a treaty, but to force the attendees to sign over land. Regarding General St. Clair's meetings in 1789, the General Council stated that it was agreed that no land sales would be considered binding unless approved by the General Council. Nevertheless, the commissioners at that time persisted in collecting a few chiefs of two or three nations and held a treaty for the session of an immense country. Those who made these sales were not authorized to do so. How can we have peace, when the day before the Treaty of Ft Harmar, the commissioners were told that the consent of the General Council was required in order to convey any lands to United States? On the United States wish to have confirmation of lands ceded by Treaty of Ft Harmar and to George Rogers Clark and the promise of money and goods in exchange. Authors note that money is of no value, and to most Indians, it is unknown. As no consideration can induce the sale of land, Council suggests the following: Take all that money to be given to the Indians, and all the money spent to maintain your armies and use it to pay the settlers to move off of our land. Council members state that they want peace too, but in order to have peace, they must have their land back. They do not acknowledge the authority of the King of England to hand over Indian land to the United States by a treaty of peace [Treaty of Paris]. On the subject of pre-emption and the United States claim of having exclusive right to purchase Indian land, Council members state that they never made any agreement on this matter. At the General Council at the Glaize in the fall of 1792, it was agreed to meet if the commissioners agreed that the boundary line must include the Ohio river. State that they will not meet unless there is satisfaction on this point. Point out that they are asking for restoration of a small part of what was once their great country. They can retreat no farther, because the country behind is not sufficient to afford food. Thus, they state their resolve to leave their bones in this small place. Only if the commissioners concede on the Ohio River boundary issue, will the Council be persuaded that there is justice in mind. The Ohio River boundary issue was something the Council calls the "great point" and it is their wish that the matter had been understood by the federal commissioners before they left their home. Signed by Wyandots; Pottawatomies; Seven Nations of Canada; Delawares; Shawanese; Miamis; Ottawas; Chippewas; Senekas of Glaize; Connoys; Munsees; Nantakokies; Mohicans; Messagues; Creeks; Cherokees;