Collection

Transcription Project

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  Extract of letter from James Seagrove, agent of Creek Indian Affairs to Henry Knox Secretary of War

  From Savannah Georgia, Seagrove encloses a copy of a letter from Georgia Governor Telfair and reports that there has been no change or novelty in Indian Affairs since last report.
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  Answer of Mr Payne the Great Simanolla and Lochaway King to James Seagrove Creek Agent of Indian Affairs

  A talk that Payne promised to give to Seagrove. Speaks of all men as having one father and one mother. Relates a story he heard from the old people that the world was once covered by the great water and drowned all the people, except for those who lived in a house on the water; whether this is the place, he says he does not know. He was also told that the world was divided into seven parts, and America was given to the Red Man. When white man first came, red man was afraid. But white man planted corn and gave the red man food. Both agreed to run a line through the country. Professes ignorance and poverty. Is glad to have met Seagrove and hopes for continued peace and friendship. Is sorry there has been mischief by red people.
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  Extract of letter from Captain Jonas Fauche from the files of executive, Georgia Governor Telfair, reporting on killings of Creek warriors, taking of prisoners

  In this extract addressed to Georgia Governor Telfair, executive files, Captain Jonas Fauche reports on the Indian theft of horses, killing of Creek warriors, the taking of prisoners, discovery of scalps, and a report that warriors have gone to Cumberland.
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  Letter from Colonel Melton, Green County, to Georgia Governor Telfair reporting on operations against Creek Nation

  From Executive files of W. Urquhart, a report from Green County, Lieutenant Colonel Melton of 1st Regiment, Green County, reports that he has burned huts in Creek town, killed Warriors, and taken prisoners. Asks that prisoners be moved away from frontier people for their own safety. In need of arms and ammunition; frontier may be evacuated if no resupply.
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  Talk from Lieutenant Colonel William Melton to Headmen and Warriors of Donnally's Town, Flint River Georgia

  Lieutenant Colonel Melton of Georgia Militia 1st Regiment Green County warns the Creeks about their continued depredations on property and persons of settlement he commands. Accuses Creeks of professing peace with President of United States General Washington, while conducting war on the settlers of Georgia. Warns that the father in New York, who has been good to them, benevolence should not be viewed as sign of weakness. Future behavior will determine Melton's conduct toward Creeks. He has taken prisoners which he will hold and treat well while delivering to Governor of Georgia.
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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 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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  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