Autograph Letter Signed

Priorities of the President to Avoid War and to Protect Citizens

Knox conveys the intentions of President Washington relative to war with the Creek nation. Washington hopes to avoid war yet seeks to protect U.S. citizens and has issued a proclamation prohibiting hostilities among the people of Georgia and the Creek. Warns punishment of Creek if they inflict problems on citizens. Encourages station of troops on Georgia frontier, and promises to recruit more troops.

1789

11

24

War Office

Indian affairs. Cited in Telfair to Knox, 11/24/1790.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

Edward Telfair

Henry Knox

George Washington

Indians

Citizens

Troops

Recruits

Commissioners

Militia

Creek Nation

Congress

War Office

Georgia

Northwestern Frontier

Proclamation

Expense

1789112400001

1

4

Letter
Secy at War
21 November 1789
With the Governors
answer [undecipherable]
Indian Affairs
War Office Novem 24 1789
Sir
By order of the President of the United States, I have the honor to inform you that the Commissioners for treating with the Creek Nation have returned and reported the progress and issue of their mission.
the critical state in which this subject is suspended, impresses the President of the United States with great anxiety. He is exceedingly desirous that War at this period should be avoided if it can be effected consistently with the interest and dignity of the United States. He is aware of the expence of blood and Treasure of a War with the Creeks, and of the embarrassment it would occasion to the Government and above all he is solicitous that the event should not be brought on by the conduct of the Citizens of the United States. The Commissioners have reported that our honor issued a proclamation forbidding all hostilities on the part of the Citizens of Georgia. The
The President of the United States is persuaded that you will take every necessary step to enforce your proclamation.
If the Creeks should contrary to their declarations to the Commissioners, commit unprovoked depredations on the persons or property of the Citizens of Georgia, the punishment which may be inflicted on their nation in consequence thereof will receive the approbation of all unprejudiced men.
The President of the United States has further directed me to assure you that were there any considerable body of regular troops at his disposal that he should immediately order it to be Stationed on the frontiers of Georgia, as well to protect its Citizens, as to exhibit the the Creeks our power to punish if necessary. But all the troops in the public service are necessarily employed on the North Western frontiers, excepting the few hereafter described.
The company of troops which escorted the Commissioners were directed to return, because their engagements with the public were nearly expiring. This company, and some few other troops in similar circumstances are about to be discharged. They will be replaced by recruits to complete the existing establishment. These recruits will amount to about two hundred men. As soon as one company shall be recruited it will be ordered to Georgia, and the remainder will follow as soon as possible.
This arrangement appears to be the only one which can with propriety be adopted during the recess of Congress, unless the hostile conduct of the Creeks should render it absolutely necessary to call out the Militia for the protection of Georgia. But the expences to the public and distress to individuals involved in such a measure would render it adviseable only in case of extreme exigency.
I have the honor to be Sir Your Most O & Hble Serv
H Knox Secy at War