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Keeping the Peace following the Robbery and Murder at Traders Hill St Marys, the treachery of Spain in Florida, and punishment of mischievous Creek towns

Seagrove laments the deterioration of the peace on the Georgia frontier since the robbery and murder at Traders Hill. Says that majority of Creeks are peaceful, but their peaceful intentions have been frustrated by the bad men of a few towns. The peaceful chiefs, believing their is nothing more they can do, have asked the United States to send an army to destroy the Cowetas, Broken Arrow a part of Uchees, Usuchees, Big Tallassees and part of the Chehaws. Seven-eighths of the Creek Nation is friendly and will remain so unless the parties from Georgia go in. Seagrove dreads this scenario because there will be no discrimination between friend and foe. If the Georgians fall on the friendly towns, a general war may erupt. Seagrove notes that if only the aforementioned towns are struck, the business will shortly be over. Notes that punishing the offenders will be an effective means of deterrence against future mischief. Enemy numbers estimated at about 450. Recommends a body of 1000 cavalry under a cool, prudent commander as soon a possible. If delayed, flame may spread. Recommends that Knox send an experienced Major General from the Federal establishment to take command of an army against the Creeks. While there are capable militia Generals, Seagrove fears that the notion of discriminating friend from foe will be viewed as ridiculous and absurd. Fears this will result in a general Creek war, which will be undoubtedly bloody business and a ruinous expense to United States. This view is unpopular in Georgia, but Seagrove notes that he holds his opinions to be in best interests of nation. Seagrove has tried to secure as many allies as possible; friendly chiefs have asked for protection and have pledged neutrality.
Spaniards continue to insult United States. George Galphin is right in his assertions and Seagrove believes the Old Tallassee King was employed by Spain to commit murder on the Oconee. Spaniards have established a post on the St Marys at New Hope, above Colerain and below Traders Hill. Colonel Howard [of the Spanish militia in Florida] visited and awaits arrival of troops from St. Augustine. He makes a profession of friendship to the United States.
Seagrove has met with W. Payne, King and Head Chief of Simanola Indians, who arrived at Colerain with twenty of his people. Seagrove reports that he has convinced Payne not to join the disaffected towns. He sent Payne home well pleased; notes that Spaniards did much to prevent Payne from meeting him. Suggests that Colonel Howard may be mortified. Payne has said he will move down to Cape Florida until the troubles are over. Panton is trying to make peace between the Creeks and Chickasaws in order to destroy U.S. interests and bring on a general war. Seagrove believes that the seeds of the present troubles can be traced back to McGillivray and Panton and they are now coming to fruition. Sarcastically refers to Governor O'Neill of Pensacola as being rewarded for distressing the United States through the savages. Major White, who once came with [Spanish minister] Gardoque to Philadelphia is presently governor of Pensacola. Howard is full of intrigue. Governor Telfair continues to refuse to reply to Seagrove's letters. Mentions Brigadier General Gwinn of Georgia militia. Expect to hear from Major Butler. Seagrove returns to the Spaniards and their incessant intrigue. If there is a general war, Seagrove advises a decisive blow. To look for peace without doing this will prove abortive. Recommends John Sevier to lead this force, along with forces from South Carolina under Pickens to destroy all of the mentioned Creek Towns. Indians will be speedily conquered if attacked from different directions. Spaniards will know about all troop movements as long as there is open border between Florida and Georgia.
Seagrove notes that he has kept the peace thus far, since the robbery and murders in March.

1793

05

24

St. Marys

Cited in Knox to Seagrove, 09/16/1793.This document is enclosed in a statement relative to the South Western frontiers, as connected with the state of Georgia and Creek Indians, the south Western territory of the United States and the Cherokees suybmitted to the House of Representatives on December 4, 1793. This document is an integral part of [Public Reports] and other communications of the Secretary of War, 12/99/1793.

Cited document addressed to the War Office

Henry Knox

James Seagrove

Cowetas

Broken Arrow

Uchees

Usuchees,

Big Tallassees

Chehaws

Creek nation

Georgia

friendly towns

Federal army

Sevier

Spaniards

galphin

W. Payne

Simanola Indians

Colonel Howard

McGillivray

Panton

Chickasaws

Governor O'Neill

Gardoque Spanish Minister

Governor Telfair

General Gwinn

Georgia Militia

General Pickens

South Carolina

North Carolina

florida

St. Marys

Traders Hill

New Hope

Colerain

St. Augustine

Pensacola

South Carolina

North Carolina

Florida

Spain

United States

Treaty of New York

Spain US relations

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