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Avoid Offensive Operations in Creek Country, Etc.

In this letter, Knox conveys President Washington's reply to Georgia Governor Telfair regarding Indian tensions arising from robbery and murder at Traders Hill in March 1793. Washington advises that, because this is a critical period relative to foreign powers and treaty efforts at Sandusky in the north, Telfair should avoid offensive operations into the Creek country. Recommends using forces for defensive purposes. President authorizes Telfair to call and keep into service the regular force stationed in Georgia, 100 foot and 100 horse under Lieutenant Colonel Gaither. Discusses funding and outfitting of the forces; will serve approximately one year; of proper character. Authority comes from President of United States. Infantry called under militia law. Pay according to schedule # 2. Call up period for infantry and cavalry should generally match. Arms and ammunition forwarded to Major Habersham to Augusta in care of Major Forsyth. Consider that the whole Creek nation is not engaged in hostility. Because of treaty negotiations with Western Indians [Sandusky], none of these troops [General Wayne's] available for Georgia operations. If treaty successful, additional troops may be available. The case of large scale Indian invasion must be referred to by the provisions of constitution. In meantime, keep expenses down. Knox discourages the use of block houses as insufficient protection, too small and evoke the rage of Indians. Instead use competent scouts in advance of settlements. Kentucky experience provides good example. Knox describes pay and allowances for scouts; wants to encourage the use of the best frontier citizens for this position. Asks for unform muster procedures to those to be paid by government. Asks Telfair for a map of the Creek country. Knox refers to the The Militia Act of 1792; a series of statutes enacted by the second United States Congress in 1792. [The act provided for the organization of state militias under the command of the President of the United States].

1793

05

30

War Department

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.

Edward Telfair

Henry Knox

Lieutenant Colonel Henry Gaither

President of United States General George Washington

cavalry

infantry

foot soldiers

horse soldiers

captain

lieutenant

cornet

corporal

trumpeter

farrier

dragoon

private

sergeant

United States government

Georgia militia

federal troops

continental troops

Major Habersham

Major Forsyth

scouts

War Department

Georgia

Creek

Augusta Georgia

Savannah

Kentucky

Traders Hill St Marys

caps

swords

pistols

saddles

bridles

carbines

powder

lead

flints

blockhouse

militia act 1792

troop pay

pay schedule

U.S. Constitution

Washington and foreign affairs

avoiding costly wars

Federal vs. state jurisdiction

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