Copy of document

Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Georgia Governor Telfair on efforts by Georgia militia to prevent Seagrove from meeting with Creek Chiefs

Addressed to Georgia Governor and Commander in Chief of State of Georgia Edward Telfair, Seagrove implies that Telfair has been disingenuous with Seagrove. Seagrove recounts instances whereby Georgia Militia attempted to intervene and prevent Seagrove from meeting with the Creek leadership. Seagrove is dismayed that, after meeting with Telfair, and explaining President of United States General George Washington's policy guidance with regard to southern tribes, as conveyed by Secretary of War, he nonetheless required an armed federal escort in order to protect Seagrove from harm by the people of Georgia.
Seagrove describes the acts of Georgia militia Colonels Lemar, Alexander and Metlon, who crossed the Oconee and surprised and attacked Indian town of Little Oakfuskee on the Chattahoochee River. These people, Seagrove notes, are under The White Lieutenant, longtime friend of the Country.
Seagrove recounts tales of whites scalping Indians, taking female prisoners, plundering and burning, and preventing Seagrove from meeting with Creek leadership in order to effect a peace. Seagrove dismayed that no effort was taken by the Governor to protect a himself, a federal officer. Seagrove further dismayed to find that while Seagrove is on a peace mission, the State of Georgia is conducting a military offensive against the Creeks. Refers to Telfair's "conditions for peace," submitted while Seagrove was embarked on his peace mission [maligns Telfair's motives without saying so]. Asks that female Indian hostages be returned. Copy certified by Seagrove.

1793

10

03

Fort Fidius

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 submitted 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

James Seagrove

Georgia Militia

Creek Nation

Creek Indian Agent

Creek Nation

Timothy Bernard [Barnard]

White Lieutenant

Federal Government

United States government

federal officer

Captain Dickenson

Colonel Lemar

Colonel Alexander

Colonel Metlon

Captain Carson

Oconee River

Fort Fidius

Georgia

Little Oakfuskee

Chattahoochee River

Savannah

Augusta

Indian hostages

Georgia militia intervention against James Seagrove peace meeting with Creeks

State versus Federal jurisdiction

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