Copy of document

Letter from Timothy Barnard [Bernard] to James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, on the prospects for peace prior to the onset of winter

Prospects for peace are fairly good if the Georgia militia stops coming over the Oconee searching for Indians. Spaniards and Panton are advising Indians to be at peace. Indians want Seagrove to come up to settle matters, but he should do so soon, as the Indians will be going into the woods with the onset of winter. Surmises that without Federal support, the inhabitants of Georgia might give more thought to the prospect of a general war with the Indians.

1793

10

17

Flint River

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.

James Seagrove

Timothy Barnard

Timothy Bernard

President of United States General George Washington

Secretary of War Henry Knox

William Panton

Spaniards

Congress

Georgia militia

Federal Government

Georgia Governor Telfair

Mr Aikens

Fort Fidius

Flint River

Oconee River

Georgia

United States

Seagrove and peace efforts with Creeks

Georgia militia and Creeks

1793101790055

423

Copy of letter Timothy Barnard to James Seagrove
Flint River 17th October 1793
Dear Sir,
Since my arrival in the nation I have done every thing in my power to reconcile the Indians, and I think they seem to present more inclinable for peace than they have been this summer past
past, and I think if the Militia could be stopped from coming out to search for Indians on this side the Oconee that matters might soon be settled for the benefit of both parties. The Indians has now I am convinced stopped all stealing parties from going out, this I think you may rely on, therefore the Inhabitants need be in no great dread of hostilities being committed. The whole nations seem to have a desire to have you up to settle matters (how free you can prevail in that business you are the best judge) as the winter draws in fast, and the Indians will be soon going into the woods, I do not know when I shall be able to [undecipherable] down as I have been very sick for some time past. The Spaniards and Mr. Panton have advised the Indians strongly to be into peace, their circumstances and the small fright they lately got will, I fancy, keep them good. I shall expect to hear from you by Mr. Akins how the Country is disposed towards the Indians, for if they still mean to be coming over the Onocee searching for Indians it's useless for me to try to bring about a peace, which of it would be made on good terms, would be more for the good of this Country than a War at this time. There never seems a better opportunity to settle a peace than at this time. I shall however abide by your intuitions on this business, as I am convinced you act up to the instructions you have from the President and General Knox, therefore I think the Inhabitants of Georgia if they studied the good of the Country they would not wish to make a War contrary to the President's wish, if they do and have to fight the Indians without the assistance of Congress
Congress they I fear will find it a hard task to subdue them. Nothing more seems to me at present worth mentioning, therefore wish you health and remain Dear Sir your &c
Fort Fidius 21st October 1793
Copy James Seagrove, Agent Ind. Affairs