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Letter from James Seagrove to Georgia Governor Telfair regarding exchange of prisoners, prospects for peace, and expedition of Georgia militia against Creek Towns

From Ft Fidius, Seagrove informs Georgia Governor Telfair on favorable prospects for peace with Creek Nation. Good likelihood that inhabitants of Oakfuskee village will take satisfaction on Coweta horse thieves for those killed. White Lieutenant of Oakfuskees, and other principal chiefs want the prisoners sent home. Assures Telfair that equal number of white prisoners, if there exists that many, will be available for exchange. Seagrove encloses letters from Timothy Barnard describing favorable outlook for peace.
Seagrove informs Telfair that Georgia militia horsemen from Washington County are out on an expedition against Creek Towns. Encloses letter from Lieutenant Van Allen of Federal Troops to Major Gaither. Admonishes Telfair that such conduct is contrary to guidance received from President of United States General George Washington.

1793

10

21

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

Creek Indian Agent

Georgia Governor Telfair

Coweta

George militia horsemen

horse thieves

White Lieutenant of Oakfuskees

Timothy Barnard

Creek Nation

Lieutenant Van Allen of Federal Troops

Major Gaither

President of United States General George Washington

Fort Fidius

Oakfuskees

Georgia

Creek Nation

Coweta

Washington County

Seagrove and peace with Creek nation

prisoner exchange

Georgia militia expeditions against Creek towns

George Washington and Creek Nation

1793102190055

433

Copy James Seagrove to Governor Telfair. Fort Fidius, 21st October 1793.
Sir,
I had the honor of writing you on the 14th inst. since then this frontier has continued free from any Indian depredations, not an Indian hath been heard of on this side the Oakmulgee for several weeks. It is with pleasure I am enabled to inform your Excellency that the Citizens of Georgia, that by an express which I received last evening from my deputy Timothy Barnard, I have very favorable assessments of the disposition of the whole Creek towns at this time, and that they are very desirous all matters should be immediately settled. The friendly Towns have brought those who have been doing mischief to desist altogether and to deliver up all stolen property and make other satisfaction. There is a very great prospect that the friends of those people who was killed at the Oakfuskees Village, are about to take satisfaction on the Cowetas. The Oakfuskees declare they will not trouble the white people in that account.
The White Lieutenant of the Oakfuskees, and other principal principal Chiefs, are very desirous that the Prisoners you have should be sent home as soon as possible to their friends. I hope your Excellency will see the good policy of such a measure, as the prisoners belong to some of our best friends in the nation. As I have already asked for them, I hope they are on their way to this place. Your Excellency may rely that an equal number of prisoners (if as many in the Creek nation belonging to the United States) shall be delivered for theirs, as well as every other arrangement favorable to this Country that rests with me to do. Enclosed you have extracts from Mr. Barnards Letters to me of the 17th & 18th inst. which will serve to point to your excellency how favorable the present moment is to give peace to our Country; and how unpardonable it would be not to embrace it by every just means in our power; and how much more so to throw any impediments in the way.
I am sorry to be again obliged to inform your Excellency that I have reason to believe several companies of horseman from the County of Washington are gone on an expedition against some of the Creek towns. The enclosed extract of a letter from Lieutenant Van Allen of the Federal troops to Major Gaither will further explain the business. That such things should be done after the express order to the contrary which hath been received from the President of the United States is truly unaccountable. I hope for the honor and happiness of Georgia that your Excellency will be able to put a stop thereto; and that we shall once more enjoy peace.
I shall hope for your excellency's Answer by return return of the express; and that I shall be informed the prisoners are on their way to this place.
I am &c.
The foregoing communications from James Seagrove temporary Agent to the Creek Nation to the Secretary of War, are true copies from the files of the War Office.
Jno Stagg, Junr. Chief Clerk