Copy of document

Letter from Captain Constant Freeman to Secretary of War Henry Knox on renewed prospects for peace with the Creek Nation, inability to receive returns on militia numbers from Governor Telfair's, discrepencies in authorized militia strength and Federal authority to muster militia

Captain Constant Freeman reports that Timothy Barnard [Bernard] suggests renewed chances for peace with the Creek Nation. Prospect for continued peace are tenuous, as inhabitants of Georgia have crossed Oconee River for the purpose of breaking up the Creek Towns. Suggests there are Georgia militia called into service without proper authority. Has suggested Major Gaither appoint inspector to oversee musters. Despite repeated requests, cannot obtain a return of militia forces from Governor of Georgia Telfair; and no measures have been taken to comply with Federal orders to bring 100 cavalry and 100 infantry into service. Freeman expresses concern that the United States might be asked to pay for 400 to 600 men when it only ordered 200. Points out that Captain Tauche and others in Colonel Melton's expedition, were in service and expense of United States. Since the expedition was not authorized by President of United States General George Washington, asks Henry Knox for guidance on how to handle matter. Also requests guidance on the extent of Major Gaither's authority of muster Georgia militia.

1793

10

28

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.

Henry Knox

Secretary of War

Captain Constant Freeman

Major Gaither

James Seagrove

Creek Indian Agent

Timothy Barnard

Bernard

Creek Nation

Georgia Governor Telfair

cavalry

infantry

Captain Tauche

Colonel Melton

President of United States General George Washington

Georgia militia

Deputy in Creek Nation

Fort Fidius

Carr's Bluff

Oconee River

Creek Towns

Augusta

Georgia

Creek Nation

muster

Federal authority to muster militia

Georgia militia and Federal government jurisdiction

Seagrove and peace with Creek Nation

1793102815055

493

Fort Fidius 28th October 1793
Sir,
An express arrived last evening at this post from Timothy Barnard, Mr Seagroves deputy in the Creek nation by whom we learn that the Indians are very well disposed to [undecipherable] the peace with the United States and that nothing can at this favorable juncture prevent perfect reconciliation, but the lawless conduct conduct of the frontier inhabitants of this State,. I mentioned to you in my last that parties were preparing to cross the Oconee for the purpose of breaking up the Indian towns. It is now reduced to a certainty that one of their parties has crossed the river four days ago, about twenty five miles below this post at a place called Carr's Bluff. It is to be hoped that they may be prevented from doing any mischief. Mr. Seagrove will communicate to you fully upon the present State of Indian affairs.
Agreeably to your instructions I have requested Major Gaither to appoint some fit person to inspect and muster the Militia. He says that if there are any now in service under the authority of the United States he is ignorant thereof, and that he cannot pretend to appoint an inspector until he shall have been regularly and officially informed that these now on the frontier have been called into service in pursuance of such authority. He also informs me that he has written to you upon this subject.
I have in several of my letters informed you that I could not obtain a return from the governor of the force actually employed for the defence of the frontiers although I had repeatedly made applications to him for the same, and that no measures had been taken to comply with the orders of the United States relatively to the one hundred cavalry and one hundred infantry, which he had ordered the Governor to bring into service, I should presume that it cannot be the intention of the United States to pay from four to six hundred men, where two hundred men are the extent authorized authorized. It is also necessary to observe that Captain Fauche and several others who were with Colo Melton in his expedition against the Indians were considered as in the service at the expence of the United States, if that expedition was a violation of the Presidents orders, they certainly ought not to be paid for any such service, I therefore Sir, request that you will be pleased to give me the most ample instructions on this interesting subject, and that Major Gaither may be directed how far he is authorized to muster the Militia now in service. I shall communicate to the Governor the result of my demand to Major Gaither, and inform him that I shall wait your further orders before I proceed in the business.
I have the honor to be Sir; &c
The foregoing communication from Constant Freeman to the Secretary of War are true copies from the originals on file in the War Office.
Jno Stagg Junior
Chief Clerk