Copy of document

Statement of Secretary of War to President of United States relative to South Western Frontiers

Knox recounts that during November 1792, Creek Indian Agent James Seagrove was successfully pursuing peace efforts with the Creek Nation until prospects were clouded on 11 March 1793 with the robbery and murder by Seminolas Indians at Robert Seagrove's store at Traders Hill on St Marys. Governor of Georgia Telfair called out Georgia Militia for protection of inhabitants. Knox relates that he advised Governor Telfair of the President Washington's policy considerations, based on events to the north with the Sandusky Conference and with foreign powers in general. Governor Telfair was authorized to call up 100 infantry and 100 horse of the State Militia for defense.
Knox notes that cases of invasion of a state by Indians must be referred to the provisions of the United States Constitution.
Points out that federal arms and ammunition were shipped to Georgia in response to the Governor's request, intended, Knox points out, as a provisional measure in case the state should be invaded.
That on 12 June 1793, the Governor transmitted information regarding an intended expedition into Creek territory which proved unsuccessful due to lack of provisions.
That on 13 August 1793, Georgia Governor held council of General Officers on subject of reducing five Creek Towns, which President Washington subsequently disapproved of as being unlawful and against his policies with regard to foreign affairs.
That on 2 October, the Governor reported that Georgia militia surprised a friendly Creek town, killed some warriors and took some prisoners. James Seagrove endeavored to go into the Creek Nation to obtain punishment of culprits and to work out a peace arrangement with the Creeks, which was opposed by some Georgia whites. Knox recounts Governor Telfair's conditions for establishment of peace, which included assignment of commissioners. Points out that Governor raised more troops than he was authorized and brings up the question of expenses and whether to Federal Government should be obligated to pay. Suggests that, based on letters from Freeman, Major Gaither and James Seagrove, the Creeks are generally disposed for peace. Brings up questions of payment of troops and for provisions, and Constitutional questions regarding a Governor's right interfere in a treaty.
Regarding the South West territory. Describes a limited state of war with the Cherokees, but also positive prospects for peace, which was broken by the actions of Captain John Beard, who defied Governor Blount's orders.
Refers to the great numbers of militia brought into service and the associated costs. Knox also suggests that it will be with an ill grace that Indians are punished while the white perpetrators escape with impunity.

1793

12

04

Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Secretary of War

Henry Knox

General Twiggs

Georgia Governor Telfair

President of United States

George Washington

White Lieutenant

Creek Nation

James Seagrove

Creek Indian Agent

Cherokee

Creek

Simanolas

Robert Seagrove

Georgia government

Federal Government

Constant Freeman

Major Gaither

Governor Blount

Captain John Beard

Hanging Maw

Lower Creeks

Georgia Militia

Governor South Carolina

Spaniards

banditti Indians

Chatahootchee River

Little Oakfuskee

South Western Frontier

South of Ohio

Sandusky

Creek Towns

Lower Creeks

Traders Hill on St Marys

South Carolina

Georgia

United States

Spain

Florida

Oakmulgee

Oakmulgee River

arms

ammunition

Sandusky Conference

United States Constitution

costs of Indian Wars

Washington foreign policy

authority to make treaties

authority to declare wars

constitutional authority

1793120400152

3