Collection
Search full-text
Fort Fidius Henry Gaither
Template
Repository
Collection
Microfilm
Publication
Name
Document
Image
-
Letter from Governor of Georgia Edward Telfair to Major Henry Gaither regarding use of militia in response to recent outrages by whites and Indians
From Georgia State House 4 August, 1793. Governor Telfair cites recent outrages by whites and Indians as requiring a request for protection by available militia. Telfair inquires to Major Gaither on the status, location and numbers of militia forces. Requests that ten foot militia under command of a sergeant be stationed at Norris Station, Bush's Station, Hillhouse's Iron Works, and at a station between Fort Matthews and Greensborough as a temporary measure until further communication from President of United States [Washington], which Telfair expects shortly -
Georgia's Militia Activity against the Creeks
Gaither reporting to Secretary of War Henry Knox, notes that Georgia Militia Major General Twiggs crossed the Oakmulgee River and laid out a fort. Most of the command mutinied and returned. Gaither has heard reports of families killed by Indians in Franklin County [northwest of Augusta near SC], but cannot confirm veracity. -
Letter from Timothy Bernard [Barnard] to Major Gaither regarding Cowetas horse thieves and revenge for those killed at Little Oakfuskee Village
In addressing horse theft, identifies the Cowetas as the culprits and who will be objects of revenge for those killed at Little Oakfuskee Village. Asks Gaither to warn people to be on guard along the river and avoid unnecessary exposure. -
Letter from Timothy Barnard [Bernard] to Major Henry Gaither regarding meeting with Cussetahs, scalpings, robbery and murder at Robert Seagrove's store Traders Hill on St Mary's River, Spaniard Dons
An enclosure to Gaither to Secretary of War letter 17 April 1793, Timothy Bernard writes from the Flint River. Reports on Indians arriving from St. Marys and Sattelles with scalps and plunder. Perpetrators from settlements near Jack Kinnard's, who are under influence of villain Willbanks and northward Indians. Describes a ship arriving from Spaniard dons with goods. Talks about the death of Captain Fleming at murder and robbery at Robert Seagrove's store on St. Marys and likelihood that James Seagrove will demand satisfaction from the culprits. Notes that this was not an act reflective of the Creek Nation. -
Unconfirmed reports of whites killed by Indians
Major Gaither informs Knox of possible hostilities by Indians against white families [30 dead] vicinity of upper part of Georgia, not far from Ft Matthews. Source of information militia General Twiggs. Gaither questions veracity. Reports that citizens fully behind the militia; has heard that militia plans to cross into Creek nation about the mouth of Shoulderbone. -
Order of President to Direct Dragoons to Join Lieutenant Colonel Gaither
Per request in letter dated 07/30/1796, McHenry inquired about the assemble of dragoons to march to the frontier of Georgia. Orders of President state the dragoons are to meet Lieut. Col. Gaither at either Coleraine on the St. Mary's River or at Fort Fidius. -
Quartermaster's Stores at Fort Fidius
A return of the Quartermaster's Stores at Fort Fidius in Georgia, 1st of July 1797. -
Return of the Qurtermaster's Stores at Fort Fidius
Return of the stores belonging to the Quartermaster's Department at Fort Fidius showing what is on hand or destroyed since the first day of July 1796. -
Demise of Major Call, Etc.
Gaither was sick when he landed in Georgia which held him eight days in Savannah. On the ninth day he mounted his horse and in four days arrived in Augusta and travelled on to Rock Land where he found Major Call alive. He died within 24 hours and was buried with the honors of war. His widow remained with Gaither for two weeks and was pleased to find herself in the company of gentlemen. -
William Simmons discusses pay, finance and accounting with LtCol. Gaither
William Simmons asks LtCol Gaither to include vouchers with his account statement. -
William Simmons discusses pay, finance and accounting with LtCol. Gaither
William Simmons informs Lt Col Henry Gaither that John Habersham will pay him. -
Abstract of Provisions Issued Over Six Months
List by post of provisions issued between December 1, 1796 and May 31, 1797. -
Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Henry Knox Secretary of War describing the robbery and murder at Robert Seagroves' store at Traders Hill St Mary's River
James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent gives an account of the murder and robbery at his brother Robert Seagrove's store at Trader's Hill on St Mary's River on the night of 11 March 1793. Mr John Fleming [Captain Fleming] and Mr. Daniel Moffett were killed and another was missing. About 2000 lbs sterling in goods stolen. Also reports on party of Indians inhumanely butchering 3 men and a girl on 13 March. Has reported news to Governor of Georgia Telfair and Federal Troop Commander Major Henry Gaither. In the process of trying to gather up information on the culprits. Does not believe Creek Chiefs involved. Has taken into custody one man who is currently being held at Ft St Tammany. Private dispatches to President of United States General George Washington will throw light on the episode. Has also attached a copy of the boundary line from the Alamataha to St Mary's River for Knox' review. -
Enclosed Letters, Directions to Proceed to Fort Fidius
Orders to direct commander of cavalry to proceed to Fort Fidius; Major Craig to send whiskey down Ohio to Detroit. -
Act of Congress
Encloses copies of a 3 March 1797 Act of Congress "To Ascertain and Fix the Military Establishment of the United States" -
Arrival of Pay Abeited Desertion
Money arrived at Fort Fidius for pay of troops. The late arrival was the reason many used for plea of desertion. Writing expressing dissatisfaction of men found outside barracks. Howell's assurance of regular pay assuaged men. -
Wayne's Campaign Strategy
Wayne explains in detail his strategy for the campaign against the Indians who he insists are being aided, behind the scenes, by the British. He argues against a Fall campaign because his troops are not adequately trained or supplied and the Indians are strongest in the Fall and weakest in the Spring. -
Letter from Bird King Cussetas King to Major Gaither on trouble caused by Halfway King
Bird King has heard that Halfway King is causing trouble. Says it is not wish of Creek nation be at war; it is only one town, the Halfway House King and obstinate mad persons who will not listen. Says he abides by talks from Major Seagrove. Expects matters to be settled when he arrives. Says it is a pity United States should suffer because of a party of bad people. Advises to guard against bloodshed; those that do mischief, he asks Gaither to punish as he sees fit. Cussetah people are friends. His town and other towns sit still awaiting talks of Major Seagrove. The one bad town has brought the trouble. -
Pay for the Troops, Etc.
Nothing of consequence happened on Gaither's march from Fort Washington home. Only his horse was tired and was left in the wilderness which caused some difficulty but he arrived in Elk Ridge on January 6th and found all was well. Gaither inquires as to when and how the troops are to be paid. -
James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Secretary of War Henry Knox on the expenses of Indian conferences, the effect of the Spanish Agents, Panton and McGillivray in undermining peace efforts, planned meeting with Creeks and Governor Telfair, Colonel Gaither's sickness
Writing from Savannah, Seagrove addresses Knox's assertion that conferences with Creek Indians not producing desired results and are too much of an expense. He recounts the once positive prospects for peace at Colerain in November 1792, before men such as McGillivray, Panton and the Spanish government and their agents interfered and undermined Seagrove's efforts. Seagrove notifies Knox he will leave for Rock Landing and Augusta to meet with Governor Telfair to discuss Indian Affairs. Notes that Telfair has never acknowledged any of Seagrove's correspondence. Things are generally quiet on the frontier. Detained Indians released. Colonel Gaither is not well; leaving Ft Fidius to recover at St Marys. Seagrove still plans to go into the Creek Nation for talks; expects opposition from different quarters. -
Request for Receipts to Substantiate the Charges in Gaithers account
Gaither says that the receipts that Simmons wants to substantiate charges in his account are in a book that cannot be conveyed to Simmons. He notes that every necessary proof has been submitted to close his account. Discusses difficulties with contractors and has had to apply to the contingent fund for articles they were bound to furnish. -
Acknowledgement of Letter Received
Simmons received letter from Gaither. In reply to Gaither's questions, no accounts of William Devereaux were rendered to the Office. -
Accompanying Troops on Their Way to Fort Fidius, Etc.
Gillaspy's baggage has been sent with Captain Eaton and he asks Hodgdon to keep it safe in his store until he arrives in March. He will accompany a detachment of troops traveling by boat to Fort Fidius and after his arrival at that place will proceed on to Philadelphia. -
Returns of Military Stores, Clothing at Fort Fidius Georgia
By order of Secretary of War, Lewis encloses returns of military stores, return of stores in Quartermaster Department, and clothing at Fort Fidius Georgia. -
Extract of Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Constant Freeman
From Fort Fidius reports that frontier militia continue to attempt to disrupt peace efforts with Creeks. Believes he could settle matters with satisfaction if not counteracted by bad conduct of people of Georgia. Reports of party under Colonel Alexander, and another from Green County that killed an Indian and took prisoners. Reports that he has written to Georgia Governor Telfair questioning under what authority these parties are sent out. Expresses frustration at lack of response from Telfair. Indians are waiting at the Oakmulgee to escort Seagrove, Barnard and Aiken into the towns. Will leave next day with guard of Federal Troops. Conduct of Spanish agent has changed to favor United States.