Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Henry Knox Secretary of War on meetings with Creeks, influence of Alexander McGillivray, Panton's intrigues, the Spaniards, and Georgia Governor Telfair

Copy of document

Letter from James Seagrove Creek Indian Agent, to Henry Knox Secretary of War on meetings with Creeks, influence of Alexander McGillivray, Panton's intrigues, the Spaniards, and Georgia Governor Telfair

Seagrove explains to Knox why he has not visited with Creeks. Reasons that a train of circumstances and events rendered such impossible. Notes that McGillivray and his adherents opposed him and his potential influence. Says that his instructions were to avoid disputes with McGillivray; therefore he did not impose himself on the Creeks. When Seagrove did obtain assent from Chiefs, he made arrangements for a meeting while at Colerain. A meeting was fixed for 1 May 1793. Refers to some Creek leadership resentment toward McGillivray regards the Treaty of New York. Surmises that robbery and murder in March 1793 at Traders Hill on St Marys were orchestrated by Panton to sabotage Seagrove's 1 May meeting. This notion corroborated by Burges and Galphin. Since then, Seagrove planned to visit the Creeks, but his plans were disrupted by the death of David Cornell. Seagrove making security arrangements for upcoming meeting. Panton continues to stir up trouble. Does not wish to inform Governor Telfair of his plans to meet with Creeks. Telfair does not recognize Seagrove's status as a public officer, which perhaps explains why he will not acknowledge or answer Seagrove's letters. Plans to release the Indians whom he detained. Reports a rumor that indicates that President of United States is encouraging offensive operations against Creeks. Asks if this is true. Telfair plans to meet with his militia General officers on 8 August 1793.

1793

07

31

Savannah

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

James Seagrove

President of United States General George Washington

Alexander McGillivray

Panton

Georgia Governor Telfair

Secretary of War

United States

Creek Indians

James Burges

George Galphin

Upper Creeks

Governor ONeil of Pensacola

White Lieutenant of Oakfuskees

Big Warrior of Cussetahs

Timothy Bernard

Timothy Barnard

William Stringer

Spanish Agent Bellue

Spaniards

Savannah Georgia

Traders Hill St Marys

Colerain

Ogechee

Rocklanding

Augusta

Spain

United States

Treaty of New York

robbery and murder at Traders Hill St Marys

General Indian War

Georgia-Federal government relations

killing of David Cornell

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