Papers of the War Department · Transcription Project · Collection

Speech of the General Council to the Commissioners

Speech of the Deputies of the Confederate Indian Nations, assembled at the Rapids of the Miami River, to the Commissioners of the United States.

The Calm Before the Storm

Acting Governor Smith reports that even though the Indians repulsed Beard's party, they have seemed calm lately. Still he views this as the calm before the storm.

Delay in Transmitting Dr. Strong's Receipt

Being transmitted is an abstract of warrants drawn by the Secretary of War in continuation to July 27th. It is hoped that Swan will have sent the receipt for the sum remitted by Doctor Strong since it's delay has caused Howell great inconvenience.

Transmittal of Money; Captain Pratt's Detachment

Samuel Hodgdon will transmit $3000. In future, no money will be advance but upon previous estimate. Mentions holding part of Captain Pratt's detachment until they receive orders.

Delivery of Arms to Mud Island

Secretary of War requests that Hodgdon deliver to General Lewis Nicolas, for the use of militia at Mud Island, Delaware River, forty stands of arms with accoutrements. Governor Mifflin accountable.

Vacancy in the Office of Adjutant General & Invoices for Stores

Knox requests that Wayne fill the office of Adjustant General which is again vacant. Th case of Dr. Scott is referred to him to take whatever action he deems appropriate. Invoices for various stores are forwarded.

Letter Citation

Cited in Knox to Craig, 08/03/1793.

Questions Respecting the Expedition Against the Creeks

The President has eight questions regarding the planned expedition against the Creek Indians, including whether the expedition ought also to be against the Cherokees.

Post Notes and Arms Forwarded

Per request, post notes forwarded. Requests communication on receipt of money. Arms and armaments forwarded. Cartouch boxes forwarded with all speed.

Account of John Kelly

Certification of service and settlement of pay for John Kelly, late of Captain Spencer's Regiment.

Letter from the Commissary of Military Stores

Letter from John Stagg, Chief Clerk of the War Department, to Samuel Hodgdon, Commissary of Military Stores.

Cost of Carriages

Included is an extract of a letter from George Fleming to Henry Knox in which Fleming wants to know the cost of the carriages made in Philadelphia for the caravan sent during February before last. He also wants to know what the carpenters in Philadelphia would charge to make carriages for 8 inch howitzers and twelve pounders. Hodgdon is directed to provide this information so the Secretary of War can write to Fleming.

Account Adjustments and Peace with Cherokees

Knox related troubles in obtaining account information from Virginia, problems with peace accord b/w U.S. and Cherokees.

Information & Opinion Relative to the Creek Indians

"I have the honor to submit the information and opinion of General Pickens relatively to the Creek indians. If there should be any other points on which it would be necessary to request his information or opinion, he will be ready to afford the same."

Governor of Georgia writes to Secretary at War regarding Indian hostilities

Governor Telfair informs Secretary Knox that he has intelligence indicating Creek weakness and restates his desire for a military strike against hostile towns. Governor reports the death of an Indian half-breed named Cornell at the hands of Georgia forces.

Military Demonstration of Power Against the Creeks

Knox and Pickens agree that a military demonstration of power is the only effective method to prevent the cruel depredations of the Creek Indians. The timing and plan of the campaign will depend upon the circumstances of the moment which cannot now be determined.

Iron Purchased by Simon Singer

Included is the amount of iron purchased by Simon Singer for which he paid Richard Parker. Since this debt was appropriated by the Secretary of War for the payment of the balance due Ames' account, he asks Hodgdon to inquire whether Parker has paid the amount to Ames' agent, George Logan.

Letter Citation

Cited in Habersham to Hodgdon, 08/14/1793.

Sundry Accounting Matters

Doctor Jonathan M. Scott is leaving for the Headquarters of the Army to the Westward and is delivering the money for the pay, forage, and recruiting of the Army, including bounties. The Secretary of War authorizes Swan to make advances on the warrants of the Commander in Chief of the Army for which he will be held accountable. Enclosed is a continuation of the list of warrants and pay rolls of the recruits of Captain Kersey and Captain Howe who are not yet under marching orders.

A talk from the heads of the Upper and Lower Creeks, by order of the Mad Dog, of the Tuckaubatchees, given out in the Cussetah Square, at a meeting of a number of Lower Creeks, this 21st July, 1793-to be forwarded to his Excellency General Washington, President of the United States.

Translated by Timothy Bernard at Cussetahs. A talk from the heads of the Upper and Lower Creeks, by order of the Mad Dog, of the Tuckabatchee, to be forwarded to His Excellency General Washington, President of United States. Heads of Creek Nation report that Chickasaw Nation holding talks with Governor Blount, Southwest Territorial Governor, and report on the dispatch of several thousand men to join Chickasaws at a fort in Chickasaw Nation, along with arms. Creek Nation asks General Washington who has jurisdiction on this matter, Washington or Blount? If Washington and the heads of Georgia want peace with the Creeks, then both should send off to Governor Blount to restrain his people.

A talk from the heads of the Upper and Lower Creeks, by order of the Mad Dog, of the Tuckabatchees to be forwarded to His Excellency General George Washington, President of United States

Translated by Timothy Bernard at Cussetahs. A talk from the heads of the Upper and Lower Creeks, by order of the Mad Dog, of the Tuckabatchee, to be forwarded to His Excellency General Washington, President of United States. Heads of Creek Nation report that Chickasaw Nation holding talks with Governor Blount, Southwest Territorial Governor, and report on the dispatch of several thousand men to join Chickasaws at a fort in Chickasaw Nation, along with arms. Creek Nation asks General Washington who has jurisdiction on this matter, Washington or Blount? If Washington and the heads of Georgia want peace with the Creeks, then both should send off to Governor Blount to restrain his people.

Our frontiers, I never saw them so dispirited.

Robertson reports on the turmoil and bloodshed on the southwestern frontier with most of the Indian tribes arrayed against the United States, with the notable exception of the Chickasaws. He has had to call up a company of mounted infantry to protect the settlers and seeks Smith's approbation for doing so.

Raising of additional militia in Georgia, and controversy over Federal command of troops

From Fort Fidius, Gaither's correspondence includes two letters from Mr Bernard. Reports that Georgia Governor Telfair has published an order for raising 100 cavalry and 100 infantry militia, to be under Gaither's command. Gaither believes the numbers are sufficient; militia officers do not; nor are they pleased that a federal officer has command of these troops.