Collection

Transcription Project

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Knox to Craig, 06/28/1793.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Knox to Clarke, 06/28/1793.
• 

  Morrow's Misfortune

  Includes a copy of a letter from Clement Biddle and Thomas L. Moore describing the misfortune of Abraham Morrow who has suffered a great loss by fire. Morrow desires an advance of $250 and Biddle and Moore will engage him for work if that amount is advanced. Stagg adds that the Secretary of War directs Hodgdon to advance Morrow the $250.
• 

  Report on Events in Aftermath of Robbery & Murder at Traders Hill St. Marys

  From Flint River Georgia, Bernard report to Seagrove that he has been to Cussetah Towns with David Cornell, head warrior of Tuchabachees. Conclusion was to give satisfaction for robbery and murders at Traders Hill. Men were sent by Cussetahs to kill the perpetrators. Daniel Dourouzeaux, villain who turned Spaniard, at behest of Panton, interfered with the business. Nevertheless, both upper and lower Creeks have determined it should be done. Discusses intrigues by Spanish agent to undermine United States through Indian tribes. Cornell pledges loyalty to United States and General Washington. Cornell wishes Seagrove to visit to counteract influence of Spanish agents.
• 

  Events in Aftermath of Robbery and Murder at Traders Hill St. Marys

  Bernard, in reporting to Seagrove from Flint River Georgia, notes that the upper Creeks held a meeting at the Tuchabachees of the upper and lower Creeks. Those who attended agreed to would take steps to ensure peace with United States; would take measures to satisfy Seagrove's demands to for satisfaction for murders at Traders Hill St Marys. Bernard notes that the old villain Daniel Dourouzeaux, has turned Spaniard for a salary of $300 per annum as interpreter with the Cowetahs. Originally the parties agreed to return the stolen horses and goods, but now that agreement seems to be refused. Bernard is sure that the upper Creeks and Cussetahs are committed to peace with United States. Cowetahs and Chickasaws seem very obstinate and refuse to give up any property. Expresses concern that settlers will make no distinction between Indian friend and foe, which could bring on general war; Spaniards would provide assistance and Chocktaws, Chickasaws and Cherokees could join in. Spaniards talking with Cherokee chiefs in Pensacola. Spaniards continue to supply ammunition to Indians unfriendly to United States. Upper Creeks seek the presence of Seagrove; his demands would be complied with. David Cornell could be useful because he is inveterate against Spaniards and Panton. Bernard discusses security arrangements, should Seagrove decide to come visit the Upper Creeks. Observes that James Cornell, interpreter and once much in favor of Spaniards during McGililvray's life, has changed his tune. Cornell suggests that if Seagrove visits, he can provide proof of Spanish governor complicity in efforts to set Indians against United States.

• Indians must refrain from acts of violence.

  Smith is pleased by the pacific acts of the Cherokees but warns them against hostile acts against whites, such as stealing horses or killing them, that will provoke them to commit similar acts against Indians.

• Do not suffer bad men to injure whites or steal their horses.

  Smith warns the Cherokees not to hinder the President's attempts to redress the wrongs committed against them by allowing bad men of their nation to kill whites or steal their horses.
• 

  Forecast of Indian Attendance at Sandusky, Etc.

  Federal commissioners for conference at Sandusky report that interpreter Parish is late, probably due to incessant rains. Moravian missionaries, John G. Heckewelder, Dr. McCoskey, Captain Hendricks with companions of Stockbridge Indian tribe, sailed from Fort Erie to Detroit to gain intelligence. They await arrival of commissioners, who intend to go to Detroit. Canada Lt. Governor Simcoe objected, recommending mouth of Detroit River, where accommodations may be found. Commissioners plan to embark as soon as Parish returns. Forecast of Indian attendance at Sandusky Conference as follows: Oneidas, Onandaguas, Cayugas; Senakas from Genesee and Buffalo Creek, Onandagues, Cayugas from Buffalo Creek under Fish Carrier. Proceedings will probably go on longer than expected unless cut short by demands which the commissioners cannot meet. No further information from Colonel McKee on when conference will begin. He and Brandt attending council at Rapids of Miami, Ohio.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Swan to Howell, 06/23/1793; Swan to Howell, 07/11/1793; Howell to Swan, 08/16/1793.
• 

  Clothing Stores for Capt. Pratt's Command

  This is a return of clothing, military and quartermaster's stores wanting to complete a detachment of recruits, under the command of Capt. John Pratt, on their march from Trenton to Pittsburgh. The articles should be forwarded by water to Trenton to the care of Abraham Hunt, the contractor.

• Opinion Respecting a Communication from the Spanish Commissioners

  Respecting the letter to the Secretary of State from Messrs. Viar & Jaudenes, it is recommended that a detailed response be prepared regarding the proceedings of the U.S. with respect to the southern Indians and the Spaniards and presented to the Court of Madrid by the U.S. Commissioners.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Jefferson to Hamilton and Knox, 06/19/1793.

• Somewhat the Appearance of Evasion

  '"Thomas Jefferson has the honor to enclose to the Secretaries of the Treasury and War drafts of two letters of this day's date to ministers of France and England. He confesses himself not satisfied with the latter altogether as it has somewhat the appearance of evasion. The gentlemen will be pleased to propose any alteration either may desire, handing the letters round to him to be finally submitted to the President."
• 

  Pay of Lt. Underhill and Recruits

  Knox informs Lt Underhill that the sum of $42.69 has been remitted to Samuel Meredith, Treasurer of the U.S., being the balance of pay due him and his recruits.

• They have laid our young warriors on the ground.

  The Bold Hunter and other Cherokee head-men express their hope that Smith and the government will punish those responsible for white depredations so that the Indians themselves will not have to take satisfaction against them.

• The Indians are for peace.

  Thompson assures Smith that the Indians are for peace if they are not disturbed by whites. The head-men are waiting to see what will be done by the government before they take satisfaction themselves for white depredations.
• 

  Transporting Arms

  Enclosed are Aaron Jenkins' contract for fifty dollars for transporting arms to Capt. Preston at Montgomery Courthouse. The report to Hodgdon came late owing to Jenkins having entered with the contractor to go with the troops down to the place where they were embarking in the boats, a long march from which he has just returned.
• 

  Twiggs Halted his Expedition

  Governor Telfair informs Secretary Knox that due to a lack of provisions General Twiggs halted his expedition.
• 

  Letter from the Secretary at War to the Governor of Rhode Island

  Letter, discusses the governor's request for brass field pieces; mentions militia; discusses supply of ordnance and military stores; discusses state governments.

• Bad Doings of the Creeks and Cherokees

  Piamingo warns Smith of the depredations of the Creeks and Cherokees and wonders why the Americans even bother to treat with Indians that will be at war with them until they are defeated. They have even invited the Chickasaws and Choctaws to join them in a war against the United States.

• Let us punish them for you.

  Smith urges Cherokee chief Watts to forego taking satisfaction against the white men who committed the base act against his people. The President can be relied upon to punish them instead.

• I want to redress your wrongs.

  Smith assures Double-head that the wrongs committed against the Cherokees will be redressed if they will only delay seeking satisfaction themselves.

• Intelligence from the Lower Towns

  Smith has written letters to John Watts, Double-head, the Hanging Maw, and Edward Adair and asks Major King to obtain whatever intelligence he can from the Lower towns respecting what they intend to do.

• An Action that May Involve the Nation in Ruin

  Smith worries that the attack on the Hanging Maw's house may incite the Cherokee nation to seek satisfaction before they hear from the President.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Smith to Knox, 09/27/1793.