Collection

Transcription Project

• Attack on the People at the Hanging Maw's

  Major King reports on the murderous and unwarranted attack by Captain Beard and his mounted infantry on the people at the Hanging Maw's which seemed to be aimed as much at the white people as at the Indians.
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  Report on the State of Arms in Virginia

  According to instructions, went to New London, Virginia, to view the public arms. Found damaged muskets because they were stored with salt. Reports number of bayonets, rammers. Refers to wood needed for shelving--walnut or maple, and need for lathes and brushes.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Craig to Hodgdon, 07/02/1793.
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  Indian Hostilities

  Governor Telfair writes to Secretary at War Knox to request more men and supplies to support military action on the frontier.

• Placing the Cart Before the Horse?

  The President asks for the cabinet's advice respecting an application for a patent which he believes, in this instance, would be premature.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Pickering to Hodgdon, 06/26/1793.
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  Ship Capture

  Action relative to ship taken by French Frigate [burned fragment, in large part illegible].

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Commissioners to Knox, 06/26/1793.

• Measures to Be Taken Relative to a Sloop Fitted Out as a Privateer

  The three cabinet members respond to the request of the President regarding the disposition of the sloop "Polly" taken by the State of New York. They advise that the vessel should be turned over to the civil power until it is determined, by legal proceedings or otherwise, that if she is to be used for hostile purposes, she should be seized by the Governor of New York pending further advice of the General Government.
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  Public Business

  Jefferson discusses the public business which he takes the liberty of troubling Jackson with.
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  Execution of Perpetrators of Robbery and Murder at Traders Hill, Etc.

  Weatherford reports that he has done all he can to help bring peace in the aftermath of the robbery and murder at Traders Hill St. Marys.The Creek Nation has decided to put the death five of the perpetrators, exclusive John Galphin. Refers to Spanish talks with Chickasaws, Chocktaws, and Cherokees; the whole of upper and lower towns agree to be at peace with United States. Chickasaws meet with cold reception toward Creeks. Some Cherokees trying to bring war on United States, but most have peaceful intentions. Chocktaws are committed to render assistance to Chickasaws in case of war. Attempting to gain more intelligence on Spanish influence.
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  Halt of Troop Movement

  General Twiggs informs the Secretary at War that due to a lack of provisions, troop movement was halted. Twiggs states that local procurement of provisions by the troops would alienate friendlys in the area.
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  Georgia Militia Not Discriminating between Creek Friends and Foes

  Gaither reports that [contrary to guidance from Federal authorities] Georgia militia General Twiggs does not intend to discriminate between Creek friend and foe, with the exception of Cussetahs. Gaither surmises that this will do mischief to United States strategic intentions. Reports that many militia are in open rebellion against federal government since 1 November 1792, violating the [Treaty of New York], firing rifles at the sign of the President of United States General George Washington, and publishing falsehoods against virtuous citizens of United States.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Habersham to Craig, 08/06/1793.

• Request for Men to Defend Packet Boats

  Request for military escorts for three boats to navigate the Ohio river granted by President on the condition that they transport goods, letters, and packets for the military from Fort Washington to Pittsburgh.
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  Power of Attorney for James Powers

  Power of attorney given by James Powers to Samuel Shannon. Document signed by David James, James Powers, and Samuel Laventy, and John Baker.
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  Gunn warns Knox of impending hostilities with Indians

  Letter, describes Indian aggression; advises Knox of Indians gathering on the frontier.
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  Depredations of Creeks, Calling Militia into Service, Etc.

  (Depredations of Creeks, Calling Militia into Service, addition of regular troops and cavalry, assignment of Captain Constant Freeman, and a call for moderation in calling militia into service). Knox informs Gaither that Telfair has received federal support for military mobilization but the Secretary reminds the Major to always use moderation in calling up militia to meet the present situation. Lists the authorized strength of additional regular troops and cavalry engaged to serve until 1 June 1794.
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  Orders to go about the heart of country to visit the Creek leadership

  Secretary of War Knox conveys orders from President of United States General George Washington to Creek Indian Agent James Seagrove to go into the heart of the country. Capitalize on friendship of White Lieutenant, Mad Dog of Upper Creeks and White Bird, King of the Cussetahs. Purpose should be to demonstrate peaceful intentions of United States and to emphasize the existence of Creek Nation requires peace with United States. Most notorious of depredators ought to be killed, given up or driven out of the nation. State of European affairs renders it important that United States be at peace with Creeks. Tells Seagrove to exert himself according to this strategic guidance knowing that such conduct has the approval of the President of United States.
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  Knox replies to Gunn's concerns about Indian affairs

  Letter, discusses Governor Gunn's earlier request for troops.
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  Rendering Assistance to Georgia with the South Carolina Militia

  Knox conveys President of United States General George Washington guidance. If general Indian war erupts, Governor of South Carolina Moultrie should be prepared to render military assistance if requested by Governor of Georgia Telfair. Expenses responsibility of United States. Place of rendezvous to be determined. Supply assistance to be provided by contractors of continental troops.
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  Letter from Knox to Governor Telfair on Federal Government response to Indian tensions in Georgia and President Washington's strategic outlook in light of this matter

  Knox acknowledges receipt of letter received and submitted to President of United States. If the state of Georgia has been invaded or is in immediate danger, measures taken by Governor would be considered indispensable. Knox asks Telfair to be the judge of degree and duration of danger. Relates that President of United States General Washington is confident that Telfair will stand down the troops as tensions subside. Articles in invoice have been shipped on Schooner Peggy commanded by Captain Shelly, consigned to John Habersham at Savannah. Open war with Creeks in the present crisis of European affairs would be complicated and of great magnitude, and President of United States wishes to avoid such an event. As such he has ordered Creek Indian Agent James Seagrove to visit the Creeks. If a few of the perpetrators could be put to death, that would be most satisfactory. Enclosed is copy of letter written to Seagrove on this account and letter to Governor South Carolina. Invoice summarizes public stores shipped, to include muskets, bayonets, scabbards, gun worms, brushes, musket flints, musket balls, lead, gunpowder.

• Letter Citation

  Cited in Freeman to Simmons, 02/13/1799.
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  Regarding the degree of danger in Georgia

  Possible danger to Georgian frontier, Knox agreed to increase in troops necessary but advised that once danger of invasion subsided that number of troops should be reduced.
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  Indian Depredation

  News of hostile Creeks in Georgia transmitted. Request for assistance from South Carolina militia if future hostilities happen.