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Letter Citation

Cited in Freeman to Simmons, 02/13/1799.

Avoid Offensive Operations in Creek Country, Etc.

In this letter, Knox conveys President Washington's reply to Georgia Governor Telfair regarding Indian tensions arising from robbery and murder at Traders Hill in March 1793. Washington advises that, because this is a critical period relative to foreign powers and treaty efforts at Sandusky in the north, Telfair should avoid offensive operations into the Creek country. Recommends using forces for defensive purposes. President authorizes Telfair to call and keep into service the regular force stationed in Georgia, 100 foot and 100 horse under Lieutenant Colonel Gaither. Discusses funding and outfitting of the forces; will serve approximately one year; of proper character. Authority comes from President of United States. Infantry called under militia law. Pay according to schedule # 2. Call up period for infantry and cavalry should generally match. Arms and ammunition forwarded to Major Habersham to Augusta in care of Major Forsyth. Consider that the whole Creek nation is not engaged in hostility. Because of treaty negotiations with Western Indians [Sandusky], none of these troops [General Wayne's] available for Georgia operations. If treaty successful, additional troops may be available. The case of large scale Indian invasion must be referred to by the provisions of constitution. In meantime, keep expenses down. Knox discourages the use of block houses as insufficient protection, too small and evoke the rage of Indians. Instead use competent scouts in advance of settlements. Kentucky experience provides good example. Knox describes pay and allowances for scouts; wants to encourage the use of the best frontier citizens for this position. Asks for unform muster procedures to those to be paid by government. Asks Telfair for a map of the Creek country. Knox refers to the The Militia Act of 1792; a series of statutes enacted by the second United States Congress in 1792. [The act provided for the organization of state militias under the command of the President of the United States].

Reports the Completion of an Order of Military Stores

Thomas Proctor reports that he tested artillery pieces. Used a double charge of powder, and 3 pound bullets in each. He takes the liberty of pronouncing them fully complete for the service of the United States.

Account of Elias Longstreet

Certification of pay and service for Elias Longstreet, late Captain in the New Jersey Regiment.

Avoiding Offensive Expeditions in Indian Country

The Cabinet and Attorney General make their recommendations to the President regarding his reponse to the report of the Governor of Georgia respecting the depredations of Creek Indians within the territory of that State. The main recommendation is avoid offensive expeditions against the Creek Nation if at all possible.

Shipped Powder from Brooklyn to Captain Dunn

According to request, has shipped 142 casks of powder from magazine in Brooklyn to Captain Dunn. Encloses bills.

Acknowledges Receipt of Military Stores, Invoice

Has received bill for sundry military stores shipped on the schooner Peggy, with Thomas Shelly master. All were received in good order. Also received an invoice for the items.

Frontier People Exasperated by the Injuries They Receive

Blount describes the burial of a murdered Chickasaw man and reports on the general turmoil on the southwestern frontier. The white settlers constantly complain about the depredations committed by the Cherokees and Creeks though the Chickasaws are well regarded. Blount feels that his responses to the needs of the settlers are inadequate.

Request for Assistance with Officer's Pay

Captain Rucastle has not responded to request of Howell to settle arrears owed men under his command, now requests Dayton's assistance in the payment of Rucas' men, who are seeking payment.

Orders from Governor Blount and Captain White to Captain Beard

These are Gov. Blount's and Captain White's orders to Captain Beard and his company regarding the pursuit of Indians who have committed murders and depredations on the frontier.

Request for white wampum and qualified Delaware and Shawanese interpreters

Federal commissioners advise Major Craig they have dispatched Six Nations interpreter Jasper Parrish to Philadelphia to procure white wampum. They ask Craig to dispatch 40 to 50,000 white wampum. They reiterate request for Delaware and Shawanese interpreters to support the Treaty at Sandusky Ohio.

Failure to meet demands in aftermath of robbery and murder at Traders Hill, St Marys

Seagrove expresses disappointment that the friendly leadership of the Creeks has not been able to hand over the culprits involved in the murder and robbery at Traders Hill at St Marys. Warns them that to make enemies with United States spells ruin for Creek Nation. Creeks cannot expect mercy when acting such as this. Seagrove is heartened by the good conduct of so many Creeks; such towns will receive protection. To the Cussetah and other friendly towns, Seagrove asks that the inhabitants stay in the towns for their safety. Mr Bernard will stay with the Cussetahs. Advises Creeks to stay away from Spaniards and any others of such ilk, since they have the ruin of the Creeks in view. Seagrove notes that the United States has made peace with the northern tribes [an inaccuracy-Federal Commissioners will not begin proceedings at Sandusky until later in the summer] and relates that as a result, U.S. warriors are not employed there.

Acknowledges Receipt of Clothing

Lists clothing items received, delivered the sloop Thomas & Sally. Requests Charlottesville muskets if the Secretary of War will send a box of arms.

Request for White Wampum

On behalf of commissioners, Pickering laments that the white wampum has not arrived from New York or Albany. Therefore, ask Major Craig's help in obtaining a quantity, not exceeding 80,000.

Supply Issues, Interfort Roads, Mischief of Indians, and Call for Volunteers from Kentucky

The Chickasaws will be given the arms and stores as ordered but that leaves the stores at Hobson's Choice depleted to an alarming extent. New roads are being built between various forts in order to expedite transportation. The Indians do not seem interested in peace and continue to make mischief in the region. The Governor of Kentucky is being asked to provide volunteers for the coming campaign.

Meeting at Sandusky Delayed

The proposed meeting of the Indian chiefs and the Commissioners will take place at Sandusky. However, the date appointed by the US is too early for the Indians, who will not return from their wintering grounds before the end of May. The meeting therefore should be moved back to accommodate the Indians' schedules. The Commissioners should be accommodated at Niagara until the Chiefs are ready.

Commissioners Advise No Movement, Lest Indians Interpret it as Hostile

Peace commissioners advise Knox that Wayne should not undertake any movement, lest it provoke the Indians.

Letter to Secretary of War on belt of hostile Indians, wampum, medicine chest, medicinal bark

Bearer of letter is Six Nations interpreter Jasper Parrish. Federal Commissioners forTreaty of Sandusky report to Knox that belt from hostile tribes is missing. Request wampum, medicine chest and medicinal bark.

Commissioners request for money due to delay of treaty proceedings and payment of batteaux men

Commissioners report that they paid and discharged their batteauxmen [boat operators]. Need more money because of delay in treaty proceedings. Request $461.75.

Tardy interpreters, arrival of Benjamin Lincoln, overdue wampum, and concern over potential troop movements of General Wayne

Commissioners report that General Lincoln arrived on 25 May with stores in the batteaux. No interpreters as of yet; nor is there any white wampum. Duplicate letter enclosed from Colonel McKee. The delay of proceedings provides time to obtain interpreters and white wampum. If the white wampum does not arrive in time, will borrow from British agents at Niagara or Detroit. Send the wampum to Major Littlehales, Secretary to Governor Simcoe, Niagara; or send by post to Reading, on to Williamsburg on Genesee. Quantity of white wampum is 80,000. Jasper Parrish reports seeing vast sums in Philadelphia. If the wampum comes from Major Craig, please pay him. James Dean [interpreter] has arrived. Extreme jealousy of Indians will prompt them to magnify every thing that appears hostile. General Wayne's movement to Fort Washington [near Cincinnati Ohio] will likely not give umbrage; he has assured Cornplanter he will make no advance beyond established posts. Commissioners express concern that movement by Wayne could generate suspicion of treachery toward Indian leaders while attending treaty especially if sent [north] toward Ft. Jefferson [near Greenville Ohio]. Commissioners don't recall Knox's specific instructions to Wayne; want to express concern that troop movements could upset treaty negotiations.

Letter Citation

Cited in Stevenson to Hodgdon, 06/17/1793.

Settlement with Private Ambrose Wheeler, 12th Virginia Regiment

Settlement of account with Private Ambrose Wheeler, 12th Virginia Regiment

Payment to Meredith for Captain Greaton

Payment warrant, directs payment of remaining balance for recruiting services.

Instructions to Get Two Guides and Proceed with Letters to Pittsburg

Commissioners instruct interpreter Jasper Parrish to proceed to Pittsburg with two trusty Indians from Cornplanter's settlement, obtain more interpreters for treaty negotiations at Sandusky, and procure more white wampum. If Major Craig does not respond in timely fashion, apply to General John Gibson, who will expedite the effort. Commissioners plan to embark for Sandusky on 20 June 1793