Papers of the War Department · Transcription Project · Collection

Enclosed Letter from Governor Blount

Letter received, to be transmitted to President. Enclosed letter from Blount states contrary information from that stated by Knox in earlier communication.

Notification of Clothing Order

Clothing ordered for troops, to be forwarded to New York by way of Amboy New Jersey, addressed to Melancton Smith.

Received news on attack upon Buchanan's station, relayed details of attack and Indian movement since that time. Settlers of Cumberland in good spirits while erecting block houses and stockades to protect from Indian attacks.

Settlement of Accounts

The Commissary of Military Stores writes Major Craig regarding the settlement of accounts. Hodgdon notes that if Craig is disposed to be angry, he would have abundant cause. Craig had expressed "another disappointment" in the affairs.

Indian Land Rights;

Deterred Seagrove from listening to Bowles. Discussed boundary line, and hostilities of Indians. Treaty of New York and Spanish interests veted with Governor of Louisiana. Land rights of several Indian Nations discussed. Requested provisions due to poor harvest.

Defense of South, Cumberland County

Request for opinion on need for additional troops to assist Gov. Blount in defense of frontier.

Support of Militia Against Cherokee War

Received notification of declaration of war against U.S. by Cherokee Nation. Know consulted with the Sec. of Treasury and Sec. of State who unanimously agree that Gov. Blount should be afforded the "most ample powers" to draw for the militia for defensive protection of state. Noted all offensive measures will be reserved for Congressional approval.

Ordering of militia into service

Letter, directs movement of Washington District Militia to be dispatched to Miro district on Cumberland River under Brigadier General Roberston to put brigade into best possible state of defense.

Defensive Protection

Indian towns south of Knoxville have declared war on Governor William Blount of Southwest Territory, who has called up militia to mount defensive action.

Cherokee Declaration of War

Received letter from Blount which contained proclamation of war on U.S. by the five lower Cherokee towns which is perplexing along with failed negotiations, violence, and leadership of the nations by J. Watts. Advised calling up militia and confining operations to defensive measures until Congress convenes. Requested Blount send an expedition to upper Creek towns to request that their banditti cease attacks.

Discussion of Possible Indian Hostilities

Brought up public reports of McGillivray "quit[ing] the nation" and Seagrove's rebuttal of accusations. Questions location of McGillivray due to his lack of communication since leaving Orleans. Notification that Seagrove called a council of chiefs due to the recent attempts of "neighbors" to "poison the minds of the Indians against the United States." Supplies have arrived for McGillivray's "people".

Mrs. Sterrett asks Knox to consider appointment husband Mr. Sterrett as port collector Baltimore

Letter, asks for appointment as collector at Baltimore port, on behalf of husband based on ill health of General Otho Williams, who will probably soon leave the office.

Intent to Pay Salary and Expenses

The Accountant's Office informs Jeremiah Olney that he will be paid $240 for salary and expenses regarding stores shipped to West Point New York.

Peace with the Creek Nation

Seagrove ommends Kinnard for his allegiance and assistance with peace between U.S. and the Creek Nation. He mentions the confusion in the Indian Nation, stolen property, and Indian mischief. He requests that Kinnard forward the invitation to peace talks with U.S. representative to all lower Indian towns, especially those that were deceived by Bowles.

Request to Inform Creeks of Meeting with President

Brought up confusion of Creeks caused by "wicked white men" and Seagrove expressed pleasure that the Creeks held fast to U.S. alliance. Informed White Lieutenant that Seagrove will meet all chiefs of the upper towns at the head of the St. Mary's River. Requests White Lieutenant make offer of friendship known to all chiefs.

Boumdary Line Between Cherokee Land and U.S.

Enclosed extract of letter to Little Turkey and other Cherokee chiefs pertaining to meeting of chiefs and commissioners to run boundary line between two nations. Specified where line should fall, according to treaty. Noted war dissolves all treaties.