- Collection:
- Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842
- Title:
- Letter, 1825 May 6, Macon, [Georgia to] George M. Troup, [Governor of Georgia], Milledgeville, Georgia / Gen[era]l Charles J. McDonald
- Creator:
- McDonald, Charles James, 1793-1860
- Date of Original:
- 1825-05-06
- Subject:
- Indian land transfers
Creek Indians--Treaties - Location:
- United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
- Medium:
- official reports
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- text/html
image/jpeg - Description:
- Letter dated May 6, 1825 from General Charles J. McDonald to Georgia Governor George M. Troup giving a secondhand report on the recent activities of Creeks in the Alabama area. McDonald says that a man who just traveled through the Creek territory believes that both factions of the Creeks are intent on murdering the Indian agent, Colonel John Crowell. Crowell, who is at Fort Mitchell, believes that the Creeks planned his murder at a recent meeting where he disclosed that he signed the controversial Treaty of Indian Springs, 1825.
Digital image of original manuscript, scanned by the University of Georgia Libraries in 2000, as part of GALILEO, funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. - Local Identifier:
- tcc192
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc192
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc192#item
- IIIF manifest:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc192/presentation/manifest.json
- Language:
- eng
- Bibliographic Citation (Cite As):
- Cite as: [title of item], Telamon Cuyler, Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, presented in the Digital Library of Georgia
- Extent:
- 4 pages/leaves
- Original Collection:
- Manuscript held by the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries, Telamon Cuyler, box 78, folder 07, document 04.
- Holding Institution:
- Hargrett Library
- Rights:
-
Page: [1]
Macon
6th May 1825
His Excy [Excellency] Geo. M. Troup
Sir,
I have just received information in relation to the existing disturbances among the Creek Indians, which I deem sufficiently important to be promptly communicated to you. A Mr [unclear text: Freeman ] s, a gentleman of no doubt of high character, has just arrived in this place from Alabama, with his family. He states, that [deleted text: there a ] [added text: the ] Indians appear to be in a [deleted text: state ] alarming state of excitement, and from their general demeanor, so far as it came under his observation seem determined upon mischief. Their professions however as far as he understood them are entirely friendly to the whites, with the exceptions of the [deleted text: whites ] agent On his distruction [destruction] both parties seem determined. Mr. Freeman passed by Fort Mitchell on Wednesday last, at which place [deleted text: is ] [added text: he says ] the agent who informed him that while at supper the evening before, a runner from a town about thirty
Page: [2]
miles distant informed [added text: him ] that on that night he was to be murdered. The agent had made every preparation in his power for his defence [defense] and stated that he believed his death had been determined on at a talk which was held on the Monday week proceeding. He had communicated to the Indians the ratification of the treaty and suggested to them the propriety of selling that portion of the territory which had been reserved [unclear text: to ] go in a body beyond the Mississippi. To the proposition to sell no reply was given, and he was asked if he signed the treaty. He informed them that he had signed in the Character of a witness. After the talk with the agent was over, the Indians held a secret one, from which [deleted text: himself ] [added text: the agent ] and all the white residents were excluded, at which time the agent supposes all their schemes of mischief were devised. Since Mr. Freeman left Fort Mitchell he has been informed that the [deleted text: night ] time on which the agent was to be killed was on Wednesday Night and not on Tuesday Night as communicated by the runner He entertains no doubt but their purpose is executed before this time. If however he should
Page: [3]
be mistaken in his apprehensions, would it not be proper from his peculiarly perilous situation to afford [deleted text: him ] [added text: the agent ] prompt & efficient relief? Both parties of the Indians, those friendly & those hostile to the treaty, are alike excited against him, and both have pronounced the same fate for him. Col. Crowell it is believed could command between three & four hundred Indians & if he had military supplies for them could at least defend himself, although [document damaged: the ] hostile [added text: party ] is [document damaged: formidable ] This opinion has [document damaged: been suggested ] Mr. Freeman, but a small additional [document damaged] could do no injury.
There is one circumstance [illegible text] strongly indicative of the hostile designs of the Indians, [document damaged] probably towards the whites generally, [illegible text] their warlike exhibitions. It is [unclear text: this ] The whites who have been resident among them and who are acquainted with their habits and character and sending their families from the Nation: The Indians held a talk on [illegible text] for what purpose it is not known.
Yours Respectfully
[Signed] Charles J McDonald
Page: [4]
I [unclear text: have ] procured the services of Mr Solomon to [unclear text: hand ] you this --
[Signed] C [Charles] J McDonald
His Excellency George M Troup Milledgeville Georgia
Letter
Genl. [General] Charles J. McDonald
dated
6th May 1825
Murder of McIntosh
Answer Written
7th May 1825
sent to Legislature
23 May 1825