- Collection:
- Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842
- Title:
- [Copy of a letter] 1789 Nov. 24, War Office [to] the Governor of Georgia / H[enry] Knox
- Creator:
- Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
- Date of Original:
- 1789-11-24
- Subject:
- Creek Indians--Government relations
- Location:
- United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
- Medium:
- official reports
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- text/html
image/jpeg - Description:
- This document is a copy of a letter, dated November 24, 1789, from Secretary of War, Henry Knox to the Governor of Georgia respecting the recent meetings between federal treaty commissioners and the Creek Indians. Knox indicates that the relations are still somewhat uncertain and that it is imperative that the state of Georgia exercise restraint in dealing with the Creeks. Knox also informs the Governor that he would send federal troops to Georgia to help mediate the tensions, but the majority of them are occupied in the Northwestern territories. The original letter also appears in the Southeastern Native American Documents Database as tcc314.
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:
- tcc313
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc313
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc313#item
- IIIF manifest:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc313/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 41, folder 07, document 02.
- Holding Institution:
- Hargrett Library
- Rights:
-
Page: [1]
(Duplicate)
War Office
November 24th:1789
Sir,
By order of the President of the United States I have the honor to inform you that the Commissioners for treating with the Creek Nation have returned and reported the progress and issue of their mission. Letter
Secretary of War
Nov 26. 1789
Treaties
The critical state in which this subject is suspended impresses the President of the United States with great anxiety. He is exceedingly desirous that a War at this period should be avoided if it can be effected consistently with the interest and dignity of the United States- He is aware of the expence [expense] of blood and and [and] treasure of a war with the Creeks, and of the embarassment [embarrassment] it would occasion to the Government -- And above all he is
Page: [2]
solicitous that the event should not be brought on by the conduct of the Citizens of the United States. The Commissioners have reported that your honor issued a Proclamation forbidding all hostilities on the part of the Citizens of Georgia -- The President of the United States is persuaded that you will take every necessary step to enforce your Proclamation.
If the Creeks should contrary to their declarations to the Commissioners commit unprovoked depredations on the persons or property of the Citizens of Georgia, the punishment which may be inflicted on their nation in consequence thereof will receive the approbation of all unprejudiced men.
The President of the United States has further directed me to assure you that were there any considerable body
Page: [3]
of regular troops at his disposal, that he should immediately order it to be stationed on the Frontiers of Georgia, as well to protect its citizens as to exhibit to the Creeks our power to punish if necessary -- But all the troops in the public service are necessarily employed on the Northwestern frontiers, excepting the few hereafter described.
The company of troops which escorted the Commissioners were directed to return, because their engagements with the public were nearly expiring -- This company and some few other troops in similar circumstances are about to be discharged -- They will be replaced by recruits to complete the existing establishment -- These recruits will amount to about two hundred men. -- As soon as one company shall be recruited it will be ordered to Georgia, and the remainder will follow as soon as possible.
Page: [4]
This arrangement appears to be the only one which can with propriety be adopted during the recess of Congress, unless the hostile conduct of the Creeks should render it absolutely necessary to call out the Militia for the protection of Georgia -- But the expence [expense] to the public and distress to individuals involved in such a measure would render it adviseable [advisable] only in case of extreme exigency.
I have the honor to be Sir, Your most obedient Humble Servant
[Signed] H. [Henry] Knox Secy [Secretary] for the department of War.
His Honor The Governor of Georgia