- Collection:
- Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842
- Title:
- Letter[s], 1785 Apr. 24, Tuckebatches, [Creek Nation] to W[illia]m Clark / A[lexander] McGillivray
- Creator:
- McGillivray, Alexander, ca. 1740-1793
- Date of Original:
- 1785-04-24
- Subject:
- Creek Indians--Government relations
Creek Indians--Treaties
Creek Indians--Land tenure
Indian land transfers - Location:
- United States, Alabama, 32.75041, -86.75026
United States, Georgia, 32.75042, -83.50018
United States, Louisiana, 31.00047, -92.0004 - Medium:
- letters (correspondence)
- Type:
- Text
- Format:
- text/html
image/jpeg - Description:
- This document contains two letters, the first dated April 24, 1785 and the second undated, from Creek leader Alexander McGillivray in Tuckebatches (also Tuckabatchie, Tuckabatchee) to treaty commissioner William Clark. In the first letter, McGillivray complains that a talk sent to the chiefs in the lower towns should not have been sent directly to them. He tells Clark that the chiefs will not be called to meetings by traders or other unauthorized persons. He goes on to say that he opposes white settlement of the lands near the Oconee River, because he thinks that the settlers will eventually claim land down to the Ocmulgee River as well. McGillivray mentions Governor Samuel Elbert (Governor of Georgia, 1785-1786) and warns that he must put a stop to trade houses in Creek territory or they will be attacked. In the second letter, McGillivray reports that he is setting off for Pensacola and then (New) Orleans for an important meeting called by Bernardo de Galvez, Governor of Spanish Louisiana (1777-1783) and Viceroy of New Spain (1785-1786). McGillivray also reminds Clark that he has yet to make good on his promise to visit Tuckabatchee (also Tuckabatchie) and smoke the peace pipe.
Digital image and encoded transcription of an original manuscript, scanned, transcribed and encoded by the Digital Library of Georgia in 2001, as part of GALILEO, funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. - Local Identifier:
- tcc902
- External Identifiers:
- Metadata URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc902
- Digital Object URL:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc902#item
- IIIF manifest:
- https://dlg.usg.edu/record/dlg_zlna_tcc902/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 80, folder 05, document 02.
- Holding Institution:
- Hargrett Library
- Rights:
-
Page: [1]
Tuckebatches
24. April 1785
Dear Sir
A few days ago Durouzeaux from the Cowetas handed me Your favor of
28 ulto. [ultimo] the letter you wrote me by Mr. Barnard I never received
The Talk was not Sent up in quite so regular a mode as was necessary. It Shoud [Should] have been Sent to be communicated thro [through] the Same channel that the other was Sent from. The chiefs will not be called to meetings by Traders or others. The Lower Towns accordingly Said nothing to it but Sent it up here.
I observe what you mention respecting the subject of our disputes with your State. I am always concerned when ever I differ in opinion from those I esteem. but this I'm Certain of if ever the Americans Settles the Oconee lands they will not be Satisfied till they get the Okmulgee to which [document damaged]
Page: [2]
Interest it is to Support us in a Contest apparently so unequal. but Im [I'm] Still hopefull [hopeful] the Legislature in their wisdom will decide on the part of Justice & humanity & will not for the hope of distressing our nation plunge their own Country into all the Horrors of a mercyless [merciless] Indian War.
I am well aware that in thus opposing the favorite object of your State I run the risque [risk] of Sacrificing great advantages that by pursuing other Steps I might possibly have gaind [gained] from it. but were those prospects ten times greater than they are I Shoud [Should] persist in opposing what I know to be highly Injurious to this my Country. & a Country that has put all its dependence for Safety in my weak exertions. inexperie [document damaged: nced ] as I am [deleted text: [illegible text] ] & unskilled in policy. my best endeavours [endeavors] Shall be used to perfect the Cause I have undertaken --
I'm exceedingly flattered in [deleted text: General ] Governor Elberts good dispositions towards [deleted text: him ] [added text: me ] . I respect him much as a Gentleman whom the world Speaks well of. & [deleted text: wh ] [added text: Can be ] Sure of his friendly offices as far [added text: as ] the Constitution of the State woud [would] permit it. [document damaged] heart felt Concern. that matters of moment woud [would] [document damaged]
Page: [3]
may want explanation otherwise we may be at a loss in difficult cases. -- there are no trading Houses now this Side Ogechee one Bartly on the bank of Oconee on the lower trading road. I have given no orders to molest him as yet. the Governor I expect will take the necessary Steps to remove him. the Indians will Soon Collect there & when Inflamd [Inflamed] with liquor they will Commit disorders as they have already done
[Signed] A McG [Alexander McGillivray]
Letter
Alexr. [Alexander] McGillvray to Wm. [William] Clark. Tuckabatchies
24th. April 1785
Indian affairs
Page: [4]
In answer to Yours by negro Isaac I have wrote you by Mr. Basket --
Im [I'm] Sent for to Orleans Some great Talks I believe among the Dons. Count Galvez has called all his Commandants from their posts to him at the [illegible text] . -- I Set out in two days for Pensacola from whence Mr. Panton writes me he is arrived Safe in a Ship. -- You have not made good your Talk that you was to Come up here & take us by the hand this Spring & Smoke the pipe of Peace & cause the white Smoke to ascend to the clear Sky. -- believe that I am with every wish to assist & Serve You & I take the White Hill King by the hand as a freind [friend] . --
I remain Dear Sir
yours with much Esteem
[Signed] Alxr: [Alexander] McGillivray
Wm. [William] Clark Esqr [Esquire]