CAMDEN COUNTY, GA - Benjamin Hawkins Ltr 1800

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This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by:
 Tara D. Fields tutcher@camdencounty.org


Extracted from:
Southeastern Native American Documents, 1730-1842
http://neptune3.galib.uga.edu/
By Tara D. Fields
tutcher@camdencounty.org

March 06, 2004
History and Genealogy of Camden and Charlton Counties, Georgia 
http://www.camdencounty.org

Document: KRC019 
[Letter], 1800 Aug. 14, Cowetuh Tallahassee [i.e., Coweta Tallahassee] to Governor James Jackson / Benjamin Hawkins

author: Hawkins, Benjamin, 1754-1816 
date: August 14, 1800 
extent: 2p 
summary: (Copy?) of a letter dated August 14, 1800 from
Benjamin Hawkins to Georgia Governor James Jackson
concerning the war between the Spanish and Indians in
Florida. He mentions William A. Bowles' flight and
theft of Mr. Panton's slaves, the arrival of Colonel
Trudeau's troops, and Spain's intention to punish "the
guilty". Hawkins also discusses the plan of some
citizens in Camden County, Georgia to "take care" of
Indians in Florida, Governor Jackson's warning against
such action, and the Creeks' reaction to this. The
Creek Boosketah or Green Corn Ceremony is underway. 

repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries 
collection: Keith Read 
box: 12 
folder: 32 
document: 01 

Page: [1] [ | ]
From Benjamin Hawkins to Governor Jackson Dated 

Cowetuh Tallauhassee 14th August 1800 
Sir,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excellency's
favour [favor] of the fifth of this month. I am
informed by a letter of the 17th ult [ultimo] from St.
Marks, that Bowles, had fled towards the point of
Florida and had carried four negroes with him, the
property of Mr. [unclear: Panton]. I am also informed
that Colo [Colonel] Trudeau is before this, at
Appala[deleted: t]chy with four hundred additional
Troops, and that the officers of Spain seem determined
to punish the Guilty, I expect daily, the return of
some chiefs from that Quarter who are to be relied on
and will give me the true State of affairs.

Your Proclamation was [illegible] to warn the unworthy
and deluded citizens of Camden County of their danger.
The Indians of this agency were apprized of the attempt
to introduce some of them into the Florida sto take
care of the Indians, and the chiefs, disliking such
aid, have vested me unanimously with the entire
government of white people among them.

In their address to the President of the U.S. and to
the King of Spain they Say "If white People of any
country are making mischief you must look to Colo.
[Colonel] Hawkins our Agent for their conduct, If he
brings the Troop, of the U.S. for them into our land,
and calls on our Warriors, they will go with him & help
him to punish them."

I have no [not] lately received any advices respecting
a cession, and I believe until Bowles is effectually
removed, and the ferment he has occasioned, has
subsided, it would be ill judged to press it. The
complaints from Montgomery County will be attended to
without delay. Our Boosketah has commenced, which is
always a reason of festive tranquility. As often as
anything Occurs interesting to the Citizens of the
State Georgia, I shall write to you.

I have the Honor to be Sir, your Excellency's most Obt Servt. [Obedient Servant] 
[Signed] Benjamin Hawkins 

His Excellency,
James Jackson