CAMDEN COUNTY, GA - James McHenry re: Land of Creek Indians Aug 23 1796

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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: TCC098 
[Letter] 1796 Aug. 23, War Office [to] Governor of Georgia / James McHenry

author: McHenry, James, 1753-1816 
date: August 23, 1796 
extent: 3p 
summary: This document is a letter from Secretary of
War James McHenry (1796-1800) to the Governor of
Georgia regarding the recent failure of a proposed land
cession by the Creek Indians. McHenry discusses an
unnamed treaty (possibly the Treaty of Coleraine, 1796)
to which the Creeks agreed and advises that the state
of Georgia remain patient with respect to further land
cessions. McHenry mentions that the unnamed treaty is
enclosed, but it does not appear in this collection. 
repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries 
collection: Telamon Cuyler 
box: 77 
folder: 17 
document: 04 

War Office August 23. 1796, 
Sir
The Agents appointed by the State of Georgia to attend
the meeting of the Representatives of the Creek Nation
at Coleraine, have no doubt informed you of their
refusal to sell any part of their lands. I am directed
by the President to express on the occasion, his
sincere regret, that a conference which he had
flattered himself would have obtained the object for
which it was principally projected, has failed of
success.

As he felt in this manner, he could not but react with
surprize [surprise], the protest of the Agents against
the proceedings of the Commissioners of the United
States, and lament, that regulations calculated to
inspire the Indians with confidence in the fairness of
the intended negociation [negotiation], should have
worn to these Gentlemen a different aspect.

Neither could he ascribe the refusal of the Indians to
sell to the State to any other cause, than that which
they have assigned, in as much as his invitation
described the land to them, which it was the wish of
Georgia to purchase, and requested that they should
send their Representatives to the meeting, charged with
the sense of the Nation: and in as much as the
Commissioners of the United States had his instructions


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to facilitate the purchase.

To remove however every cause for doubt on this
subject, the President has determined to have
ascertained in the most unequivocal mode, whether the
mind of the Nation has undergone any change relative to
the land in question, and if it has, the terms upon
which they will sell it. Should this enquiry [inquiry]
turn out favourably [favorably], the President has
directed me to say, that he will readily concur to open
another negociation [negotiation].

The Creeks, as you will see by the Treaty, (a copy of
which is inclosed [enclosed]) have among other things
agreed, that Military and Trading Posts may be erected
within their boundary line, and that all animosities
for past aggressions, shall henceforth cease, with an
exception to the violators of the Treaty of New York,
now under arrest, who are to abide the decision of the
law.

These circumstances which evidence the sincerity of the
Indians, and their disposition to peace, offer as you
must perceive, the fairest opportunity of leading them
by degrees, to grant whatever is reasonable and does
not involve their ruin. It is therefore to be presumed,
that the Citizens of Georgia will patiently wait their
operation, and avoid whatever might disturb the
tranquillity [tranquility] thus re established. 

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You no doubt in particular will duly appreciate the
blessings of the peace, and heartily co-operate
[cooperate] with the President in every measure
calculated to perpetuate its continuance. With this
view, the President has directed such an arrangement,
and use of the Troops of the United States, and ought
to satisfy the Indians that their rights will be
protected, and the Inhabitants of the frontiers, that
they have nothing to apprehend from the Indians. These
managements rendering it unnecessary to keep up the
Militia Corps of Infantry and Cavalry, the Agent of the
Department of War in Georgia, will be directed to
settle their Muster and Pay rolls up to the 15th
September ensuing, after which time they will be
considered as discharged.

With the greatest respect 
I am Sir -- your obedt. [obedient] Servant 
signed/ 
[Signed] James McHenry 
Sect. [Secretary] of War 
(Copy) 
His Excellency
the Governor of Georgia.