CAMDEN COUNTY, GA - Randolph re: Creek Indians 1794 ***************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm *********************** 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: TCC360 Letter, 1794 Apr. 1, Colerain Station on the River St. Marys [to Georgia Governor] George Mathews, Augusta / John F. Randolph author: Randolph, John F. date: April 1, 1794 extent: 4p summary: Letter dated April 1, 1794 from militia captain John F. Randolph to Georgia Governor George Mathews (1787-1788, 1793-1796) in Augusta, informing the governor of the situation on the frontier. Randolph says that the Creeks speak of peace, but he believes that they are still hostile. He claims that the Creeks recently killed and scalped one person and shot a guard through the arm. Randolph reports that the Spaniards have used the Indians to protect an area of the St. Mary’s River. He also tells of the lack of provisions. repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries collection: Telamon Cuyler box: 43 folder: 02 document: 01 Page: [1] [ | ] [added: April 1,] Colerain Station on the River St. Marys 1st april 1794 His Excellency the Governor Sir I am lead to believe that the Situation of the Frontier Posts in this County has not been Clearly Stated to His Excellency Since he has been in Office, and it is No doubt been owing to the Absence of the Field Officers [unclear:)] I therefore Think it is a Duty Incumbant [Incumbent] on the Commanding the two Frontier Posts in the County to State to his Excellency simple facts in Regard to the Situation of them as well as that of the County [unclear:)] the last order I Received was from Brigadier General [unclear: Green][unclear: He then] ordered me to keep up the Troops till further Orders; and for Some time past they have been very [unclear: Frequently] Supplyed [supplied] both with Provisions and Forrage [Forage]; and William [unclear: Johnston ] Esqr. [ Esquire ] Agent for Mess. [Messieurs] Hilhouse & Smith Contractors informs me that He cannot get money to go on with Supplys [Supplies]; the Talks we have had from the [added: Creek] Nation for Some time Past, all [unclear: breathe] Peace but we are lead to believe from Experience lately that the Lower Towns are Determined to be Hostile: on the 22d [22nd] of February last they crossed the River : Killed and Scalped a [unclear: Mrs Rollings]within a quarter of a Mile of the Garrison and Notwithstanding the utmost [unclear: Exertion]; they [unclear: made] their Escape into Florada, could have come up With them on that Side the River, but thought thought it Imprudent to Cross into another Kingdom; three weeks prior to that one of the Horse Guard was fired on and Shot through the arm and as we have an unfriendly Nation at this time on the left I am lead to believe they are let on from that quarter; it appears; the Spaniards have Imployed [Employed] a Number of Indians in their Service to [illegible] on the Banks of the St Marys, to Guard against, the [illegible] [deleted: [illegible]] Army which at this time; is Imbodying [Embodying] in the County of Camden ; which No doubt will [illegible] the Indians: Still to commit Depridations [Depredations] on this Frontier as they know the County to be in an Infant State) Major [unclear: Gathair]Advises [unclear: me] by all Means to keep the [unclear: kin] together; but Without being Supplyed [supplied] with Provisions and Forrage [Forage] it would be [unclear: Almost] Impossible to do [added: long] those kin assembling, in this County ; I suppose to be contrary to the Orders of the General Government but the Major and Brigadier Generals [deleted: at this time] both being absent; at the Present Period I must confess [deleted: confess] it is not within my [unclear: Power] to Judge what Step to take to Act with Propriety Should His Excellency think of Answering my Letter it would be Pleasing to h and it to the bearer have little more to add but Remain with Due Respect His Excellency's Most Obt. Huml Sert [obedient humble servant] [Signed] Jno [John] F Randolph Captain of Dragoone [Dragoon] in the C C [Camden County ]Redgt [regiment] of Malitia [Militia] PS Should His Excellency think of continuing the Troop longer in Service; We Have No [illegible] Commissioned. John Parris would be Recommended to fill that Office by the Voice of the People [Signed] JFR [John F. Randolph] Page: [3] [ | ] Letter John F Randolph 1 April 1794 Military Page: [4] [ | ] ) by Express ( His Excellency George Mathews Esquire Augusta