Chatham County GaArchives History .....Chapter IV - History of Savannah 1913
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 October 23, 2004, 5:32 pm

p. 31

CHAPTEE IV OGLETHORPE AND THE INDIANS

INDIAN STATUS WHEN THE COLONY CAME—FIRST CONFERENCE WITH NATIVES—TRUSTEES'
GREETINGS TO THE LOWER CREEKS—DECLARATION OP LOWER CREEK NATION—EVIDENCES OP
MUTUAL REGARD—THE GOOD CHIEF TOMO-CHI-CHI.

   It is hardly necessary to remark that Oglethorpe did not immediately take
possession of the land without coming to some understanding in that matter with
the Indians, and without considering their claims and having a proper respect
for their rights. Accordingly we find him saying, in his second letter to the
trustees, dated February 10, 1733, on the first report of his arrival at
Savannah: "A little Indian nation, the only one within fifty miles, is not only
in amity, but desirous to be subjects to his Majesty, King George, to have lands
given them among us. Their chief,* and his beloved man, who is the second in the
nation, desire to be instructed in the Christian religion." Indeed, his just
treatment of that race and his fair dealing with them so impressed them that
there was never any friction except in the Mary Musgrove affair, which will in
its place be fully explained. On this point. Dr. T. M. Harris, Oglethorpe's
biographer, says: "Realizing how important it was to obtain the consent of the
natural proprietors of the region to the settlement of his colony here, and how
desirable to be on good terms with those in the vicinity, he sought for an
interview with Tomo-chi-chi, the Mico, or chief of a small tribe who resided at
a place called Yamacraw, three miles up the river.”

INDIAN STATUS WHEN THE COLONY CAME

   The status of the Indian tribes in this part of the country at the advent of
the Georgia Colony is described understandingly by Francis Moore in his “Voyage
to Georgia.” After mentioning the four eastern nations, the Choctaws, the
Cherokees, the Chickasaws, and the Creeks, he says of the last named: “These are
divided into several small towns and nations, one of which is commanded by
Tomo-chi-chi. * * * To these belonged all the islands upon the sea, and the
mainland, from the mouth of the Savannah to the Choctaw and the Florida Indians.
The
________
* Tomo-chi-chi.

p. 32

Creeks did by treaty grant the lands which the English now possess in Georgia
near Savannah, and for it received presents.

   "The sovereignty was in the crown of Great Britain, ever since the discovery
of them by Sir Walter Raleigh. All Carolina bounded by the river St. John was
the Carolina granted to the proprietors in the English possession at the Treaty
of 1670. They also conceded several islands, reserving to themselves several
portions of land on the main, as also the islands of St. Catherine, Sapola, and
Assaba. They granted those of Tybee, Warsaw, Skidoway, Wilmington, St. Simons,
and all those to the southward of it as far as St. John's river to the Colony.
The Creek Indians were allies or rather subjects to the Crown of Great Britain,
and did, with the assistance of the English in 1703, beat the Spaniards as far
as St. Augustine, and besieged that place. But though the siege was raised, the
Creek Indians still kept possession of all the lands on the north of St. John's
river, but had made a, treaty with General Nicholson (who commanded by
commission for King George the First in those countries) that no private
Englishman should possess the property of any land to the south or west of the
river Savannah, without leave first had from the Indians.

   “The first thing Mr. Oglethorpe did in his first voyage was to obtain the
grant from the Indians; and upon a meeting of all the upper and lower Creeks,
upon Tomo-chi-chi's return from England, they confirmed the grant of all the
islands (those reserved as above excepted) also of all the lands upon the
continent as far as the tide flowed, and two hours' walk above it."

FIRST CONFERENCE WITH NATIVES

   The following account of the first conference between Oglethorpe and the
Indians is taken from "A Brief Account of the Establishment of the Colony of
Georgia under Gen. James Oglethorpe, February 1, 1733," (Tract No. 2, in Vol. 1,
of American Tracts, edited by Peter Force) and is probably the most accurate on
record: "Mr. Oglethorpe set out from Charlestown, S. C., on the 14th of May,
1732, and lay at Col. Bull's house, on Ashley river, where he dined the next
day:—and landed at Savannah, on the 18th, at ten in the morning; where he found
that Mr. Whiggan (the interpreter), with the chief men of all the Lower Creek
nation, were come down to treat of an alliance with the new Colony.— The Lower
Creeks are a nation of Indians, who formerly consisted of 10, but are now
reduced to 8 tribes or towns; who have each their different government, but are
allied together, and speak the same language. They claim from the Savannah
river, as-far as St. Augustine, and up to the Flint river, which falls into the
Bay of Mexico:—all the Indians inhabiting this tract speak their language;
Tomo-chi-chi, Mico, and the Indians of Yamacraw, are of their nation and language.

   "Mr. Oglethorpe received the Indians, in one of the new houses, that
afternoon:—they were as follows:

   “From the tribe of Coweeta:—Yahou-Lakee, their king or mico ; Essoboa, their
warrior, the son of old Breen (lately dead), whom the

p. 33

Spaniards called the Emperor of the Creeks; with 8 men, and 2 women, attendants.

   "From the tribe of Cussetas:—Cusseta, the mico: Tatchiquatchi, the
head-warrior, with 4 attendants.

   "From the tribe of Owseecheys:—Ogeese, the mico, or war-king, Neathlouthko,
and Ougachi, 2 chief-men, with 3 attendants.

   "From the tribe of the Cheehaws.—Outhleteboa, the mico, Thlau-thothlukee,
Figeer, Sootamilla, war-captains, and 3 attendants.

   "From the tribe of Echetas:—Chutabeeche, and Robin, 2 war-captains (the
latter was bred amongst the English), with 4 attendants.

   "From the tribe of Pallachucolas:—Gillatee, the head-warrior and 5 attendants.

   "From the tribe of Oconas:—Oueekachumpa, called by the English, 'Long King',
Coowoo, a warrior.

   "From the tribe of Eufuale:—Tomaumi, the head-warrior and 3 attendants.

   "The Indians being all seated, Oueekachumpa, a very tall old man, stood out,
and with a graceful action, and a good voice, made a long speech; which was
interpreted by Mr. Wiggan and Mr. John Musgrove, and was to the following
purpose.—He first claimed all the land to the westward of the Savannah, as
belonging to the Creek Indians. Next, (he said) that though they were poor and
ignorant, He who had given the English breath, had given them breath also. That
He who had made both, had given more wisdom to the white men. That they were
firmly persuaded, that the Great Power which dwelt in heaven, and all around
(and then he spread out his hands, and lengthened the sound of his words), and
which hath given breath to all men, had sent the English thither for the
instruction of them, their wives, and children. That therefore they gave them up
freely, their right to all the land which they did not use themselves. That this
was not only his opinion, but the opinion of the 8 towns of the Creeks; each of
whom having consulted together, had sent some of their Chief-men with skins,
which is their wealth. He then stopped; and the chief-men of each town, brought
up a bundle of buckskins; and laid 8 bundles, from the 8 towns, at Mr.
Oglethorpe's feet. He then said, those were the best thing they had; and
therefore, they gave them with a good heart. He then thanked him for his
kindness to Tomo-chi-chi, Mico, and his Indians, to whom he said he was related;
and said, that though Tomo chi-chi was banished from his nation, that he was a
good man, and had been a great warrior; and, it was for his wisdom and courage,
that the banished men chose him king. Lastly, he said, that they had heard in
the nation, that the Cherokees had killed some Englishmen; and that if he would
command them, they would enter with their whole force into the Cherokee country,
destroy their harvest, kill their people, and revenge the English. He then sat
down. Mr. Oglethorpe promised to acquaint the Trustees with their desire of
being instructed; and informed them that there had been a report of the
Cherokees having killed some Englishmen, but that it was groundless:—he thanked
them, in the most cordial manner, for their affection; and told them, that he
would acquaint the Trustees with it.

p. 34

   "Tomo-chi-chi, Mico, then came in with the Indians of Yamacraw, to Mr.
Oglethorpe; and bowing very low, he said,—I was a banished man. —I came here
poor and helpless, to look for good land near the tombs of my Ancestors; and the
Trustees sent people here. I feared you would drive us away, for we were weak
and wanted corn; but you confirmed our land to us, gave us food, and instructed
our children:—we have already thanked you, in the strongest words we could find;
but words are no return for such favors; for good words may be spoke by the
deceitful, as well as by the upright heart. The Chief men of our nation are here
to thank you for us, and before them I declare your goodness, and that here I
design to die; for we all love your people so well, that with them we will live
and die. We don't know good from evil, but desire to be instructed and guided by
you; that we may do well with, and be numbered amongst the children of the
Trustees.

   "He sat down:—and Yahou-Lakee, Mico of Coweeta, stood up and said,—We are
come 25 days' journey, to see you. I have often desired to go to Charlestown;
but would not go down, because I thought I might

p. 35

die in the way: but, when I heard you were come, and that you were good men, I
knew you were sent by Him who lives in heaven, to teach us Indians wisdom. I
therefore came down, that I might hear good things:— for I knew, that if I died
in the way, I should die in doing good; and what was said, would be carried back
to the nation, and our Children would reap the benefit of it. I rejoice that I
have lived to see this day; and to see our friends, that have been long gone
from amongst us. Our nation was once strong, and had 10 towns; but, we are now
weak, and have but 8 towns. You have but comforted the banished; and have
gathered them that were scattered, like little birds before the Eagle. "We
desire therefore to be reconciled to our brethren, who are here amongst you; and
we give leave to Tomo-chi-ehi, Stimoiche, and Illispelle, to call the kindred
that love them, out of each of the Creek towns, that they may come together and
make one town. We must pray you to recall the Yamasees; that they may be buried
in peace amongst their ancestors, and that they may see their graves before they
die; and then our nation shall be restored again to its 10 towns. After which he
spoke concerning the abatement of the prices of goods; and agreed upon articles
of a Treaty, which were ordered to be engrossed.

   “Tomo-chi-chi invited them to his town, where they passed the night in
feasting and dancing.

   "On the 21st their Treaty was signed: a laced coat, a laced hat, and a shirt,
was given to each of the Indian Chiefs; and to each of the Warriors, a gun, a
mantle of Duffils; and, to all their attendants, coarse cloth for clothing.
There was also given, a barrel of Gunpowder, 4 kegs of Bullets, a piece of
broad-cloth, a piece of Irish linen, a cask of Tobacco-pipes, 8 belts and
Cutlasses with gilt handles, Tape and inkle of all colors, and 8 kegs of Rum,
for to be carried home to their Towns, 1 lb. of powder, 1 lb. of bullets, and as
much provisions for each man, as they pleased to take for their journey home.

   "The peace concluded,—the care of the People, and of carrying on the works,
being recommended to Mr. James St. Julian, and Mr. Scott, Mr. Oglethorpe left
the Savannah on Monday, the 21st, dined at Mr. Bulloch's at Willtown, on the
22nd, and arrived here, early in the morning on Wednesday the 23rd.”

TRUSTEES' GREETINGS TO THE LOWER CREEKS

   Desiring that his action in making the treaty with the Indians be ratified by
the trustees of the colony, Oglethorpe forwarded the document to that body which
confirmed the same at a meeting of the common council October 18, 1733, that
action being formally recorded in these words:

   "The Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia in America to the chief
men of the nation of the Lower Creeks, send greetings.

   "Whereas, The great king, George the Second, king of Great Britain, did by
his letters patent under the great seal of Great Britain, bearing date the 9th
day of June, in the 5th year of his reign, constitute and

p. 36

appoint a body politic and corporate by the name of the Trustees for
establishing the colony of Georgia in America:

   "And Whereas, The said Trustees have received from their beloved Mr. James
Oglethorpe, of West Brook Place, in the county of Surry, Esquire, one of the
comon council of the said Trustees, a copy of certain articles of friendship and
commerce between the said Trustees and the said chief men, which is in the words
following (that is to say), Articles of friendship and commerce between the
Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia in America, and the chief men of
the nation of the Lower Creeks.

   "First. The Trustees bearing in their hearts great love and friendship to you
the said head-men of the Lower Creek nation, do engage to let their people carry
up into your towns all kinds of goods fitting to trade in the said towns, at the
rates and prices settled and agreed upon before you the said head-men, and
annexed to this treaty of trade and friendship.

   “Secondly. The Trustees do by these articles promise to see restitution done
to any of the people of your towns by the people they shall send among you;
proof being made to the beloved man they shall at any time send among you, that
they who have either committed murder, robbery, or have beat or wounded any of
your people, or any wise injured them in their crops, by their horses, or in any
other ways whatever; and upon such proof the said people shall be tried and
punished according to the English law.

   "Thirdly. The Trustees when they find the hearts of you the said head-men and
your people are not good to the people they shall send among you, or that you or
your people do not mind this paper, they will withdraw the English trade from
the town so offending. And that you and your people may have this chain of
friendship in your minds and fixed to your hearts, they have made fast their
seal to this treaty.

DECLARATION BY LOWER CREEK NATION

   "Fourthly. We, the head-men of the Coweta and Cuseta towns, in behalf of all
the Lower Creek nation, being firmly persuaded that He who lives in Heaven and
is the occasion of all good things, has moved the hearts of the Trustees to send
their beloved men among us, for the good of our wives and children, and to
instruct us and them in what is straight, do therefore declare that we are glad
that their people are come here; and though this land belongs to us (the Lower
Creeks), yet we, that we may be instructed by them, do consent and agree that
they shall make use of and possess all those lands which our nation hath not
occasion to use; and we make over unto them, their successors and assigns, all
such lands and territories as we shall have no occasion to use; provided always,
that they, upon settling every new town, shall set out for the use of ourselves
and the people of our nation such lands' as shall be agreed upon 'between their
beloved men and the head-men of our nation, and that those lands shall remain to
us forever.

   "Fifthly.   We, the head-men,  do promise for ourselves and the people of our
towns that the traders for the English which shall settle

p. 37

among us, shall not be robbed or molested in their trade in our nation; and that
if it shall so happen any of our people should be mad, and either kill, wound,
beat or rob any of the English traders or their people, then we the said
head-men of the towns aforesaid do engage to have justice done to the English,
and for that purpose to deliver up any of our people who shall be guilty of the
crimes aforesaid to be tried by the English laws, or by the laws of our nation,
as the beloved man of the Trustees shall think fit. And we further promise not
to suffer any of the people of our said towns to come within the limits of the
English settlements without leave from the English beloved man, and that we will
not molest any of the English traders passing to or from any nation in
friendship with the English.

   "Sixthly. We, the head-men, for ourselves and people do promise to apprehend
and secure any negro or other slave which shall run away from any of the English
settlements to our nation, and to carry them either to this town, or Savannah,
or Palachuckola garrison, and there to deliver him up to the commander of such
garrison, and to be paid by him four blankets or two guns, or the value thereof
in other goods; provided such runaway negro, or other slave, shall be taken by
us or any of our people on the farther side of Oconee river; and in case such
negro or runaway slave shall be taken on the hither side of the said river, and
delivered to the commanders aforesaid, then we understand the pay to be one gun,
or the value thereof; and in case we or our people should kill any such slave
for resistance or running away from us in apprehending him, then we are to be
paid one blanket for his head, by any trader, for carrying such slave's head
unto him.

   "Lastly. We promise with stout hearts, and love to our brothers the English,
to give no encouragement to any other white people, but themselves, to settle
amongst us, and that we will not have any correspondence with the Spaniards or
French; and to show that we both for the good of ourselves, our wives and
children do firmly promise to keep the talk in our hearts as long as the sun
shall shine or the waters run in the rivers, we have each of us set the marks of
our families."

Schedule of the prices of goods agreed on, annexed:—

Two yards of stroud            Five buck-skins.
One yard of plains             One ditto.
White blanket                  One ditto.
Blue ditto                     Five ditto.
A gun                          Ten ditto.
A pistol                       Five ditto.
A gun-lock                     Four ditto.
Two measures of powder         One ditto.
Sixty bullets                  Ditto ditto.
One white shirt                Two ditto.
One knife                      One doe-skin.
Eighteen flints                One buck-skin.
Three yards of cadiz           One doe-skin.
Ditto ditto of gartering       Ditto ditto.

p. 38
One hoe                        Two buck-skins.
One ax                         Ditto ditto.
One large hatchet              Three doe-skins.
One small ditto                One buck-skin.
Brass kettles per lb           Ditto ditto.

Doe-skins were estimated at half the value of the bucks.

   "And, Whereas, The said Trustees are greatly desirous to maintain and
preserve an inviolable peace, friendship and commerce between the said head-men
of the Lower nations of Creeks, and the people the said Trustees have sent and
shall send to inhabit and settle in the province of Georgia aforesaid, to endure
to the world's end:

   "Now know ye that we the said Trustees for establishing the colony of Georgia
in .America do by these presents ratify and confirm the said articles of
friendship and commerce between the Trustees for establishing the colony of
Georgia in America, and the chief men of the Lower Creeks, and all and every of
the articles and agreements therein contained, and also the rates and prices of
goods above mentioned, settled and agreed upon before the said head-men, and
annexed to the said treaty of trade and friendship.

   "In witness whereof the Common Council of the said Trustees for establishing
the Colony of Georgia in America have to these presents made fast the common
seal of the corporation of the said Trustees, the eighteenth day of October, in
the seventh year of the reign of our sovereign lord George the Second, by the
Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland king, defender of the faith,
etc., and in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty-three.

                          "By order of the said Common Council,

                                   "Benjamin Martyn, Secretary."

EVIDENCES OF MUTUAL REGARD

   Oglethorpe held in high esteem the tribe of Indians inhabiting the territory
in which his new settlement was situated, and his good opinion of them, formed
from his very first interview with Tomo-chi-chi, was sustained by the continued
good feeling and fellowship of those people who were wholly influenced by that
good chief who was no ordinary man. Annexed to an interesting pamphlet by an
unknown author entitled "A New Voyage to Georgia," is printed "A Curious Account
of the Indians, by an Honorable Person," published in 1735. It is now generally
understood that this curious account was written by Oglethorpe, and it is here
reproduced as further evidence of his proper regard for that race and his
Christian spirit in dealing with them: “There seems to be a door opened to our
colony, towards the conversion of the Indians. I have had many conversations
with their chief men, the whole tenor of which shows that there is nothing
wanting to their conversion, but one, who understands their language well, to
explain to them the mysteries of religion; for as to the moral part of
Christianity they understand it and assent to it. They abhor adultery, and do
not approve of a plurality of wives. Theft is a thing not known among the Creek
nations, though frequent, and

p. 39

even honorable, amongst the Uchees. Murder they look at as a most abominable
crime, but do not esteem the killing of an enemy, or one that has injured them,
murder. The passion of revenge, which they call honor, and drunkenness, which
they learn from our traders, seem to be the two greatest obstacles to their
being truly Christians. But upon both these points they hear reason, and with
respect to drinking rum, I have weaned those near me a good deal from it. As for
revenge, they say, as they have no executive power of justice amongst them, they
are forced to kill the man who has injured them, in order to prevent others from
doing the like; but they do not think that any injury, except adultery or
murder, deserves revenge. They hold that if a man commits adultery, the injured
husband is obliged to have revenge, by cutting off the ears of the adulterer,
which if he is too sturdy and strong to submit to, then the injured husband
kills him the first opportunity he has to do it with safety. In cases of murder,
the next in blood is obliged to kill the murderer, or else he is looked on as
infamous in the nation where he lives; and the weakness of the executive power
is such, that there is no other way of punishment but by the revenge of blood,
as the Scripture calls it. For there is no coercive power in any of their
nations. Their kings can do no more than to persuade. All the power they have is
no more than to call their old men and captains together, and to propound to
them the measures they think proper. After they have done speaking, all the
others have liberty to give their opinions also; and they reason together with
great temper and modesty, till they have brought each other into some unanimous
resolution; then they call in the young men, and recommend to them the putting
in execution the resolution, with their strongest and most lively eloquence.
And, indeed, they seem to me, both in action and expression, to he thorough
masters of true eloquence. In speaking to the young men, they generally address
to the passions: in speaking to their old men they apply to reason only.
Tomo-chi-chi, in his first set speech to me, among other things, said, here is a
little present; and then gave me a buffalo's skin, painted on the inside with
the head and feathers of an eagle. He desired me to accept it, because the eagle
signified speed and the buffalo strength. That the English were as swift as the
bird, and as strong as the beast; since, like the first, they flew from the
utmost parts of the earth over the vast seas, and, like the second, nothing
could withstand them. That the feathers of the eagle were soft, and signified
love; the buffalo's skin warm, and signified protection; therefore he hoped that
we would love and protect their little families. One of the Indians of the
Cherokee nation being come down to the governor, told him that he need fear
nothing, but might speak freely. He answered smartly, I always speak freely;
what should I fear? I am now among my friends, and I never feared even among my
enemies. Another instance of their short manner of speaking was, when I ordered
one of the Carolina boat-men, who was drunk, and beaten an Indian, to be tied to
a gun, till he was sober, in order to be whipped; Tomo Chichi came to me, to beg
me to pardon him, which I refused to do, unless the Indian, who had been beaten
should also desire the pardon for him. Tomo Chichi desired him to do so, but he
insisted upon satisfaction; upon which Tomo Chichi said, 0 Fonseka (for that was
his

p. 40

name), this Englishman being drunk has beat you; if he is whipped for so doing,
the Englishman will expect, that if an Indian should insult them when drunk, the
Indian should be whipped for it. When you are drunk you are quarrelsome, and you
know you love to be drunk, but you do not love to be whipped. Fonseka was
convinced, and begged me to pardon the man; which, as soon as I granted, Tomo
Chichi and Fonseka ran and untied him, which I perceived was done to show that
he owed his safety to their intercession."

THE GOOD CHIEF—TOMO-CHi-CHI

   The novelist, James Fennimore Cooper, in his introduction to "The Last of the
Mohicans," says of the Indian: "Few men exhibit greater diversity, or, if we may
so express it, greater antithesis of character, than the native warrior of North
America. In war, he is daring, boastful, cunning, ruthless, self-denying, and
self-devoted; in peace, just, generous, hospitable, revengeful, superstitious,
modest, and commonly chaste. These are qualities, it is true, which do not
distinguish all alike; but they are so far the predominating traits of these
remarkable people as to be characteristic." What he says appears to be the
opinion of all who have studied the character of the Indian, and his opinion is
true in respect to the usual experience of the early colonists of this country
with that race, except as regards Georgia. In Tomo-chi-chi Oglethorpe found a
friend from first to last in all his intercourse with him and those whom he
governed, and the former was in peace, which was the only condition prevailing
during the stay of the latter on American soil, nothing but just, generous,
hospitable and modest; while, if anything happened to cause the slightest
friction between the two races, in the nearest approach to a warlike attitude
the red man's conduct was marked with a spirit of forgiveness and meekness to
the whites under the leadership of Oglethorpe who was regarded, properly, as an
exceptionally good, generous, and forbearing white chief. No wonder, then, that
so much respect was paid to the old warrior in his death and in the conduct of
his funeral! No wonder that the good women of this age have honored his memory
by erecting in a prominent spot in this city a monument to that noble specimen
of a so-called heathen tribe to point out to posterity that he was truly without
a shadow of doubt “the companion of Oglethorpe and a friend and ally of the
Colony of Georgia."

   Before proceeding to give an account of Tomo-chi-chi's visit to England, we
will quote from several letters of Oglethorpe to the Trustees showing his high
regard for the friendly Indians, his manner of treating them, and their fair
dealing with the colonists in return for their good will. In a letter dated
February 13, 1735-6, he said "I will write a particular letter about the Indian
Affairs which the Carolina people have in vain strove to put into confusion.
Tomo-Chawchi has maintained the Trustees Interest among the Creeks till my
arrival. And the French having insulted the Choctaws have made them jealous."
Again, in the 16th of March following, "The Indian King Tomo-Chachi and his
Nephew Toonahowhi and the Beloved Man Umpechee who were in England with me' have
joined us with a party of Indians and declared

p. 41

that they will live and die by us. They agreed that we shall possess the Island
of St. Simons, but reserve that of St. Catharine for themselves. The War Capt.
Hillispilli was sent before my arrival by Tomo Chachi up to ye lower Creek
Nation to keep up our interest with them and have brought down a large body of
men, but I have denied Tomo-Chachi yet. He may bring no more than two hundred,
that being sufficient for any service we can have for them," and later on in the
same letter, "Tomo-Chachi and I at his desire go o\vt tomorrow to hunt ye
Buffaloe as far as the utmost extent of his dominions towards Augustine. We
shall then know how far ye lands possess by ye English Confederate Indians
extend. Tomo-Chachi is willing that we should settle upon any place Avith-in his
lands provided the lower Creek Nations agree to it." Soon after, on the 28th of
the same month, he wrote "The Indians and the Highlanders have behaved with
great courage, fidelity and affection and the English that came with me are not
far behind with them." Lastly, we close these few quotations, taken from many to
the same effect, with one from Frederica, dated May 18, 1730: “The Uchees * * *
sent up their King and twenty Warriors with a message of thanks to me. * * *
They told me that my having done them justice before they asked it made them
love me and not believe the stories that were told them against me and that
therefore instead of beginning a war with the English they were come down to
help me against the Spanish and that if I wanted them they would bring down four
score more of their Warriors who would stay with me a whole year. You see how
God baffles the attempts of wicked men." After seeing the first colonists
comfortably fixed in their homes, and being satisfied that he could safely leave
them for a time, Oglethorpe made preparations to return to England in 1734. He
greatly desired to take with him his friend Tomo-Chachi whom he persuaded to
make the voyage. Accordingly the General, accompanied by Tomo-Chachi and
Scenawki his wife, Toonahowhi his nephew and adopted son, together with the war
chief Hillispilli, four other chiefs of the Creek nation named Apakowtski,
Stimalchi, Sintouchi and Himguithi, and a chief from the Palachocolas (Umphichi
by name), with an interpreter, set out from Savannah for Charleston on the 3d of
March. Arriving in Charlestown without accident, they remained there until the
7th of May when they embarked in the man-of-war Aldborough for England where
they landed in June.

  Of the adventures of the Indians in the old world we need not say much; but
will only relate such as happened of a public nature.

   It was planned that a presentation to the king of these people should be held
in Kensington Palace, and on the 1st of August, they were escorted to that place
by Sir Clement Cotterell in three of the royal carriages each of which was drawn
by six horses. Arriving at the palace the king's body-guard met them and they
were presented to the king by the lord chamberlain, the Duke of Grafton. Of this
ceremony the Gentleman's Magazine gave this description:

   "Thursday, August 1, 1734.—Tomo-Chachi, the king, Scenawki his wife, with
Tooanahowhi their son, Hillispilli the war captain, and the other Cherokee
Indians brought over by Mr. Oglethorpe from Georgia,

42

were introduced to his Majesty at Kensington, who received them seated on his
throne; when Tomo-cha-chi, micho, or king, made the following speech, at the
same time presenting several eagle's feathers which are trophies of their country:

   " 'This day I see the majesty of your face, the greatness of your house, and
the number of your people. I am come for the good of the whole nation called the
Creeks, to renew the peace which was long ago had with the English. I am come
over in my old days, although I cannot live to see any advantage to myself. I am
come for the good of the children of all the nations of the Upper and of the
Lower Creeks, that they may be instructed in the knowledge of the English.

   " 'These are the feathers of the eagle which is the swiftest of birds, and
who flieth all round our nations. These feathers are a sign of peace in our
land, and have been carried from town to town there; and we have brought them
over to leave with you, 0 great king! as a sign of everlasting peace.

   " '0 great king, whatsoever words you shall say to me I will tell them
faithfully to all the kings of the Creek nations.'

   "To which his Majesty graciously answered, 'I am glad of this opportunity of
assuring you of my regard for the people from whom you come, and am extremely
well pleased with the assurances you have brought me from them, and accept very
gratefully this present as an indication of their good disposition to me and my
people. I shall always be ready to cultivate a good correspondence between them
and my own subjects, and shall be glad of any occasion to show you a mark of my
particular friendship and esteem.'

   "Tomo-cha-chi afterwards made the following speech to her Majesty: 'I am glad
to see this day, and to have the opportunity of seeing the mother of this great
people. As our people are joined with your Majesty's, we do humbly hope to find
you the common mother and protectress of us and all our children.'

   "And her Majesty returned a most gracious answer. The war-captain and other
attendants of Tomo-cha-chi were very importunate to appear at court in the
manner they go in their own country—which is only with a proper covering round
their waist, the rest of their body being naked,—but were dissuaded from it by
Mr. Oglethorpe. But their faces were variously painted after their country
manner, some half black, others triangular, and others with bearded arrows
instead of whiskers.

  '' Tomo-Chachi and Scenawki, his wife, were dressed in scarlet trimmed with
gold."

   One of the Indians was at this time sick with the small pox and could not
attend the reception. He died on the 3d of August, and his death had a very
depressing effect on his companions.

   Concerning his burial Dr. T. M. Harris* says: "He was interred after the
manner of their country, in St. John's burial ground, Westminister. The corpse,
sewed up in two blankets, with a deal board under and another over, and tied
down with a cord, was carried to the grave on a bier. There were present only
Tomo-cha-chi, three of the
___________
* Memorial Biography of James Oglethorpe, pp. 96-97.

p. 43

chiefs, the upper church warden, and the grave-digger. When the body was laid in
the earth, the clothes of the deceased were thrown in; after this, a quantity of
glass beads and some pieces of silver; the custom of these Indians being to bury
such effects of the deceased with him. As all methods made to console them were
disregarded, Oglethorpe took them out to his estate, that in the country
retirement they might have a better opportunity to bewail the dead according to
their custom, and that the change might serve to abate their sorrow." Altogether
they spent four months in England, sight-seeing and receiving attention
everywhere they went, returning to America in the transport ship Prince of
Wales, commanded by Captain George Dunbar, and arriving at Savannah December
27th, 1734. Oglethorpe remained in England until October, 1735, when he made his
second voyage to Georgia.


Additional Comments:
From:

A HISTORY OF SAVANNAH AND SOUTH GEORGIA
BY
WILLIAM HARDEN

VOLUME I
ILLUSTRATED
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
CHICAGO AND NEW YORK
1913

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/chatham/history/other/gms394chapteri.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/gafiles/

File size: 36.4 Kb