Georgia Military - War of 1812 Correspondence (Col Benj Hawkins) File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Tonya S. Benton" Georgia Table of Contents: http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Letter [with] information of hostile appearances among the Simenolies [i.e., Seminoles] and hostile Creeks, 1814 Nov. 15, Creek Agency [to Peter] Early, Governor [of Georgia], Milledgeville, Georgia / Colo[ne]l Benjamin Hawkins Hawkins, Benjamin, 1754-1816 November 15, 1814 (date) This is a letter dated November 15, 1814 from Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Agent to the Creeks, to Peter Early, Governor of Georgia (1813-1815), which includes extracts from other letters regarding appearances of "hostile" Creek and Seminole Indians along the Georgia frontier. Hawkins makes several recommendations regarding fortification and provisions for troops, including commentary on the transport of supplies along the Chattahoochee River. The excerpts he appends include testimony relating to the involvement of the British in inciting the Seminoles, reports from Lieutenant (Thomas?) Lewis among the Tookabatchee (Tuckabatchee, Tuckabatchie) Towns, reports from Christian Limbaugh among the Coweta (also Cowetau) Towns, and information on the enrollment of "friendly" Creeks to fight against the Seminoles and "hostile" Creeks. repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries collection: Telamon Cuyler box: 76 folder: 25 document: 28 Creek agency 15 nov. [november] 1814. The enclosed document relative to Indians, contains the most material information on the subject to which it relates, and may be relied on as substantially true. I count on having a force of 7 or 800 at least ready to act as circumstances may make it necessary within a few days. I hope soon to hear from General Jackson on the information sent him. I rely on his taking such order as the importance of the subject inquires. I have not heard from the a. d. q. m. [assistant deputy quarter master] General on my application to him. We ought to have some batteauxs [bateaux] in Chat,to,ho,chee to float down provisions They are easily made of two trees with a battoen [batten] piece of a foot or more in width, easily managed with oars or poles, and indispensably necessary for transporting provisions and evintually [eventually] to cross our men over rivers and Creeks. probably you may have authority to take order on this subject, or the General who commands the detachment about to march to aid Genl. [General] Jackson. I some time past communicated to Genl. [General] Pinckney at his request that Flint river was boatable during the Winter and Chat,to,ho,chee at all seasons. Colo. [Colonel] Jones called on me with 100 mounted men I accompanyed [accompanied] him down the river 22 miles [unclear: attacked] Capt. [Captain] Barnard with some Uchees to his command and he took the direction towards Hartford. His command have conducted themselves in a very becoming manner and are a brave and respectable Corps. Among them Mr. Castlebury 73 years of age Majr [Major] Scott and Mr. Hall probably 60. -- I have ordered Capt. [Captain] Barnard with 8[document damaged] Uchees to remain below and scout as a cover to our frontiers. If (as reported and believed by the friendly Indians) the hostile Indians contemplate acting in the rear of our army we shall be able to baffle all their plans If we can but get at them embodied. and if we cannot, we have the persons to back them up. I am very respectfully Dear Sr. [Sir] your ob Ser [obedient Servant] [Signed] Benjamin Hawkins Governor Early Information of hostile appearances among the Simenolies and Hostile Creeks. 11th. novr. [november] from low down Flint river "Two of the war or predatory parties had been turned back one by the Aumucculle chiefs and the others by the chiefs in the neighborhood of Kinnards. The King of Mic,co Sook,ee dos [does] what he can to restrain his young people. They are impudent and eager for mischief. A man who called himself a British officer and Tom Perriman visited the King and urged him to war and to go out with the Warriors offering him 100 dollrs. [dollars] for every trader cowbuyer or other American found in their country and the like sum for captured negros [negroes]. The King answered, begin you first the war and you will then see what the Red people will do. The head quarters of the encouragers of mischief is Perrimans. Ten negros [negroes] arrived almost perished from Pensacola and 100 expected to join the British."" 14 nov. [november] From three confidential people examined in presence of Colo. [Colonel] Jones, at Mr. Barnards, interprited [interpreted] by him "The first movement of the Hostiles was from Perrimans. The Aumucculle Chiefs prevailed on them there to halt. A party of them came on and stole six horses from Mr. Barnard and family and four from the agency. The second ground movement was stoped [stopped] again on the adoption of a new plan which was to be kept secret under pain of death. This however has leaked out, from one in the secret, to his Uncle, who sent it to the agent. when the Georgia army marched and shall have passed through to Jackson, they are to attack and plunder the frontiers Eastward of F. [Fort] Hawkins for horses for the British officers who will want many, and for negros [negroes]. When the Miccosookee King and the officer had the conversation related above. The latter said if the Simonolies would not go against the Americans as he had given them munitions of War for that purpose, he would take his negros [negroes] and march through their country to St. marys to mischief and bring the Georgians on them. He would give 40 dollrs. [dollars] for the Scalp of every man brought to him. Where this second movement was charged two parties come on to mischief below fort Hawkins and about Mr. Barnards sons. One of them was stoped [stopped] by the Au,muc,cul,le people and the other by O,bau,ne. A third party supposed to be one seen near Hartford must have gone round about; Its return trail was seen as supposed by one of the informants; a large one all moc,a,sin trailes [moccasin trails] no horse tracks and he thinks they were either called back by runners or that they discovered the scout of Horsemen coming out from Hartford got alarmed and returned." 14. nov. [november] from Lt. [Lieutenant] Lewis at Tookaubatche of the 7th. "We have information from a Tal,esee Indian who has just returned from Perrymans settlement, that those in that quarter intend to commence hostility in a short time. Ten of the British had just arrived in that neighbourhood [neighborhood] with most of the hostile Indians who were at Pensacola with the View of building a fort near the confluence of the waters of Chattohochee and Flint rivers. -- He also states there has been spies on us for some time cloaked by persons who come from there with the pretense of remaining in their towns. two or three has lately gone back to the places from whence they came, and give the lower towns to understand those forts are [illegible] garrisoned and can easily be taken. -- He states that they were ready to march against us at a short notice." From Mr. Limbaugh at Cowetau 10 nov. [november] "Yesterday I attended the Grand Council at the friendly Chiefs on this river as far as Eufaulau were present. I had your several talks and Genl. [General] Jacksons letter interpreted to them. The Little Princes Eyes are opened, and his politics, when they all heard your Talks and General Jacksons, he made a lengthy speech to all the chiefs. "you have now heared [heard] the Talks all those who are not now willing to protect their own nation will be considered as hostile to the U: S: [United States] I have now thrown away the Siminolies we shall now have to go to war against them. I do not understand what you Cussetaus are about, or what you intend to do, you must now say quickly what you mean to do, there is no time to be considering on it now; If you are for the British say so." he spoke about an hour." "I have sent Dayle [Daily] Express for Majr. [Major] McIntosh and his Warriors. and expect all the warriors will come forward & enrol [enroll] themselves. In a few days all the Warriors on this river will be enroled [enrolled] and ready for service." From the same 12. nov. [november] The Chiefs have unanimously agreed to assist the U. S. [United States] I consulted Majr. [Major] Wootten on sending some of his men with a party of Indians to cut off those who are gone against the frontiers. He says he would do it with the greatest pleasure but his garrisson [garrison] is too weak to spare any men at present. 15 nov. [november] Enrolment [Enrollment] of Indians at their several dates up to the 14 Uchees by Colo. [Colonel] Hawkins 80 up to the 14 Lower Creeks by Mr. Limbaugh 112. 12 Lt. [Lieutenant] Lewis Tookuabatchee. 71 7 263 additional paragraph in Lt. [Lieutenant] Lewis letter Information has been received that General Jackson was to have marched for pensacola 1st. with a force of 5000 men. General Taylor with the Tennessee Militia [added: who] has been [illegible] for some time at Fort Jackson is yet at Fort Strother waiting for provisions a state of information of appearances of hostile movement among the Indians in our Southern borders. [deleted: [illegible]] Letter Colol [Colonel] Benjamin Hawkins -- dated 15th. November 1814 Indian War Free Benjamin Hawkins P. M. [Post Master] Creek agency His Excellency Governor Early Milledgeville Document: TCC882 Letter, 1814 Nov. 5, Fort Hawkins [to] Peter Earley [i.e., Early], Governor of Georgia / Colo[nel] Benjamin Hawkins author: Hawkins, Benjamin, 1754-1816 date: November 5, 1814 extent: 4p summary: This is a letter dated November 5, 1814 from Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Agent to the Creeks, to Peter Early, Governor of Georgia (1813-1815). Hawkins mentions his letter to the Assistant Deputy Quartermaster General (a copy of which appears as tcc881) requesting supplies for troops fighting the Seminoles. He writes that he is also enclosing papers (no longer attached) relative to the collusion of runaway slaves from Georgia and British forces in Pensacola, and he suspects that these fugitives are being aided by the "hostile" Seminoles. He mentions both General Thomas Pinckney and Major Cook and says that he will need their permission to move the mounted infantry into the field. Hawkins points out the need for an able commander from Georgia whom the Indians and the regular soldiers will obey, and he says that if necessary he himself will command them. Hawkins also mentions a letter from General Andrew Jackson. He closes the letter by noting that Captain Timpoochee Barnard's regiment is ready for service. repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries collection: Telamon Cuyler box: 76 folder: 25 document: 14 District of Fort Hawkins 5 Nov. [November] 1814 I received yours of yesterday, previously I had addressed a letter to the A. D. Q. M [Assistant Deputy Quarter Master] General on supplies, which he has not answered, but will, on his return from Milledgeville, a copy is enclosed. We have at Fort Mitchell a supply of Flower [Flour] & Beef, I understand the contractor is to furnish at that post. Corn is scarce in the upper [deleted: Creeks] [added: towns] of the Lower Creeks. and must be furnished from Georgia. I enclose you some papers just received by a [unclear: Mr.] Mr. Marshall who has lost his negros [negroes] is a half breed distinguished for his bravery, at the Siege of Tookaubatchee; where he lost an eye. I am informed the British officer at Perrymans, recently returned from Pensacola, has [unclear: given out] he expects a considerable number of negros [negroes] from Georgia this moon; probably through the aid of such people as are mentioned by Majr. [Major] Wootten, and the hostile party of Simenolies moving towards us. This business must be put a stop to by cuting [cutting] off the British officers and adherents in that quarter, or the [unclear: evil] will soon become seriously alarming to the Citizens throughout your state. How to get the Infantry from the Forts without an order from General Pinckney I had [unclear: resolved] in my mind. As I was enroling [enrolling] and embodying the friendly Indians I intended to call on the commandant for the requisite number and replace them if necessary by Indians. If he had refused, I intended to apply to Majr. [Major] Cook to take command of the posts on the urgency of the case, although not authorized by him to say he would do it. After communicating to General Jackson every thing I have communicated to you, I added "Genl. [General] Pinckney is too far off to be heard from in time and if the militia Commandant Wooten will not cooperate under my orders, and we cannot get a commander of ability and enterprise from Georgia, we shall be embarrassed. Our Indians will serve under me or a regular officer, but will reluctantly obey our militia officers, who are not obeyed by their soldiers, I will do the best I can, I have no right to command, than ex officio, and that vested by the Indians which is good as to them. As the crisis seems to admit of no delay I shall claim the right to command from that source and act as circumstances may justify." You see clearly the contingency upon which I claim "If we cannot get a Commander of ability and enterprise from Georgia" If we can, I have no desire to be in command, Last year I had, Believing that at the head of the Indians, possessing their confidence, and with a personal knowledge of the country, and its inhabitants, I could be of Vital importance to our army But, an ill fated disastrous policy forbid it. I am enduced [induced] to believe altho' [although] not so informed, to General Jackson is confided every thing connected with the Indians. I have recd. [received] a letter from him of 22nd ult. [ultimo] "I have received information that clothing will be forwarded the Creeks, and that the Swords I promised McIntosh and other Chiefs, have been ordered. You will be pleased to ascertain as soon as possible, the number of warriors that can be prevailed on to enter the service of the United States, and notify me of the same. The Warriors such as do not wish to come on and join me you will employ for the protection of their own frontier &ca. [et cetera]" Capt. [Captain] Barnard is ready I believe with his command. I have requested Mr. Barnard to feed them until I can have it done in the regular channel. I am very respectfully Dear Sir your ob Ser [obedient Servant] [Signed] Benjamin Hawkins His Excellency Peter Earley Governor of Georgia Letter Colo. [Colonel] Benjamin Hawkins Agent for Indian Affairs dated 5th November 1814. Indian Affairs Answer written 7th November 1814 Document: TCC883 Letter, 1814 Nov. 29, Fort Hawkins [to] Peter Early, Governor of Georgia, Milledgeville, [Georgia] / Colo[nel] Benjamin Hawkins author: Hawkins, Benjamin, 1754-1816 date: November 29, 1814 extent: 3p summary: This is a letter dated November 29, 1814 from Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Agent to the Creeks, to Peter Early, Governor of Georgia (1813-1815). Hawkins mentions Major General William McIntosh, an influential Creek Indian leader, whom he says will communicate to the governor all the occurrences in their area up to that point. He predicts that he and McIntosh will work well together and that they will meet with success. He also states that he will be able to enroll one thousand warriors to help defend the frontier against the Seminole Indians. Hawkins further reports that he is enrolling Creek warriors from Coweta (also Cowetau) to assist in the defense of the post road and Georgia frontier. repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries collection: Telamon Cuyler box: 76 folder: 25 document: 15 subject headings: ? McIntosh, William, ca. 1775-1825 ? Creek Indians--Government relations ? Seminole Indians--Wars ? United States--History-- War of 1812--Participation, Indian ? Alabama ? Georgia ? Letters Fort Hawkins 29 nov. [november] 1814 I have communicated in detail to Majr. [Major] General McIntosh the most interesting occurrences in my department up to the 26th. who will communicate the same to you with his ideas thereon. We shall do very well together, and deserve success in all our efforts. I am certain of having 1000 warriors enroled [enrolled] at least. I sent off today the assistant agent [deleted: today] to keep out strong detachments from Cowetau, to cover as much as possible our road and frontier from depradations [depredations], till the army is ready to act; and hope daily to hear definitively from General Jackson. I avail myself of this opportunity to request you to accept of my congratulations on the firm intelligent and correct stand you have made in support of the constitution; my regret, that two thirds of a Republican Legislature shoud [should] be found, to advocate a system destructive in some instances, and in all injurious to the obligation of contracts -- my hopes that the Judiciary, following your example, will refuse its aid to carry it into effect, and thereby introduce a just way of thinking and acting and restore the depreciated morals of our Country. If republicanism can so far forget what is due to its national compact, as to make the conveinence [convenience] of the majority, the rule of construction; It may well be silent at the treasurable doings of Federalism, both may say as their doings do say the Constitution is violated; and the Union in danger. The [unclear: people] habitual violators of private rights cease to be a moral people and soon become violators of public duties. with Sincere wishes for your prosperity I am Dear Sir your ob Ser [obedient Servant] [Signed] Benjamin Hawkins Governor Early Letter Colo. Benj. [Colonel Benjamin] Hawkins dated 29th. Novemr. [November] 1814 Indian War. Free Benjamin Hawkins P M [Post Master] Creek agency Fort Hawkins Novr [November] 31st 1814 His Excellency Peter Early Governor of Georgia Milledgeville Document: TCC889 Letter, 1815 Feb. 20, camp 115 mile [to Peter] Early, Governor [of Georgia], Milledgeville / Colo[nel] Benjamin Hawkins author: Hawkins, Benjamin, 1754-1816 date: February 20, 1815 extent: 4p summary: This is a letter from Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Agent to the Creeks, to Peter Early, Governor of Georgia (1813-1815), dated February 20, 1815. Hawkins reports on the size and location of British forces under Colonel Edward Nicolls that include numbers of Seminole Indians and free blacks, as well as Red Stick Creeks from Fowl Town, Oketeyoconne, and Cheahau (also Chehaw). Nicolls has reportedly made numerous threats to the Georgia frontiers and Hawkins warns that, if a competent person is not selected to succeed him as commander of the Creek regiment, the area around St. Marys might be rendered particularly vulnerable. He also includes a quotation from a council of "friendly" Creeks who complain that they were promised to be treated and paid as soldiers of the U.S. army by General Andrew Jackson, but instead have received very few rations and none of the promised reinforcements. repository: Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, The University of Georgia Libraries collection: Telamon Cuyler box: 76 folder: 25 document: 21 Camp 115 mile 20 feby. [february] 1815. Majr. [Major] Tinsley having to go to Milledgeville on business of his own I have directed him to call on you, and communicate Virtually the occurences [occurrences] under his observation since he has been with me as Quartermaster to the Creek Regiment. Colo. [Colonel] Nicolls with 200 troops white and black and as assemblage of 500 Warriors is just below the forks. They have an intrenched [entrenched] post picketed, with one Howitzer and one cohorn. The Indians are mostly from the Simenolies of East Florida, and Oketeyoc,on,ne Fowl town and Cheauhau within our limits. They are well supplied with cloths and munitions of War. McQueen and Francis are in Uniform. Every party as they arrive give the War whoop fire their guns and paint for war. The Indians chastised by Jackson are very humble The Colo. [Colonel] is gone down today as he says "for his supplies to march towards Charleston, where he soon expects to hear of the arrival of Lord Hill, with a powerful force. He is to set free Negros [Negroes], compell [compel] the Americans to restore back the lands to the Indians, and make every thing submit to him as he marches along. He will bring his cannon up the river with him." He is a great boaster promises any thing and every thing to attach the Indians to his party. I have not heared [heard] from you since the 19 ult altho' [ultimo although] I have written to you weekly. In my letter of the 12th. I apprised you that the President had accepted my resignation of the agency for Indian affairs and Mr. Limbaugh charged with them till a successor is appointed, and there was a possibility only of my being commissioned to command the Creek Regmt. [Regiment] of course, if General Clark does not come with the expected cooperating force, or a man of skill and abilities, to make the most of the enrolled Indians with a competent white force, your frontiers. towards St. Marys may see some of the boasting of the Colo. [Colonel] realized at least find themselves in a perilous situation. I hear 300 men are sent to lounge at the posts which were well guarded by select Indians. have recd. [received] from Capt. [unclear: Legruex] 90 barrels flower [vlour] 2 bushels of salt a barrel of pork and 28 bushels of Corn which he calls twenty days rations. I am very respectfully Dear Sir your obe Serv [obedient Servant] [Signed] Benjamin Hawkins Governor Early 21 Feby [February] Our Indian boatmen who came with our last supplies having informed our Warriors that 300 white men had taken possession of the posts on the Road. They held a Council last evening and reported to me this morning. "We were enrolled in public service by order of General Jackson promised soldiers pay and rations, and ordered to take care of this frontier. We had selected some of our best men to garrison the posts, we were promised by Colo. [Colonel] Hawkins and General McIntosh a force of white troops to act with us, and while we were out on duty we hear 300 men have taken possession of the posts, our women and children are there and we will know these men are rude and ungovernable, 'We find we are to have no meat. If white soldiers were with us and would live without it we could and would do it. We hear not of the white force promised us, and why is it these people did not come to help us, and not stop where they have nothing to do?" Letter from Colo. Benj. [Colonel Benjamin] Hawkins dated 20th. February 1815 Red. [Received] 4 March Indian War His Excellency Governor Early Milledgeville Recd. [Received] 4th. March By Majr. [Major] Tinsley ======================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for FREE access. ==============