To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 November 1794
From Henry Knox
Department of War, November 6 1794.
Sir
I have the honor to submit the information hitherto deficient of the evacuation of the Creek lands on the frontier of Georgia—This is contained in Constant Freeman’s letter of the 29th of September and the enclosures therein contained, which with his letter of the 12th October are herewith submitted. As soon as you have perused them, they shall be copied for Congress.1 I am Sir, with the highest respect, Your most obedt Servt
H. Knox
LS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. Constant Freeman’s letter to Knox of 29 Sept. reported “that the post … on the south side of the Oconee, has been taken and destroyed by the Militia; and that General Clarke and his adherents have been removed.” Freeman noted, however, “that settling the Lands on the South Side of the Oconee is a favorite object with the Inhabitants of the upper Counties although General Clarke’s Plan has not been approved,” and he enclosed a copy of a petition to the Georgia legislature on that subject. Freeman also reported that the Indians had been “quiet” (DNA: RG 107, Correspondence of the War Department Relating to Indian Affairs, Military Pensions, and Fortifications, 1791–1797; see also , 1:500). , Indian Affairs
Freeman’s letter to Knox of 12 Oct. reported that “The Indians, who had been for some time quiet, killed and scalped on the thirtieth ultimo a white Woman, and a Negro Wench … they have also stolen horses and negroes.” Information was received “that the Talissee King had gone out for War—the Chiefs disapproved of his Conduct—We have not however heard of any Mischief being done by him; and as runners were sent after him to persuade him to return I have hopes that he has not proceeded” (DNA: RG 107, Correspondence of the War Department Relating to Indian Affairs, Military Pensions, and Fortifications, 1791–1797; see also , 1:501, which, however, mistranscribes “thirtieth” as “thirteenth”). , Indian Affairs
These letters were submitted to Congress on 20 Nov. in support of GW’s annual message, delivered 19 Nov. (
, 7:13–14; , 7:36).