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the measures that have been resorted to, to goad
them on to commit hostilities on many of the
oeaceable and unoffending whites.
the contract for emigrating the Indians was
made with general Sanford, which the War
Department had every reason to suppose would
bo faithfully executed, and that it would be the
means of saving a great deal of money to the
government. He soon retired trom it in per-
feet disgust, and at that time it should have
ceased: That it did not, is truly unfortunate
for the country. Through influential men of
Georgia it was continued, and Woodward and
Walker were taken into the concern as part-
ners; the very men who the year before had
done every tiling to oppose the removal of the
Indians, not only by loud objections to the Co
lumbus company of contractors, but-by a pro
mise to colonize Tuskina and bis friends on the
prairies. Luther Blake and others presented
Neo Micco with a piece of land, in considera
tion, I presume, of his services among the Cu-
seta Chiefs. Ilow was it possible for such men
to emigrate the Indians? One day they tell
them to remain where they are, and oiler them
land to colonize on, and the next advise them to
leave. Mr. .John D. Howell, another of the
emigrating contractors, toid me that the company
had voted Mr. Blake out of the concern for
giving Nco Micco the half section of land, and
every man who resides in tho Creek nation,
knows that Nco Micco and Tuskina have great
influence, anJ can emigrate their part of the
nation at uncc, if they themselves would consent
to the removal. Noah Emathla, now the lead-
er of the hostile tribe, told me at Ilatchachub-
bic, in February last, that he would emigrate
at any time, when Neo Micco said the word;
he was the head Chief, and it was for him to
speak and he would obey it; yet wo find these
Chiefs opposed to leaving. Neo Micco, under
the influence ol Luther Blake, Paddy Carr
Oc Co., and Tuskina, the mere pyppet in the
hands of Woodward SfCo. also objecting, and
still under the control of the emigrating con
tractors.
It is true, they say, they were never serious
•in the plan of colonizing Tuskina, hut that the
inducements held out by them to him, was done
to obtain his influence among his people, and
get them to sell their land to their company.—
Bui is it not such tricks as these, that have been,
the means of creating the present difficulties?
and have not these difficulties arisen principally
among the three Chiefs Nco Micco, NeahE--
math I a and Tuskina? The broken sticks lor a
general rush on the defenceless inhabitants were
sent from Neo Micco to Tuskina, saying, “we
are ready.” Tuskina sent in return, to pul it
off till roasting ear time. The Lochaipaoga
Indians received two sticks in Neah Mathia’s
camp, and on their return home they commen
ced murdering indiscriminately, believing the
war hud commenced below, as the time had
expired. Tuskina’s holding back saved Colum
bus, and also the attack on Fort Mitchell.—
Tliis information is derived from two sources.
Ilotulgar Largo’s confession, and from friendly
Chiefs, and all unite that Tuskina, Neo Micco,
Neah Emathla aud Octruchc Emathla, the Os-
witchic chief, are the conspirators; yet, notwith
standing all this, it is worthy of remark, that
Woodward and his party, continue their talks
and messages through Tuskina with Neo Mic- i
oo, and also that Woodward’s information should
be so particularly correct as to the time when
the hostilities were to commence.
When l left Tuskegeo.on the 25th April,
there was no moro apparent danger than there
is now in the city of Washington, but some how
or other Mr. Woodward got the most correct
information, and while engaged in the amuse-
ments of the race field in Columbus, and came
posting home to give the alarm. Let any man
who is unprejudiced view the causes of com
plaint that exists among the Indians; see the
influence that certain men have with certain
Chiefs, nud know that these Chiefs are accused
by the friendly Indians, and tho confession of
the hostile Chief Hotulgar-Hargo, as being at
the bottom of all the disturbances, the great,
stake these speculators have in the investiga
tions, and how important it must be to them to
put a stop to all inquiry, and if he is not Hind
or interested lie will at once say, that my opin
ion is correct. Another very suspicious cir
cumstance is, as I have been informed, that on
the late scouting parties of whites, with Jim Boy
and his Indians, and with Woodward and Walk-'
cr, that several secret councils were held by
them, and perhaps Tuskina, and although ma
jor Abbot was one of the whites of that party,
and an agent of the government, he was neither
asked or permitted to be present, to hear the
substance of these private conferences.
In times like these, every honest man would
prefer having the presence of the United States’
Agents, where they hold talks with tho Chiefs,
u lheir presence can bo had. Major Abbot
was there, but not invited, and I will venture to
predict, that while such men continue to exer
cise the control they now have among the In
dians, and they remain in the country, we may
look for nothing else but confusion and trouble.
The murder of the stage passengers and the
robbing of the mail, turns out to be the work
of a white man and some Indians, and ere
long, further and greater developements will be
made.
Mr. Win. J. Beattie, another of the contrac-
tors, who has figured largely in the purchase of
Eufaula town lands, and who gained some noto-
riety in Florida, tn colonel Bloant’s case, (the
Seminole Chief,) lias threatened me with “ Vicks-
burgh cases,” and has identified himself with
Woodward in endeavoring to agitate and scare
off the Government Agents. Mr. Beattie had
Idler be careful, his position in the contract is
well understood, and “a word to the wise is suf
ficient.” This noted individual wrote a letter
from Fort Mitchell to Mr. Leonard, while in my
employ at Tuskegee, which is published, al
though marked private. (See No. 5.)
Mr. Woodward sa3 r s he can prove that I am
■ a liar, and that I said governor Clay was an
oid woman, and many other things equally as
choice and equally as true, and that l was pre
vented from running for governor on account
of an affair of honor. I have no doubt Mr.
Thomas S. Woodward can prove any thing he
pleases, if tho oaths of himself and such filthy
creatures as he can command, would answer
his purpose. In rtdation to the affair ol honor,
of which Mr. Woodward has spokefi, every man
in the State who knows me, must be satisfied
that tho story is false. I havo had no affair of
honor on hand, that could prevent me from be
ing eligible to any office since 1892, and I was
relieved from that inability by an act of our
Legislature passed in January, 1820, and since
that time I havo served six j-ears in tho Senate
of Alabama, and have only been out of the Le
gislature ondscssion, (the last year.)
A
On the subject of a difference, which for a
few months interrupted tho relations of l Head
ship that for years existed between governor
Clay and myself, it was adjusted the first'time
we met thereafter, by such mutual explanations
as should always characterize the differences
among gentlemen, and all feelings of irritation
that had arisen, were entirely and satistactorily
done away.
Mr. Thomas «S. Woodward is a man I never
could think of conversing with in relation to
politics, or any other subject, voluntarily, as lie
is loo much of an ass, to afford me the least grat
ification whatever. He calls himself a nullifier,
but the honest and respectable members ol that
party disown him. It is well known that I am
now, and always have been, a Union man, and
that among my personal friends arc many who
call themselves mil lifters, but they know that I
am not in the habit of introducing politics as a
subject of conversation among those who so ma
terially dilFor with me in opinion, and certainly
I never could have been guilty ol the folly that
has been imputed to me, by general Woodward,
of accusing governor Clay of being that, which
every one who knows him, would pronounce
false and unfounded.
In introducing the letters ot Judge Shorter
and his partner Mr. Tarver, no apology is ne
cessary. These letters throw great light on
the transactions in the Creek nation, and fix
beyond a reasonable doubt, the time when the
stealing began in M‘IIenry’s District, viz: 1st
February, 1835. Mr. Shorter is said to be a
man of talent, and his letter proves him to he
one who has an aptness for many things. 1 have
among my papers a great many documents
equally as curious as these that are published,
and as I have very little doubt but that I shall
be attacked from every quarter by the “land
stealers,” I shall only publish them in my own
defence. It is not my wish to drag individuals
before the public, or unnecessarily expose them
to its gaze, and 1 regret to learn that some
men in Columbus, that apart from their land
matters, I had thought well of, have recently
been very violent in their censure of me. I am
willing to make allowance, but at the same time,
advise them to be careful bow they “throw
stones,” and to reflect on what sort of houses they
live iift JOHN B. HOGAN.
Supermtaidant Creek Emigration.
LETTER—No. 1.
Tuskegee, May 2th, 13315.
Dear Sir—Herewith you will tint! transmitted a copy
of a <ommunicatiJn of tfiis date from sundry citizens of
Macon County iu behalf of themselves and others in rela
tion to a demand by them on me for a list front your office
of the cases of alleged frauds in the sale of Indian Lands,
reported upon by you in what is denominated M’Henry’s
District. The gentlemen whose signatures are affixed to
the within rotnmunication called upon me stating as will
be perceived in it, that they had field a conversation with
some of a company engaged in the speculation upon Indian
Lands, the same being also contractors to remove the Crocks
by emigration, (viz.) .Messrs. Woodward and Walker, and
it had been represented to them by the latter, that provided
there could bo obtained from them a copy of the above men
tioned cases, as marked/or reversal by you, “they believed
they could compromise and settle with the Indians, and im
mediately remove them,” and that in order to bring about
an event so desirable as their removal in the present state
of affairs in the country, disturbances having recently be
fore commenced nmong some of the Towns of the Lower
Creeks, and also that there might no longer remain to the
members with wliont they conversed any sufficiently good
or assignable cause on that account for longer delay in the
effecting of such removal they had made the demand on
tne, &e. To which 1 replied that you were then absent,
that j’ou had strictly and uniforinally forbidden the fur
nishing of transcripts of such matters, from the records of
your office, whensoever there was a probability of their be
ing employed for speculative purposes; but as iheobjict
contemplated by their application at least on their part, i
could manifestly have been made by them for no such end,
but as they had avowed for the present tranqtiilizing of the j
excitement of the country nnd the effecting of en itnmedi- |
ate emigration of the Indians of that part of the nation or j
District, I would take upon myself the responsibility of de- )
livering to them the list of eases demanded, believing that I
had you been present for the promotion and accomplish
ment of the end avowed by the citizens, you would not
most likely have withheld it, but have yielded it according
to their wishes. At the time of the delivering of the copy,
1 informed the gentlemen that it was the only correct one
on the files of the office, and ir* consequence ‘‘its restoration
was promised as soon us a transcript could bo made of it,
for which purpose I was informed, it was handed to the
before named contractors. Walker and W oodward, in whose
possession the citizens left it.
Your obedient servant,
THOMAS J. ABBOTT, Certifying Agent.
To Cii/nncl John B. Hogan,
SujieriritendaiU Creek I'eiilovai, Mobile.
LATTER—No. 2.
AJonigomcn/, May 22lh, 133d.
Dear Sir—On about the8th inst., a committee of set-'
tiers of Macon County called at your office in Tuskegee,
the Creek Nation for several months past, as an assistant of
Colonel John B. llogan, who- has been charged with the
investigation of the frauds committed on the Creek Indians,
in the sale of their reservations; that about the last of A-
pril. Colonel John B. Hogan left Tuskeegee, where lie had
established an office for more convenience, and went to Mo
bile to attend, as he said, the district court; and that.about
the 8th instant, litis deponent being in said office, General
Thomas S. Woodard, who is one of the emigrating contfair-
tors, came into said office in company with Major Thomas
J. Abbott, who is the certifying agent for this part of the
Creek Nation. Major Abbott exhibited to Woodard a copy
of a loiter be bad written mailing a report of his late visit
to Fort Mitchell—some conversation commenced between
them, when Woodard remarked that he, as a friend, advis
ed said Abbott to immediately quit that section of the coun
try, that the Indians wanted no agents there; that they
were able and capable of attending to their own affairs,
and that the Chiefs had said so to Captain Page. Major
Abbott replied that he should not leave his pust, that his
conscience acquitted hitn of all haitn, nnd he s hould not go,
nnd take his advice. Woodard went on to say that as lq Cq-
IoiipI Hogan, he, Woodard, and Hogan could not remain m
one town or the same place together.
This deponent says that although the language here us
ed may not be the exact words used by said Woodard, the
substance of his reniarKs are correctly and justly stated,
and that ho thinks the name of Captain I’age was the officer
mentioned that received fiom the Indians, the information
that they wanted no Government Agents in the Creek Na
tion. JAMES LEONARD.
Sworn to, and subscribed belorc me, at office this 30ik
.May, 1320. ROBERT PARKER, J. P.
LETTER—No. 5.
■MARKED PRIVATE.]
Fort Mitchell, Ala. May 10ih, 1830.
Mr. James Leonard.
Dear Sir—We have war and rumors of war with us, sm
all is excitement T. Scott and D. Neves are here kept
prisoners, and lake iny adviee, tny dr. Len, and leave the
Nation. The public is much excited towards Colonel Ho
gan, Abbott and yourself. Leonard, leave, or you will see
Vieksburgh cases. In haste.
Your’s truly’. WM. J. BEATTIE.
LETTER—No. C.
FROM orOTHLE YOHOl.O.
Turkabatchie, February 14th, 1830.
Dear Friend—I have been waiting in anxious expecta
tion to see you for some time, but have been disappointed
Owing to the many complaints, which are lodged with ny
daily, from the Chiefs of the different Towns of Judge
Tarrant’s Distric t, compels me to address you a few lines
in behalf of them, to inform you of the frauds, whic h ar
practiced on them daily in that District. You being th‘
only friend at this time' to whom we can look for protec
tion, or in whom we can confide, compels me thus to addre ss
you. The Chiefs inform me, that the white j>eople have
persuaded nearly all their people to sell their lands, and a-
ter having had their lands certified to, and received their
money, have been made to give it up again, by the xer/
men who have bought their lands, ciihcr by force, or lalts
raised for the purpose.
They have been told by these men, that it was Generil
Jackson’s wish, that they should not hold money, and thit
they had been sent as agents to receive their money, ani
hold it until they arrive in Arkansas; and consequently 1
great many of them have given up thetr money, thiukirg
that w hatsoever their Great Father said could not be oth
erwise than for their benefit, and whenever these tales woutd
fait, it has been taken by force.
It was their calculation to have emigrated last fall, and
consequently sold all their rattle, corn, nnd every thing M*-
cessary for a support, and are now loft in a state of staria-
tion. It is their earnest request, that you should come tip
among them; for it is highly necessary that something
should be done immediately.
You will please answer this as soon as you receive it, and
inform me at what time you can go up, or whether you
go or not, in order that lean inform the Chiefs when to
expect you.
Y'our friend, his
OPOTIILE t YOHOLO.
mark.
James L. Alexander.
C'cl. John D. Hogan, Fort Mitchell, Hassell County, Ala.
LETTER—No. 7.
Columbus, February 18th, 133(5.
To Colonel llogan:
t*!R—Having just returned home from Mississippi, and
being informed that in your recent investigations, you have
deemed it necessary to mark for report to the War Depart
ment, several contracts made by Shorter Scott, Shorter,
Tarver & Shorter, Benjamin P. Tarver, Eli S. Shorter A:
Co., and J. J. Fannin, with Creek Indians. Mr. Tarver and
myself were bolh in Mississippi, Scott in Texas, and Fan
nin dead at the time of your investigation, so that neither
of tis were or could be present. 1 therefore ask that you
will do me the justice to furnish me with a list of all such
contracts, wiih the grounds of complaint, before you make
your report, that I may be prepared and offer through you
to the Department, such evidence and defence as may he in
ray power. 1 am interested in each one of the cases certifi
ed to said parties.
Respectfullv; vour obedient servant,
' ' ELI S SHORTER.
LETTER—No. 3.
Letter of Lli S .Short, r, to colonel John B. Hogan, proving
himself an honorable man.
Columbus, February 24th, 183f>.
Sir —I am just informed that you have been furnished
with a copy of a letter drafted by myself by request, and in
tended to bs sent by Bird Fitzpatrick, Esq. and other sel
lers in the Creek territory, to" the Secretary at War, ill re
lation to our Indian matters, and that you particularly ob
ject to one statement in the letter, to wit: that yon had cer
tified approved reserved contracts. I have received such n-
formaiton front Dr. W. A. Richardson, Daniel Neeves and
James E. Glenn, jr., nnd immediately I exhibited to ho
Secretary at War, a direct charge against you, for having
certified the ease of Ho-mar-ho-da, who was located upon
\Y. 3 >, i |, 2 ( .>, and that tho rc-certificaiion was in favor of
A. Seals & Co. The morning after my letter had been
sent to the War Department, in conversing with Mr. J. A.
Hudson upon the subject, ho stated that I must certainly
have been misinformed, for that you bad been applied to
and urged to re-ccrtify, another case of the character, that
you had refused to do so, and lied declared that you never
of Philistines will lie in your quarter, and rely upon it, they accompanied by five friendly Indians, with Tom
wtff carry all before them. . „nd Carr at their head, the whole commanded by
Now ^coU may wrap himself in Ins Indian blanket, and ” . - , , . . J
say (his is impossible, but l say it is not only possible but COiOflGI IJgII, nflS DC Oil uGsp&tChOu 111 pursuit* -1 —
certain. ■ The men are determined to overtake or pursue
When I see such men with so few advantages getting so - .. . . c i ,l- l
much valuable land at len dollars per tract,see how much them IlltO the very heait of I londa. 1 thin
money uie have paid out, the power we have had, and see they Will be overtaken ill two or three days, as
the quaintly and quality of land we have received, particu- ,j 1<> y afe encumbered with plunder, women and
larly when 1 think of tho reason why these tilings are so,
1 can almost tear my hair from my head Thpre is yet time
to do something, but almost despair of its being done.
children. As it is apprehended that others will
attempt to cross tonight, four companies, cap-
some hope. We shall go into the strife and do what vve j tains Miller, Tombs, Reese and Jones, the whole
can—if you will join u» well, if not, well, we havo plenty under the command of major Eli S. Shorter,
of money. You need not come unless you will drill your j h crosSfH J lbe river at tliis place, and pro
Indians, and prepare them to receive ten dollars m the store, | . . 1 . ... 1
forevery contract certified. Be sure to bring twooldwo-) ceeded to the Cowuggee, where they Will re
ntes, and if you possibly can, be sure and bring Tallar-har j ma j n | 0 prevent the escape of those who are
—and old woman of Tholb loco-town, who is the mother, , . I 1
or mother-in law of John Reed, an interpreter who was
where they understood Major Thomas J. Abbott was; the j j im j re . CC rtified such a contract. I immediately sought an
purport of their mission, (as I understood them to say) was, ; interview with each of my informants and the following
that they had been remonstrating with General-Thomas S. j uas the result, Richardson did not see, nor did lie know,
Woodward, as one of the Emigrating Contractors, nnd
wanted to know the reason why the contractors were not
making any exertions to remove the Indians? To which
Woodward (as I understood the committee) replied that it
was not the contractors’ fault, that it was the Investigating
Agent’s fault, and not lheir's—but thnt if lie (Woodward)
could get a list of the reversed or disputed claims, be be
lieved lie could get Ihtni (the Indians) off, by making a
compromise with thrm for their disputed reservations. The
committee appeared excited, called on Major Abbott for a
copy of the reversed contracts to giveto Woodward, in or
der, os they said, that Woodward or the contractors could
have no excuse any longer.
Major Abbott at first hesitated to deliver a copy of the re
versed contracts in consequence of yonrabsence, but at length
that the contract had been rc-certified—he was present at
tiie investigation and saw tho contract reversed-^thnt lie
was so vexed and disgusted that he left the square nnd was
afterwords informed that the land had been re-sold and re
certified—and in the re certification, that you stated public
ly that you did not know that you were authorized to act,
and gave notice t hat by acting you were not to be consider
ed as incurring any manner of responsibility. Neeves says
he did not see and does not know of tho re-certifiealion—
that he was one of the firm of A. Seals & Co.—that they
informed him that the land had been re purchased and re
certified, and called upon and received from him his propor-
portion of the purchase money.
Glenn says that he did not see and does not knew that the
j re-certifieation had been made—but was informed bysever-
on reflection,yielded to their solicitations, and gave the com- a j mrni [, Prs „f il te firm of A. Seals & Co. that the land
iniltee the copy already made out. Had Major Abbott not j wasre . 30 lda nd re-ccrlfied. Finding upon this close and parti-
Iteen present, nnd that I considered him having more autlio- i ( . u | ar re-examination, that the proof was deficient, I, the
rity over that list than I had, being the certifying Agent—1 j same day, wrote again to the Secretary of War, slating the
undoubtedly would not have acceded to their request, or to ; f acta specially, nty belief of a misrepresentation by some of
any other committee that might he sent without your know- ,] le p irnl 0 f \ Seals <fc Co. and that I felt it my duty as a
ledge and concurrence, no matter how cogent their reasons
might have been; believing ihat it would be used for specu
lative purposes, as I firmly believe that was Woodward's
object in requesting the list.
1 hope^jr, thnt you will consider the foregoing n suffici
ent apoloR' for permitting the list to be taken out of the
office.
I am, sir, your obedient servant nnd friend,
JAMES LEONARD.
LETTER—No. 3.
REQUISITIONS OF THE CITIZENS OF MACON COUNTY.
Tuskegee, May 2lh, 1836.
Major Thomas J. Abbott.
Sir—We, the undersigned citizens of Macon County, in
duced by the disturbances which recently have taken place
in the lower part of the Creek Nation, and the unfriendly
symptoms evinced by tbe Creeks there, having had n con
versation with some of the company speculating on Indian
reserves, the same being also contractors to remove or take
off l he Creek Indian Tribe by Emigration, and in t hat conver
sation having informed thrm that the Indians of this District
weie for the most part, so far as we could learn, desirous
and even anxious to emigrate immediately to Arkansas, but
were kept from so doing, and detained here by the unset
tled state of their affairs, and more particularly of their
lands, numerous complaints having been made by them of
having in the matter of the sale of them been persona’rd
fraudulently by others, and of having never themselves ali
enated or conveyed them,and being made to understand by
said purchasers of Indian lands, and also contractors, that
if they could procure a copy of the complaints that had
been made before Dr. M‘Henry and Colonel Hogan in the
Land District of said M‘Henry marked for reversal and al
ready reported on, they believed they could compromise and
settle with the complainants, and then immediately remove
them. We have, in consequence, called upon you with a
honoroble man, promptly to retract the charge against you.
The ictter making the charge was written one day, nnd tlie
letter explaining and retracting it written the next day, and
all about the time of drafting the letter first herein mention
ed. Thus, sir, I hope you will perceive that whilst I have
been and am determined to maintain my own rights as far
as I.bave the power, I have been and am as scrupulously re
gardful of the rights of others. As the letter first mention
ed is known to you, I felt it due, no less to you than to my
self, but that you should be put in possession of the whole
facts precisely as they exist.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
ELI S. SHORTER.
LETTER—No. 9.
From the honorable Eli S. Shorter, addressed to John S.
Sc n't—FI. Corlt y, and M. M. S. H. Craven—Talla
poosa.
Columbus, March J, 1336.
Gentlemen—I have just renamed from Dr. M'Henry’s
—when there, Y’argnsold and certified his land to Or. Bil-
lingslea for six thousand dollars, and then gave back three
thousand dollars of the money, and took a bond for the oc
cupancy of the land west of the river. I left at the agency
Hayden and his son, general Woodward, Stone, M'Bryde
and Collins, tho whole Columbus company, nnd a hast of
others, with, I firmly believe, four hundred Indians hid out
all around the hill. Certifications commenced iate yester
day morning, and about sixty were taken through. The
agent will be at home certifying tin wh ile of next week,
anil in that time most if not all of tiie lend will be swept
that is worth notice. I have the agent's promise to meet us
at any place of our appointment on the Monday afterwards,
and to obtain this, I have had to interest another mail in our
company, so far ns it regards M'Henry’s district—I am to
give him one-eighth part. It is unnecessary to mention
view of procuring sched- names-.he thing was necessary and was therefore done.
ule of these complaints was in your possession, in order. IS , 0W ' t f . «' e . to . do a ,7 V" 8 .’ y °" m " Sl T f T
that by furnishing*the gentlemen alluded to with the same, reading this letter, lay all other business aside and gath«r
there might no longer be any specious or good assignable |
cause on this account, for their delay in the emigration ol
these Indians, or the subsequent detention of them.
Your compliance will oblige very res pert fully yours, <fcc.
JAMES HOWARD,
JOSEPH F. CLOUGH,
JOHN P1NCKARD,
C. G. RUSH,
WILLIAM P1XCKARD,
MOSES PEARSON,
J ACOB SEGREST,
W. P. MERKIWEATHER,
J. PRAKEFORD.
LETTER—No. 4.
AFFIDAVIT of JAMES LEONARD.
State of Alabama, Montgomery County.
Personally appeared before me, Robert Parker, a justice j
Corley or Craven, and one of the Griersons must come on
with them towards the Qgency in Chambers. The other
I with the other Grierson must remain behind, and collect and
come on with another company. When you gel within
from five to ten miles of the agency, stop where you can get
water, and provisions, and send a messenger to us at the
agency to let us know whate you are and we will meet you
Monday morning with tho agent, and proceed, to business.—
Y'uur messenger must reach us on Sunday night. Camp
your Indians out of sight of the road. You need give your
self no trouble about the value of the land, 1 will arrange at
that.
Stealing is t he order of the day, and out of the host of In
dians at the agency, I don't think there were ten true holders
of land.
When I left, there were not more than eighty reserva
tions left in all Tuckabactchee, they will all go tomorrow,
killed last year.
The whole show will be up in four works from this time,
and all the Indians who do not sell, will lose their lands.—
This system has not been working more than three weeks,
and upwards of one thousand tracts have been certified.—
The stream is getting wider, deeper and stronger every day.
If things are to be radically altered as to money at Talla
poosa, I will furnish fun is in paper money, to certify the
balance, if not, the Indians may he disbanded, anti we will
quit the drive, for I will stand the pas! pull, no long.-r, anti
tf Dr. Scott adop's the rule of settlement at the certified
prices, it must be a good rule, ami shall apply it to all cases.
Respectfully, &c.
ELI S. SHORTER.
LETTER— No. 10.
From Benjamin P. Tarver:
Sir—Mr. Corley gave me time to he there to close the
trade with hitn until 1 could get out,or until they commenc
ed certifying. As ray business in course is not settled, I am
unable to say \\ hen I shall be there, and if you have not
closed the trade with Mr Corley, you w ill do it for me—if
you are not disposed to go into it, but I prefer your connex
ion in the matter. There is nothing going on at this time,
hut stealing of land with about fifty Indians. Pay them ten
dollars or five when certified, and get all tho halance back,
and get four hundred or five hundred contracts certified
with fifty Indians, is all the game. Judge Shorter has just ! good aCCOUCt ol tllC'in.
returned front Dr. M Henry’s—he states the different specu
lators have about five hundred Indians hid out, and certify
ing at night Y’arga >s certified to—without a rush we are
gone. B. P. TARVER.
Jas. S. Moore was married on to-night The judge
thinks that the largest pnqiorlion if not all the land that
is before Dr. M’Honry, will be certified on this week, now
is the time or never ILirrra boys—here goes it—less steal
all we can I shall go for it, or get no lands—now or never.
BENJAMIN P. TARVEli.
CREEK WAR.
From the Republican Herald, 5th instant.
Creek war Incidents.—In our last we inti
mated, that circumstances were daily being de-
vcloped of a nature to evidence that the Indian
campaign was speedily drawing to a close; and
we confess that we have seen but little since that
time to alter our opinion—a large number of
hosiiles have actually come in and are now in
the custody of the whites, a party of about two ) f 0 ^be brought To ’a close, and that' the gallant
endeavoring to make ofF.
The hostiles have been most wofully deceived
by old Neah Micco. Neah-Mat la, who is in
irons at Fort Mitchell, says that Neah-Micco
led the Indians inlo hosiilities and then suddenly
deserted them at night, leaving them in all the
distraction and confusion of the people who
have been betrayed and left without a leader or
head. Tbe friendly Indians cannot be pacified
but by the death of this old chief, together with
several others, who they say have brought do-
st ruction upon the nation. They say they want
other and wiser chiefs who may redeem the
character of their nation, and save their people
from utter annihilation.
We have one hundred Indians with us under
the command of Paddy Carr, who has always
justly regarded the.whites as his best friends.—
They are eager for the strife, and when we shall
engage the enemy, you may expect to hear a
The army will cross
tomorrow
Indians Routed.—The party of Indians who
stalled for Flotilla were followed by colonel
Bell’s 1st regiment of Georgia mounted volun
teers, and were overtaken in the Chickasahachie
swamp, in Baker county, and routed; nine In
dians being killed and twenty wounded. Of
colonel Bell’s men, seven were wounded, two
mortally. The Indians fired in every direction,
but the swamps were so thick that our men
could not follow. Colonel Bell writes that the
Indians are still in this same swamp and intend
remaining there. The Columbus Guards, Cadet
Riflemen and Artillery will leave today-for
Baker county.
From the Columbus Enquirer, 7th instant.
Creek War.—It seems to be tiie prevailing
opinion that the dilnculty with the Indians will
thousand of men, women and children, under
direction of the contractors for emigration have
taken their departure for the far west, to their
appointed home, and the whole aflair wears the
appearance of approaching peace. We have
made strict and diligent inquiries of those whose
knowledge cannot be disputed, in relation to the
Creek force, the number who have been mad*-
prisoners, and consequently the number of those
still remaining out, and the following is the re.
suit of our inquiries—the actual number of
warriors in the Creek nation, at the very lowest
estimate is five thousand; of this number, there
are supposed to be friendly two thousand five
hundred; prisoners at Fort Mitchell three hun
dred; gone into Tuskegee and given up their
arms one hundred; escaped to Florida three
hundred; making in all, that can be accounted
for three thousand and two hundred; the balance
of one thousand eight hundred of course art!
still in the woods and swamps, scattered in
small parties, and as they have had abundant
time and opportunity to have reported themselves
at friendly camps and have not done so, the
only inference to he drawn is, that they are
hostile. This view of the subject then presents
us with quite a formidable party" of hostiles yet
in the field, and although we had an army of
six thousand, containing Georgians and Ala
bamians, yet such is the extent of country which
these savages may roam, that one thousand anti
eight hundred well armed acid equipped may
perpetrate-a vast deal of mischief, and continue
army now in the field, or a large portion ol it,
will shortly be discharged. We sincerely tins!
these things may be so. No one can desire
more than ourselves a restoration of peace, and
the discharge of our friends from an arduous
service, yet we are wholly unable to conjecture
at what time either evest will take place, con
sistent with the interest of nil parties concern
ed. The hostiles have been awed into tempo
rary submission by the armies of Alabama and
Georgia, but how long they will keep the peace
in the event the whole of these armies are dis
banded, is matter of doubt. A great number
of those who have pretended to be friendly are
averse to emigration, and probably will not go
unless they are compelled. What course this
portion may pursue hereafter no one can tell.
They may assume a hostile attitude, and joined
by ilie tonner mischief makers who have escap
ed and are now among them, rftay renew the:.
murderous conduct and do further deeds of death.
We would not dictate to those in authority, but
it would seem to be the part of prudence to
have an eye upon such an event. Indians, to
say the most lbr them, whether pretended
friends or real foes, are very uncertain in theii
movements, and cannot be watched with too
much caution.
On Saturday last, about twelve hundred of
these deluded beings, including some four hun
dred warriors, who have surrendered or been
taken prisoners, left Fort Mitchell for Arkansas,
many of them in chains, and all guarded by a
of the peace for said oonntv, James Leonard, w ho, being du- j then will follow Thlob-Ioceo—then Kialiga—then Oak-tan-
Iv deposedi ami saith 'bat he has been engaged in sar-day—then En-fau-la, ami in two weeks the whole ho3t
their depredations for some length of time—un- dolachmeilt D f United Stale’s soldiers. They
will go by land to Montgomery, where they
will lake shipping for their destined homes.—
Previous to their departure, several of them,
who were known to have committed high crimes
against the State of Georgia, were demanded
by governor Schley, and are now in the jail of
this county. Among them we recognize the
notorious Dave Ilardredge, who was at the de
struction of Roanoke, and is said to have plann
ed and led the expedition against that place.
Jim Henry, a villain, more conspicuous than
any other in the nation throughout the war, has
surrendered to the Alabama forces, and will, it
is hoped, meet the reward of his murderous con
duct. A demand was sent to general Jessup,
by the executive, for him to be delivered up,
which was answered, as will be seen in another
place, that he had already been surrendered
upon a similar demand to the civil authorities of
Alabama.
Tbe body of the army have, since they
crossed at Roanoke, been busily on the march,
searching for the enemy and scouring every
swamp, immediately west and southwest of that
place, for fifteen or twenty miles. But few In
dians could be found, the most of them in that
section having previously surrendered, escaped
to Florida, or moved farther westward. Gen.
orals Patterson and Jessup are still between here
and Tuskegee, with their forces from Alabama,
where the Indians are occasionally coming in
and giving up.
By reference to the following correspondence,
the community will receive authentic informa
tion of the executive, in bringing the offenders
against our laws to justice. All the Indians
that have been identified, he has demanded,
and we have no doubt he will continue to de-
mand such as can be recognized and pointed
out as criminals.
Head Quarters. Georgia,
Columbus, July 6th, 1836.
ORDER.—The nommander-in-chief has this day received
a petition, dated the 5th instant and signed by a large num
ber of citizens, requesting him "to take necessary steps,
forthwith, to have such Indians as can be fully and suffi
ciently identified, immediately surrendered to the proper au
thorities, and that a demand be made on the public agents,
conducting theemigration, to detain all th.- hostile warriors
a sufficient length of time, until the people of Georgia ran
have ample time to identify them, and that the citizens of
Georgia he notified thereof.”
It is a source of gralifica'ion to the commander-in-chief,
to be able to inform his iellow-citizens. that every desire con
tained in their petition has been anticipated by him, and
that every measure in his power has been taken to obtain
the objects of the petitioners, as will fully appear by the fol
lowing correspondence.
By order of the commander-in-chief.
SEYMOUR R. BONNER, Aid-de-camp.
No. I.
Head Quarters. Georgia,
Columbus, June 29th, 1836.
Major General Thomas Jessup, Fort Mitchell:
Sir—Y’our letter of the 28th instant has been received,
requesting me to demand such hostile Indians as have been ■
guiliy of crimes, within the jurisdiction of Georgia. I have
issued an order, calling on persons who ran prove any facts,
.upon which I can make a demand, to furnish me with the
necessary evidence. It may require several days to obtain
this evidence, and therefore I would be pleased, that yon
should allow a reasonable time to do so. The murders and
other crimes committed by the Indians in Georgia, call for
an atonement, and public justice requires if. I hope there- j
dor all the circumstances therefore, it would
appear that something yet remains to be done—
the war is not ended, our troops are in the field,
on the alert—scouring the whole Indian country
—and we know full well thnt the foe cannot
escape, lie must be surrounded, vanquished and
slain.
The notable Jim Henry has been taken pri
soner, and is now in custody, he was captured
by the stratagem of Jim Boy, the same friendly
chief who was foremost in the taking of Neah-
Malhla, one hundred and fitly warriors were
taken at the same time with Jim Henry, and
have all given up their arms and will be emi
grated immediately; as we predicted this bird
has been ensnared, and we trust the proper au
thorities will clip his wing. Some twenty In-
dians have been identified as having been con-
corned in murders, burning houses, plundering
&c. and are now lodged in jail awaiting their
trial.
The following items are from a correspondent
attached to general Sanford’s command:
Camp Gibson, near Roanoke.
As you arc already apprised, the whole of
the Georgia force, except a battalion left to pro
tect Columbus, took up the line of march on the
22d instant. Three days were consumed in
the march to this place. The army now in this
encampment is composed of two thousand and
five hundred militia and five hundred regulars,
all in fine health and spirits, and anxious to meet
the enemy. An impression has obtained, that
the hostiles, who have destroyed at least two
millions of dollars of property, and more than
a hundred lives, will be suffered to come in and
be emigrated without punishment. Should this
be the case, it will be exceedingly difficult to
restrain the men who havo been called out at
this important season of the year, not to ao a
farce, but to chastise an insolent and savage
foe. Another impression has obtained, that
certain gentlemen in Alabama, have been ac
tive in urging and begging them to come in, un
der a promise of protection. Should this prove
true, it would be well for those gentlemen to
keep themselves concealed from the public eye,
lest they might feel the vengeance of an in-
dignant and much injured community.
Saturday, ‘25tli June, >836.
Major-general Scott and staff arrived today.
David Hadrich, a half-breed, was taken yester-
day. and is confined at Fort Mitchell. Three
hundred hostiles are also disarmed and under
guard at the same place.
An express has just, been received, that a
party of Indians crossed the river at the month
of Cowagee last night orv their way to Florida.*
The following companies of cavalry, Monroe,
captain Flewellen; Bibb, captain M'Call, ana
parts of Talbot and Upson, captain Mimms,
♦This party did rross. and have gone to Florida; on their
route they plundered and murdered. In Baker eounty they
killed fifteen individuals, according to an express which
came to *he governor, since which we havo heard nothing
from them.
fore, that yon will not cause these hostile savages to be
sent off", until I shall have had time to do what may bens?
. cessary and proper in the matter.
The party of hostiles, which crossed below Roanoke a
few dots ago, said to consist of three hundred, is passing 0 n
to Florida, and has murdered some fifteen persons in Ridter
county. I think, therefore, you have mistaken the t rcB
stale of the war, when you consider it at an end.
! I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your ohedisn.
j servant, WILLIAM SCIILF.Y. *
No. 2.
Head Quarters, Georgia,
| Columbus, June 30th, is3(J
j Major General Thomas Jessup, Fort Mitchell:
Sir—1 have this moment seen a letter received from Fort
Mitchf II to day slating ihat 'he Indians are to he moved t
wards Montgomery tomorrow. If this lie so, I presunw
you will not suffer those !n»ti| es now in the Fort to ar
compnny them, as most, it not all of them have he^p
cerned in the commission of capital crimes, within the fori
diction of Georgia. I had the honor of athlrfs*fo» J*"
letter on this subject yesterday, and also of a confers,.,- 1 8
with you at colonel Crowell's in which I understood you°to
assent to the proposition made by me, to allow a reasonable
time to collect evidence, upon which 1 could ask youtode.
liver the accused to the civil authorities of Georgia. This
evidence cannot be obtained insiontrr. Many persons who
have sustained injury, or had friends murdered, are nut in
l his immediate vicinity and probably have not yet learned
thnt these Indians are prisoners. Could you not send off all
the Indians except those within the pickets; and send
against whom we may not he able to obtain evidence, wid,
the next company that may be emigrated?
Be pleased to Set me know what the people of Georgia
may depend on in this matter. Ido assure you, sir. th<> 7
will Ire very much dissatisfied, if these Indians should be
taken off without giving time to identify the guilty and
bring them to punishment.
I have tbe honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, WILLIAM SCHLEY.
No. 3.
lleud Quarters, Georgia,
Columbus, July 3d, 1836.
Major General Thomas Jessup, Alabama:
Sir—I understand that Jim Henry, the Creek Indian
who has rommitted many murders, robberies and arsons in
Georgia, has surrendered himself to the friendly Indians
under your command, and thai he is a prisoner in vour
camp, or otherwise in your custody This man led'the
parly which horned Roanoke nnd killed many of the in
habitants, of which fact 1 have abundant evidence. He w as
also of the party with which captain Garmany’s company
liad a battle, and in which some eight or ten Georgians were
killrd. lie is amenable to the laws of Georgia, against
which he has notoriously offended. Under these circum
stances, it becomes my duty, as the govr rnor of the- State
to demand him for trial, and 1 do therefore now demand
him of you, and r< quire him to be delivered to captain Allen
Lawhon, w hom I have constituted as agent, to receive uni]
conduct him safely to this city, under a competent guard
which 1 have sent for that purpose.
1 have the honor to be, very respeelfully, your obedient
servant, W ILLIAM SCHLEY.
No. I.
HEAD QUARTERS.
Second Army corps of the Southern Army,
In Camp. July 4th, 1836,
His Fjcctllency Mm. Schley, Governor of Georgia:
Sir—I mn in receipt ol your communication of the 3d in-
stant, demanding theCreek prisoner, Jim Henry,now in my
camp, to answer to the laws of Georgia, tor sundry offence*,
committed within its territory—and in reply, havelo inform
you, that a similar demand has been made by the executive
of Alabama, and that he w ill be handed over to the sheriff
of Russell county, Alabama, to answer certain capital of
fences, the commission of which he stands charged with.
With great respect and consideration, 1 remain your obe
dient servant, THOS. JESSUP,
Major General Commandin'.
Head-Quarters, On Columbus, 8d July, 1836.
Sir—I have evidence that the following Indians have
committed capital crimes within the jurisdiction of Georgia,
and that they are now in your county jail: [Here nineteen
names are inserted ] These men are amenable to the kws
of Georgia, and as the Governor of the State it is my duty
to demand them for trial I therefore request you to deliver
them, or any of tln-m, who may be in your possession, to
Captain John Vrqubart, whom 1 have appointed agent on
the part of the Slate, lo receive and convey them to this ci.
ty, that they may he turned over to the civil authority end
be dealt with as the law directs
I atn, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Wll.LIAM SCIILEY'.
To Major MTnlsh, or other Officer of the
United States’ Army, in command at Fort Mitchell.
From the Columbus sentinel ot the Slh inslant.
Return of general Scot■ and staff, with the
army under general Sanford and brigadier-
general Lowe, with their respective staff.—On
1 uesday evening last, major-general fcJcott of
the United States’ army and staff, returned to
our cilv On the next day, major-general
Sanford and staff’, and a part of the gallant army
of Georgia came in, all in excellent health und
cheerful spirits, and encamped in the vicinity
of tho city. Brigadier-general Lowe and s alF
came up several days ago, in consequence of tiie
serious indisposition of general Lowe. Since
which, we are happy to state, his health, al
though yet far from being esiablishod, is much
belter at this time. Ever since general Scott
and the army crossed the river at Roanoke, they
have been actively employed in scouring tho
swamps of the Hatcb&chubbee, Cowaggee, and
lichee creeks, searching for the enemy, but
without success. The Indians had cleared out
to parts unknown, or surrendered in time to savo
their bacon. They have played the game up
to the handle—took care to do all the harm
they could, before the white people could march
against them with an organized force. As soon
as this was effected, and the force got in their
neighborhood, lo! they give up, and are taken
into camp, fed well, and hauled off to Arkansas,
laughing in their sleeves, all the time, at the
success of their trick. This is but the realiza
tion of what we at the start predicted; it turns
out true lo the letter.
’Tia true, and pity ’tig, Tis true.
The army will be disbanded and paid ofi’ at
this place, as soon ns the rolls can be made out,
(at least all that can be spared.) They will re-
turn to their homes, with the praise of their
commanders, and the thanks and well wishesof
our whole community. With promptness and
alacrity, the volunteers came to the rescue—we
say let a similar promptness and despatch be
used in dismissing them to their homes, their
wives, and their little ones. And may every
blessing attend them through life.
Westward, Ho!—From Fort Mitchell, oil
Saturday last, the contractors for the removal
of the Creeks, had the pleasure of starting six
teen hundred Indians, men, women and chiitlren,
for Arkansas. The hostile warriors, hand
cuffed, marching in double file. A long train
of wagons conveying the children, and such of
the old women as were unable to walk, follow
ed in their wake. Their departure for ihe weft
presented a scene on one side, pleasing and
gratifying; on the other, solemn and sad. Ne
cessity, the dictates of humanity, and the pre
servation of their future national existence, have
all conspired to force from them a long and lust
farewell to the homes of their youth. Surround
ed by a white population, broken up in theff
nationality—wretched, and every way undone,
this miserable remnant of a once powerful peo
ple, have at last yielded to the force of circum
stances, and with a bitter curse upon the heads
of tiieir enemy, they have left us, for what we
hope, a better country, and a happier condition.
On the march, the contractors will gather #
considerable reinforcement from Echo Harjos
camp, near Tuskegee. At that place, they
will find Neah-Micco, Cheemalee, and J‘®
Henry. The Infer has been refused to
given up to the Executive of Georgia, on the
score of his being n citizen of Alabama, and
consequently, that he must be tried first by the
laws of that State. We are much pleased at
the course which our Executive has taken m
this matter: he took thp earliest opportunity «
inviting his fellow citizens, who had suffered any
injury from the hostiles, to go forward and iden
tify them, in order to have them brought to pun
ishment. As soon as he heard that the notori
ous Jim Henry was a prisoner, he despatched