American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1825-08-23
HEAD QUARTERS, EAST. Der.

Sir: have to acknowledge the honor Of your
Cxcelencys letter, Of the 8h OF the present month,
in reference to Commissioners appointed under the
authority OF the Legislature OF the State OF Geor.
gla to examine into the causes oil the recent DIS
turbances in the Geek Nation, and more particular.
" into the conduct OF the Agent connected with
them.
In reply. I have to observe, that, however much
nigh, be aided by the experience talents, and in
tegrily and honor OF the Commissioners referred to
on the part Of the State OF Georgia, do not ieel
myself authorized, without new instructions from
the Department. OF War, to comply with the de
mand contained in their letter oil yesterdays date,
I" 10 be admitted TO full and free participation oil
the Council Of the Indians . The Council will be
assembled for The purpose OF enabling me to dis
charge importan, duties confded to me by the Gov.
eminent of the United States, and of which your
excellency has been apptized. The Indians appear
disposed 10 yield to the just and pacific views oil the
President But they are still laboring under some
delusion and excitement. This would be increased,
rather than diminished, by adding TO the number of
individuals by whom they are TO be addressed; OF
by any addition multiplication OF the matters OF
controversy, to which their attention may be called
| | am fully authorized and instructed by the Gov
eminent Of the United States, protect the friend
" Indians--to mitigate their calamitous condition,
and IN the event OF hostiilies having ceased the
part Of the opposite party, to restore harmony be-
tween them. Hostnes have indeed ceased; and
have received satisfactory oil an earnest
desire on the part Of the Chiefs of both parties to
remain at peace with each other, well as with the
United States il becomes my duty, therefore, tic
make peace upon Just principles, and, consequently
to avoid an Indian war.
My impression oil the high responsibility Of the
trust reposed in me, suggests clearly the propriety
OF my having the entire control OF every individual
white man allowed to address the Council and tina
should, moreover, have the entire control OF every
expression uttered to the Council by any citizen OF
officer Of The United States. Without such control
our councils, on both sides, might be involved il
confusion. and the benevolent objects of the govern
ment entrusted to me, might, by my improper &C
ed. To avert an evil SO pregnant with mschevon
consequences to the Creek Nation /; to the peac,
and honor OF my country, and to my own reputation
| must decline the demand OF the Georgia Commits
, sioners.
Should | be instructed by the proper authority Il
recognise the proposed cooperation OF the Gcorgi
. Commissioners, shall take great pleasure in ser
wing with them. My whole duty public Office
is comprised in single word, which suggests th
proprety of the course pursued by me upon thi
occasion-and that word is Obedience. Obedenc
to the laws, and 10 the orders OF the authorize
placed over me-
Ircnew to your Excellency assurances of my res
! pecIu consideration,
EDMUND P. GAINES,
Mai, Gen. u S. Army, Commanding
/ To His Elk. GEoRGE NJ TRouP,
Governor Of Georgia.
ITO be concluded IN our neat7