Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-06-23

Creek Indians, with, LIST. PredetermIn-
ed resolution to prevent the Indians, by
all the means in his power, from max
ing any cession of their lands in favor
of the Georgians, and this from the
unworthy and most unjustihabie Of all
motives.
2ndly. With advising and instigat-
ing in chief the death of McIntoshAnd
his friends.
You are referred to the documents
connected with my late message to the
Legislature, and to the testimony dis
closed and to be disclosed before the
committee charged with the investiga-
ton Of the subject to which they relate,
and which are submitted TO you.
J. Barbour, Secretary at Htr, 10 Coz. Troup.
Dcpa tment of War, May IS, 1925.
SIR: In answer TO your several let
tiers received at this Department on the
18th and 18th inst | am instructed by
the President to express his deep regret
at the deaths Of Gen. McInt ssh and
the other Greek Chiefs, and the shock
ing circumstances with which they
were attended. While your Excellen-
CIV is understood to ascribe the cause Of
these events to the criminal conduct o.
the Agent, he, by dispatches received
some few days past, states to this De-
partment that your purpose of entering
upon and surveying their territory, as
made known by your Proclamation,
had produced in the chiefs who recciv-
ed it when assembled in General Coun-
Gil, for the purpose of receiving their
annuity, feelings of melancholy and
great distress. Exceptions to your
measures were then taken by them,
they declared their assent had never
been given, and thatit had not been ask
ed. Those exceptions were commune
Gated by the Agent in the letter above
referred TO, together with the request of
the chiefs, that the government would
interpose its authority, and put a stop
to the contemplated survey.
Whatever cause may have produced
the disturbances and bloodshed which
followed SO soon upon the breaking up
of that council, has now become mat
ter Of very subordinate consideration,
compared with the means necessary to
be adopted to prevent their repetition.
Remote from the theatre of action, with
but little information, and that uncer-
tain (for we have not word from the
agent as TO the extent OF the designs
Of the Indians, or the scale on Which
their operations will conducted, the
President has deemed it advisable, and
has ordered accordingly, Gen. Gaines,
distinguished alike for his military
skill and for his discretion, now in
Georgia, to repair forthwith to Mil
ledgeville, for the purpose Of consult
ing with your excellency on the mea-
sares proper to be adopted in reference
to the actual posture of affairs on his
arrival. TO him discretion has been
given, il in his judgment the occasion
requires it, to call on you for such por-
ton of the militia of Georgia, to be
placed in the service Of the United
States, as he thinks necessary. To
march also such portions Of the regular
force as may be convenient to the scene
Of operations, and to take command Of
the whole. BY his Instructions he will
be ordered to repel any hostile attempt
that may be made by the Indians on the
people Of Georgia, and to chastise
them by measures of retaliation for
such attempt, till their sufierings and
submission shall enutle them to Glenn
ency. IL their violence has been limi-
ted to their own tribe the course to be
pursued is not without its embarrass-
ments. The government OF the United
States since its establishment has in no
case, ii is confidently believed, forcibly
interposed in the intestine feuds of the
Indians. They have limited their in
reference to good Offices and friendly
advice. To depart from this policy,
strengthened by time and the approba-
ton Of the American people, involves
high and delicate responsibility. On
the other hand, to surrender the In
dams friendly to the views of the Uni
ted States to the unrestrained ferocity
of the hostile party, is too shocking to
humanity to permit. Amid these OPP
posing difficulties the General is in
structed to enter the territory of the
Creeks, and extend protection to the
friendly party, but not commit hostili-
ties on the Indians, unless provoked
thereto by acts on theirpart, which may
Justify such hostilities. A special mes
senger will be despatched to Milledge-
Vile on Friday at farthest, with Gen.
Gaines instructions.
The President not yet being inform
ed Of the measures adopted by your ex-
cellency, cannot at this time take any
step thereon. Your promised commu-
nieation will relieve him from this diff
hculty, and Immediately Oh its arrival
will receive his prompt attention.