Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-08-13
Mai. Gen. GAIsEs-Indian Springs
HEAD QUARTERS, Eas. Dep.
Indian NDrinps. lime god. 1925.

lnQldD OpTUtgS, Jute ZSu, 1919.
SRI have to acknowledge the no.
nor OF your ExcelIency's letter of the
18th Of the present month, in reference
to Commissioners appointed under the
authority of the Legislature OF the
State Of Georgia, to examine into the
causes of the recent disturbances in
the Creek Nation, and more particular
" into the conduct of the Agent con-
nected with them.
In reply have to observe that, how
ever much l might be aided by the ex-
perience, talents, and integrity and no.
nor of the Commissioners referred to on
the part of the state of Georgia, do
not feel myself authorised, without new
instructions from the Department OF
War, to comply with the demand con-
tanned in their letter Of yesterdays date,
"to be admitted to full and free par
ticipation of the Council of the Indi-
ans" The Council will be assembled
for the purpose of enabling me to dis
charge important duties conhded to me
BY the Government Of the U. States,
and of which your Excellency has been
appraised. The Indians appear dispos-
ed to yield to the just and pacific views
of the President. But they are sill la
boring under some delusion and ex-
citement. This would be increased
rather than diminished, by adding to
the number of individuals by whom
they are to be addressed; or by any adj
dition or multiplication of the matters
Of controversy to which their attention
may be called.
am fully authorised and instructed
by the government Of the U. States, to
protect the friendly Indians-to miti-
gate their calamitous condition, and,
in the event Of hostilities having ceas-
ed on the part ofthe opposite party, to
restore harmony between them. Hos
tilities have indeed ceased, and have
received satisfactory assurance of an
earnest desire on the part of the Chiefs
Of both parties to remain at peace with
each other, as well as with the United
States; it becomes my duty therefore
to make peace upon just principles, and
consequently to avoid an Indian war
My impression Of the high response
bility Of the trust reposed in me, sug-
gests clearly the propriety Of my hav-
ing the entire control Of every individ-
ual white man allowed to address the
Council; and that / should moreover
have the entire control Of every express
sion uttered to the Council by any citi-
zen or officer Of the United States
Without such control, our councils on
both sides might be involved in confu-
sion, and the benevolent objects of the
government entrusted to me might, by
my improper acceptance Of the propos-
ed "participation," be defeated. To
avoid an evil so pregnant with mis-
chievous consequences TO the Creek
Nation; to the peace and honor of my
country, and to my own reputation, |
must decline the demand of the Geor-
gia Commissioners.
Should be instructed by the proper
authority to recognize the proposed
cooperation of the Georgia Commits
sioners, shall take great pleasure in
serving with them. My whole duty as
public officer is comprised in one
single word, which suggests the pro-
priety of the course pursued by me up
on this occasion....and that word is O
6edienes. Obedience to the laws and
to the orders of the authorities placed
over me.
l renew to your Excellency, assn
rance of my respectful consideration,
EDMUND P. GAINES,
Maj. Gen. U. S. Army Commanding.
To his Elk: GEORGE NJ. TooUP,
Governor of Georgia
HEAD-QuARrERs, East. Dep.
Creek Nation, July lst, 1925.
SIR had promised myselfthe plea
sure of sending YOU a detailed account