Letter 1804 May 17, Fort James, (Georgia) to Col Hawkins /Thos Freeman

Summary: This is a letter from Thomas Freeman to Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. agent to the Creeks, dated May 17, 1804. Freeman indicates that the Creeks of the Lower Towns have determined not to attend the running of the boundary line and in addition, only one of the Georgia commissioners was present. Freeman also informs Hawkins that the expected pack horses, guides, and supplies have also not arrived and thus it would be best to postpone the running of the line until he can secure a detachment of Upper Creek warriors or a detachment of soldiers from Fort Wilkinson.

Fort James May 17th 1804
Sir

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 4th Inst by Jack Evens who armed here late last Evening with his packhorses

I Decended the river from Fort Wilkinson with 10 men and a non Commissioned officer in an old flat Acompanied by Major Addams to this place where wee arrived on the 13th Instant

Nither the pack horses nor the Indian Comms who wore to accompany us on the line haveing arrived at that time, and being in want of flour and other necessarys I sent a Mr Harden with fore of my men in a small barg which was here to Derian to procure those articles he will be here on saturday next the 19th at which time wore the Chiefs here to accompany me I should proceed to compleet the line without Delay, but they have not yet arrived, and I am informed by Jack the packhorse Master, that the lower towns had a meeting subsequent to their arrangement with you, and that they had determined not to att'd the running of the line.

Wee are here with out guides to conduct us throu' the Country -- The Indians are dissatisfied and no doubt would intercept our progress by stealing our horses, and every other means in their power -- There is but one of the gentlemen from Georgia with me -- and it is his decided opinion that it would be imprudent for us to proceed on the line without further advice or assistance -- and he himself sends off an express this morning to the Governor at Louisville stateing our situation and requesting the attendance of the other Commissioners These are motives with me for posponeing the commencement of the Line untill I shall hear from you, And for that purpose send of Billy Wright with all possible dispatch to you -- you probably will have heard previous to the arriveal of the bearer the determination of the Indians respecting the line -- They know we we are here waiting for them -- The reluctance with which they consented to meet us, and their non attendance is a sufficient is a sufficient ? of their unfriendly disposition.

Should you deem it advisable to carry the business into effect at this time (and it appears to me it should) I shall proceed with out hesitation if supported by a small Detachment of Warriors.

from the Upper towns, or soldiers from Fort Wilkinson , perhaps both would be best, the officers and soldiers there are inactive and anctious to come -- I shall remain here with anxiety to hear from you

I am with sincere esteem & regard your friend & Sevt
Thos. Freeman

Billy Wright being unable to travail expeditiously on foot I mount him on a pack horse we have but seven, it would take I think be necessary to have two more if convenient please send them

T. F.

NOTE: Information obtained from the University System of Georgia Library

Transcribed by Kim Gordon

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