Letter 1807 Dec. 20, Knoxville, to Benjamin Hawkins / John Sevier

Letter 1807 Dec. 20, Knoxville, Tennessee to Benjamin Hawkins/John Sevier

Summary: This is a letter written to Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Agent to the Creeks, by Governor John Sevier (1796-1801, 1803-1809) on December 20, 1807. Sevier discusses the robbery and murder of two men from Tennessee and says that he suspects a member of the Creek Nation is the murderer. He asks the agent to investigate the situation since several parties of Creek Indians passed through the area of the killings around the time that they occurred. Sevier further requests that Hawkins urge the Creek chiefs to put an end to the violence.

Knoxville 20 December 1807
The Agent and Superintendant of the Creek Nation
Sir

Early in the last spring and summer two men Citizens of Tennessee , in the vicinity of Elk River , were murdered and Robed of their property in a most barbarous and egregious manner -- Myself and Colo. Meigs agent for the Cherokee Nation , have been at considerable trouble and pains to find out and ascertain who were the perpetrators of such shocking and unprovoked outrages. From every information we have collected, it appears and leaves with us no doubt, that some persons belonging to the Creek nation have been guilty of those atrocious and horrid murders. I am unwilling to suppose that the Creek cheifs would be base enough to encourage, or countenance such flagrant, and violent breaches of the existing Treaties, which subsist between them and the United States . I therefore request that you will have, or cause to be had, an immediate enquiry and investigation, and discover if possible, who have been the perpetrators of such bloody and Inhuman murders; and if committed by any of the people belonging to the Creek nation , that you cause them to be instantly punished agreably to the existing Treaties and laws of the United States , made and provided for in such Cases; otherwise, to deliver them to the proper Authority in order they may be dealt with conformably to the Treaties and laws Aforesaid --

It is a fact, that parties of the Creek Indians have crossed the Tennessee frequently in the course of the last Spring and summer, and as frequently (exclusively of the murders alluded to) wantonly robed and plundered a number of peaceable and helpless families -- Such enormities will not always be submitted to, and in order to support peace and harmony, the Executive of Tennessee , most earnestly request that the Cheifs, will immeadiately repress and put an end to such Violent outrages, and cause such lawless Banditties, to remain within their own bounds -- The Executive is penetrated with a due friendship to the Creek nation ; he might enlarge further on such a state of things, and circumstances so important, and so unexpected. but it would be as afflicting to him to state the facts, as it would be for you to hear them --

I have the honor to be Sir, with due consideration & respect Your Mo. Ob. Hbl Servt.
John Sevier

NOTE: Information obtained from the University System of Georgia Library

Transcribed by Kim Gordon

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