USA > Georgia > Wilkinson County > History of Wilkinson County > Part 10
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We have considered it so, that Philips and his friends must be put down, not on the land we have sold, but outside; it is a plan that we have got, that he and his friends may guard that quarter; he has been a great friend to our nation, and in consideration thereof, we have done this. Another thing I mention to you in this light, is, that there are people traveling with families, with negroes, and property of value; and I caution you, that my young men, when they
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see this, are tempted to injure them, and I am not able to prevent it; if so many go through as they do, scattering through all parts of the country, I am appraised that bad consequences will follow from it; let a path be found for them down the Tennessee. It is known that there is a path for people towards Natchez; all who go with families, should be directed to that path, to prevent a breach of the peace, and to preserve it. There is one way for travelers I have mentioned; there is another, round our country, by water, which is safe. I speak in this light; I do not love my land from people who are coming after cattle, horses, or hogs, or to trade with us, or single persons coming with papers on business; I confine my- self to families, and the crowds with their property; these I object to. I now take upon myself to speak to the Quakers; I have found that the tools they have sent us, as a token of their friendship, have been useful to us, and we are better able to judge now, than when we first received them, as we have tried them, and found them use- ful to us; and we hope they will send some more of them to us; they know what is useful, and we will be grateful for them. Micco Thl- ucco, of Cussetah, says he has tried them, and found them useful; his plough is worn out, and he is much in need of another; he un- derstood that, after experiment, if they were really found to be good, they might expect more; he has tried them, found them to be good, reports it as such, and asks for more.
We considered to have Mr. Hill near us, for our accommodation, to attend our talks; and we know he must have cattle for his own use, and that of Colonel Hawkins, when he comes our way, or while he directs our talks. It has been judged proper to have him near the Tussekiah Micco, who can co-operate with him, in suppressing disorders. I hope you will consider the blacksmith is not to leave Mr. Hill, but to be put near him. One blacksmith is not sufficient; we want another for the Lower towns, and Tuskenehau Chapco, of Coweta, is pointed out to place and to protect him.
Hopoie Micco wants another smith fixed in the fork of Alabama. I consider I have one, and therefore, I do not speak for myself; I hope he will remain where he is.
Coweta Tuskenehau Chapco requests that a woman weaver may be placed with the smith, to teach their young women to weave, as they have already spun a good deal of cotton.
Tussekiah Micco requests that a woman may be placed with Mr. Hill and the smith, to weave for his village; they are desirous of in- struction, and there are many women in his village.
As for cropping, it was advised to pay attention to, and make it the fashion, to plant; as yet, we have a little hunting; it was what
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we have been brought up to; it is an old custom, we cannot lay it aside, and we must attend to that, too. Whenever our young people find a skin, if it be but one, we wish a place where we may carry it, and get something for it. The hunters they have liberty to work or hunt. We do not throw away cropping, stock, or weaving; we will attend to them all, and will attend, also to hunting; if we get a lit- tle by the latter, it will be something to add to our chance in the for- mer; if it be but little, it is something. The first day the Indian found a white man, they found a friend; and, although they had no interpreters, they found a way to trade, and to be useful to each other and we wish to preserve trade. There is another thing, the Cherokees have found a good price for raccoons, foxes, and wild cats; for large ones, they have a chalk (quarter of a dollar) and when they are small, they put two on each other. We find it not so among us, and we wish one price for these things could be found at the factories. Another thing they mention, is, what I have seen my- self, since I came here: the goods have risen in price; can it be that they are small things growing out of the ground, and as such, we purchased them when we came, and they have now grown larger, and a price accordingly appear on the same thing?
I am now going to speak on another subject: the treaty at Cole- raine, some articles of which are not fulfilled. I am now going to make an effort to progress; I have not the power to lift up an arm against our neighboring towns; we consider that, after this treaty, when we go home, we shall try to put in force our warriors; there are a good many towns here present who speak upon it; there is no other way to fulfill the promise of the old treaty. There are but two keys : the United States have one, and a store, and Spain has the other now in Pensacola; these two keys must lock the doors, and be put in the pocket. I do not say how many months, or how many years, it can be done, and then for the door to be opened. It is to be left to me to order the door to be opened, as soon as we have done our business, by carrying the treaty into effect. If a white man, as factor or trader, should take any goods from the United States or Spain, to the nation, there must be a rule by which they are to be punished; and the regulation must be in force, till the nation gives satisfaction, in the cases complained of. We blame not the white people, we blame ourselves; and this is to remain a law, until the nation complies with her treaty stipulations. When we have done this, the doors must be opened, and let trade take its course. This is a law we have now made, and it must be sent to the Cherokees, Chickasaws, and Choctaws, that they may know it. And it is our law that these nations shall not supply any goods to a Creek. Now,
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Cherokees, our brothers, some of our people are running to you for trade; you must put a stop to it, as well as the United States and Spain ; the same we address to the Chickasaws and Choctaws.
There is this proviso in our law : people in debt may go pay their debts, and if they have a balance due them, let them take money or due bills, and keep them till a regular trade is restored. This law is passed by our own chiefs; if injury is done any one, we are to feel the misery of it ourselves, from a want of trade. I think my talks have been extended as far as in my power, to preserve peace. I hope that you, Colonel Hawkins, will first put it in force, sending it to the agents of the other three nations, and assist us in carrying it into effect, and see to the execution of it, till our object is effected. As this is the finishing of the talk, I have to regret that our wo- men, with the hoes, are behind us; that they and their children are likely to have poverty and hunger for their lot. I consider all this, and it is my care; it presses heavily on my mind. I think I have done all in my power to save my land. I want, in three days, at farthest, to try to set out, that we may not entirely lose our crops, and all suffer with hunger. This is the end of my talk, and I hope it will be for the benefit of all, when we are dead and gone.
CHAPTER XVIII
DISSATISFACTION IN GEORGIA
T THE narrow strip of land along the Oconee acquired under this treaty was a most bitter disappointment to the Georgians who were expecting to obtain all the lands to the Ocmulgee. The most scorching criticism was heaped upon the three Commissioners for obtaining such a small cession. The Grand Jury of Wilkes County passed a reso- lution condemning it.
So bitter became the denunciation by the Georgians that even General Wilkinson was made to feel the weight of it. After completing all the details of the treaty he went to Augusta, and although as the commander of all the Fed- eral troops in the South yet he was accorded a most cool reception. True to his character General Wilkinson was found passing the buck to the other two commissioners and blaming them for the failure to obtain the lands to the Ocmulgee.
UNREST AMONG THE CREEKS
Likewise in the Creek nation as the news of the cession was received, the storm of indignation burst in all its fury. It was an opportunity not to be neglected by Bowles to fan the flames of passion and prejudice of the Indians.
Following the treaty of Fort Wilkinson the venerable Efau Haujo had abdicated as Chief Speaker of the Creek nation and Hopoi Micco had been chosen in his stead. Now he found his hands full in controlling the discordant elements of his dominions.
Hawkins realized that a serious crisis was facing the Creek nation and that the most drastic action was neces- sary to save it from all the horrors of a civil war as well as the frontiers of Georgia from the massacres which had
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prevailed only a few years previous. Bowles being the evil genius spurring on the refractory elements of the Creeks it was absolutely necessary that he be removed. In this he was aided by the Spaniards in Florida who had suffered so severely at Bowles' hands. Already the Governor of Florida had offered a reward of $4,500.00 for Bowles' capture, but the Indians had never seen fit to deliver him and claim the reward. Hawkins determined upon his cap- ture and delivery to the Spaniards. Collecting some of the Creek warriors in May, 1803, he succeeded by stratagem in capturing Bowles and turned him over to the Spaniards who sent him to Moro Castle.
Although the Creek nation was thus rid of the main leader of those in opposition to the treaty, yet this element was exceedingly strong and the loss of their leader did not end the troubles. On the contrary it only the more enraged many of Bowles adherents at the manner in which Bowles had been taken.
THE OOSEOOCHEE CONVENTION
In May, 1803, Hawkins, Wilkinson and General Rob- ert Anderson were appointed Commissioners to bring about a new treaty with the Indians and purchase the lands to the Ocmulgee.
A meeting of the Creeks was called in August of that year and was held at Ooseoochee, a town of the Lower Creeks especially friendly to Bowles. Hawkins and An- derson were the only Commissioners present, Wilkinson not arriving.
From its very beginning it was evident that the meeting was doomed to end in failure. Though Bowles was a pris- oner in the hands of the Spaniards he had left able lieu- tenants to carry on his work, who felt outraged at the capture of their leader. By holding secret meetings be- forehand these friends of Bowles had a perfect organiza- tion, and had their plan of campaign completely mapped
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out. All the towns on the Flint River besides the Semi- noles had joined them. They now had the meeting in one of their own towns, thus having the advantage in their favor from this standpoint, and they took the precaution to pack the convention by having all the friends of Bowles on hand. The Chief Speaker of the nation, Hopoie Micco and the other chiefs favorable to the treaty of Fort Wil- kinson had been kept in the dark concerning the plans of the opposition and their towns were not so well repre- sented. Although the Chief Speaker of the whole Creek nation was present, the rebellious element elected a speaker to represent them, and to the utter astonishment of the other Indians, from the very beginning steam-rollered the convention. They refused to ratify the treaty of Fort Wilkinson, and when the money due the various towns under the treaty was offered them, refused to accept it, at the same time serving notice that they would prevent the marking of the Indian Boundary lines. The most bit- ter denunciations were heaped upon all who had taken part in the treaty, even President Jefferson was charged with cunning and duplicity, and the Commissioners in- sulted.
Bowles had convinced his adherents that war between England and France would soon draw the United States into it, and that the British would return, bringing with them the rich gifts with which they had in former years been accustomed to supply their red allies. Some one had spread the rumor among them that one of the motives of the meeting was to invite the aid of the Creeks as allies on the side of the Americans.
However, after two days, Hopoie Micco, Chief Speak- er, and the other chieftains of the Upper Creeks, having recovered from their discomfiture at the tactics of the opposition, set to work and began to assert their authority in the convention. The debates now grew in warmth as the Indians argued pro and con the situation confronting
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the Creek nation, and this was, perhaps, one of the most hotly contested councils in the history of the Creeks. The Chief Speaker of the nation and the chiefs of the Upper Creeks agreed to accept the payments due under the treaty, but the opposition persistently refused to accept theirs and it was returned to the Commissioners. The supporters of Hopoie Micco having accepted their portion, now served notice on the others that the line should be marked and that the Upper Creeks would attend the markings and see that it was done. (Letter of General Anderson, Augusta Chron- icle, Sept. 24, 1803 ; Letters of B. Hawkins, p. 438.)
CHAPTER XIX
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW LANDS
TN the meantime necessary delays prevented the Geor- gia Legislature from acting in regard to the settling of the newly acquired lands. The Treaty had to be approved by President Jefferson before it could become valid. An- other was that it would be dangerous for the surveys to be made before the Indian Boundary Line should be marked. Thus it was in May, 1803, before the Legislature could pass an act authorizing the surveys of the lands, but on the IIth of that month the bill became a law, providing for a line to be run from Fort Wilkinson southwest to the Indian Boundary line, and all the territory below that line and east of the Indian Boundary Line to be called Wilkinson County.
The act further provided for the laying off of five land districts and numbering them from one to five. The lands lying in these districts to be surveyed into lots of two hundred, two and one-half acres each.
Meanwhile the war-clouds continued to gather in the Indian nation as the attempts were being made to sur- vey and mark out the Indian Boundary Line. Threats to burn Hawkins' establishment on the Flint river and to kill him were being openly made by the Indians. Chiefs friendly to the whites were threatened with the war stick.
The hostility of the Bowles faction of the Indians hold- ing up the marking of the boundary line thus delayed the work of the surveyors for still another year, in the face of the impatient clamors of the people of Georgia.
Finally in 1804, the duty of marking out the Indian Boundary line was consigned to the fiery David Adams of Hancock County. It is extremely probable that in se- lecting him to perform this dangerous job in the face of
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the Indian threats, the Georgia authorities took pains to choose a man whose past reputation would tend to dis- courage any molestation by the Indians to the running of the line. Suffice to say, he experienced no trouble.
The act of 1803 also provided for the distribution of the lands by lottery. The narrow strip of land acquired was insufficient for the great masses of people who were desirous of moving into the new country, and it was pro- vided that after the surveys should be made, tickets should be provided, some having a lot number on them which lot should be the prize, others to be blank. Each free male white person, twenty-one years old and upwards, should have one draw: those having a wife or children, or a widow with orphan children should have two draws.
THE RUSH OF SETTLERS
With the treaty of Fort Wilkinson there came an in- flow of squatters, even before the lands were surveyed, and so great was the number that the Legislature took cognizance of the fact and passed laws prohibiting settlers from coming over until the drawing of lots took place. However, it seems that very few if any were ever prose- cuted for this infraction. Immediately after the lottery of 1804, the real rush began, many pouring across the Indian Boundary Line into the Indian lands. Lucky drawers first had to locate their claims and we can picture them seeking out their lands. In all probability those who moved over first came on horse back with insufficient provisions for the trip but with the long-barreled flintlock rifle to kill such game as would be needed to supply his wants, and to pro- tect himself from outlaws. It was not necessary to bring food for his horse as the illimitable fields of wild oats sup- plied this necessity and all the pioneer had to do was to hobble his horse whenever he stopped for dinner or for the night.
Upon reaching his lands, the pioneer's first object
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was to find the most desirable spot for the building of his cabin. This was selected with several things in view. First and foremost the finest spring of water on the land usual- ly determined the location of the new home. This, of course, was to a certain extent qualified by the proximity to the trails, if any were near the particular lot. Here he built his one-room cabin.
The cabin being finished the fields had to be cleared. This was not as big a job as it is today when one clears land. The annual burning of the woods by the Indians for ages past had kept much of the smaller shrubbery destroyed and it was mainly the larger pines that had to be contended with. These large pines were not cut down except for fence, but merely "deadened" by cutting a ring around them and interfering with the flow of sap-pines that would today be worth fortunes. Later when these dead trees blew down the community log rollings came into use. With the clearing of the lands it became necessary to build fences to keep out the cows, wild and domestic hogs, deer, etc. Wire fencing was unknown and hence it became necessary to split rails. Easy-splitting yellow pines were then chosen and split into rails and the fences built. There are instances where such fences would last near half a century.
Occasionally, wealthy slave owners moved into the county and in such cases the building of homes was not such an undertaking. In all probability, however, many of the very first settlers were men of small property, some adventurers, speculators, many squatters, and those who preferred to live as far away from their old haunts as possible for reasons best known to themselves. As the county rapidly filled up with the law-abiding classes, the undesirable elements drifted further on to newer and cheaper lands.
Many lucky drawers of lots for one reason or another failed to settle on their lands immediately and later on
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when they got ready to settle found squatters living on and claiming the land. The law was very strict against these squatters and would force them to move when the real owner showed his titles.
A lucky drawer of a desirable lot found it possible to sell out at a handsome profit immediately after he had built his cabin and cleared a few acres. This was often the case, where the lot was in a good location and the land was fertile, for the eyes of the wealthy slave-owners were turn- ing to this section. Besides this, lands to the South and Southwest which had not yet been settled could be bought cheaply. Later on when other Indian lands were open to settlement there was a general exodus to these cheap lands.
The settler once located on his lot, making a bare liv- ing, was a comparatively easy job. The woods teemed with deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits and other game. For clothing, his flocks of sheep and his cotton patches fur- nished his wife with the necessary materials and the spin- ning wheel, the loom and the knitting needles were the machinery necessary to turn it into clothing. However, this purchased no luxuries, and in the early days after the settlement few were known. Coffee and sugar were prac- tically unknown. Doctors were few and far between. Home remedies were largely relied on and in many cases charms and conjure doctors were resorted to, for this was a day when the belief in witches was widespread. The education of the children was of necessity neglected for as yet there were no schools in Wilkinson.
ATTEMPTS TO PURCHASE MORE LANDS
The confusion in the Indian nation during these years which prevented the running of the boundary line, as well as the expected cession of the lands to the Ocmulgee caused great perturbation in Georgia. Nearly two years had passed since the treaty of Fort Wilkinson, and still the
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Georgians were held back from the surveying of the lands. After the failure of the Commissioners appointed to treat at Ooseoochee, the people of Georgia were so insistent that Benjamin Hawkins was appointed as sole Commis- sioner by President Jefferson to make another attempt in May, 1804, at the National Council of the Creeks held at Tuckabatchee. General David Meriwether, General John Clark and other prominent men had been appointed by the Georgians to represent the State at this council.
Upon their arrival at Tuckabatchee a welcome was ex- tended them by the Upper Creeks. Hopohiclthle Mico, however, had succeeded to the leadership of the opposition and now remained away, with a great part of the nation. There being an insufficient number of Indians present to execute a treaty, the chiefs present determined to hold a council at Coweta town where none but Indians should be present and where matters should be fully discussed by them. Hawkins was later informed that never had the Indians had such a stormy meeting. At this meeting both factions were organized and the fragments of their dis- cussion as given in "The Letters of Benjamin Hawkins," indicate the bitterness with which the debates were con- ducted. The question of a sale of the lands to the Ocmul- gee seems to have aroused the fury of the opposition. Hopoi Micco, Chief Speaker of the Nation, in his speech, declared the Ocmulgee should be made the line or he would die in the attempt. Tuskenehau Chapoco, one of the leaders of the opposition at once replied that if he made the Oc- mulgee the line, his life would be lost.
Unable to reach any agreement, Hopoi Micco notified them all to meet him at Tuckabatchee within ten days to give an answer to Hawkins. All efforts to execute a treaty failed at this time but the Indians promised Hawkins and Meriwether that a deputation of them would go to Presi- dent Jefferson in the fall and discuss a treaty with him.
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HAWKINS TREATY IN 1804
During the latter part of October of 1804, all the In- dian towns had elected representatives to go to the City of Washington to treat with President Jefferson. How- ever, due to the illness of Hopoi Micco and the death of some of the Indian delegates, it was necessary to postpone the journey to Washington. Hopoi Micco, although cov- ered with sores which made him unable to ride, walked all the way to the Creek Agency on the Flint to inform Haw- kins the reason why it was impossible for him to carry out his promise. The opposition chiefs also being present, as well as representatives from a large number of towns, Hawkins suggested that they enter into a discussion as to what would be accepted by the Indians for the lands east of the Ocmulgee. Hopoi Micco doubtful of its success con- sented to it as an experiment. Hawkins opened the discus- sion. No sooner had he done so than the leaders of the op- position began to talk against it and continued to oppose it for several days, with exceeding bitterness.
Hopoi Micco during all this time was keeping in the background but seems to have had a most excellent knowl- edge of Indian psychology. The opposing leaders having fully expressed their views and talked until they were tired, he opened his talk by suggesting that the United States pay each Indian town the sum of five hundred dol- lars annually and to pay the debts of the Indians amount- ing to near one hundred thousand dollars. This was far in excess of the amount Hawkins had been authorized by the Secretary of War to pay for the lands but it was a price that appealed to the cupidity of the chiefs of the opposi- tion. Negotiations tending towards a treaty at this price were at once entered into, all the chieftains taking part. Hawkins' final offer to them was two hundred thousand dollars, subject to the approval by the President. This
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offer was accepted by the Indians and the treaty was signed and forwarded to President Jefferson, who did not ratify it.
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