Thomas Pinckney to James Monroe, 20 July 1814 (Abstract)
Thomas Pinckney to James Monroe, 20 July 1814 (Abstract)
§ Thomas Pinckney to James Monroe. 20 July 1814, “Head Quarters Sixth District Charleston.” “I have the honor of inclosing the Copy of a Letter received by the last mail from Colonel Hawkins.1 Although by the tenor of my instructions as Commissioner of the military Affairs of the United States in East Florida my agency is confined to that Province I have thought it right to forward this Information, which although it appears to rest altogether on Indian testimony has been so often repeated, that, it may deserve some Credit.”2
RC and enclosure (DNA: RG 59, ML). RC 1 p. Bears Monroe’s forwarding note: “The President—Genl Pinckney.” For enclosure, see n. 1.
1. According to the enclosed copy of U.S. agent to the Creek Indians Benjamin Hawkins’s 13 July 1814 letter to Pinckney (2 pp.), “a runner from the Store of John Forbes & Co.” had reported that the British were distributing arms and ammunition to Indians at Apalachicola, and that “the remains of the Hostile Indians” were going there but were “so exhausted with famine that many must perish on the way.”
2. Filed with the RC are extracts from Georgia militia Brig. Gen. John Floyd’s letters to Pinckney of 9, 11, and 14 Jan. 1814 from Fort Mitchell (4 pp.), conveying reports that many Indians in the area had been lured by British offers of arms, ammunition, and supplies, and recommending that the U.S. government provide “presents” to secure their loyalty; and a copy of Hawkins to Pinckney, 14 Jan. 1814 (3 pp.), advising for the same reasons that in addition to receiving food and clothing, the “friendly” warriors should be organized for U.S. service under a regular army officer.