To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24 July 1794
From Henry Knox
War department July 24th 1794
Sir
I have the honor to submit for your information two letters from the frontiers of Georgia one from Lt Colonel Gaither and the other from Constant Freeman both confirmative of the design of the usurpation of the Indian lands.1 I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your obedient Servant
H. Knox
LS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.
1. The enclosed letters have not been identified. The alleged plot of lawless Georgians to usurp Indian lands was the subject of James Seagrove’s letter to Knox of 4 June, enclosed in Knox’s to GW of 9 July. After receiving that letter, GW consulted with the cabinet, who advised that a letter be written to the governor of Georgia (see Alexander Hamilton to GW, 13 July; Knox to GW, 14 July; Edmund Randolph to GW, 17 July; William Bradford to GW, c.14 July). Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., responded to Knox on this date: "By the President’s order B. Dandridge has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the letters from Constant Freeman & Colo. Gaither. The President observes that he has never seen the letter which was agreed to be written to Govr Matthews, & desires, if not already done, that the Secretary will prepare it immediately" (DLC:GW).