Warfare in North America, c. 1756-1815 | British Perspectives
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Title:
PRO 30/55/052/046 - Autograph Letter from John Graham to Sir Guy Carleton
Date:
1782
Language:
English
Date from:
1782-10-20
Date to:
1782-10-20
Section:
2 : PRO 30/55 - British Army Headquarters Papers
TNA Shelfmark:
PRO 30/55/052/046
Full Description:
John Graham, Superintendent of Indian Affairs to Carleton. St Augustine. Since his letter of 20 July the Choctaws who served with the Savannah garrison have been sent home, and although they have concerns about future supplies he believes they will remain loyal. The Chicksaws have obstructed navigation of the Spaniards up the Missisippi, taken several batteaux with military stores and 100 prisoners including the commandant's lady of the Illinois [tribe]. She was immediately released and sent to demand the liberation of the inhabitants of Natchez in exchange for those taken in the vessels. In order to divert their thoughts from other pursuits, he has encouraged the Indians in his district to plant and hunt but it maybe necessary to allow them to go out occasionally to obstruct navigation of the Missisippi. In such case he has ordered that white leaders accompany them who are acquainted with their language and customs so as to prevent acts of barbarity and to ensure that any prisoners are treated humanely. Sends information on the state of the Spanish forces in Louisiana &c. Is indebted for this information to Mr Robert Ross a merchant and planter who lived in the country for many years, and has also lately been at the Havana and is able to give the most authentic intelligence. Indian presents received but in a most ruinous and bad condition but they have enabled him to send supplies to the Chicksaw and Choctaw nations who were in the utmost want. Although the goods were for his department he sent half to Colonel Brown who was also in want of stores. Promises to use use all possible economy but considers it essential to the safety of East Florida and its inhabitants by ensuring that the Indians to the south are given no reason to have recourse to the Spaniards.
TNA Link:
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C16372466
Format:
Handwritten
DOI:
10.1163/37612_WNA_PRO_PRO_30_55_52_46