Today in Chickamauga History - October 9
1792, October 9: Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox - I have the mortification to submit you, the copy of a Letter this day received by express from Governor Blount—The enclosures he mentions are too lengthy to be copied this day, but are such as to leave no doubt of the authenticity of the information.1
1. William Blount’s letter to Knox of 11 Sept. from Knoxville, Tenn., enclosed copies of letters from “the little Turkey the chief of the Cherokees, The Boot who was his immediate Representative at the treaty of Holston and the two Interpreters of the United States James Carey and John Thompson by which you will be informed that the five lower towns of the Cherokees have declared War against the United States, you will observe James Carey estimates the numbers who were to leave the towns on the 7th instant to make an attack on the settlements of three hundred.” The letters were delivered to Blount by James Ore who reported “that the party was estimated at five hundred of whom one hundred were Creeks the whole commanded by John Watts and from the best information he could collect it appears their destination is against Cumberland or the Frontiers of Knox County.”
“This declaration of War was very unexpected, and has given great alarm to the Frontiers.”
For the president’s message concerning Indian hostilities in the Southwest Territory, see GW’s Address to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 6 Nov. 1792. The “Information received relatively to the disposition of the Southern Indians, and the causes of the hostilities of part of the Cherokees and Creeks” that Knox presented to the House on 7 Nov. included copies of Blount’s letter of 11 Sept. and its enclosures (see Annals of Congress, 2d Cong., 2d sess., 673; DNA: RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–93, Senate Records of Legislative Proceedings, Reports and Communications).
3. Knox replied to Blount on 9 Oct.: “It is with infinite regret I have perused your letter of the 11th Ultimo which I have this day received containing information of the declaration of War by the five lower Cherokee Towns against the United States.
“From the train of the negociations with the Cherokees the causes of such a conduct on their parts is involved in obscurity—and the affair is still rendered more perplexed by their being headed by John Watts, from whom you have heretofore expected such assistance.
“I beg leave to request as early as possible a statement of the alledged and actual causes of their violent conduct in order that it may be explained to Congress.
“Were it possible to make them the instruments to punish the revolted towns it would seem to be just as well as good policy.
In his letter to Virginia governor Henry Lee of 9 Oct., Knox summarized the information contained in Blount’s letter of 11 Sept., including the declaration of war made by “the five lower Towns on the Tennesee, headed by John Watts,” and the defensive measures taken by Blount. - https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-11-02-0112
1792, October 9: The Secretary of War to the Governor of Virginia – I have this day received a letter by express from Governor Blount, dated at Knoxville, the 11th ultimo. He states, that the five Lower towns on the Tennessee, headed by John Watts, have formally declared war against the United States, and that the warriors had set out upon some expedition against the frontiers, probably against the Cumberland settlements. The numbers of the warriors who had set out, are stated variously from three to six hundred, including one hundred banditti Creeks.
Altl1ough the details transmitted do not admit of the least doubt of the authentjcity of the information as to the disposition of the five Lower towns, yet, as the express has been so long on the road, and no further information having been received, some hopes may be entertained that there has not been any sudden or successful stroke on the part of the Indians. -
ASP - 261
1792, October 9: Cherokee Declaration of War - Received letter from Blount which contained proclamation of war on U.S. by the five lower Cherokee towns which is perplexing along with failed negotiations, violence, and leadership of the nations by J. Watts. Advised calling up militia and confining operations to defensive measures until Congress convenes. - http://wardepartmentpapers.org/s/home/item/43660
1792, October 9: Support of Militia Against Cherokee War - Received notification of declaration of war against U.S. by Cherokee Nation. Know consulted with the Sec. of Treasury and Sec. of State who unanimously agree that Gov. Blount should be afforded the "most ample powers" to draw for the militia for defensive protection of state. Noted all offensive measures will be reserved for Congressional approval. - https://wardepartmentpapers.org/s/home/item/43663
1792, October 9: Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox – 2. For the president’s message concerning Indian hostilities in the Southwest Territory, see GW’s Address to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 6 Nov. 1792. The “Information received relatively to the disposition of the Southern Indians, and the causes of the hostilities of part of the Cherokees and Creeks” that Knox presented to the House on 7 Nov. included copies of Blount’s letter of 11 Sept. and its enclosures (see Annals of Congress, 2d Cong., 2d sess., 673; DNA: RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–93, Senate Records of Legislative Proceedings, Reports and Communications).
3. Knox replied to Blount on 9 Oct.: “It is with infinite regret I have perused your letter of the 11th Ultimo which I have this day received containing information of the declaration of War by the five lower Cherokee Towns against the United States.
“From the train of the negociations with the Cherokees the causes of such a conduct on their parts is involved in obscurity—and the affair is still rendered more perplexed by their being headed by John Watts, from whom you have heretofore expected such assistance.
“I beg leave to request as early as possible a statement of the alledged and actual causes of their violent conduct in order that it may be explained to Congress.
“The Congress which possess the powers of declaring War will assemble on the 5th of next Month—Until their judgments shall be made known it seems essential to confine all your operations to defensive measures—This is ⟨intended⟩ to restrain any expedition against the Indian Towns—but all incursive parties against your frontiers are to be punished with the greatest severity.
“It will be of an high degree of importance on your part to confirm all the well disposed part of the Cherokee nation, and to quiet their apprehensions against our attacks.
“Were it possible to make them the instruments to punish the revolted towns it would seem to be just as well as good policy.
In his letter to Virginia governor Henry Lee of 9 Oct., Knox summarized the information contained in Blount’s letter of 11 Sept., including the declaration of war made by “the five lower Towns on the Tennesee, headed by John Watts,” and the defensive measures taken by Blount. Knox explained that since Congress will be meeting soon and since only its members “are invested with the powers of War,” it was necessary to wait for its decisions before the federal government can take offensive measures. “In the mean time,” Knox wrote, “your Excellency will be the Judge whether any further measures should be necessary for the defense of the South western parts of Virginia at the expence of the Union, of the nature and in addition to those before taken” (DLC:GW). - https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-11-02-0112