how do you know that the son of the prisoner had that letter in his possession ?

Answer. I saw him with it, which he dropped, and a boy called John picked it up and gave it

to me.

Question. You stated that the Indians and negroes doubted the fidelity of the prisoner in sending letters to the Prince Regent; do you think that the prisoner would have been punished by them had he not complied with their wishes? Answer. I do not know.

Question. Do you believe that the prisoner was compelled to write the Indian communications? Answer. He was not compelled.

WILLIAM HAMBLY, a witness on the part of the prosecution, being duly sworn, and commencing a statement of what he heard the chiefs say, and the prisoner objecting to hearsay evidence of that kind, the court was cleared, in order to take the question; when it was decided that the prisoner's objection was not valid. The witness was, therefore, recalled, and stated that, fifteen or twenty days after the prisoner's arrival at Ochlochnee, the Seminole Indians began to steal horses from the United States settlements, and commit murders on the Satilla river, which, he was informed by them, was at the instigation of the prisoner.

The chiefs of the little villages in the witness's neighborhood then desired him to write a few lines to the prisoner, stating those reports, and that he did not know that those Indians he was exciting had long been outlawed, and cautioned him against such proceedings, or he might be involved in their ruin. This the witness did, when the prisoner wrote him a long and insulting letter, (which was lost.) upbraiding the witness for calling those Indians outlaws, and accusing him of exciting the Indians to cruel war. The witness was told by all the chiefs and Indians who had seen the prisoner that he advised them to go to war with the United States if they did not surrender the lands which had been taken from them, and that the British Government would support them in it.

The Indians who took the witness and a Mr. Doyle prisoners, which happened on the thirteenth day of December last, told them it was by the prisoner's order; and on their arrival at Mickasuky, (as prisoners,) Kenhagee, and all his chiefs, told them it was by prisoner's orders they were taken and robbed. On their arrival at Suwanee, they were told by the Indian and negro chiefs, who sat in council over them, that the prisoner had advised that he should be given up to five or six Choctaw Indians, who were saved from the negro fort, who would revenge themselves for the loss of their friends at that place. On their return from Suwanee, the chief Kenhagee told them that he had got the prisoner to write several letters for him; one to the Governor of Providence, one to the British Minister at Washington, one to the Secretary of State in London, and one to the American agent for Indian affairs, protesting against the proceedings of the commanding officer at Fort Scott.

While the witness was at Suwanee, the Indian chief told him that the prisoner had arrived at that place with ten kegs of powder on board of his vessel; and, while in Fort St. Mark's, sometime in March, Hillis Hadjo, or Francis, brought an order from the prisoner to the commandant for two kegs of powder, with other articles, which were in his possession.

Question by the court. Were any murders or depredations committed on the white settlements by the Indians previous to the prisoner's arrival at Ochlochnee?

Answer. None, except one murder near Fort Gaines, which was before or about the time of the prisoner's arrival.

Question. How long have you resided among the Indians? State to the court whether you are acquainted with the Indian language, and how long since you learned it?

Answer. I have resided among them fourteen years, and have understood their language twelve years.

Question. Do you believe the Seminoles would have commenced the business of murder and depredation on the white settlements had it not been at the instigation of the prisoner, and a promise, on his part, of British protection ?

Answer. I do not believe they would without being assured of British protection.

Question. What was the light in which the prisoner was viewed by the hostile Seminoles; was it that of an authorized agent of the British Government ?

Answer. The different chiefs always represented him to me as such.

The witness recognised the letter marked G, and signed A. Arbuthnot, as being a copy of the one alluded to in his testimony as lost.

Question by the president. Are you acquainted with the prisoner's hand writing?

Answer. I have seen it, but cannot say I am acquainted with it.

Question. Is that which you have just seen, and say is the copy of the one you lost, the prisoner's handwriting?

Answer. It looks to be his handwriting, but I cannot say positively.

Question. Was the prisoner considered as the agent of the Seminoles at the time those murders were committed?

Answer. I had not seen the prisoner at that time; the Indian chiefs told me that the prisoner had reported himself to them as an English agent. Question. Where did you understand the prisoner to be when you were taken prisoner ?

Answer. The Indians told us that he had gone over to Providence, but was expected back by the time we should arrive at Suwanee.

Question. Did you not request Kenhagee to prevail upon the prisoner to give you a passage in his schooner to Providence?

Answer. Yes; but was told that the prisoner refused it, stating that, if we were forced upon him, he would blindfold us, and make us walk overboard.

Question. What were the reasons given by

another General, were at Prospect Bluff, where they are rebuilding the burnt fort; that one thou sand Indians, of different nations, were at Spanish Bluff, building another fort under the direction of American officers; that, so soon as these forts were built, they intended to march-they have commenced. Yesterday morning advice was received that they had appeared near and taken two of the sons of McQueen and an Indian. Late in the afternoon three schooners

their nation to your excellency, that you may be pleased to forward the same for the information of His Majesty's Government, to whom alone they look up for protection against the aggressions and encroachments of the Americans, I beg leave to subunit to your excellency the enclosed representations, humbly praying that your excellency will be pleased to take an early opportunity of forwarding the same to Great Britain.

I am also instructed by Boleck, chief of Su

this morning the American flag is seen flying on the largest.

I am blockaded here; no Indians will come with me; and I am now suffering from the fatigue of coming here alone.

never having had any share of the presents distributed at Prospect Bluff, though he rendered equally eesential services as any of the other chiefs to the British cause while at war with America, and was at New Orleans with a part of his warriors. His frontiers being more exposed to the predatory incursions of the back Georgians, who enter his territory and drive off his cattle, he is obliged to have large parties out to watch their motions, and prevent their plunderprays your excellency will grant his small demand. Humbly submitting the same, I have the honor to remain your excellency's most humble servant, A. Α.

deavor to get all the goods over the river in a place of security, as also the skins of all sorts; the corn must be left to its fate. So soon as the Suwanee is destroyed, I expect the Americans will be satisfied, and retire; this is only my opinion; but I think it is conformable to the demand made by General Gaines of Kenhagee sonie months since. In fact, do all you can to save all you can; save the books particularly. It is probable the commandant will receive some communication from the vessels to-day, when he will know more certainly what are their motives in coming off the fort. I think it is only to shut up the passage to the Indians. Twenty canoes went down the river yesterday, and were forced to return. The road between this and Mickasuky is said to be stopped. Hillis Hadjo and Homathlemico were here late last night to hear what vessels; they will remove all their cattle and effects across St. Mark's river this morning, and perhaps wait near thereto for the event.

I have been as brief as I can, to give you the substance of what appear facts that cannot be doubted; to enter into details in the present moment is useless. If the schooner is returned, get all the goods on board of her, and let her start off for Mannatee creek, in the bottom of Cedar Key bay; you will then only have the skins to hide away. But no delay must take place, as the vessels will, no doubt, follow the land army, and perhaps even now some are gone round. I pray your strictest test attention, for the more that is saved will be eventually more to your interest. Let the bearer have as much calico as will make him two shirts, for his trouble; he has promised to deliver this in three, but I give him four days. I am yours, affectionately,

B.

A. ARBUTHNOT.

From A. Arbuthnot to Charles Cameron, Governor of Bahamas. SIR: Being empowered by the chiefs of the

The humble representations of the chiefs of the Creek nation to His Excellency Governor Cameron. First, we beg leave to represent that Edmund Doyle and William Hambly, late clerks at Prospect Bluff to Messrs. Forbes, and who still reside on the Appalachicola river, we consider as the principal cause of our present troubles and uneasiness. Hambly was the instrumental cause of the fort at Prospect Bluff being destroyed by the Americans, by which we lost the supplies intended for our future wants. Since then both these men have kept emissaries among us, tending to harass and disturb our repose, and that of our brethren of the Middle and Upper nations; they spread among us reports that the Cowetas, aided by the Americans, are descending to drive us off our land; they equally propagate false.

C.

From A. Arbuthnot to Benjamin Moodie, Esq., enclosing letters to Charles Bagot, Esq., British Minister at Washington.

SUWANEE, IN THE CREEK NATION,
January 27, 1818.

SIR: The enclosed containing matter of serious moment, and demanding the immediate attention of his excellency the British Ambassador, I trust he will, for this time, forgive the trifling expense of postage, which I have endeavored to prevent as much as possible by comprising much matter in one sheet of paper. Should you, sir, be put to any trouble or expense by this trouble I give you, on being made acquainted with the same, I will instruct Bain, Dunshee, & Co., to order payment of the same.

I have the honor to be, &c.,

A. ARBUTHNΟΤ.

From A. Arbuthnot to the Hon. Charles Bagot. SIR: It is with pain I again obtrude myself upon your excellency's notice; but the pressing solicitations of the chiefs of the Creek nation, and the deplorable situation in which they are placed by the wanton aggressions of the Americans, I trust your excellency will take as a sutficient apology for the present intrusion.

In August last, the head chief of the Seminole Indians received a letter from General Gaines, of which I have taken the liberty of annexing your excellency the contents, as delivered me by the chief's head English interpreter, with Kenhagee's reply thereto.

This letter appears to have been intended to sound the disposition of the chief, and ascertain the force necessary to overrun the nation, for from then until an actual attack was made on

Fowl Town, the same General, with General Jackson, seems to have been collecting troops and settlers in various quarters.

If your excellency desires to have further information respecting the situation of this country and its inhabitants, I can, from time to time, inform your excellency of such facts and circumstances as are stated to me by chiefs of known veracity, or which may come under my own observation; and your excellency's orders addressed to me at New Providence will either

find me there, or be forwarded me to this country. With great respect, I have the honor to be, &c.,

Α. Α.

[The following memoranda were on the back of the foregoing letter.]

Kenhagee, 1,000; Boleck, 1,500; Oso Hatcho, Choctawhatchy, 500; Himashy Mico, Chatahoochee, 500;-at present with Hillis Hadjo. At present under arms, 1,000 and more, and attacking those Americans who have made inroads into their territory.

A quantity of gunpowder, lead, muskets, and flints, sufficient to arm one thousand to two thousand men.

Muskets, 1,000, more smaller pieces, if possible; 10,000 flints, a proportion for rifle put up separate; 50 casks gunpowder, a proportion for rifle; 2,000 knives, six to 200 nine-inch blades, good quality; 1,000 tomahawks; 1000 pounds vermillion; 2,000 pounds lead, independent of ball for muskets.

(No. 1.)

KENHAGEE, BOLECK.

From General Gaines to the Seminole Chiefs.

ished and passed, if you will come about any of my people, you will see your friends; and if you see me, you will see your friend. But there is something out in the sea, a bird with a forked tongue; whip him back before he lands, for he will be the ruin of you yet; perhaps you do not know who or what I mean-I mean the name of Englishmen.

I tell you this, that if you do not give me up the murderers who have murdered my people, I say I have got good strong warriors with scalping knives and tomahawks. You harbor a great many of my black people among you at Suwanee. If you give me leave to go by you against them, I shall not hurt anything belonging to you.

GENERAL GAINES.

(No. 2.)

From Kenhagee to General Gaines, in answer to the foregoing.

You charge me with killing your people, stealing your cattle, and burning your houses. It is I that have cause to complain of the Americans. While one American has been justly killed while in the act of stealing cattle, more than four Indians have been murdered while hunting by those lawless freebooters. I harbor no negroes. When the Englishmen were at war with America, some took shelter among them; and it is for you white

people to settle those things among yourselves, and not to trouble us with what we know nothing about. I shall use force to stop any armed Americans from passing my towns or on my lands. KENHAGEE.

To General GAINES.

D.

"Note of Indian talks."

In August, Cap had a letter from General Gaines, in substance as annexed, No. 1, and returned the answer as by No. 2. Nothing further was said on either side. The end of October, a party of Americans from a fort on Flint river surrounded Fowl Town during the night, and began burning it; the Indians then in it fled to the swamp, and in their flight had three persons killed by fire from the Americans; they rallied their people, and forced the Americans to retire some distance, but not before they had two more persons killed. The Americans built a blockhouse or fort where they had fallen back to, and immediately sent to the forts up the country for assistance, stating the Indians were the aggressors. One of those letters falling into the hands of General Mitchell, he made inquiry, and found his people were the aggressors, and also settled with Inhimathlo for the loss his people had suffered; at the same time sending a talk to Kenhagee, by a headman, Opony, that he would put things in such a train as to prevent further encroachments, and get those Americans to leave the forts. But no sooner was this good talk given, and before the bearer of it returned home, than hundreds of Americans came pouring down