Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 [Memorandum on the visit of John Pope to Henry Knox]

This document describes the visit of "Mr. John Pope or Colonel Pope" who was from near Richmond, Virginia. Reports that Pope claimed to have gone down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers last spring in the employ of Patrick Henry and David Ross of the Virginia Yazoo Company. Pope claims to have met the governor of New Orleans (Miro Estevan) traveling up the Mississippi to the Walnut Bluffs to build a military base. He then went to Pensacola, and up the Alabama River, meeting Alexander McGillivray of the Creek Nation. He arrived at McGillivray's on 27 May, staying at his house 7 days, and staying with the Creek nation for a total of 7 weeks. Pope claims that McGillivray spoke affectionately of President Washington, calling him "his adopted Father." McGillivray showed Pope an epaulet, which was apparently a gift from Washington. Reports that Pope believes the letter published under McGillivray's name is a forgery written by a Michael Jones. As proof, Pope produced a passport that Jones forged. Pope believes that McGillivray will not oppose the Yazoo settlements. Note in pencil on page 1 says this was sent "to Carrington," a reference to Richmond native Edward Carrington, who later gave Knox an opinion on Pope (see GLC02437.05195).