Pendleton, Nathaniel (1756-1821) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04764 Author/Creator: Pendleton, Nathaniel (1756-1821) Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 November 1790 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.1 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy
Pendleton describes and discusses attempts by a consortium of settlers along the frontier to buy land along the same lines as was done by the Yazou [Yazoo] Companies. Writes, "These are the kind of People who are constantly endeavoring to provoke hostilities with the Indians, in hopes of profiting either by a War, or a treaty. They are endeavoring all in their Power to stir up an opposition to the late treaty with the Creeks, & I am informed, with what foundation in truth I can't say, that Mr. Henry and Mr. Ross of Virginia are in conjunction with them, and propose to be at the House of Assembly which meets this day, in order to stimulate the House to an opposition of the treaty." Relates, "The Treaty is very much disliked here, but very few know the particular reasons of their dislike." Pendleton says purchasing companies are lobbying hard against treaty in the Assembly but Pendleton thinks the Assembly will not go so far. Pendleton says he is off to Augusta the following day and will let Knox know of any news from there. He also wishes to keep this correspondence private.
My dear Sir,
I make no doubt you will have seen in the News paper the proceedings of a set of people in the back parts of this State; who have given themselves the denomination of the combined Society, whose declared object is to purchase from the State, I suppose on terms similar to those of the Yazou Companies, a Tract of Country lying between the Oconee & Oakmulge[e] Rivers. The Printer here I believe refused to print their articles of Association, & I saw them in a Charleston Paper. These are the kind of People who are constantly endeavoring to provoke hostilities with the Indians, in hopes of profiting, either [inserted: by] a War, or a treaty. They are endeavoring all in their power to stir up an opposition to the late treaty with the Creeks, & I am informed, with what foundation in truth I can't say, that Mr Henry and Mr Ross [2] Ross of Virginia are in conjunction with them, and propose to be' at the House of Assembly which meets this day, in order to stimulate the House to an opposition of the Treaty - That these people may be able to do mischeif I beleive, but I am persuaded they are [struck: not] [inserted: not able] to influence either the Bulk of the people, or the proceedings of the Legislature, Because I understand notwithstanding every Exertion they made at the last Election, neither the members of the Society, or of the Yazou Companies, or their friends have been Elected, but they have been Universally, and by design left out, by the People. This circumstance may, I beleive, be relied on as a fact. The Treaty is very much [strikeout] disliked here, but very few know the particular reason of their dislike. These purchasing Companies will use every artifice to get it condemned by the Legislature, but still I think, all the State will require, will be a [3] Compensation for their Expence in purchasing the Tallassee County, and perhaps a declaration to secure the right of pre-emption.
I shall set off for Augusta tomorrow, & on my return, will give you an account of matters there. The nature of this communication, will point out the propriety of keeping it from being too public, especially the source from whence it came.
I have the honor to be with respectfull compliments to M.rs Knox,
Your most Obed. Serv.t
Nathl Pendleton
PS Since writing the above I have got a news paper with [inserted: the] articles of the combined Society which I inclose. They are published by a Senator from one of the upper Counties, whose opinion has some weight in the Legislature. The Charleston [inserted: papers] had a number of Toasts drank by them, & an anonimous piece expressive of disapprobation of the Treaty - this last some attribute to M.r Henry.
[docket]
Judge Pendleton
Savannah 1 Nov
1790 -
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