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Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to William Rabun

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00782.11.02 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 30 June 1818 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Secretary of State Adams informs Governor of Georgia Rabun that President Monroe has directed that Captain Obediah Wright be prosecuted for the murder of Chehaw Indians. Discusses some details necessary to start the prosecution. The Chehaw were American allies during the first Seminole War. Docket indicates a reply was sent on 29 July 1818.

Notes: Published in State Papers. Military Affairs, 1: 777 ??? (with minor variations in punctuation).

His Excellency,
William Rabun,
Governor of the State of Georgia.
Department of State,
Washington 30. June 1818
Sir,
The President of the United States has directed that Captain Obed Wright should be prosecuted for the murder of friendly Indians before a special Commission, to be issued conformably to the 15th section of the act of Congress of 30. March 1802 - to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes and to preserve peace on the frontiers. Instructions to that effect will be immediately forwarded to the Attorney of the United States - But as from the expressions of the Law the Commission cannot issue until the accused shall have been legally apprehended by the Civil authority of the United States, I have to request [2] request your Excellency that Captain Wright may be released from his arrest by your Excellency's order, in such manner, that he may pass immediately into the Custody of the Marshal.
I have the honour to be, very respectfully,
Sir, your Most humble and Obedt. Servt.
John Quincy Adams
[docket]
Letter
Hon: J.Q. Adams
Secretary of State U.S.
dated 30th. June 1818.

Answer written
29th. July 1818 -

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Rabun, William, 1771-1819
Wright, Obediah, fl. 1818

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