Gunn, James, 1753-1801 to Henry Knox

Says he returned from a tour of St. Mary's on 24 May. Describes the situation in Georgia after Alexander McGillivray's death. Says James Seagrove, the U.S. Indian agent amongst the Creeks, has done all he can to prevent war. Reports that Panton's party prevailed amongst the Creeks after McGillivray's death and determined on war. Panton's Indians attacked a group of Indians friendly to the U.S. who were on their way to attack the Chickasaws. Panton stopped them and convinced them to turn back and attack the U.S. Says complaints against the agent (as mentioned in a previous letter to Knox) stem from the fact that his brother is a trader and he meddles in county politics. Encloses a communication (not included) from "the nation & Barnard" which states that 600 Indians will be on the Georgia frontier as soon as the waters recede enough for them to cross the rivers. Reports on the state of chaos in the militia and denounces the federal commander. Tells him to adopt the strategy of the late Nathanael Greene after Guilford. Reports, "If you trifle with the Creeks they will become formidable, your Agent will inform you of the divided situation they are in at present, and of the dishonorable interference of the spaniards." States that the militia are called to the field for only twenty days, "which occasions a prodigious waste of Ammunition." Relates that the arms sent are not sufficient, they need more troops to keep the low country from being overrun, and they greatly need cavalry swords.