Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Martin to Alexander Martin
Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808
January 25, 1784
Volume 17, Pages 11-12

-------------------- page 11 --------------------
COL. JOSEPH MARTIN TO GOV. MARTIN.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Sullivan, 25 January, 1784.

Sir:

Since my last to your Excellency Springston who I sent Chickammoggy has returned with a letter from Arthur Coody which I enclose. He, Springston, says that McDonald with several others is now living within twenty miles of Chickammoggy. That a certain Alexander Campbell is living with him also, and is supplied with goods and ammunition from some merchant either at Savannah or Augusta. Mr. Donald's character is so well known I need not say nothing about it. Campbell in the course of this War, has been both a robber and murderer, frequently went to War with the Indians, murdering Women and children. The accts is certain—Several horse loads of goods went to them while I was in the towns under the care of Levi Duval. Would it not be well for your Excellency to make it known to the Assembly of Georgia as no peace can be lasting while such vilains are among the Indians, and are supplied. A few days ago there was three men killed near Cumberland Gap on their way from Kentucky, it is not yet known who they are being no more in company—they were cut into pieces in a most inhumane manner—their heads, arms, &c., cut off and thrown some distance from their bodies.

The Indians in the near Towns remain as I mentioned in my last. The old Tassel and hanging Maw came as far as my house in October last to wait on the Assembly, but as I was from home they returned—they are anxious to see you.

From the latter part of Coody's letter where he refers to Springston, it seems there were seven men from different parts of this State. Walker Gibson, Snoddy, Mr. Feters with three others whose names I do not know went to Chickammoggy (as they said on their way to Pensacola), after getting there five of them was prevailed upon to go to a Town called Tuskega, where they were examined by the head man of the town called the bloody fellow, who told them as it was peace he should not concern with them—but added, that he supposed

-------------------- page 12 --------------------
they were men hunting lands—that he was informed, the people from Nolechucky were improving lands over French Broad River. That as soon as the leaves grew a little, if their Governor did not make them come off, that he would go with a party and kill every man, woman & child that should be found over the said river. That next morning the said fellow came to the where they were in order to kill them; but they got notice by the women in time to run off, left their guns, Blankets and saddles. The Indians after being disappointed in getting them, broke their guns, burnt their saddles and blankets. That their is one Bench which the Indians say is the cause of it. The above account I had from two of the party who made their escape. This Bench is a man who has lived many years with the Indians, and has made himself rich with the plunder that has been taken by the Indians this War. Had a Son (half breed) killed by the Army under Colonel Shelby when he went against the Chickammoggas; for which he says, he will never be at peace with the Americans and is daily encouraging the young fellows to murder, and steal horses, which he buys at a low rate and sends to the Creeks & sells for goods, ammunition, &c. He has made several attempts to raise a party and kill Coody who lives in Chickammoggy, because he furnishes me with accounts of his behaviour, &c., from time to time.

I expect to be in the nation again, some time in March, if any thing turns up worth notice I shall give your Excellency immediate information.

I have the honor to be, &c.,
JOSEPH MARTIN.