Segment Three

           Stationed at St. Augustine Florida During the month of January 1776 , The Kings superintendent for Indian Affairs for the southern district John Stuart had a limited knowledge of the distressful situation of the Cherokees ,Creeks and other tribes within his jurisdiction. Their regular supply of goods since the spring of 1775, were cut off by rebels who would not allow shipments to pass through Virginia and North Carolina.  The unstableness of the Henderson purchase caused the new settlements to further their plans of uniting under the support of North Carolina. The building of stockade forts populated with hundreds of Women and Children who’s husbands and fathers were now in the process of not only building and training armies but procuring enormous amounts of fire arms, lead and gun powder. This without a doubt was intended for the promise of an excursion in to the Cherokee country. The Wataugans , and other inhabitants of the Nolichuckey and  Browns purchase , since this alleged agreement with the Cherokee these leaders were seeking this and other aid from North Carolina. These settlements were the investment of many North Carolinians and through Thomas hart, John Sevier, Isaac Shelby and John Williams

William Blount and others and their interest would not go unprotected. The representatives of this newly claimed territory Thomas Hart and John Williams served as the voice in the Rebel Continental Congress who sought to endeavor the Cherokees and Creeks to their next session in April. These plans nor idea of the Indian nations invitation to the next North Carolina congress did not escape the knowledge of Stuart, who’s intelligence on this matter had little affect on his opinion of the Cherokees alliance to the King.

Since my letter dated 5^th current, I have received intelligence that 62 Cherokee’s are within a day’s journey of this place on their way to see me. By the enclosed extracts and copies of different letters I hope it will appear that Mr. Cameron has exerted a great deal of influence and address and with much spirit and judgment. The offers which he rejected as well as the threats thrown out against him have proven ineffectual for preventing his doing his duty and faithfully discharging the trust reprisal in him. The Cherokees under the trying circumstances of hunger and nakedness stand firm in their attachment to his Majesty and reject all the temptations  Thrown in their view. The talk given to the party sent here as well as their undertaking, so long a journey at this season shows their fidelity to his Majesty and confidence in me. Nothing in my power shall be wanting to reward and encourage their disposition. I find it necessary to employ proper persons to assist the agents in this different nation in supporting the ⁹¹