“Indian Affairs”

Date

6-13-1812

Newspaper

Louisiana Gazette

Page and Column

Page 2, Column 3

Newspaper Location

St. Louis, Missouri

Serial Number

303

Abstract

Report from the Indian factor(trader) of the Chickasaws that the New Madrid earthquakes had been interpreted by the Indians as a sign of displeasure from the great spirit.

Transcript

Indian Affairs. Hostile appearances among the Creek and Chickasaw Indians By a gentleman immediately from Natchez we have the follow: TO THE EDITOR, SIR-From a conversation which I had with a principal Chickasaw Indian, called the Indian Factor, from his having formerly been a kind of Agent for that nation. I am convinced that the Chickasaws with the assistance of their neighbors, intend raising the long buried tomahawk, and are meditating a energetic and destructive blow on the Whites. The Factor states, and the Indians pretty generally, have given credit to the statement, that the Prophet, previously to the Battle of the Wabash told the Indians, if they would not join him against the Whites, he would speak to the Great Spirit, and as a proof of his great displeasure at their disobedience, the Earth should be unusually agitated and convulsed and threatened immediate dissolution. This statement gaining ground they believe the Prophet, for their disobedience, caused the frequent shakings of the Earth experienced during the last winter. The Factor considers it the duty of every Indian implicitly to adhere to the Prophet; as even the deep foundations of Nature tremble at his command. The Chickasaws say that some thing great will be done when the leaves grow large. While in the neighborhood of Tennessee river I was informed, and [unreadable] by one who had the best opportunity of knowing what was doing that between 300 & 400 Indians were established on Bear Creek, about 30 miles from Colbert's Ferry on Tennessee river. They embrace every opportunity of stealing horses &c. From what observations I was able to make I think serious consequences are to be apprehended. I feel very certain that we cannot escape a conflict with them unless their fears should be some how made to prevail over their enthusiasm and the malignity which grows out of that enthusiasm.

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