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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Thomas Hutchins to Joseph Martin
Hutchins, Thomas
March 17, 1788
Volume 22, Pages 715-716

THOMAS HUTCHINGS TO BRIG.-GEN. MARTIN.


Hawkins County, 17th March, 1788.

Dear General:—

I received yours by Capt. Cooper on Saturday, 11 o’clock, too late to comply with your orders. On Tuesday we rendezvous at the court house and will hold ourselves in readiness on marching orders. Our situation in this quarter bears a very disagreeable aspect. The inhabitants within six miles of my house have forted on account of the Indians. You probably have heard of Mrs. McCartey’s being killed, which I sincerely think was done by the white people and not the savage; but daily am pressed upon to carry a campaign against Chicamauga. I give them evasive answers on every application, as I apprehend some political plan in operating

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by the new State party—I cannot discover what. I am very jealous of their good intentions, for those reasons. Capt. Cock issued his general orders to Thomas Henderson to raise the militia of their party to march against Colonel Tipton. They had so little success that I presume they are much dispirited. Every one of their captains, I believe, refused. They cannot make a party of any consequence, and I think to-morrow to defeat them by apprehending their leader. Housen Kinner is the gentleman. This may possibly arouse them. I fain would avoid it, did I not think it would be attended with evil consequences, as he seems to make head and is the most incorrigable villain I ever saw. I shall be under the necessity of sending out a scouting party of about 50 men, as I believe it is certain that there is great signs of Indians making inward, which from accounts from the nation are Creeks. I wish much to see you. I never experienced so great a task as I am now laboring under. The Franks in this quarter I think I can struggle with. If an attack should take place, the savage is my fear. True it is, an effusion of blood is terrifying, and may heaven avoid the impending blow. Adieu, dear General.

With esteem, I am yours, etc.,
THOMAS HUTCHINGS.
The Honorable Brigadier-General Martin, Sullivan County.

Endorsement:

On Public Service.
Thomas Hutchings.