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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Martin to Alexander Martin
Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808
September 02, 1784
Volume 17, Pages 84-85

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

Long Island, September 2d, 1784.

Sir:

Yesterday I received from the Chickasaw Nation a Letter of which the following is a Copy1 :

This is certainly the earliest piece of intelligence that could be had. I expect several of the Chickasaw Chiefs here every hour and shall have the particulars of the Treaty, which shall without loss of time communicate by express to your Excellency. In the mean time shall take every step, necessary, to find out the intentions of the Spaniards; and likewise make myself acquainted with the most private intrigues of the Indians. I shall set off to the Nation immediately. William Lytle and Samuel Royley, who trade with the

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Chickamoggy's, inform me, that at a Treaty held at Pensacola by the Spaniards in June, 1783, they heard the Governor tell the Indians in open Treaty, “not to be afraid of,” that they, the Indians, were not without friends. That “the Americans had no King and “were nothing of themselves and was now like a man that was lost “and wandering about in the woods—and if it had not been for “them and the French the British would have subdued them long “ago.”

Some of the Cherokee Chiefs informed me the same. My connexion with some of the principals of this Nation is such, that nothing of this kind can transpire without my knowledge which will enable me to give you a true account of what may be of benefit to the public to know.

I am Sir, with due respect, &c.,
JOSEPH MARTIN.

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1 Vide letter pages 83-84.