JOURNALS of the

COMMISSIONERS

of the INDIAN TRADE

September 20, 1710~August 29, 1718

Edited by

W. L. McDOWELL

COLUMBIA

SOUTH CAROLINA ARCHIVES DEPARTMENT

1955

 
March 22nd, 1710/11. Recieved from John Wright, Esq., Agent, twenty one Bonds for sundry Indian Traders to take outLicences:
Mr. Goer and Britt's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bond
Wm. Cantey's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Natha. Cain's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
John Pight's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Card's, Steel's and Wiggin's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
John Moore's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Richd. Price's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Trumbal's and Richardson's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Holford, Peirce and Giffen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Weaver and Chester . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Graves and Cundy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Card and Weaver's Bond for three Indians that trade for them
Long, Thurston and Warrin's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Benja.  Clee's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Cornelius leMott's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Wm. Bannister's. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Do
Dickson's Bond for the Time he traded without a Licence
Natha. Evans of Virginia, his Bond
Richd. Smith and Geo. Smith of Virginia, their Bond
David Crawly, John Evans and Richd. Jones of Virginia,
      their Bond
Wm. Dettypoole, Tho. Edwards and Henry Tally of Virginia,
      their Bond

page 14-16 of text:

August 3, 1711

     And if att any Place you shoold mete with any Virginia Traders you are to make them sencible that
     their late Pretentions are groundless whilst they trade without a Licence from this Government which
     if they doe not observe, you are to put the Act in force of the 25th June, 1711 by seizing their Goods.
     And whereas the 19th Article of your last Instructions appears to us to bee ineffectuall by Reason
     that no Encouragement is given to the Persons that put in force your Warrants and other Orders, it is
     therefore agreed by this Board that you agree with the Person or Persons imployed to bring down
     Offenders to Charles Town for such Sum or Sums as you thinck resonable and draw upon us for
     Payment.
      |18| Also agreed upon Instructions to be given to the Traders:
     1st.  That your Behaviour be such towards the Indians that they may have no Reason or Grounds of
     Complaint either of your Severy towards them or your unreasonable Preceding in letting your Horses
     and Hoggs destroy their Cropps, which is their generall Complaint, nor give them any Offence on any
     Account whatsoever.
     2dly. That you neither directly nor indirectly carry up, give, sell, or any other Way dispose of, to and
     among the Indians any Rum or other Spiritts, and for the more effectuall Prevention of bringing up
     any Rum or Spiritts amongst the Indians, you are strictly charged, and we doe order you that you
     cause all Rum and Spiritts brought up by any Indian whatsoever without Liberty of Rum the
     Assembly or Commissioners* to be destroyed.
     3dly.  And whereas all Debts contracted for Rum or any other Spiritts whatever are contrary to Law,
     we doe declare all such Bargains, Sales, and Agreements voyd and of no Effect and doe strictly
     charge and command you that you doe not on any Pretence whatever demand any Pay or Satisfaction
     of any Debts soe contracted.
     4thly.  That you compell no Indian or Indians to pay their Relations' Debts any farther than they are
     possest of the Effects of the Person deceased unless they have promist and engaged to pay the same
     in a publick Manner before the King or Chief Men of the Town.  Neither shall you compell any Town
     to pay any private Debts unless they are or have bin contracted by the Concent and Aprobation of
     the King and Cheif Men on any Account or Pretence whatsoever.
     5thly.  You shall not bargain, agree for, buy or purchase any Slave or Slaves, Skins, Furs from any
     Indian or Indians but in their respective Townes and sell such Goods and Slaves [that] have ben
     three Dayes in the said Townes in their Owners' Possession; and if you shall presume to deale, trade
     or agree for such Slave or Goods contrary to the Meaning of this Instruction, such Agreement,
     Gargain and Sale is hereby declared voyd.
     6thly. And if any Person or Persons shall bring any Goods or Merchandizes whatsoever into any
     Indian Town or Settlement to traffick or trade with any Indian or Indians for any Slaves, Skins, or
     Furs without being qualified by a Licence as the Act directs, you are hereby impowered to seze such
     Goods or any Slave or Slaves, Skins, or Furs purchased by the said Persons.  And either by giving
     your Receipt to the Person or Persons from whom the Goods or Slaves are sezed, or by sealing up
     such Goods in the Presence of one or two white Evidences (to prevent Imbezelements for which you
     must be accountable) after which you shall with all convenient Speed give Notice to the
     Commissioners or the Agent, for the Time being, of your Sezure and sealing up as aforesaid and
     keep the same in your Custody till farther Orders from the Commissioners or the Agent.
     7thly. That you from Time to Time and att all Times in your Jurneyes amongst the Indians advise
     and acquaint the Commissioners and the Agent of what shall come to your Knowledge of all Matters
     relating to the Safety of the Goverment and Trade.
*Foot note at bottom of page 15 RDH~~The words in italics [above] here are expunged in he manscript.  It is most likely that they were not struck out until the board of commissioners gave an order to that effect during their meeting of May 6, 1714.  The order may be referred to on page 56.
    8thly.  No Indian shall be deemed a Slave and bought as such unless taken in War, and even those taken in and
     made free by their respective Masters when they have in a Right and Property soe to doe shall be deemed free
     Men and Denizens of the said Nation.
     9thly.  You shall not premitt or allow any of your Slaves to goe to War on any Pretence whatsoever.
     10thly.  If you are a Person thought worthy by the Governour to bear his Commission in any Post, you shall
     not abuse itt by making Use thereof to promote your perticuler Interest with the Indians.
     11thly.  You shall not export or convey out of this Province any Skins or Furs or any Indian Slave or Slaves
     before you pay the Duty for the same as the Act directs; and if you intend to export any Indian Slave or Slaves,
     Skins or Furs by Land to Virginia or elcewhere out of this Province you shall then come down to Charles Town
     to enter the same and pay the Duty as the Act directs.
     12thly.  You are carefully to observe to carry yourself civily and respectfully to the Agent.
     [20]13thly.  And that you perform and keep all and singular the Instructions given you by John Wright, Esq.,
     Agent, or the Agent for the Time being, provided they be not repugnant to the Law for that Purpose.
     Mr. President, informing the Board that Col. James Risbee being gon of this Province, proposed the choosing
     a new Commissioner in his Roome, and Mr. Ralph Izard being proposed, itt was agreed that the said Mr. Ralph
     Izard be a Commissioner in the Roome of the said Col. James Risbee.  And that the said Mr. Ralph Izard be
     acquainted theirwith in order to take his Place att said Board.

The following excerpts are an indication of the value, in furs and skins, of goods page 89:
An Account of the Prices of Goods, settled between Col. James Moore and the Conjuror, the 30th Day of April, 1716, as they are allways to be sold to his People, viz.,
                          Skins                             Skins
A Gun. . . . . . . . . . . . 35   Twelve Flints. . . . . . . .  1
A Yard Strouds . . . . . . .  8   A Broadcloth Coat, laced . . 30
A white Duffield Blanket . . 16   A Half Thicks Coat . . . . . 20
A Yard of Half Thicks. . . .  3   An Ax. . . . . . . . . . . .  5
A Hatchet. . . . . . . . . .  3   A Pistol . . . . . . . . . . 20
A narrow Hoe . . . . . . . .  3   A Sword. . . . . . . . . . . 10
A broad Hoe. . . . . . . . .  5   A Shirt. . . . . . . . . . .  5
Thirty Bullets . . . . . . .  1   A Steel. . . . . . . . . . .  1
A Knife. . . . . . . . . . .  1   A calico Petticoat . . . . . 14
A pair Scissors. . . . . . .  1   A red Girdle . . . . . . . .  2
Two Strings Beads. . . . . .  1
All Skins to be taken, one with another, and Beaver, the same Rates.  All other Merchandize, as usual, according to Custom.
page 102~104
Instructions for Maj. William Blakewey, Publick Factor and Trader, appointed by us at the Savano Town, according to the Act for the better Relation of the Indian Trade, &c.
Imprimis.  You are hereby ordered to take Possession of all the Goods, Wares, Merchandizes, Provisions, Arms, Ammunition, Horses, Periagoes, Implements, Utensils, Slaves, Skins, Furrs or other Goods or Things whatsoever, now actually belonging or which shall at any Time hereafter belong to the Publick, at the Place you are appointed Factor for, and take a true and perfect Inventory of the same, and Copys thereof send to us in Charles Town.
2dly.  You are to sell and dispose of, to any Indians in Amity with this Government, all such Arms, Ammunition, Liquors, Goods, Wares and Merchandizes as we now send you, or which shall be hereafter sent from Time to Time by us or our Successours, for Sale, for the Benefit of the Publick, and receive in exchange for the same, all such Manner of Truck, as Skins, Furrs, Slaves or other vendible Commodities as is customary to receive from Indians, by Way of Barter or Exchange, at such stated Prices as is mentioned in the Schedule hereinclosed and no otherwise.
3dly.  You are to receive and take charge of all such Skins, Furrs, or Slaves, as shall be sent to you from Time to Time, by Col. Theophilus Hastings, our present Factor, or the Factor for the time being, at the Charikees, keeping them distinct, and transmit to us and our Successours, particular Accounts thereof, together with all such Letters and other Writings as you shall receive from him as aforesaid.
4thly.  You are further to send to our said Factor at the Charikees, all such Goods, Wares and Merchandizes (Liquors excepted) of ours, that shall be in [50] your Hands, which he shall from Time to Time send to you for; provided each Parcel exceed not the Sum of five or at most six hundred Pounds prime Value, and transmit us and him an Account of the same; always provided there come effects from the Charikees, before a second Parcel, or more Goods are sent that Way; not being willing to trust too great a Value there at once.
5thly.  You are not to buy knowingly any free Indian for a Slave, or make a Slave of any Indian that ought to be free; that is to say; Indians of any Nation in Amity and under the Protection of this Government.
6thly.  You are not to buy any male Slave above the Age of fourteen Years.
7thly.  You are not to sell any Arms or Ammunition to any Indians, that have not made Peace, or have not entered into Articles of Mutual Friendship with this Government.
8thly.  You are not on any Pretence whatsoever, to give any Credit, or trust any Indians whatsoever, even for the Value of one single Skin.
9thly.  You shall neither by yourself, or by any other Person, directly or indirectly trade or deal with any Indian in Amity with this Government, on your own private Account, or the Account of any other Person whatsoever, contrary to the true Intent and Meaning of the said Act, and as soon as you discover any Frauds committed contrary to the same, you are to give speedy Information thereof, to us or our Successours.
10thly.  You are to mark all Skins, Furrs, and Slaves bought by you C/B to which End we send you a Brand; and you are to take the same Care of them, and likewise of those you receive from our Factor at the Charikees, as if they were your own private Interest.
11thly.  You are to do the same by keeping in good Order and Repair all the Publick Periagoes, Horses, Saddles, their Tackle, Furniture and Appurtenances that shall come within your Vieu, Jurisdiction, or Imploy.
12thly.  You are to keep an exact Journal (and transmit the same to us) with an Account of all Manner of News and other your Proceedings relating to the Trade, and to follow all such further Orders and Instructions as you shall receive from us or our Successors.
13thly.  You are not to promise or ingage the Word of the Government, or of the Commissioners, to any Indians whatsoever, without a particular Order for the same.
14thly.  You are to use your Endeavours in all your Discourses with the Indians, to induce them to come and trade at the Garrison you are appointed Factor for, informing them that you sell at cheaper Rates, then the Factor at the Charikees doth.
15thly.  You are yourself (and likewise advise those Persons that are with [51] you) to be of friendly and peaceable Behaviour towards the Indians, endeavouring by all Means possible to prevent Abuses being offered to them.
16thly.  You are to receive all Presents whatsoever made you by the Indians; in Behalf of us, for the Use of the Publick, and return them other Presents in lieu thereof, not exceeding half the Value of the Presents so made.
17thly.  You are to send us down our Returns and Effects from Time to Time, as they shall come to your Hands, directly to Charles Town, when any good Opportunity offers; or according to our further Orders.
18thly.  You are to advise and send to us and our Successours, at all Times, for such Goods and Merchandizes as shall be in Demand with you.
Given under our Hands and common Seal at the Board in Charles Town in South Carolina, this 9th Day of August, 1716, &c/. (SEAL)
A Schedule of the stated Prices of Goods, as they are to be disposed of, to the Indians in Barter, viz.,
Goods        Buck Skins  Goods            Buck Skins
A Gun                30  A Pistol                 20
A Yard Strouds        7  A Cutlash                 8
A Duffield Blanket   14  A Shirt                   4
A Yard Half Thicks    3  A Steel                   1
A Hatchet             2  A Calico Petticoat       12
A narrow Hoe          2  A red Girdle              2
A broad Hoe           4  A laced Hatt              8
Fifty Bullets         1  A Clasp Knife             1
A Butcher's Knife     1  A Yard Cadis              1
A pair Cizars         1  Rum, mixed with 1/3 Water;
Three Strings Beads   1   per Bottle               1
Eighteen Flints       1  Salt, Gunpowder, Kettles,
An Ax                 4   Looking Glasses As you can
Delivered likewise to the said McKleroy and Thompson, a Brand (as mentioned in our Instructions, for our said Factor) to mark the Slaves and Skins with.
Adjourned till Wednesday the 15th Instant.
page 269
A Table of Rates to barter by; viz., Quantity and Quality of Goods for Pounds of heavey drest Deer Skins.
                         [Skins]                              [Skins]
A Gun                         16   A Ditto, not laced              12
A Pound Powder                 1   A Yard Strouds                   4
Four Pounds Bullets or Shot    1   A Yard Plains or Half Thicks     2
A Pound red Lead               2   A laced Hat                      3
Fifty Flints                   1   A plain Hat                      2
Two Knives                     1   A white Duffield Blanket         8
One Pound Beads                3   A blew or red Ditto, two Yards   7
Twenty-four Pipes              1   A course Linnen Shirt            3
A broad Hoe                    3   A Gallon Rum                     4
A Hatchet                      2   A Pound Fermilion, [and] two
A Pound Vermilion             16     Pounds red Lead, mixed        20
A Yard double striped,             Brass Kettles, per Pound        2 1/2
  yard-wide Cloth              3   A Yard course flowered Calicoe   4
A double striped Cloth Coat,       Three Yards broad scarlet
  Tinsey laced                16     Caddice                        1
A Half Thicks or Plains Coat,
  gartering laced             14
Adjourned to Friday next.  (April 25, 1718)

page 281
Ordered, that the Letter following be sent to Capt. Charlesworth Glover, Factor at Savano Town, per Indian Sagohey; viz.,
Capt. Glover,                                                              June the 3rd, 1718
By Desire of the Governour and Council we have consented that you should satisfie the Indian Man, who took and returned Hugh Banks, for the Ransom of him, at the most reasonable Rate you can agree for, out of such Goods [as you have in the Trading] House at Savano Town; therefore have intimated the [same to you, by this] Opportunity, that you may comply with |275| our Promise, and render us a particular Account of what you pay, to be laid before the Assembly.  We are &c.
The Esquire and several Head Men of the Indians (commonly called Creeks) attending, and being discoursed (by Col. Mackey, Linguist) came to the following Agreement, for the Prices of the Goods under-mentioned, which might at any Time hereafter happen to be sold them in their Town, and for other Goods in Proportion; the Goods named were such as follows, viz.,
                                            Heavy
                                         Drest Skins     Light
Strouds, per Yard - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  6     or    9
Blew [or] red Duffields, per Yard - - - - - -  6     or    9
Stript Duffield Blankets, per Yard- - - - - -  6     or    9
Half Thicks, Plains and Cottons, per Yard - -  2     or    3
Half Thicks Coats, laced- - - - - - - - - - - 14     or   21
Plain Ditto - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12     or   18
Coats, Strouds, laced - - - - - - - - - - - - 20     or   30
Ditto, plain- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 18     or   27
Guns- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25     or   35
Powder, per Pound - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  1 and in Proportion
Pistols, each - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 12     or   18
Hangers - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  7     or   10
Hats, plain - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - __     or   __
Ditto, laced- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - __     or   __
Shirts- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - __     or   __
Flints, 20- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  1     or 15,1
Bullets, 40 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  1     or 30,1
Hose, broad, and Axes - - - - - - - - - - - -  4     or    6
Ditto, narrow - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  2     or    3

The following excerpts focus on the dealings with the Virginians...
page 33

July 9, 1712

Whereas we are informed of many Persons coming from Virginia and Elcewhere to trade among our Indians without first having made a full Entry of their Goods and taking Lycence as the Law directs, you are to examine into the same, requiring from the said Traders a Certificate from the Controler in Charles Town for the Time being how the said Goods hath been entered, and upon there not producing such Certificate you shall forthwith inform her Majestie's Collector thereof that the said Person may be prossecuted according to Law and if they doe not produce a Lycence you shall proceed against them as the Law directs.

page 207

Thursday, September 12, 1717

Attended the Governour and Council; with whom the following Matters were treated of, viz.;
Q.  Whither this Board hath Power immediately to trade with the Creeke Indians in the same Manner as with other Indians.
A.  The Board cannot by Law, impower their Factors to deal with the Creeke Indians, until a Peace be confirmed with them.
Q.  That forasmuch as the Virginians have interrupted our Commerce with the Catabaws and other Indians to the North-ward, by under-selling Goods to them; 'twas the Opinion and Advice of their Honours that it consists with the Interest and Safety of this Government, to prosecute our Trade with those Indians; notwithstanding the Disadvantage the Publick may be under, from the Lowness of the Rates and Prices of Goods, amongst them.
A.  The Board joyns with their Honour's Opinion, in Relation to the present Necessity of holding a Commerce with the Catabaw Indians, &c.
Adjourned till Tomorrow.

Friday, September 20, 1717

Wrote and delivered to John Carew and Timothy Reading, the following Letter, to be delivered by them to Eleazer Wiggan,
Factor at the Catabaws, viz.;
"Mr. Eleazer Wiggan,
  Your Journal of Proceedings, to the 20th July, and Letter of the 3d August last past, we received the 3d Instant, but the
Burdeners and Pack-Horses came not to Town with the Skins, untill the 12th at Night.  We had by fourteen Indian Burdeners
and three Pack-Horses, five hundred and seventy drest Deer Skins, ten raw Ditto and eleven Bever Skins, so that we want
above one hundred and fifty Skins; the Interpreter informed us that four Men falling sick in the Way, returned Home with their
Packs.  We have found out some of these People's Villany (but at Present, for good Reasons, take no Notice of it to them) by
some Skins in the Packs, that appear to us, to be changed, and by some Others that they purloined (which our Factor in
Charles Town, had purchased of them) the Brand you put on which, being but slight, was visibly raced out with a Knife or
some such Instrument (before he discovered that Secret).  This Treatment from them at this Juncture, is the chief Occasion that
we send you so small a Supply of Goods; being not above one [195] Half of the Quantity of the Sorts you mention in your
Invoice to us.  We are firmly resolved to insist (at the next Meeting of the General Assembly) on the immediate erecting of the
designed Fort for the Factory at the Congarees, and do believe shall wholy make Use of pack Horses for that Trade, thereby
not to be subject to such Delays and Inconveniences from the Indians;  in the Meantime it is our positive Order to you, to
brand all Skins, Bever and Furs, with a deep Impression, so as that it may not damage the Skin, not be easily cut or rubbed
out.  {My italics -RDH} You did well to inform us, how that several Virginia Traders had got among the Indians,
and we observe what you mention of the Behaviour of the Catabaws, upon the Arrival of those Interlopers, as also
their Insinuations to the Indians, and Endeavours to supplant us in our Trade by under-selling their Commodities
in general; we could wish you had given us a more particular Account of them, and a Scheme of that Trade, what
Sorts and Quantity they brought, with Patterns of the Goods, what Rates they sell at, and of all other Matters and
Things relating to them, that had come to your Knowledge or Observation, to the End we might have represented
the same to the Assembly.  You were also short in advising us of your own Dealings and Transactions in the Trade.  We
knew not what Number of pack Horses to send, because you omitted the Number of Skins you had remaining, and we knew
not what Sorts of Goods, were most proper to supply you with, for Want of an Inventory of those that were by you, unsold,
nor could we make any regular Estimate of the Trade, having no Rates or Prices to compute the same by, whither to gain or
loss, which pray observe to render, be the same never so differing, by all Opportunities, for the Future, that we may know at
all Times how to govern ourselves for the Benefit of the Publick, whose Interest and Safety is our whole Concern;  also
Specifie what Goods you have sold the Indians, since the Virginians arrived with you, as near as you can give an
Account of.  If Governour Johnson makes any Overture with the Indians, concerning the white Men's Horses and
Slaves, he will signifie the same to you.  It is our Order that you use your utmost Endeavours to maintain and
keep up the Trade and Correspondence we have with these Indians, even if you should be obliged by the
Virginians' Dealings to abate considerable of your usual Price.  As for your Accounts of Expences, we have laid
the same before the Assembly, who deferred giving any Order about it until you are asked some Questions relating
to some Objections they have made to particular Articles thereof; but as for what there is due to you from us, it shall be
[196] punctually paid, whenever Mr. Conyers demands it.  If you can conveniently come to Town, along with these
Pack-Horses, you may be down before the Assembly rises, for it will be a Month before they meet, and then you will not only
finish your own Business, but also be at Hand to see the Congare' Garrison go forward.  We have given Directions to the two
white Men, that goes with the Pack-Horses, to follow your Orders, and be Assistant to you as you shall direct; their Names
are John Carew and Timothy Reading.  The fourteen Burdeners we dispatched some Days agoe, to rest at Mr. St. Julien's,
until the eight Horses could be got ready, with the Remainder of the Goods, which we have this Day accomplished (though
One of the Three you sent down, is missing since he came to Town) and loaded them with what Goods and Utensils are most
wanted with you (as we judge) not being willing to overcharge them, least they might fail in the Journey; the Invoice of the
Whole, herewith sent, amounts to four hundred, sixty-eight Pounds, five Shillings and eleven Pence, 3/4d, Charges excepted.
We cannot match the Sample of Beads, which you sent, as yet.  Send back the Bags and what other Necessaries you have not
Occasion of, because the same will be usefull when we send up again.  We doubt not but you'l keep us advised of the
Motions and Proceedings of the Virginians; and of all other Affairs of Consequence, that shall come to your
Knowledge; this being the needfull, at present:  we conclude with Recommendation of our former Instructions, to your
Perusual &c.  Here is no Stilliards to be got.  Our Horses are thus branded c/Tc."

page 272

Thursday, May 8, 1718

The Board met according to Summons.
PRESENT: Capt. Jona. Drake, Francis Yonge, Esq., and Mr. Ed. Brailsford.
Received a Letter from Col. Thomas Broughton, dated the 5th Instant, as per Bundle e (No.5).
Eleazer Wiggan, Factor for the Catabaws, came and appeared before the Board; who being examined, reported that the Indians in general do complain of this Government, because of its not supplying them sufficiently with Goods, and expecting them to carry Burdens, which [265] is the Cause of their loosing many Men; whereas on the Contrary they praise the Virginians, for bringing them great Quantitys [sic] of Goods, and that upon Pack-Horses, and selling to them cheaper then we do, and carrying Home their Effects upon their Horses, which gives the Indians no Trouble at all in Dealing with them.  He likewise informed that he had hired a white Man and two Horses, which together with some Indian Burdeners that he procured, had brought to the Quarter House about five hundred Skins from that Factory, where he left about thirteen hundred more in the Trading House; and that the Smallpox's being in Charles Town hindered the white Man and Indians coming any further with the said 500 Skins and an Indian Boy he had purchased on Account of the Publick.
Ordered that Eleazer Wiggan do hire a Cart, and cause the Skins left by him at the Quarter House, to be brought into the Store in Charles Town.
Ordered that the merchantable heavy drest Deer Skins now brought from the Catabaws per Eleazer Wiggan, Factor, be paid to Samuel Wragg and Company, in Part of the Quantity due to them.  Also that the Slave Boy above-mentioned be sold at Vendue, on Saturday next; as usual.
Entered George Milligan for a Pack-Horse-Man, at ten Pounds Wages per Month, and the usual Allowance for his Board Expense while in Charles Town, in that Service.
Adjourned till 8 a'Clock tomorrow Morning.

page 290~291

June 11, 1718

Delivered John Coleman a Letter to Capt. Hatton, Principal Factor at the Charikees, with an Invoice inclosed, of Goods sent per the said Coleman, amounting to two hundred forty-one Pounds, fifteen Shillings and three Pence, 1/2d, as per Invoice Book, Page 36 (without the Charges included); the said Letter was as follows, viz.;

                                                                                                     June the 11th, 1718

Capt. Hatton,
Per Mr. James Dauge we received your Letter and Journal with the unwelcome Account of the Imbezilment of a great Quantity of Goods.  We find so many Complaints and Clamours, that cannot undertake to answer them all, at this Distance, but shall examine and represent the most material Matters to the Assembly (which sit some Time this Month) that such Measures may be taken as will produce Satisfaction.  Our Presence will avail but little, if you (who have Power from us) cannot rectifie them.  We admire that Mr. Sharp should presume to beat and abuse the Charikees, and you may depend he shall be punished for his Crime, and Nothing on our Part neglected to redress and protect them.  We also expect that full Satisfaction shall be made the Publick for what Goods have been stolen from us; choosing rather to loose the Name of Trading, then be robbed of our Goods, under Pretence of Friendship; which we desire you'l signifie to Charitey Hagey when you have a fit Opportunity.  You may further assure him that the Government will not make use of the Interest they have with the Creeks, to his Detriment, unless his People give Occasion for it, and we shall endeavour to ease them of the Trouble of carrying Burdens, as soon as Pack Horses can be got.  It's strange to us that you have purchased no more Skins, knowing there was a good Parcel of those you last rendred [sic] an Account of, left behind when the last Burdeners came down.  You may purchase as many Horses as you think fit and sufficient, with those already bought, and we shall provide pack Saddles to them, but hope you'l contrive to send down some of the Skins by Burdeners.  Make what Dispatch you can in sending them, and let [286] us know how the Indians' Behaviour is to you and the Assistant Factors, and exhibit all their Complaints, that we may be able to answer the same.  We are surpized that the Charikees should suspect our Men of joyning with their Enemies against them; and if it be true that there was white Men with the Creeks, in the Action where the three Charikees were lost, they were certainly French or Spaniards, for it is not our Way to deal so perfidiously; and it was rightly observed that if we had had such a Design, we should not supply them with Ammunition to oppose us.  As to what you write about the Virgians, we are sensible of the Mischief they do us in several Respects, by interfering in the Trade, and still hope the Assembly will consider the same, and use Measures to prevent them.  We again assure you of the intire Satisfaction you give us by your prudent Management, and know no Person we could more willingly confide in for your Post then yourself......

This document provided courtesy of Roger Harvell.

By permission of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.