Today in Chickamauga History - November 7

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1792, November 7:  Letter to George Washington from Henry Knox – Mr Bradshaw says, there were upwards of seven hundred indians present2—That they were repulsed at another station, besides Buchannans—that the celebrated John Watts, the indian leader, was shot through both thighs, and the Shawanese warrior was killed, with several other indians.3 I have the honor to be Sir, with very great respect, Your most obedt Servt

H. Knox secy of War

According to an account enclosed in William Blount’s letter to Knox of 10 Oct., “On the 30th September, about midnight, John Buchanan’s Station, four miles south of Nashville, (at which sundry families had collected, and fifteen gun-men) was attacked by a party of Creeks and Lower Cherokees, supposed to consist of three or four hundred.” Blount’s letter to Knox of 8 Nov. reported that the attacking Indians consisted of 400 to 500 Creeks, 200 Cherokees, and 30 to 40 Shawnees, “of whom, three were killed, and seven wounded.” The dead incorrectly included “the Shawanese warrior” Tecumseh (d. 1813), and Cherokee chief John Watts was among the wounded, “with a ball through one thigh, and lodged in the other . . . now on recovery” (ibid., 331). - https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-11-02-0192

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1835, November 7: – The Georgia Guard invades the Ocoee District (the later Southeast Tennessee) by crossing its own declared stateline on the way to Flint Springs in what is to become Bradley County to arrest John Ross at his house, where they also find and arrest John Howard Payne, taking both men to a make-shift jail at Spring Place. Ross is released nine days later, immediately heading to Washington City, but Payne is held an additional 3 ½ days.

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1835, November 7:  ROSS and his house guest John Howard PAYNE were arrested by the GA guard at ROSS’ home in Flint Springs, Bradley County, TN.

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‍1838, November 7:  After seeing off the other detachments on the land route, the detachment of John DREW, which includes the families of John ROSS, and his brother, Lewis ROSS as well as that of Joseph VANN, attempts to get underway on A LUXURY RIVERBOAT, but is delayed because of low water.
Are we to assume that John ROSS had no intention of walking the Trail of Tears along with his people?

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