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Domestic News
July 4, 1803
Jenks' Portland Gazette. Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
A letter from Jefferson County, Mississippi Territory, dated May 20, 1803, warns of imminent threats from the Choctaw Indians, who boast of French assistance, amid disbanded troops and an unprepared militia lacking arms and ammunition.
Clipping
OCR Quality
94%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in the Mississippi Territory, Jefferson County, to his friend in Hartford, (Conn.) dated May 20, 1803
"WE are threatened by the Choctaw nation of Indians, since the troops have been disbanded; we are in momentary danger of being destroyed by those savages, who are very numerous, and can raise at least six thousand active warriors. They boast of the French, their old friends, coming to assist them again. The militia of this territory are undiciplined, destitute of arms and ammunition; the arms of the U. States, which have been sent here to be sold (instead of being deposited here for the use of the militia) are, what remains unsold, almost ate up with rust, at least rendered unfit for use. Those that have been sold are principally gone out of the territory. Numbers of Indians are daily at the Governor's seat, very proud and saucy, making what demands they please."
"WE are threatened by the Choctaw nation of Indians, since the troops have been disbanded; we are in momentary danger of being destroyed by those savages, who are very numerous, and can raise at least six thousand active warriors. They boast of the French, their old friends, coming to assist them again. The militia of this territory are undiciplined, destitute of arms and ammunition; the arms of the U. States, which have been sent here to be sold (instead of being deposited here for the use of the militia) are, what remains unsold, almost ate up with rust, at least rendered unfit for use. Those that have been sold are principally gone out of the territory. Numbers of Indians are daily at the Governor's seat, very proud and saucy, making what demands they please."
What sub-type of article is it?
Indian Affairs
Military
What keywords are associated?
Choctaw Indians
Mississippi Territory
Indian Threat
Militia Unprepared
French Assistance
Where did it happen?
Mississippi Territory, Jefferson County
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Mississippi Territory, Jefferson County
Event Date
May 20, 1803
Outcome
threat of destruction by choctaw warriors; no specific casualties reported
Event Details
Residents face imminent danger from numerous Choctaw Indians boasting French aid; troops disbanded, militia undisciplined and unarmed; U.S. arms rusted or sold away; Indians demanding at Governor's seat