by Cade McCool

In this source analysis, the primary sources being analyzed portray the Chickasaw tribe. Document HP023 is a copy of a letter composed on September 29, 1795 by Chickasaw leader Opyomingo and was sent to General James Robertson, the United States Agent to the Chickasaw Nation, who was stationed in Nashville, TN.[1] Document HP022 is a letter composed on October 24, 1795 by General James Robertson to Colonel David Henley, an agent in the War Department who was stationed in Knoxville, TN.[2]

Opyomingo’s letter goes into great detail about a recent attack on his homeland by the neighboring Creek Indians, but his people were able to fight back and kill much more Creek warriors. He also requests that Gen. Robertson send white reinforcements and supplies to aid the Chickasaws and insists that he and Robertson be close allies. Gen. Robertson’s letter insinuates that the Creeks are dangerous and hypocritical, for they appear to seek peace but launch attacks on the Chickasaws. Also, he recounts of the very same attack by the Creeks on the Chickasaws that Opyomingo wrote about to him in the former letter about a month prior. It is easy to assume the Opyomingo’s first-person account of the attack is credible since he represents the Chickasaws and has very explicit and gruesome details. We are led to believe that he himself was in the actual attack. Overall, this makes his experience exceptional. Robertson appears to be restating the attack in his letter, so he may not be too reliable since he did not actually witness it. Therefore, his inexperience is typical.

Both documents prove that the Chickasaw Nation extended into the western half of Tennessee and also shows that the Creeks are based in Tennessee as well. Both imply that the Chickasaws are a majestic people who will retaliate when attacked. They both even admit that the Chickasaws are almost their own separate country since they are referred to as the Chickasaw Nation. Both also show that the Chickasaws were relentless enemies with the neighboring Creeks. However, Robertson’s letter acknowledges that the Chickasaws way of life is sustained by hunting seasons. His letter is biased, suggesting that the “Creeks have got a [complete] flogging as they well deserved” and that the Chickasaws did not deserve the surprise attack.[3] Opyomingo’s letter states that he and the Chickasaws are willing to be friends with the United States if they will assist them. Furthermore, Opyomingo’s letter emphasizes the fact that members of the Chickasaw nation would go to the aid of one another when needed, since the Chief guilt-trips Robertson by saying that “if you think [anything] of your Brothers you will Send one or two Hundred of your warriors to help your brothers hold to their Land”.[4]

 

[1] James Robertson. Letter to David Henley. October 24, 1795.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Opyomingo. Letter to James Robertson. September 29, 1795.

Bibliography

Opyomingo. Letter to General James Robertson. September 29, 1795.

Robertson, James. Letter to Colonel David Henley. October 24, 1795.