But we are not yet conquered, and to convince you that we have not thrown away your talk here are 4 strands of whampums we received from you when you came before as a messenger to our Nation."] When the news of Hamilton's capture was brought it wrought a momentary discouragement; but the efforts of the British agents were unceasing, and by the end of the year most of the southwestern Indians were again ready to take up the hatchet.

The rapid successes of the royal armies in the southern States had turned the Creeks into open antagonists of the Americans, and their war parties were sent out in quick succession, the British agents keeping alive the alliance by a continued series of gifts--for the Creeks were a venal, fickle race whose friendship could not otherwise be permanently kept.

[Footnote: State Department MSS.
Papers Continental Congress.

Intercepted Letters, No.51.Vol.

II.
Letter of British Agents Messrs.