Benjamin Hawkins, Indian Agent - by Merritt B Pound (Paperback)

About the Book

Published in 1951, this work examines the social and diplomatic work of Hawkins, a congressman from North Carolina who served as a mediator between the states and Native Americans until his death in 1816.

Book Synopsis

Published in 1951, Benjamin Hawkins, Indian Agent examines the social and diplomatic work of Hawkins, a congressman from North Carolina who served as a mediator between the states and Native Americans until his death in 1816. Hawkins worked to lessen the constant tension between the frontier states and the Indian nations and to increase agriculture in order to settle Native Americans to the land.

Washington, Jefferson, Adams, and other national figures recognized in Hawkins the ability to navigate Indian and state negotiations. Hawkins's fairness earned him respect among the Cherokees, Creeks, and other tribes. Such fairness also created enemies among the land-hungry frontier states, which continually strived for Indian removal. More than anyone else, Hawkins was responsible for the policy of Indian relations between the treaty of Paris in 1783 and the end of the War of 1812.

Review Quotes

[Pound's] book adds greatly to our knowledge of its fascinating subject, and deserves to be widely read.

--William and Mary Quarterly

Pound has written a volume that maintains interest; the characters live; and many behind-the-scenes facts of history are brought to light.

--Journal of Southern History

The book is much like its subject; there is no padding, no window-dressing, and it is an honest portrait of a very plain and appealing man.

--American Quarterly

The volume is a valuable contribution to the history of the relations with the Indians during the years immediately following the American independence.

--The Americas

About the Author

MERRITT B. POUND was the first head of the department of political science at the University of Georgia, a position he held for twenty-five years. He also served as president of the Southern Political Science Association. Pound was a veteran of both World Wars, serving as a lieutenant colonel with the Army Air Force in India during World War II.