Date published: 1922-01-01
Source: Early History of the Creek Indians and Their Neighbors (ID121)
Author: Swanton, John (ID85)
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Race described: Indian
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Content id: 1295
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1670-09-10 - 1670-09-10

Cofitachequi was stronger than the Westoesedit

The specific identification of this place with Kasihta rests mainly upon the early documents of the colony of South Carolina. In a letter from Henry Woodward, interpreter for the colonists, to Sir John Yeamans, dated September 10, 1670, the writer states that he had visited " Chufytachyqj yt fruitfull Provence where ye Emperour resides." "It lys," he says, "West & by Northe nearest from us 14 days trauell after ye Indian manner of marchinge."2 He is writing from near where Charleston, S. C, was afterwards built. In a letter to the Lords Proprietors from the same place, dated September 11, 1670, the Council of the new colony mentions this expedition again, and calls the country "Chufytachyque."2 It is also referred to in a letter written to Lord Ashley by Stephen Bull, only that the distance is given as ten days' journey.4 In a letter from William Owen to Lord Ashley, written September 15, 1670, we read: The Emperour of Tatchequiha, a verie fruitfull countrey som 8 days iourney to ye Northwest of vs, we expect here within 4 days, som of his people being alreadie com with whom he would haue bein had not he heard in his way yt ye Spaniard had defeated vs. His friendpp with us is very considerable against ye Westoes if euer they intend to Molest us. He hath often defeated them and is euer their Master. The Indian Doctor tells us yt where he liues is exceedinge rich and fertill generally of a red mould and hillie with most pleasant vallies and springes haueing plentie of white and black Marble and abundantly stored with Mulberries of wch fruite they make cakes wch I have tasted.5 From the context it is evident thai Tatchequiha and Chufytachyqj were the same. Mr. Thomas Colleton adds the information that this potentate had a thousand bowmen in his town.0 In the memoranda in John Locke's handwriting we find other spellings, "Caphatachaques," 7 and Chufytuchyque.8 In still another place he speaks of " the Emperor Cotachico at Charles town with 100 Indians."* (Swanton)

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