The English worked diligently to keep the friendship of the Indians. They supplied them with muskets, rum, and other articles, feted their chiefs; and used personal diplomacy to good advantage. In the spring of 1739, for example, James Oglethorpe undertook a grueling 500-mile journey into northern Georgia and Alabama to visit Lower Creek tribes. One of his principal allies, Chigilly, son of Brims, had become deeply concerned over the activities of Spanish agents and believed that a personal visit from Oglethorpe would counteract lavish promises of aid being held out by Spanish traders. The Georgian’s trek into the hinterland was as fruitful as it was fatiguing and dangerous. Meeting with a grand council of 7,000 Lower Creeks, Coosee, Talapusa, Choctaw, and Chickasaw warriors, Oglethorpe obtained firm professions of loyalty from the assembled chiefs. For the Georgia governor it proved a great personal victory and solidified his alliances in preparation for the impending war with the Floridians. [Note 60: Oglethorpe to the Trustees for Georgia, Frederica, 6/15/1739] (Tepaske GSF)