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SC accused VA of selling arms to Indians under neutrality

Source: The Southern Frontier #86

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The Carolinians, resenting his [Spotswood’s] interference, were quick to discover ulterior motives. They insisted that the Indians in question [Saraws] must submit to South Carolina and make reparation, and protested against any treaty by Virginia which would recognize their neutrality. Through the neutrals, it was predicted, arms and ammunition would find their way to the enemy Indians. And then, as one indignant Carolinian asserted, 'the Sweat and Blood of our People will centre in the coffers of the Indian trading company of Virginia.'42 [Note 42 Journals of the House of Burgesses. Letter of August 25, 1715, cited in note 32; extract from a letter from South Carolina, dated August 30, 1715, in C.O.]

The King was petitioned to order assistance of men and arms from all the royal colonies, especially Virginia, to forbid sale of warlike supplies to the Indians, and to require instead an immediate declaration of war against Carolina's enemies. 43 [Note 43 C.O.]

Spotswood, however, clung to his policy of neutrality, and pressed his negotiations with the piedmont tribes, Saraws and Catawbas. But he strenuously denied that one pound of powder or shot was sold to them on the three occasions when they visited Virginia. 44 [Note 44 Spotswood, Letters]

On the other hand the Carolina agents transmitted to the Board of Trade letters from America, asserting, to be sure on Indian evidence, that the Saraws had a constant supply of munitions from Virginia, which were distributed through intertribal trade to others of the enemy.45 [Note 45 C.O.]