This war was a war of the Republican party of the United States, and the State of Georgia being almost unanimously Republican, her people felt it would be unpatriotic, at this juncture, to demand of the Government the fulfilment of her obligations in removing the Indians from her soil.  The expenses of the war were onerous, and felt as a heavy burden by the people, and one which was incurred by Republican policy.  That party felt that it was its duty to liquidate this war debt as speedily as possible.  To this end the sale of those conquered lands would greatly contribute; relieving, at the same time, the people to some extent, from the heavy taxation they had borne during the progress of the war.  Consequently, they had not pressed the fulfilment of this contract upon the Government.  But now the war debt had been liquidated—­the United States treasury was overflowing with surplus treasure—­Indian tribes were being removed by the purchase of their lands in the northwest, and a tide of population pouring in upon these lands, and threatening a powerful political preponderance in opposition to Southern policy and Southern interests.  Under these circumstances, and the recommendation of Governor Troup, the Legislature of the State, by joint resolution and memorial to Congress, demanded the fulfilment of the contract on the part of the United States, and the immediate removal of the Indians.

John Quincy Adams was at that time President of the United States, and, as he had ever been, was keenly alive to Northern interests and to Federal views.  Though professing to be Republican in political faith, he arrayed all his influence in opposition to the rights of the States.  In this matter he gave the cold shoulder to Georgia.  He did not recommend a repudiation of the contract, but interposed every delay possible to its consummation.  After some time, commissioners were appointed to negotiate a treaty with the Indians for the purchase of their claim to the lands within the boundaries established by the sale to the United States—­or so much thereof as was in possession of the Creek tribe.  To this there was very serious opposition, not only from that portion of the tribe which formerly allied themselves to Great Britain, but from missionaries found in the Cherokee country, and from Colonel John Crowell, who was United States agent for the Creek Indians.  These Indians were controlled by their chief, Hopothlayohola, a man of rare abilities and great daring.  He was a powerful speaker, fluent as a fountain, and extremely vigorous in his expressions:  his imagery was original and beautiful, apposite and illustrative; and his words and manner passionate to wildness.  To all this he added the ferocity of his savage nature.

Crowell was an especial friend of Governor Clarke, and was influenced by his party feelings of hatred to Troup—­in his opposition to a treaty, openly declaring that Georgia should never acquire the land while Troup was Governor.  He was an unscrupulous man, of questionable morals, and vindictive as a snake.