Kindred realized, to his embarrassment, that this was more of an answer than was expected, but found that Bartram was intrigued. He would be traveling within these two Indian nations and, as a scientist, wanted to learn as much as possible about them. He asked, “Do you think your Creek friend would be willing to travel with me for a few weeks, at least while we’re in this territory? We’ll be here in Wrightsborough four or five more days, which should give him a chance to respond.”

Kindred promised to ask Newota about this, and Bartram turned back to Maddock.

“I observed on all the plantations around Savannah, and to some degree in other places along the river below Augusta, that many of the settlers have begun to depend on slaves, both blacks and Indians, as a way to operate and expand their farming operations. What is going on here in your region?”

With obvious pride, Maddock responded, “We Friends have no slaves and have passed a binding resolution at meeting prohibiting any ownership of another human being. We cannot enforce this ruling on those who are not of our faith or in the future, but at least until now I know of no slaves within the lands for which I received a grant and then apportioned to others.”

“I’m glad to hear this. Now let me explain my tentative schedule, which of necessity must always be quite flexible. My primary purpose throughout my journeys will be to make scientific observations, but also to learn as much as possible about life in the southeastern colonies. I would like to spend a few days in Wrightsborough, with most of my time in the forest area with Kindred. Then the surveyor team is supposed to come here, and I shall join this British and Indian group, who will be establishing the boundary lines of the territory just ceded by the Indians in Augusta. Then we plan to return to Savannah, continue my examination of the coastal areas of Carolina and Georgia, and later go farther into the interior of northern Florida and southern Georgia.”

Maddock asked, “How long will all of this take?”

“At least three and perhaps four years. I am obligated to send reports and specimens to London as frequently as possible and will need to make contact with a seaport on occasion.”

“Well, we are pleased and honored to have thee with us. Is there anything we can do in addition to the housing and basic supplies that we have already set aside for thy convenience?”

“No, but I’d like to ask Kindred to contact his Creek friend, so that I’ll know if we can depend on his services.”

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