“White Fox, there is reason in what you say, but we must take care of our present needs and also plan how best to strengthen our hand for the future. I suggest that we meet with British leaders, attempt to negotiate the resumption of trade, and decide how best to punish those who destroyed Big Elk’s village. Some British officers have made it clear to me that these white murderers may soon be fighting against the British, and that the Redcoats will need us to join forces against them. That may be the time for retribution.”

Newota could see that a decision had been made, and the council soon decided to send a message to Governor Wright agreeing to a meeting to resolve the mutually damaging impasse. Emistisiguo had full confidence in the young man and said, “Newota, you have heard our talk and understand what we have decided. Tell the governor that we will come to Savannah on the full moon after the Green Corn Dance, and that we will be prepared to resolve all our differences.”

Having been thoroughly instructed during his years with Kindred, Newota was as eloquent in the English language as were his British counterparts. Although some of the white traders spoke the various Indian languages and dialects, Emistisiguo trusted only Newota to be both accurate and honest in the long exchanges, and to relay the nuances and proprieties of their positions.

When the appointed time arrived, the British and the Indian chiefs had completed all the basic arrangements, and Newota and the governor’s aide-de-camp had agreed in advance that the leaders would meet for at least three hours each day, beginning two hours after noon. There was some argument about who would speak first, which might indicate that one side was the supplicant. Eventually it was decided that on the first day the governor would welcome the group, Emistisiguo would respond with a general discourse on the Creeks’ habitual desire for peace and good trade, and then there would be an exchange of appropriate gifts. On the second day, the substance of the issues would be presented, beginning with Emistisiguo making tangential comments and then both sides moving step by step to the heart of the issues that needed to be resolved.

Twenty-two chiefs accompanied Emistisiguo to the meeting, along with Newota as interpreter and a large entourage of tribesmen and women, who camped near the town during the discussions. Governor Wright headed the British contingent, and he was supported by three army officers, a number of subalterns, and Indian Superintendent John Stuart. Another man was introduced as “Elijah Clarke from Augusta, accompanied by his aide, Aaron Hart.” The Creeks glanced at one another. This was the first time they had ever seen the militia leader face-to-face, although their scouts had observed him and his men often during their training exercises.