Benjamin Hawkins-Indian Agent

Often in the gathering* of sagas, documents, and records that go into the history of the world, many characters who have given their utmost in important, but humble, positions are not accorded their just place in the historical scheme. One of these almost forgotten characters who have never attained a conspicuous place in the chronicles of United States or Southern history, was Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, for twenty years Principal Indian Agent for the United States south of the Ohio. Benjamin Hawkins was born August 15, 1754, in what is now Warren County, North Carolina.1 He attended Princeton College, where his education was broken up in his senior year by the Revolution. A decided proficiency in the French language secured for him an appointment on General Washington's staff as an interpreter. He served in this position faithfully and efficiently. North Carolina early recognized his ability and he represented her in various capacities; as member of the general assembly, as agent for obtaining supplies for her troops, as a member of the Continental Congress from 1781 to 1786, and after the adoption of the Constitution, as one of the first senators from his native state, drawing the long term of six years. Colonel Hawkins' participation in Indian affairs began while he was yet a member of the Continental Congress

American Constitutional Law and Politics · History