William Augustus Bowles: Director General of the Creek Nation

William Augustus Bowles led an exciting life as an artist, actor, diplomat, navigator, soldier, linguist, chemist, and lawyer. He lived largely among Native Americans, reared an Indian family, circumnavigated the globe as a Spanish prisoner, and mingled freely with British royalty and leading London statesmen, scientists, and actors. Published in 1967, this biography explores the many facets of Bowles’s life and career, including his failed attempt at establishing a nominally independent Indian state—the Creek Nation or Muskogee—aligned with Britain. Illustrating the chaotic frontier conditions that existed in the southeast after the American Revolution and the extent to which Britain was still involved even after recognizing American independence, this work provides unique insight into colonial and imperial history post-Revolutionary War.