Hawkins, Benjamin

Hawkins, Benjamin (1754–1816) U.S. senator, Indian agent; born in Bute County, N.C. He served as George Washington's aide and translator (with Indians) during the American Revolution and as a member of the Confederation Congress (1781–84, 1786–87). He also served as one of North Carolina's first two U.S. senators (Fed., 1789–95). His most important work was as a commissioner who negotiated treaties with various Indian tribes, including the treaty of Coleraine with the Creeks in 1796. President Washington then appointed him general superintendent of all Native Americans south of the Ohio River. Known as "Beloved Man of the Four Nations," he worked especially closely with the Creeks.