In 1770, Augusta-based Creek Indian traders informed the Royal Governor of Georgia's staff that the Creek Indian "Head Men" were anxious to settle their outstanding debts that had accrued since 1761 by giving up a large portion of their tribal hunting grounds. Eventually, a formal treaty was signed by Governor Lyman Hall at Augusta on May 31, 1783 which stated that "By this treaty the parties agree to forget all differences-that all debts due by the Indians be paid, and all property taken during the war be restored." After the signing of a number of unsatisfactory treaties with the state of Georgia, the United States federal government stepped into the controlling role with the signing of the Coleraine Treaty.