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The History of Georgia
By Charles C. Jones
Volume II - Revolutionary Epoch, 1888
Submitted by: Dena Whitesell
Updated by: Angela D. Bagley-Marianchuk 07/15/08
CHAPTER XI
pages 211-231
The arrival at Tybee, on the 12th of January, 1776, of two "men-of-war and a transport from Boston, with a
detachment of royal troops under the command of Majors Maitland and Grant, cheered the loyal heart of Governor
Wright and encouraged the hope that by force of arms the dominion of the king would soon he reestablished in the
province. Six days afterwards, in view of the impending danger, to strengthen the independent temper of the inhabitants,
and to demonstrate most emphatically that kingly rule in Georgia was at an end, the Council of Safety resolved
" that the persons of his excellency Sir James Wright, Bart, and of John Mullryne, Josiah Tattnall, and Anthony
Stokes, Esqrs., be forthwith arrested and secured, and that all non-associates be forthwith disarmed except those
who will give their parole assuring that they will not aid, assist, or comfort any of the persons on board his
Majesty's ships of war, or take up arms against America in the present unhappy dispute."
With a party selected by himself, Major Joseph Habersham volunteered to secure the person of the governor. Proceeding
to the residence of the chief magistrate, who was at the moment in conference with his council, Major Habersham,
passing the senitinel at the door, entered the hall, and, advancing to the governor and placing his hand upon his
shoulder, said, "Sir James, you are my prisoner." Astonished at the bold and unexpected act, the members
of council and friends to the Crown there assembled fled precipitately from the house. Having exacted a solemn
promise from the governor neither to depart from Savannah nor to hold any correspondence with the officers and
soldiers on the ships lying in Tybee Roads, Major Habersham suffered him to remain in his mansion. A guard was
posted to keep watch upon his movements, and to prohibit all intercourse with members of council, Crown officers,
or persons deemed inimical to the cause of America.
Of the bravery of this act too much cannot be said in commendation. The personal courage displayed in making the
arrest, pronounced as it was, will be reckoned but as a trifle when contrasted with the moral heroism involved
in openly defying the power of the realm and in humbling the duly appointed representative of the Crown in the
face of the province he was commissioned to rule. The effect was dramatic, startling.
Wearied with his confinement, mortified at his situation, and harassed by dangers, some of them arising from shots
wantonly fired into his dwelling, Governor Wright effected his escape on the night of the 11th of February. Slipping
out of the back part of his house, he reached the river, and thence descended to Bonaventure where his friend Mullryne
resided. There a boat and crew were in waiting, and he was conveyed through Tybee Creek to the armed ship Scarborough,
Captain Barclay, lying in the mouth of the Savannah River. He was received on board at three o'clock on the morning
of the 12th. The following day he penned this letter to James Mackay and other members of the king's council remaining
in Savannah :
" Honorable Gentlemen, After using my best endeavours for upward of three weeks to prevail on those in whose
hands the present ruling powers are, that the commanders of his Majesty's ships here might obtain assurances that
they might come to town and have free intercourse with me without receiving any insults from the people assembled
in and about town; also that the King's ships might be supplied with provisions on paying the full price or value
of them: and finding that the last message relative to these matters which I desired the representatives of the
town of Savannah to deliver to the persons exercising : those powers was so lightly treated and little regarded
as that, although delivered on Tuesday morning the 6th instant, yet I received no kind of answer to it for five
days, nor did I understand whether it was meant to give me any answer or not; and well knowing that it was essential
to his Majesty's service and the welfare of this Province that I should have an interview with the King's officers
here: for these reasons and many others which you were made acquainted with and approved of, I determined in all
events to attempt coming down here, where I arrived at three o'clock yesterday morning. And after having examined
and duly weighed and considered my several letters from England, and General Howe at Boston, and after having had
a full conversation with his Majesty's Officers here, I have the great satisfaction to be able to affirm from the
best authority that the forces now here will not commit any hostilities against this Province, though fully sufficient
to reduce and overcome every opposition that could be attempted to be made: and that nothing is meant or wanted
but a friendly intercourse and a supply of fresh provisions. This his Majesty's officers have an undoubted right
to expect, and what they insist upon : and this I not only solemnly require in his Majesty's name but also, as
(probably) the best friend the people of Georgia have, advise them without the least hesitation to comply with,
or it may not be in my power to insure them the continuance of the peace and quietude they now have, if it may
be called so.
"His Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant me leave to return to England, and (whatever may be thought)
my regard for the Province and people is such that I cannot avoid (and possibly for the last time) exhorting the
people to save themselves and their posterity from that total ruin and destruction which, although they may not,
yet I most clearly see at the threshold of their doors: and I cannot leave them without again warning them in the
most earnest and friendly manner, to desist from their present plans and resolutions. It is still in their power:
and if they will enable me to do it, I will, (as far as I can) engage to give and endeavour to obtain for them
full pardon and forgiveness for all past crimes and offences: and this I conjure you to consider well and most
seriously of, before it's too late. But let things happen as they may, be it remembered that I this day in the
King's name offer the people of Georgia the Olive branch, that most desirable object and inestimable blessing,
the return of peace to them and their posterity.
" Caplain Barclay has desired me to notify that he is willing and ready to give every assistance in his power
to the captains of all such merchant ships as may be legally cleared out to enable them to proceed on their respective
voyages. I am also to acquaint you that the detention of the schooner on Friday or Saturday last proceeded entirely
from a mistake by the officer who commanded the armed sloop, and that if the owner will send down, the schooner
will not only be delivered up, but any reasonable price will be paid for the damaged rice that was on board, part
of which has been used to feed hogs and poultry, or they may take it away again. I am also to mention that the
same armed sloop will be sent up tomorrow to Four Mile Point in order to get fresh water, and for no other purpose.
" This letter, which I consider as of the utmost consequence and importance to the whole people of Georgia,
I must desire you will be pleased to communicate to the Assembly, if sitting, and if not, to those who are called
the Council of Safety, and especially to the inhabitants of the town and Province in general, and acquaint them
that I shall expect their full and clear answer to every part of it in a reasonable time.
" I am, with perfect esteem, Gentlemen, Your most obedient and faithful servant, James Wright."
The warnings of his excellency were disregarded. His persuasions from the cabin of the Scarborough brought a smile
to the countenances of those who had feared not his menaces while still the king's governor resident in Savannah.
The " Sons of Liberty " had proceeded too far to think of pause or to cry for pardon. The public voice
was for liberty, and the general mind counseled resistance. The olive branch was extended in vain. As a matter
of courtesy the Honorable Archibald Bulloch, president of the Provincial Congress, responded to the communication.
His reply was satisfactory neither to the governor nor to Captain Barclay. The former said he could not consider
it as an answer because no notice was taken of his advice and proffer of service to the colony. " However,"
he added, " if Georgians will not be their own friends, the Province will blame them and not me who through
friendship put it in their power to be happy."
The Provincial Congress which assembled in Savannah on the 20th of January, 1776, was organized on the 22d by the
election of the Honorable Archibald Bulloch as president. On the 2d of February Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun,
Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett, and George Walton were appointed delegates to the Continental Congress. To them, three
days afterwards, was addressed this communication:
"Gentlemen, Our remote situation from both the seat of power and arms keeps us so very ignorant of the counsels
and ultimate designs of the Congress and of the transactions in the field, tbat we shall decline giving any particular
instructions other than strongly to recommend it to you that you never lose Bight of the peculiar situation of
the Province you are appointed to represent: the Indians, both south and northwestwardly upon our backs; the
fortified town of St. Augustine made a continual rendezvous for soldiers in our very neighborhood; together with
our blacks and tories with us ; let these weighty truths be the powerful arguments for support. At the same time
we also recommend it to you always to keep in view the general utility, remembering that the great and righteous
cause in which we are engaged is not provincial but continental. We therefore, Gentlemen, shall rely upon your
patriotism, abilities, firmness, and integrity, to propose, join, and concur in all such measures as you shall
think calculated for the common good and to oppose such as shall appear destructive.
" By order of Congress. Archibald Bulloch, President. Savannah, April 5, 1776."
Of the five delegates thus appointed the signatures of three, Hall, Gwinnett, and Walton, were affixed to the Declaration
of Independence promulgated on the 4th of July, 1776. Upon the organization, equipment, and discipline of the militia
of the province both the congress and the council of safety labored most assiduously. Realizing that the shock
of arms was near at hand, they strove by every means at command to perfect the military system and to accumulate
munitions of war. Resolutions were passed exempting from the operations of the non-importation act all vessels
bringing gunpowder, saltpetre, sulphur, cannon, small arms, and other warlike material. Samuel Elbert, Edward Telfair,
and Joseph Habersham were constituted a committee to supply the province with arms and ammunition. They were authorized
to contract for the purchase of four hundred muskets with bayonets, twenty thousand pounds of gunpowder, sixty
thousand pounds of bullets, lead, grape, swan, and goose shot, and other military stores. The armament at Frederica
was secured. That the necessary funds might be raised, bills of credit in the form of certificates were issued.
They were based upon the public faith of Georgia, and it was made a penal offense either to refuse to receive them
in payment or to depreciate their value. The following is a copy of one of these bills:
"Georgia------1776. ------No. 5991.
"This certificate entitles the bearer to Four Spanish Milled Dollars, or the Value thereof, according to Resolution
of Congress.
Ja. Habersham
E. Telfair
Geo. Houstoun (Seal)
Wm. Ewen
Wm OBryan
The seal or stamp upon this bill bears the legend Libertas carior auro, and consists of a pole, surmounted with
a liberty cap, in association with a winged caduceus and a cornucopia. These devices varied, and the issues were
regulated by resolutions of congress.
A question having arisen touching a possible conflict of authority between the Continental Congress and the Provincial
Congress or Council of Safety in regard to the command of the battalion, the enlistment of which, upon a continental
establishment, had been sanctioned and aided by the General Congress, the matter was set at rest in the following
manner: "In Provincial Congress, Savannah, Feb. 16,1776. " Province op Georgia :
"Whereas a battalion upon the Continental establishment is now raising in this Province; and whereas doubts
may arise how far the same is subject to the control of the Provincial civil power: Now, therefore, be it known,
and we, the several subscribers, officers bearing commissions in the same battalion, do hereby declare, that we
hold ourselves and the non-commissioned officers and privates, also all others belonging to the said battalion,
subject and subservient to such supreme and civil powers of this Province as are or shall be erected for the purpose
of defending our rights and liberties.
" And further, we bind ourselves upon the words of soldiers and men of honour, at all times to obey and carry
into effect, as far as in us lies, the orders and commands of the present or any future Congress or Council of
Safety of this Province as the same shall, from time to time, be issued to us.
" Provided, nevertheless, That the same do not contradict or interfere with the orders or directions of the
General Congress, or a Committee thereof, or any General or other officer by them appointed over us.
"In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our names, together with the rank and date of our commissions opposite
thereto.
"A Return of the Officers chosen for the Battalion ordered to be raised for the protection and defence of
the Colony of Georgia, Feb. 16, 1776.
Colonel, Lachlan Mclntosh
Major, Joseph Habersham.
Lieut. Col., Samuel Elbert
First Company-
Captain, Francis Henry Harris
Second Lieut., John Jenkins
First Lieut, John Habersham
Ensign, John Rae
Second Company -
Captain, Oliver Bowen
Second Lieut, John Berrien
First Lieut, George Henley.
Ensign,------------.
Third Company -
Captain, John Mclntosh.
Second Lieut., Francis Arthur
First Lieut, Lachlan Mclntosh
Ensign, John Morrison
Fourth Company -
Captain, Arthur Carney
First Lieut., Benjamin Odinsell
Ensign, Delaplaine. John Milton
Second Lieut, John Eman
Fifth Company -
Captain, Thomas Chisholm
Second Lieut, Daniel Cuthbert
First Lieut, Caleb Howell
Ensign, William Mclntosh
Sixth Company -
Captain, John Green
Second Lieut,------------
First Lieut, Ignatius Few
Seventh Company -
Captain, Chesley Bostick
Second Lieut,------
First Lieut., John Martin
Eighth or Rifle Company -
Captain, Colson
First Lieut, Shadrach Wright
Ensign,------
Chaplain, John Holmes
Second Lieut, George Walton
In forwarding a copy of this document and return to General George Washington, commander-in-chief of the American
forces, on the 16th of February, 1776, Colonel Lachlan Mclntosh furirishes an interesting account of the population,
resources, and dangers of the province. He alludes to the presence, in Tybee inlet, of five ships Of war, the
Syren, the Scarborough, the Raven, the Tamer, and the Cherokee, of several tenders, and of two large transports
having on board some three hundred men, " whether for this colony or Carolina, or both together, we are not
yet informed. Our Province has declared itself in a state of alarm, and resolved not to supply the men of war with
provisions, and ordered a draft of half the militia to the town of Savannah to oppose the landing of any troops."
In conclusion, he adds: " I have received no kind of orders or instructions from the General Congress or your
Excellency, nor have I yet been able to obtain even a copy of the American Articles of War, which makes me at a
loss how to act in many cases; therefore I shall wish any orders or directions your Excellency will please to send
me to be as full and frequent as possible; also to be informed how far we are under the control of the Provincial
Congress, &c. of this or any other Province where we are upon duty, and what rank we hold when acting with
militia or Provincial Troops."
The sudden flight of Governor Wright, the presence of an armed force in the mouth of the Savannah River, and the
absence of any definite rules of government, rendered it obligatory for the orderly administration of public affairs
that a constitution for Georgia should be at once framed and proclaimed by the Provincial Congress. Accordingly,
the following preamble and regulations were adopted (1 April 15,1776) as " the groundwork of a more stable
and formal government" of the province. They formed a temporary constitution, and General Washington was,
at an early moment, furnished by Colonel Mclntosh with a copy. "Colony of Georgia:
" Whereas, the unwise and iniquitous system of administration obstinately persisted in by the British Parliament
and Ministry against the good people of America hath at length driven the latter to take up arms as their last
resource for the preservation of their rights and liberties which God and the Constitution gave them;
" And whereas an armed force, with hostile intentions against the people of this Province, having lately arrived
at Cockspur, his Excellency Sir James Wright, Baronet, and King's Governor of Georgia, in aid of the views of the
administration, and with a design to add to those inconveniences which necessarily result from a state of confusion,
suddenly and unexpectedly carried off the great seal of the Province with him ;
" And whereas, in consequence of this and other events, doubts have arisen with the several magistrates how
far they are authorized to act under the former appointments, and the greatest part of them have absolutely* refused
to do so, whereby all judicial powers are become totally suspended to the great danger of persons and property;
" And whereas, before any general system of government can be concluded upon, it is necessary that application
be made to the Continental Congress for their advice and directions upon the same; but, nevertheless, in the present
state of things, it is indispensably requisite that some temporary expedient be fallen upon to curb the lawless
and protect the peaceable ;
"This Congress, therefore, as the representatives of the people, with whom all power originates, and for whose
benefit all government is intended, deeply impressed with a sense of duty to their constituents, of love to their
country, and inviolable attachment to the liberties of America, and seeing how much it will tend to the advantage
of each to preserve rules, justice, and order, do take upon them for the present, and until the further order of
the Continental Congress, or of this, or any future Provisional Congress, to declare, and they accordingly do declare,
order, and direct that the following rules and regulations be adopted in this Province that is to say
"1st. There shall be a President and Commander-in-Chief appointed by ballot in this Congress, for six months,
or during the time specified above.
"2d. There shall be, in like manner, and for the like time, also a Council of Safety, consisting of 13 persons,
besides the five delegates to the General Congress, appointed to act in the nature of a Privy Council to the said
President or Commander-in-Chief.
"3d. That the President shall be invested with all the executive powers of government not inconsistent with
what is hereafter mentioned, but shall be bound to consult and follow the advice of the said Council in all cases
whatsoever, and any seven of said Committee shall be a quorum for the purpose of advising.
" 4th. That all the laws, whether common or statute, and the acts of Assembly which have formerly been acknowledged
to be of force in this Province, and which do not interfere with theproceedings of the Continental or our Provincial
Congresses, and also all and singular the resolves and recommendations of the said Continental and Provincial Congress,
shall be of full force, validity, and effect until otherwise ordered.
" 5th. That there shall be a Chief-Justice, and two assistant judges, an Attorney-General, a Provost-Marshal,
and Clerk of the Court of Sessions, appointed by ballot, to serve during the pleasure of the Congress. The Court
of Sessions, or Oyer and Terminer, shall be opened and held on the second Tuesday in June and December, and the
former rules and methods of proceeding, as nearly as may be, shall be observed in regard to summoning of Juries
and all other cases whatsoever.
"6th. That the President or Commander-in-Chief, with the advice of the Council as before mentioned, shall
appoint magistrates to act during pleasure in the several Parishes throughout this Province, and such magistrates
shall conform themselves, aa nearly as may be, to the old established forms and methods of proceedings.
"7th. That all legislative powers shall be reserved to the Congress, and no person who holds any place of
profit, civil or military, shall be eligible as a member either of the Congress or of the Council of Safety.
" 8th. That the following sums shall be allowed as salaries to the respective officers for and during the
time they shall serve, over and besides all such perquisites and fees as have been formerly annexed to tho said
offices respectively:
" To the President and Commander-in-Cblef after the rate, per annum, of..............sterling £300
To the Chief Justice................ 100
To the Attorney-General.............. 25
To the Provost Marshal............... 60
To the Clerk of Court ............... 50
PICTURE of Bulloch
Archibald Bulloch was elected President and Commander-in-Chief of Georgia ; John Glen, Chief Justice ; William
Stephens, Attorney-General, and James Jackson, Clerk of Court.
On the 1st of May, 1776, the Council of Safety thus saluted the first Republican President of Georgia: "
May it please your Excellency.
" The long session of the late Congress, together with the season of the year, called particularly for a speedy
recess : and the House having adjourned while you were out of town it becomes more particularly necessary for us
to address your Excellency. All, therefore, with unfeigned confidence and regard, beg leave to congratulate not
only your Excellency on your appointment to, but your country on your acceptance of, the supreme command in this
Province.
"It would be needless and tedious to recount the various and yet multiplying oppressions which have driven
the people of this Province to erect that government which they have called upon you to see executed. Suffice it
then to declare that it was only an alternative of anarchy and misery, and, by consequence, the effect of dire
necessity. Your Excellency will know that it was the endeavor of the Congress to stop every avenue of vice and
oppression, lest the infant virtue of a still more infant Province might in time rankle into corruption: and we
doubt not that by your Excellency's exertions all the resolutions made or adopted by Congress will be enforced
with firmness without any regard to any individual or any set of men: for no government can be said to be established
while any part of the community refuses submission to its authority. In the discharge of this arduous and important
task your Excellency may rely on our constant and best endeavors to assist and support you."
To this address President Bulloch returned the following response :
"Honobable Gentlemen, I am much obliged to you for I your kind expressions of congratulation on my appointment
to the supreme command of this Colony. When I reflect from whence the appointment is derived, that of the free
and uncor-rupt suffrages of my fellow citizens, it cannot fail to stimulate me to the most vigorous exertions in
the discharge of the important duties to which I am called by our Provincial Congress. While I have the advice
and assistance of gentlemen of known integrity and abilities, I doubt not but I shall be enabled to enforce and
carry into execution every resolve and law of Congress. And, as far as lies with me, my country may depend I will,
with a becoming firmness, and the greatest impartiality, always endeavor to cause Justice in mercy to be executed."
President Bulloch was a tower of strength. His personal integrity, his high sense of honor, his patriotism, his
admirable executive abilities, his honesty of thought and purpose, bis sturdy manhood, his unquestioned courage,
and his enlarged views of the public good were invaluable in shaping the conduct and maintaining the dignity of
the infant commonwealth.
In compliance with a custom which had obtained during the terms of service of the royal governors, Colonel Mclntosh,
commanding the provincial troops in Savannah, upon the election of President Bulloch caused a sentinel to be posted
at the door of his residence. To this his excellency objected, with the remark: " I act for a free people
in whom I have the most entire confidence, and I wish to avoid on all occasions the appearance of ostentation."
Although the first man in Georgia to read and promulgate the Declaration of Independence, he did not live to behold
the fortunate issue of his people's struggle for liberty. He died in 1777, and the entire commonwealth bewailed
his loss.
Under the provisions of this temporary constitution was the province of Georgia guided until the adoption of the
first regular constitution, on the 5th of February, 1777, by the convention then assembled in Savannah.
Pausing in this sketch of the earliest political development of the province under the leadership of the republican
party, we turn to an event of bold significance in the history of the period, and chronicle the primal passage
at arms in Georgia between the "Sons of Liberty " and the king's troops.
On the first of March, 1776, eleven merchant vessels, laden with rice and ready for sea, were lying at the Savannah
wharves. Some of them were owned by parties entertaining little sympathy with the American cause, and prepared,
at the first opportunity, to disregard the resolutions of Congress and seek the most advantageous market. Aware
of this fact, remembering that the order promulgated by the Continental Congress prohibiting the exportation of
rice from the united colonies expired that day by its own limitations, and apprehending from the presence of the
British vessels of war in Tybee Roads that the cause for such continental restriction had not been removed, the
council of safety assumed the responsibility of passing and publishing the following resolutions:
" Resolved that no ships loaded with rice, or any other article of produce, in this Province, shall be permitted
to sail without leave of the Council of Safety or next Congress, except such vessels as are or shall be permitted
to sail for the purpose of procuring the necessary means of defence.
" Resolved that in case any loss shall be sustained by such detention, the Delegates from this Province shall
be instructed to apply to the Continental Congress to make the reimbursement for such loss a general charge.
"Ordered that the rudders be unshipped, and that the rigging and sails be taken away and secured from the
several vessels now riding in the port of Savannah."
With the enforcement of these resolutions and of this order Colonel Lachlan Mclntosh was charged.
"For the safety of the Province and the good of the United Colonies " it was, on the 2d of March, unanimously
resolved by the council of safety:
"That the houses in the town of Savannah and the hamlets thereunto belonging, together with the shipping now
in the port of Savannah the property of or appertaining to the friends of America who have associated and appeared
or who shall appear in the present alarm to defend the same, and also the houses of widows and orphans, and none
others, be forthwith valued and appraised.
" Ordered That Messrs. Joseph Clay, Joseph Reynolds, John McLuer, Joseph Dunlap, and John Glen, or any three
of them, be a committee for that purpose, and that they make a return of such value and appraisement to the Council
of Safety tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, or as soon after as possible.
"Resolved That the Delegates for this Province shall be instructed to apply to the Continental Congress for
an indemnification to such persons as shall suffer in the defence of this town or shipping.
"Resolved That it shall be considered as a defection from the eause of America, and a desertion of property
in such persons as have left or who shall leave the town of Savannah or the hamlets thereunto belonging during
the present alarm, and 6uch persons shall be precluded from any support or countenance towards obtaining an indemnification.
"Resolved That it be incumbent upon the friends of America in this Province to defend the Metropolis as long
as the same shall be tenable.
" Resolved That rather than the same shall be held and occupied by our enemies, or that the shipping now in
the port of Savannah should be taken and employed by them, the same shall be burnt and destroyed.
"Resolved That orders shall be issued to the commanding officer directing him to have the foregoing resolutions
put into execution."
These brave resolves were supplemented by this proclamation:
"In the Council of Safety, Savannah, March 2nd, 1776.
" Whereas many householders in the town of Savannah, and the hamlets thereunto belonging, have basely deserted
their habitations since the commencement of the present alarms:
" And whereas some of them are associates in the great American Union, and, by consequence, their lives and
fortunes bound to support it:
"And whereas there is a number of shipping in the port of Savannah belonging and appertaining to persons resident
in this Province:
" And whereas we deem it incumbent upon every person, more especially those who have associated, to defend
their property with their lives:
" These are therefore to cite and admonish all persons holding any property in the town or hamlets, or shipping
aforesaid, forthwith to repair to head quarters in Savannah to defend the same, on pain of suffering all the consequences
contained in the foregoing resolutions.
" By order of the Council of Safety, Wm. Ewen, President"
Thus courageously and thoroughly did the authorities prepare to offer the stoutest and most patriotic resistance
to the anticipated demonstration from the king's forces at the mouth of the Savannah River. So soon as Georgia
united her fortunes with those of her sister colonies, all animosity ceased on the part of South Carolina. Between
these adjacent provinces now existed the warmest friendship, and each pledged to the other a support most cordial,
in seasons of doubt and peril. Of the situation of affairs the council of safety in Savannah promptly advised the
council of safety in Charlestown, and furnished that body with copies of the resolutions, orders, and proclamation
of the 2d of March. To such communications a tender of substantial succor and this reply were speedily returned:
" Gentlemen, Your letters of the 1st and 2d inst, and your resolutions, order, and proclamation of these
dates, were laid before the Congress, transfusing a general and perfect joy.
" And the Congress, sensible of the vast importance which your exemplary conduct must be to the American cause,
unanimously voted their thanks; and I have the honour thus to transmit them to you for your having decisively taken
the noble, politic, and vigorous resolution: That the vessels in the port of Savannah, ready to sail, contrary
to the interest of America, shall be forthwith unrigged and unruddered, and that rather than the enemy shall possess
those vessels and your capital, all shall perish in a noble conflagration lighted by yourselves: an instance of
heroic principle not exceeded by any, and equalled but by few, in history.
" Your conduct in citing such of the inhabitants of Savannah as had abandoned their possessions in that town
to return to its defence, under penalty of being deemed to have deserted such property and of being excluded from
any support towards obtaining an indemnification for any loss they may sustain by a general conflagration, received
the highest applause as being worthy of imitation. The policy and justice of the measure are equally conspicuous.
" In short, the Congress feel the greatest satisfaction from their having anticipated your called-for assistance.
It is sufficient that we know our friends stand in need of our aid. We hope that our forces under Colonel Bull
will fully accommodate your necessity; and you may rest assured that we shall continue to afford the friends of
America in Georgia every support in our power. I have the honour, &c. Wm. Henry Drayton, President.
Congress having refused Captain Barclay's request, and the vigilance of the council of safety preventing him from
obtaining the supplies desired for the forces, both land and naval, concentrated below Cockspur Island, the British
commander resolved to capture the rice-laden vessels lying at the wharves in Savannah, and thus secure by force
of arms what his negotiations had failed to obtain. With this object in view, on the last of February, with the
Scarborough of 20 guns, the Tamer of 16 guns, the Cherokee of 10 guns, and the Hinchinbrook schooner of 8 guns,
he ascended the Savannah River as far as Five-Fathom Hole. He "was accompanied by Major Grant who, with his
command, consisting of between two and three hundred light infantry and marines, was conveyed in two transport
ships, one of which mounted sixteen guns.
The soundings of Back River opposite Hutchinson's Island having been taken, two of the vessels passed up. One of
them came into position just in front of Savannah, and the other, in attempting to round the upper end of the island
so as to attack the town from above, grounded on a bank opposite Raes Hall. In this disabled situation this armed
vessel, which proved to be the Hinchinbrook, was fired upon by riflemen under the command of Major Joseph Habersham,
who quickly drove her crew from the deck. Had boats been procurable he would, with his detachment, have boarded
and captured this vessel. At high water she liberated herself from the bank, and moved off. During the night of
the 2d of March between two and three hundred troops, under the command of Majors Maitland and Grant, landed from
the vessel in Back River and silently marched across Hutchinson's Island. At four o'clock on the morning of the
3d they took possession of the rice-laden vessels lying in Savannah River near the store on that island opposite
the town of Savannah. So quietly had this movement been conducted that it was nine o'clock in the forenoon before
the authorities in Savannah became aware of the fact that British troops were on board of those merchantmen. It
was suspected that they had been noiselessly and collusively surrendered by their captains.
The intelligence was first communicated by two sailors from one of these vessels who, coming ashore under the pretence
of procuring some clothes, gave information that Captain Rice, who had been detailed to execute the order issued
by the council of safety directing that all ships in port should be dismantled, having boarded one of these vessels
in performance of his duty was, with his boat's crew, forcibly detained. Great excitement prevailed in Savannah.
Colonel Mclntosh, with three hundred men, at once proceeded to Yamacraw Bluff where he hastily threw up a breastwork
and posted three four-pounder guns bearing upon the shipping. Before opening fire, Lieutenant Daniel Roberts, of
the St. John's Rangers, and Captain Raymond Demer6, of St. Andrew's Parish, were dispatched under a flag of truce
to demand the release of Rice and his boat's crew. Rowing across the river they boarded the vessel in which Captain
Barclay and Major Grant then were. In utter disregard of the flag, Roberts and Demer, although unarmed and on a
peaceful mission, were, by command of the British officers, arrested and detained as prisoners.
A half hour having elapsed and the commissioners not returning, the vessel was hailed through a speaking-trumpet,
and the release of Rice, Roberts, and Demere peremptorily demanded. Insulting replies being received, two four-pounder
shots were at the vessel, when it was answered that if the Americans I send on board two men in whom they most
confided the ritish commander would treat with them. For this purpose plain Screven, of the St. John's Rangers,
and Captain Baker, tie St. John's Riflemen, were detailed. Taking with them the men of the St. John's Rangers,
they were rowed immediately under the stern of the vessel, where they demanded the return of the officers and of
Rice. Incensed at an insulting remark Captain Baker fired a shot at some one on board. This was answered by a discharge
of swivels and small arms from the vessel which almost sank the boat and wounded one man in it, Screven and Baker
retired, the fire upon them being kept up as long as their boat was within range. The battery at Yamacraw Bluff
now opened. For the space of about four hours firing was maintained between it and the British troops on the merchant
vessels.
The council of safety having convened, it was resolved to set fee to the shipping. Among the volunteers for this
service were Captain Bowen, John Morel, Lieutenant James Jackson, Thomas Hamilton, and James Bryan. The Inverness,
late Captain McGillivray, loaded with rice and deer-skins, was ignited and turned adrift in the river. " Upon
this," writes President Ewen to the council of safety in South Carolina, " the soldiers in the most laughable
confusion got ashore in the marsh, while our riflemen, and field-pieces with grape-shot, were incessantly galling
them. The shipping was now also in confusion. Some got up the river under cover of the armed schooner, while others
caught the flame And, as night approached, exhibited a scene as they passed and passed with the tide, which at
any but the present time would be truly horrible, but now a subject only of gratitude and applause. The Ships of
Captains Inglis and Wardell neither got top the river nor on fire. They were ordered on shore and now are prisoners
of Capt. Screven in the country, and their vessels brought down close into a wharf. They were permitted to write
to Captain Barclay in the evening to inform him of their situation and to request an exchange of prisoners, which
the latter peremptorily refused."
Responding to their promise to furnish aid, the South Carolina Council of Safety sent over one hundred and fifty
volunteers from Charlestown, and three hundred and fifty of the country militia, under the command of Colonel Bull,
who, arriving at the critical moment, assisted the Georgians in dislodging the enemy. Three of the merchant vessels
were burnt, six were dismantled, and two escaped to sea.
Before the British resumed their station at Tybee Roads a detachment of marines went ashore on Skidoway Island
to collect stores. It was driven off by a company of militia under the command of Lieutenant Hext. In a skirmish
which occurred the same day at Cockspur, Lieutenants Oates and Laroach were killed.
That the British forces were utterly foiled in their purpose may not be denied, although Governor Wright sought
to convey a different impression of the affair. In his lettera of the 10th of March, addressed to Lord Dartmouth,
he claims that the expedition returned to Tybee Roads " with 14 or 15 merchant ships and vessels of one sort
and another, having on board about 1600 barrels of rice." This is unquestionably an exaggeration. He further
states that the troops sustained no loss, and that only four sailors were wounded.
Lieutenant Roberts and Messrs. Demerd and Rice being still detained as prisoners by the enemy, the Georgia authorities,
as a retaliatory measure, arrested James Edward Powell, Anthony Stokes, Josiah Tattnall, John Mullryne, and such
other members of the king's council as remained in Savannah. Several merchants, and parties peculiarly obnoxious
to the " Liberty Boys," were compelled to leave the town. They sought refuge in the fleet. After various
negotiations, about the 20th of March Messrs. Roberts, Demerl, and Rice were released upon condition that the members
of council under arrest should be set at liberty, with permission either to remain in Savannah upon parole that
they should have " no connection with the King's ships or troops in this Province, and with the understanding
that the safety of their persons and property should be secured so far as the same could be protected by the Council
of Safety," or with liberty " to go on board the ships at Cockspur and take their apparel provisions,
and anything else they might think necessary for their voyage, if they were disposed to leave the Province."
Governor Wright, the officers of the fleet, and the soldiers were in the habit of going ashore on Tybee Island
and utilizing for their comfort and enjoyment, the houses there situated. This the council of safety determined
to prevent in future by the destruction of those edifices. Accordingly, an expedition, consisting of riflemen,
light infantry, volunteers, and a few Creek Indians, led by Archibald Bulloch, on the 25th of March made a descent
upon that island and burned every house except one, in which a sick woman and several children were lying. Two
marines from the fleet and a Tory were killed, and one marine and several Tories were captured.
Although the Cherokee, man-of-war, and an armed sloop kept up an incessant fire, the party, consisting of about
one hundred men, sustained no loss and returned safely, having fully executed the prescribed mission.
Apprehending that the British forces would, at an early day, renew the demonstration against Savannah, every effort
was expended by the council of safety in fortifying the town and in concentrating troops for its protection. The
Rubicon had been passed. Blood had been shed, and resistance to the death offered on the part of Georgians to English
dominion. The patriotism displayed by the citizens of Savannah and the manhood exhibited in the defense of their
homes cannot be too highly commended. In commenting upon the resolutions of the council of safety, unanimously
adopted, which provided that the torch should be applied to Savannah in every direction to prevent its falling
into the hands of the enemy, so that if its defenders were compelled to abandon the town the victors would become
possessed of only a mass of smoking ruins, Captain McCall justly observes : "There are many instances of conflagration
by order of a monarch who can do no wrong,' but there are few instances upon record where the patriotism of the
citizen has urged him on to the destruction of his own property to prevent its becoming an asylum to the enemies
of his country."
The same author intimates, in explanation of the remarkably few casualties sustained during this demonstration
against Savannah, that the hostile disposition of the opposing parties had not then been fully roused; that some
hope was still entertained of an amicable adjustment of the differences existing between England and America ;
and that the inclination was rather to excite alarm by menace than to irritate by the shedding of blood. The suggestion
is not without force, and is specially applicable to the conduct of the English troops.
The forces furnished by South Carolina and present in Savannah during this period of alarm numbered about four
hundred and fifty men, officers and privates. They were commanded by Colonel Stephen Bull, assisted by Major Bourquin.
Some forty of them were posted at Ebenezer as a guard to the public records and surplus powder which had been removed
from Savannah to that point as a place of greater security. Various were the detachments which composed this little
army under Colonel BulL In his general return, prepared at Savannah on the 15th of March, certified by Thomas Rutledge,
adjutant, and forwarded to Colonel Henry Laurens, then president of the council of safety in Charlestown, the following
organizations are enumerated: the Charlestown Volunteers, the Charlestown Rangers, the Charles-town Light Infantry,
the Charlestown Fuzileers, the Beaufort Light Infantry, the St. Helena Volunteers, the Euhaw Volunteers, the Huspa
Volunteers, the Light Horse or Pocotaligo Hunters, detachments from Oakety Creek, St. Peter's, Black Swamp, Pipe
Creek, Boggy-Gut, New Windsor, and Upper Three Runs, and the Beaufort Artillery.
After the affair of the 2d of March there still remained near the wharves the following vessels which had escaped
destruction by fire and capture by the enemy: the ship Unity, Captain Wardell, with 700 barrels of rice on board;
the ship Georgia Packet, Captain Inglis, with 500 barrels of rice; the brigs Amity, freighted with ash and live-oak;
the Rebecca, Captain Rutherford, with a cargo of lumber; the Sorick, Captain Steel, in ballast ; the Beaufort,
Captain Wood, also in ballast; the Fair Lady, Captain Robertson, with 30 hogsheads of tobacco; and the schooner
Race Horse, Captain Burch, in ballast. To prevent all possibility of their departure to sea the council of safety
ordered their rigging to be brought ashore, and that their rudders should be " unhung." Colonel Bull
was requested to superintend the execution of this order. As it was noised abroad by evil-disposed persons that
the Carolinians had taken possession of Savannah, Colonel Bull suggested that the matter had better be attended
to by Georgia troops, and that he would be near with his command to render assistance in case resistance was offered
by the captains and crews of the vessels. Lieutenant-Colonel Stirk, with forty of the Georgia militia, was therefore
detailed to dismantle these vessels. This service he performed in a satisfactory manner.
All danger of an immediate renewal of the attack by the enemy being now regarded as overpast, and there being no
longer any necessity for the retention, on Georgia soil, of the Carolina troops, Colonel Bull departed with his
command. Having disbanded it in the lower part of South Carolina, he repaired to Charlestown where he rendered
an account to the council of safety of all affairs which had been entrusted to him. Sensible of the valuable aid
rendered by this officer and his companions to the colony in a trying hour, the Provincial Congress of Georgia
on the 24th of March passed the following resolution : " That the thanks of the Congress be returned to Stephen
Bull Esqr. of Sheldon, Colonel of the Granville County regiment of militia, for his important services in command
of the Colony forces in Savannah; and that he be desired to signify their thanks to the officers and men then under
his command."
Upon the departure of the Carolina troops there remained for the protection of Savannah the Georgia battalion,
under the command of Colonel Mclntosh, numbering only two hundred and thirty-six men. Of these not more than one
hundred were present for duty. Along the Florida line was distributed a troop of sixty mounted men to prevent cattle
stealing. A body of cavalry of like strength guarded the western frontier against the threatened invasion of the
Indians. For the protection of the sea-coast, permeated with bays and inlets and infested by armed vessels of light
draft, there was not a single ship. Such was the defenseless condition of the province. Evincing no alarm, however,
the patriots calmly and energetically organized their government, accumulated warlike stores, and placed the militia
upon the best possible footing. His excellency Archibald Bulloch, president and commander-in-ohief, true to the
high trusts confided to him, manifested " an ability suited to the occasion, and an "energy adequate
to the crisis."
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