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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 07/16/08
CHAPTER XVI
pages 304-325
The commissioners appointed by the Crown " to treat, consult, and agree upon the means of quieting the disorders
now subsisting in certain of the Colonies, Plantations, and Provinces in North America " having failed in
their efforts to bring about a pacification, resolved to conclude their sitting and to return to England. heir
proclamation of the 3d of October, 1778, addressed to the Continental Congress, to the assemblies of the respective
colonies, and to the inhabitants generally, had been met by a counter manifesto, published by the congress of the
Confederated States on the 30th of the same month, in which " the essential rights of man " were heroically,
and with an abiding confidence in the favorable intervention of the Supreme Disposer of human events, submitted
" to the decision of arms." It was now evident that all attempts to recover the revolted colonies by
lenient measures would prove utterly futile, and that force alone could again subject them to the dominion of the
mother country.
During the approaching winter it was resolved to transfer the theatre of active warfare from the Northern to the
Southern provinces. Upon the conquest and permanent occupation of Georgia and South Carolina Lord George Germain
fixed his hopes. The former was to be invaded by General Augustine Prevost issuing from East Florida, while a heavy
force under the command of Colonel Archibald Campbell, sailing from New York, was to supplement this movement by
a direct attack upon Savannah. Caught thus between the upper and the nether millstone it was confidently believed
that Georgia would speedily and surely be ground down into absolute submission to British rule.
As a diversion, and with a view to distracting the attention of General Howe and the continental forces concentrated
for the protection of Savannah, General Prevost dispatched from St. Augustine two expeditions, — one by sea to
operate directly against Sunbury, and the other by land to march through and devastate the lower portions of Georgia
and, at that town, to form a junction with the former. Of the detachment moving by water, and consisting of infantry
and light artillery, Lieutenant-Colonel Fuser was placed in command, while the conduct of the column penetrating
by land was entrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel Mark Prevost.
The latter officer, setting out with one hundred British regulars, was joined at Fort Howe by the notorious McGirth
and three hundred refugees and Indians. On the 19th of November this force entered the Georgia settlements, taking
captive all men found on their plantations, and plundering the inhabitants of every article of value capable of
transportation. At the point where the Savannah and Darien road crosses Bulltown swamp Prevost was confronted by
Colonel John Baker who had hastily collected some mounted militia to dispute his advance. After a short skirmish
the Americans retreated. Colonel Baker, Captain Cooper, and William Goulding were wounded. At North Newport Bridge
(afterwards called Riceborough Bridge), further resistance was offered by the patriots, but it was too feeble to
materially retard the progress of the invading force. Meanwhile, Colonel John White (he had been for some time
stationed at Sunbury, and commanded not only the continental troops there concentrated, but also all detached companies
operating to the southward. Captain Morris artillery company constituted the permanenet garrison of the fort),
having concentrated about one hundred continentals and militia, with two pieces of light artillery, took post at
Midway Meeting-House and constructed a slight breastwork across the road at the head of the causeway over which
the enemy must advance. His hope was that he might here keep Prevost in check until reinforcements could arrive
from Savannah. An express was sent to Colonel Elbert to inform him of the hostile invasion, and Major William Baker,
with a party of mounted militia, was detached to skirmish (in one of these skirmished Charles Carter was killed)
with the enemy and, at every possible point, to interrupt his progress.
On the morning of the 24th Colonel White was joined by General Screven with twenty militiamen. It was resolved
to abandon the present and occupy a new position a mile and a half Bouth of Midway Meeting-House, where the road
was skirted by a thick wood in which it was thought an ambuscade might be advantageously laid. McGirth being well
acquainted with the country, and knowing the ground held by Colonel White, suggested to Prevost the expediency
of placing a party in ambush at the very point selected by the Americans for a similar purpose. It was further
proposed, by an attack and feigned retreat, to draw Colonel White out of his works and into the snare. The contending
parties arrived upon the ground almost simultaneously, and firing immediately commenced. Early in the action the
gallant General Screven, renowned for his patriotism and beloved for his virtues, received a severe wound, fell
into the hands of the enemy, and was by them killed while a prisoner and suffering from a mortal hurt (the accounts
of the death of General Screven vary in their details. Dr. Ramsay - History of the Revolution of SC - thus alludes
to the tragic event; "He received a wound from a musket ball, in consequence of which he fell from his horse.
After he fell several of the British came up, and, upbraiding him with the manner in which Captain Moore of Brown's
rangers had been killed, discharged their pieces at him. Few men were more esteemed or beloved for their virtues
in private life; few officers had done more for their country than this gallant citizen who lost his life in consequence
of the wounds received on this occasion." Judge T. U. P. Charlton, after referring to Dr. Ramsay's statement,
says: "My notes and memoirs afford me an account somewhat different. They inform me that the General was on
foot reconnoitering in a thicket on the left flank of the enemy's post on Spencer's Hill. On this spot an ambuscade
had been formed, and he fell in the midst of it. Captain Thomas Glascock (afterwards a Brigadier-General of the
Georgia Militia), a gallant young officer, was at his side and very narrowly escaped.").
A shot from one of the field-pieces passed through the neck of Prevost's horse, and both animal and rider fell.
Major Roman DeLisle, commanding the artillery, supposing that the British commander had been killed, quickly advanced
his two field-pieces to take advantage of the confusion which ensued, and Major James Jackson, thinking the enemy
was retreating, shouted victory. Prevost, however, soon appeared remounted, and advanced in force. Finding himself
overborne by numbers, Colonel White retreated upon Midway Meeting-House, breaking down the bridges across the swamp
as he retired, and keeping out small parties to annoy the enemy's flanks. Compelled to withdraw still further,
and desiring by stratagem to retard the advance of the enemy, Colonel White " prepared a letter as though
it had been written to himself by Colonel Elbert,, directing him to retreat in order to draw the British as far
as possible, and informing him that a large body of cavalry had crossed over Ogechee river with orders to gain
the rear of the enemy, by which their whole force would be captured." This letter was so dropped as to find
its way into the hands of Colonel Prevost, who seems to have considered it genuine. It is believed that it exerted
much influence in retarding his advance, which was pushed in the direction of Savannah not more than six or seven
miles beyond Midway Meeting-House. Meanwhile, McGirth, with a strong party, reconnoitring in the direction of Sunbury,
ascertained that the expedition under Lieutenant-Colonel Fuser had not arrived. This circumstance, in connection
with the concentration of the forces of Colonels Elbert and White at Ogeechee ferry where a breastwork was thrown
up and preparations were made vigorously to dispute his further progress, determined Prevost to abandon his enterprise
and to return to St. Augustine.
Treating the population as rebels against a lawful sovereign, and utterly refusing to stipulate for the security
of the country (Major John Habersham was commissioned by Colonel elbert to propose to Colonel Prevost some general
arrangement by which the region might be protected from pillage and conflgration. Prevost, however, refused to
stipulate for the security of the country, observing that the inhabitants had voluntarily brought on their impending
fate by a rebellion against their lawful sovereign.), Prevost, upon his retreat, burnt Midway Meeting-House and
all dwellings, negro quarters, rice barns, and improvements within reach. The entire region was ruthlessly plundered,
the track of his retreating army being marked by smoking ruins. His soldiers, unrestrained, indulged in indiscriminate
pillage, appropriating plate, bedding, wearing apparel, and everything of value capable of easy transportation.
The inhabitants were subjected to insult and indignities. The region suffered terribly and the patriotism of the
people was sorely tried. The scene was such as was subsequently repeated when General Augustine Prevost, in 1779,
raided through the richest plantations of South Carolina, or when the Federal cavalry under General Kilpatriok,
in the winter of 1864-1865, overran, occupied, and plundered Liberty County, converting a well-ordered and abundantly
supplied region into an abode of poverty, lawlessness, and desolation.
Delayed by head winds, Colonel Fuser did not arrive in front of Sunbury until Prevost had entered upon his retreat
and was beyond the reach of communication. Late in November, 1778, his vessels, bearing some five hundred men,
battering cannon, light artillery, and mortars, anchored off the Colonel's Island. A landing was effected at the
ship-yard. Thence, the land forces with field-pieces, moving by the main road, marched upon Sunbury. The armed
vessels sailed up Midway River in ooncert, and took position in front of the fort and in the back river opposite
the town simultaneously with its investment on the land side by the infantry and artillery. Colonel John Mclntosh,
with one hundred and twenty-seven continental troops and some militia and citizens from Sun bury, numbering less
than two hundred men in all, held Fort Morris. The town was otherwise unprotected. Having completed his dispositions,
Fuser made I the following demand upon Colonel McIntosh for the surrender of the fort: —
" Sir, — You cannot be ignorant that four armies( he referred to the expedition from New York under the command
of Colonel Archibald campbell, that from Florida under Lieutenenat-Colonel Mark Prevost, that, which ahd not yet
taken the field, under General Augustine Prevost, and his own.) are in motion to reduce this Province. One is already
under the guns of your fort, and may be joined, when I think proper, by Colonel Prevost who is now at the Midway
Meeting-House. The resistance you can, or intend to make will only bring destruction upon this country. On the
contrary, if you will deliver me the fort which you command, lay down your arms, and remain neuter nntil the fate
of America is determined, you shall, as well as all of the inhabitants of this parish, remain in peaceable possession
of your property. Your answer, which I expect in an hour's time, will determine the fate of this country, whether
it is to be laid in ashes, or remain as above proposed. "I am Sir, Your most obedient, etc., L. V. Fusber,
Colonel 60th Regiment, and Commander of his Majesty's troops in Georgia, on his Majesty's Service.
P. S.
"Since this letter was closed some of your people have been firing scattering shot about the line. I am to
inform you that if a stop is not put to such irregular proceedings, I shall burn a house for every shot so fired."
To this demand the following brave response was promptly returned by Colonel McIntosh (Mr. John Couper, in a letter
dated St. Simon's, 16th April, 1842, and written when he was eighty-three years of age, gives the following anecdote
of the famous and eccentric Captain Rory McIntosh, who, at the time, had attached himself in a volunteer capacity
to the infantry company commanded by Captain Murray, forming part of the fourth battalion of the 60th regiment.
Captain Murray's company was in the lines which Colonel Fuser had developed around Sunbury and its fort.): —
"Sir, — We acknowledge we are not ignorant that your army is in motion to endeavour to reduce this State.
We believe it entirely chimerical that Colonel Prevost is at the Meeting-House: but should it be so, we are in
no degree apprehensive of danger from a junction of his army with yours. We have no property compared with the
object we contend for that we value a rush: and would rather perish in a vigorous defence than accept of your proposals.
We, Sir, are fighting the battles of America, and therefore disdain to remain neutral till its fate is determined.
As to surrendering the fort, receive this laconic reply: Come AND take it. Major Lane, whom I send with this letter,
is directed to satisfy you with respect to the irregular, loose firing mentioned on the back of your letter. "
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient Servant, John McIntosh, Colonel of Continental Troops."
In delivering this reply Major Lane informed Colonel Fuser that the irregular firing of which he complained was
maintained to prevent the English troops from entering and plundering Sunbury. With regard to the threat that a
house should be burned for every shot fired, Major Lane stated that if Colonel Fuser sanctioned a course so inhuman
and so totally at variance with the rules of civilized warfare he would assure him that Colonel McIntosh, so far
from being intimidated by the menace, would apply the torch at his end of the town whenever Colonel Fuser fired
the town on his side, " and let the flames meet in mutual conflagration."
Instead of assaulting, Fuser hesitated and awaited a report from scouts whom he had sent into the country to ascertain
the precise movements of Prevost and learn when his junction might be expected. That officer, as we have seen,
unwilling, after the affair near Midway Meeting House, to hazard an engagement with the continental forces supposed
to be advancing from the Great Ogeechee, and surprised at the non-appearance of Fuser before Sunbury, had already
commenced his retreat and was beyond the reach of easy communication. Surprised and chagrined at the intelligence,
Fuser raised the siege, reembarked his troops, and returned to the St. John River where he met the returned forces
of Prevost. Mutual recriminations ensued between these officers, each charging upon the other the responsibility
of the failure of the respective expeditions.
Remembering the superior forces at command, it cannot be doubted that either singly or in conjunction Prevost and
Fuser could have speedily occupied Sunbury and compelled a surrender of Fort Morris, had their operations been
vigorously pressed. When we consider the paucity of continental troops and militia offering resistance to the invading
column of the one, and the slender garrison opposed to the investing forces of the other, the small space and the
short time to be overcome in accomplishing a junction, and the further fact that they both must have been aware
of the near approach to Savannah of Colonel Campbell's expedition from which these advances from Florida were distinctly
intended to distract the attention of the Revolutionists, we cannot but be surprised that Colonels Fuser and Prevost
should thus have abandoned their enterprise when a consummation was manifestly within easy grasp.
Upon his retreat from Sunbury Colonel Fuser landed his British regulars at Frederica with instructions to repair
and place in good defensive condition the military works which General Ogle-thorpe had planned and erected at that
point.
Having collected his forces, General Robert Howe marched to Sunbury. During his short stay there he did little
more than point out and condemn the defenseless condition of the works, and memorialize congress upon the dangers
which threatened the Georgia coast, the lack of men and munitions of war, and the disorganization existing in his
scattered army. He was one of those unfortunate officers who, lacking the energy and the ability to make the most
of the resources at command, and harping upon the existence of defects and wants which inhered in the very nature
of things, constantly clamored for the unattainable, indulged in frequent complaints, neglected careful organization,
discipline, and dispositions, and, on important occasions, became involved in unnecessary perplexities and loss.
Although relieved from the presence of the enemy, heavy shadows rested upon the inhabitants of St. John's Parish.
Desolation and ruin were on every hand. The gathered crops having been burnt, many were without sufficient means
of subsistence, and not a few were compelled to look elsewhere for support. These tribulations, however, were but
an earnest of sadder ones soon to follow, trials so grievous that patriotic hearts were well-nigh overborne at
thought and apprehension of distresses almost beyond human endurance. These peoples, the first of the colony to
declare for freedom, were on the eve of passing under a yoke far more oppressive than that from which not three
years before they had sought to escape, and their homes were to become so desolate that expatriation would be found
preferable to a perplexing residence and distressful life in the region where they had garnered up present possessions
and future hopes.
General Howe's impressions of the conditions of affairs in Sunbury and in Georgia are thus conveyed in a letter
to General Moultrie: "It is impossible for me to give an account of the confused, perplexed way in which I
found matters in this State upon my arrival; nor has it been in my power to get them as yet in a better train.
I am sorry to inform you that this town is not defensible for half an hour, should it be attacked the least formidably
; and its present safety is entirely owing to the spirited conduct of the troops in the fort, and the want of enterprise
in the enemy who most certainly might have possessed it in a very short time and with little loss though the garrison
had made (which I doubt not they would have done) the most spirited resistance. The enemy undoubtedly are at St.
Simon's where they are repairing the fort, and where the regulars remain: the Scopholites having been detached
to convey their booty beyond St. John's, after which, as deserters say, they are to return. . . .
"I am concerned to inform you that notwithstanding these alarming appearances and my very early application
for negroes to act as pioneers, I am as yet unfurnished with them, or indeed with any other assistance to carry
on the works without which this State will probably be lost. The galleys are likewise in a condition, at this alarming
crisis, truly deplorable. They are now given up to my direction, and I will exert myself to put them on a more
respectable footing. All I can say is that my strenuous endeavors during my stay shall not be wanting to make the
best defence possible against the attempts of the enemy, and if I am but heartily supported by the State, which
I hope I shall be, I flatter myself we shall make the purchase of this country dearer perhaps than our enemies
expect.
"Though I cannot think, without the most absolute necessity, of requesting of your State more Continental
troops than have been ordered, yet should that necessity occur, being certain that my Country will give to this
every generous support, I would have you hold Col. Henderson's regiment in constant readiness to move upon the
first notice; and, lest the exigence of affairs should make still more assistance necessary, wagons and all other
things requisite to the march of troops should immediately be got in readiness that the men, when wanted, may move
without delay."
The regiments of Colonels Huger and Thompson had already been put under marching orders. At Purrysburg there was
to be a concentration of forces so that they could advance for the relief of any threatened point, and Colonel
Owen Roberts was directed to hasten forward with his artillery for the defense of Savannah. That town was in a
very unprotected condition. At its eastern extremity a battery had been thrown up and there a few guns were mounted.
These, however, bore only upon the river. The land approaches were entirely open, the fortifications erected under
the auspices of Captain DeBrahm having been permitted to fall into decay.
The first definite intelligence of Colonel Campbell's approach was communicated by William Haslen, a deserter from
the British transport ship Neptune. He was examined before Governor Houstoun on the 6th of December, and a copy
of his deposition was at once forwarded by express to General Howe who was still at Sunbury. His declaration left
no doubt on the minds of the authorities but that a very formidable expedition was afloat destined for the reduction
of Savannah and the conquest of Georgia. About the same time General Howe received another express from the south
verifying the rumor that General Augustine Prevost was on the eve of marching from St. Augustine, with all his
forces, against Georgia.
In this alarming posture of affairs the militia was hastily summoned to the field, and Captain John Milton, secretary
of state, was directed by the governor to pack and remove, without delay, to a place of safety, all the public
records appertaining to his office. They were accordingly transported in boats to Purrysburg, and thence to the
residence of Mr. Bryan.
Early in December the first vessels belonging to Colonel Campbell's expedition made their appearance at Tybee.
The weather proving very unfavorable, they withdrew to sea, and at one time it was hoped that the alarm created
by their presence was premature and possibly false. Even the governor shared in this impression, for he ordered
that the public records should be returned to Savannah. Before this was done the British vessels were again upon
the coast, and Captain Milton proceeded to Charlestown and there deposited the State's papers for safekeeping.
We learn from Lieutenant-Colonel Archibald Campbell's report2 to Lord George Germain, dated Savannah, January 16,
1779, that in obedience to Sir Henry Clinton's orders he set sail from Sandy Hook on the 27th of November, 1778,
with his majesty's 71st regiment of foot, two battalions of Hessians, four battalions of provincials, and a detachment
of the royal artillery, en route for Georgia. He was escorted by a squadron of his majesty's ships of war commanded
by Commodore Parker. The entire fleet, with the exception of two horse sloops, arrived off the island of Tybee
on the 23d of December. By the 27th the vessels had crossed the bar and were lying at anchor in the Savannah River.
From the provincial battalions two corps of light infantry were formed, one to be attached to Sir James Baird's
light company of the 71st Highlanders, and the other to Captain Cameron's company of the same regiment. Possessing
no intelligence that could be relied upon with regard to the military force in Georgia or the dispositions made
for her defense, Sir James Baird's Highland company of light infantry, with Lieutenant Clarke of the navy, was
dispatched in two flat-boats, on the night of the 27th, to seize any of the inhabitants they might find on the
banks of Wilmington River. Two men were captured, and the information derived from them confirmed Colonel Campbell
and Commodore Parker in the resolution to land their troops the next evening at Mr. Girardeau's plantation, less
than two miles below the town of Savannah. This was the first practicable bluff near the Savannah River, — the
region between it and Tybee Island being a continuous marsh intersected by streams.
The Vigilant, a man-of-war, with the Comet galley, the Kep-pel, an armed brig, and the armed sloop Greenwich, followed
by the transports in three divisions in the order established for a descent, proceeded up the river with the tide
at noon. About four o'clock in the afternoon the Vigilant opened the reach to Girardeau's plantation, and was cannonaded
by two American galleys. A single shot from the Vigilant quickened their retreat.
The tide and the evening being too far spent, and many of the transports having gotten aground some five or six
miles below Girardeau's plantation, the debarkation was delayed until the next morning. At daybreak the first division
of the troops — consisting of all the light infantry of the army, the New York volunteers, and the first battalion
of the 71st regiment, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Maitland — was landed on the river dam in front of
Girardeau's plantation. Thence a narrow causeway, about eight hundred yards in length, with a ditch on each side,
led through a swamp directly towards Girardeau's residence, which stood upon a bluff some thirty feet above the
level of the river delta. The light infantry, under Captain Cameron,
having first reached the shore, were rapidly formed and led briskly forward to the bluff where Captain John C.
Smith, of South Carolina, with forty men, was posted. Here the British were welcomed by a smart fire of musketry
by which Captain Cameron and two Highlanders were slain and five others were wounded. Rushing onward and upward
the enemy quickly succeeded in driving Captain Smith from his position. He retreated upon the main army. The bluff
was soon occupied by the first division of the king's troops and one company of the second battalion of the 71st
regiment, the first battalion of Delancey, the Wellworth battalion, and a portion of Wissenbach's regiment of Hessians.
A company of the second battalion of the 71st regiment and the first battalion of Delancey being left to cover
the landing place, Colonel Campbell moved on in the direction of Savannah in the following order. The light infantry,
throwing off their packs, formed the advance. Then came the New York volunteers, the first battalion of the 71st
regiment, with two six-pounder guns, and the Wellworth battalion of Hessians with two three-pounders. A part of
Wissenbach's Hessian battalion closed the rear. Upon entering the great road leading to the town, Wissenbach's
battalion was there posted to secure the rear of the army. A thick, impenetrable, wooded swamp covered the left
of the line of march, while the cultivated plantations on the right were scoured by the light infantry and the
flankers.
The open country near Tattnall's plantation was reached just before three o'clock in the afternoon. The command
was halted in the highway, about two hundred paces from the gate opening into Governor Wright's plantation, and
the light infantry was formed upon the right along the rail fence.
Leaving the English forces in this position, we turn for a moment to General Howe's army. That officer had formed
his encampment southeast of Savannah, and anxiously awaited rein-forcements of militia and continental troops from
South Carolina His soldiers had not yet recovered from the pernicioua influences of the Florida campaign. About
a fourth of the Georgia continentals lay prostrate by disease, and many who were convalescing were too feeble to
endure the fatigue of battle.1 He had found it impracticable to concentrate the militia. On the day when Colonel
Campbell wrestled with General Howe for the possession of Savannah, the army of the latter, exclusive of the militia,
numbered only six hundred and seventy-two, rank and file; while that of the former showed an aggregate present
of more than two thousand.
On the 28th of December general instructions were issued to prepare for action, and on the following day this order
of battle was announced: —
" Head Quarters, Savannah, December 29, 1778
" Parole, Firmness. The first brigade is to be told off into sixteen platoons of an equal number of files;
the odd files to be formed into one platoon on the right wing of the brigade to act as light infantry according
to exigencies.
" Two field officers to be appointed to the command of the right wing of both brigades.
" The second brigade to be told off into eight platoons of an equal number of files to be formed on the left
of the first brigade in order to act as light infantry as will be directed.
" Colonel Isaac Huger will command the right wing of the army composed of the first brigade and the light
troops belonging to it.
" The artillery of both brigades and the park to be posted before and during the action as shall be directed,
and defend their ground until further orders. The artillery when ordered or forced to retreat are to fall into
the road leading to the western defile where Colonel Roberts is to take as advantageous a post as possible to protect
the retreat of the line."
The town of Savannah was approached by three principal roads: one leading from the high grounds of the Brewton
Hill plantation and Thunderbolt, and forming a causeway where it crossed a morass adjacent to the town, with rice-fields
to the north and wooded swamps on the south; a second, formed by the union of the White Bluff and the Ogeechee
ferry highways, coming in from the south; and a third, leading westwardly across the deep swamp of Musgrove Creek,
with rice-fields on the north and an extensive morass toward the south.
On the morning of the 29th when Colonel Elbert discovered the enemy in the act of landing, he urged upon General
Howe the importance of defending Brewton Hill, (then known as Girardeau'a plantation.) and offered with his regiment
to prevent the British from obtaining possession of it. The strategic value of the bluff was apparent, and Colonel
Elbert's intimate acquaintance with the locality would have enabled him in all probability to have defeated the
enemy in his effort to effect a lodgment there. With surprising stupidity General Howe committed the fatal blunder
of rejecting this offer, and formed his army for battle on the southeast of Savannah along the crest of the high
ground and in proximity to the town as it then stood.
No position more apt for defense could have been selected in the entire neighborhood than the bluff at Girardeau's
plantation. A regiment there posted, and a few pieces of field artillery advantageously distributed along the brow,
would have utterly shattered the advancing column of the enemy moving along a narrow rice dam half a mile in length
with marish and impracticable grounds on either hand. Persisting in such a movetnent, the enemy could have been
torn to pieces by the plunging and enfilading fire. We marvel at the lack of observation and generalship which
permitted such an opportunity to pass unimproved. The disparity of forces rendered it all the more obligatory that
every advantage should have been taken of this position. It was the key to Savannah. Once in the keeping of Colonel
Campbell, the subsequent reduction of the place by means of the preponderating forces under his command became
a matter only of a short time and energetic action. Repulsed from this landing place, and defeated in the effort
to obtain a base of operations here, the acquisition of Savannah would have proved to the enemy a far more difficult
problem. General Moultrie condemns General Howe for attempting, under the circumstances, the defense of Savannah,
but omits the special censure which should properly be visited upon him for the neglect which we have pointed out.
He says: —
" When Gen. Howe perceived that the British by their movements intended a descent upon Savannah he called
a council of war of his field-officers to advise with them whether he should retreat from Savannah or stay and
defend the town with his troops. The majority of the Council were of opinion that he should remain in Savannah
and defend it to the last. This was the most ill-advised, rash opinion that could possibly be given. It was absurd
to suppose that 6 or 700 men, and some of them very raw troops, could stand against 2 or 3000 as good troops as
any the British had, and headed by Col. Campbell, an active, brave, and experienced officer.
"From every information which Gen. Howe received he was well assured that the British troops were at least
that number. Gen. Howe should have retreated with his 6 or 700 men up the country, especially as he had certain
information that Gen. Lincoln was marching with a body of men to join him, and did actually arrive at Purisburgh
on the 3rd day of January, only 4 days after his defeat."
In this judgment after event we do not fully sympathize. Had the landing of the enemy been properly disputed, the
capture of Savannah would have been either indefinitely postponed or entirely prevented.
General Howe formed line of battle across the road leading from Brewton Hill and Thunderbolt to Savannah at a point
about eight hundred yards distant from the gate leading to Governor Wright's plantation. One brigade, consisting
chiefly of the regiments of Colonels Huger and Thompson, and commanded by Colonel Huger, was disposed on the right;
its left resting obliquely on the road, and its right on a wooded swamp covered by the houses of the Tattnall plantation
in which some riflemen were placed. The other brigade, consisting of parts of the first, second, third, and fourth
battalions of the Georgia continentals, tinder the command of Colonel Elbert, was posted upon the left; its right
resting upon the road and its left extending to the rice-fields of Governor Wright's plantation. Behind the left
wing of this brigade was the fort on the Savannah River bluff. The town of Savannah, around which were the remains
of an old line of intrenchments, was in the rear of the army. One piece of field artillery was planted on the right
of the line, and another on the left. Just where the line crossed the Thunderbolt road a traverse had been thrown
up, and behind this two cannons were posted. One hundred paces in front of this traverse, at a critical point between
two swamps, a trench was cut across the road to impede the advance of the enemy, and, about the same distance beyond
this trench in the direction of the enemy a marshy stream ran parallel with the American line of battle. Where
it crossed the road the bridge had been burnt.
In this situation General Howe waited for the approach of the British. Although informed by Colonel George Walton
that there was a private way through the swamp by means of which the enemy could pass from the high grounds of
Brewton Hill plantation and gain the rear of the American right, and although urged by him to have the same properly
guarded, General Howe neglected to give any attention to the matter, thus committing another fatal error in the
conduct of this important affair.
Falling in with an old negro man named Quamino Dolly, Colonel Campbell acquired information from him of the existence
of the private path leading through the wooded swamp and debouching in the rear of the American right. He at once
secured his services as a guide. The first battalion of the 71st regiment was ordered to form on the English right
of the road and move up in rear of the light infantry which was extended to the right as though threatening the
American left. Taking advantage of a hollow which concealed the manoeuvre, Sir James Baird was directed to conduct
the light infantry quite to the British rear; and thence, passing to the left, to enter the path which led to the
rear of the American right. The New York volunteers under Colonel Trumbull were instructed to support him.
While this movement was in progress the British artillery, concentrated in a field in front of the American right
and sheltered from observation by an intervening swell in the ground, was held in readiness either to play upon
the American line of battle or to open upon any force which might be detached to enter the wood and interrupt the
progress of the light infantry. Wellworth's Hessian battalion was formed on the left of this artillery.
Meanwhile, the Americans opened upon the enemy with cannon. This fire provoked no reply. Sir James Baird and the
light infantry, having fairly gained the rear of the right of General Howe's army, issued from the swamp and attacked
a body of militia which had been posted to guard the road leading to the Great Ogeechee ferry. This force was quickly
put to flight. At the sound of these guns Colonel Campbell ran his field-pieces to the front and opened a heavy
cannonade. He at the same time ordered a vigorous charge all along his line. Attacked in front and rear the patriots
soon gave way. A retreat was sounded. A panic ensued, and the Americans made their way, as best they could, and
in a confused manner, through the town. Before the retiring army gained the head of the causeway over Musgrove's
swamp, west of Savannah, — the only pass by which a retreat was practicable, — the enemy secured a position to
interrupt the crossing. By extraordinary exertions Colonel Roberts kept the British in check until the centre of
the army made its escape. The American right flank being between two fires suffered severely. The left, under the
command of Colonel Elbert, continued the conflict with such gallantry that a retreat by the causeway became impracticable.
That officer therefore attempted to lead his troops through the rice-fields between the Springfield causeway and
the river. In doing so he encountered a heavy fire from the enemy, who had taken possession of the causeway and
of the adjacent high grounds of Ewensburg. Reaching Musgrove Creek, Colonel Elbert found it filled with water,
for the tide was high. Consequently, only those of his command who could swim succeeded in crossing, and this they
did with the loss of their arms and accoutrements. The others were either drowned or captured.
PICURE OF WALTON
The Georgia militia, about one hundred in number, posted in rear of the right of the American line on the South
Common, and commanded by Colonel George Walton, received the shock of the column led by Sir James Baird. The conflict
was spirited, but of short duration. Colonel Walton, wounded (Colonel Walton received a shot in the thigh from
which he never entirely recovered.), fell from his horse and was captured. Pressed by Sir James Baird from the
southeast, this command in retreating into the town was met by the enemy in hot pursuit of the fugitive army of
General Howe. It suffered terribly, ajid was wholly killed, wounded, or captured. Some of its members — inhabitants
of Savannah—were bayoneted in the streets by their victorious pursuers.
As soon as Sir Hyde Parker perceived the impression made upon the American line by Colonel Campbell, he quickly
moved his small ginned vessels up to the town, sending the Comet galley as far as the ebb tide would permit. Thus
all the shipping at the wharves was taken, and Savannah was cut off from communication with South Carolina. His
squadron captured one hundred and twenty-six prisoners, three ships, three brigs, and eight smaller vessels. The
only loss experienced by him consisted of one seaman killed and five sailors wounded.
Having vainly endeavored to rally his routed army on the high ground west of Musgrove's swamp, General Howe retreated
to Cherokee Hill, about eight miles from Savannah, where he halted until the stragglers could come up. From this
point he dispatched Lieutenant Tennill with orders to Lieutenant Aaron Smith, of the third South Carolina regiment
commanding at Ogeechee ferry, and to Major Lane, commanding at Sunbury, to evacuate their posts and join the army
at Sister's and Zubly's ferries. After a march of thirty-six hours, through a swampy region, Lieutenant Smith,
with twenty men, joined a detachment of the rear-guard of the army at Ebenezer.
Persuaded by Captain Dollar, commanding a corps of artillery, and by many of the leading inhabitants of Sunbury
who regarded his withdrawal as fatal to all their hopes of safety, Major Lane deliberately disobeyed these orders.
He was subsequently captured by General Prevost, and upon his release and return to the army was tried by a court-martial
and dismissed from service for this improper conduct.
From Cherokee Hill General Howe marched up the Savannah River to Sister's and Zubly's ferries where he crossed
over into South Carolina, abandoning Georgia to her fate.
In this disastrous and sadly conducted affair the Americans lost eighty-three killed and drowned.
Thirty-sight officers and four hundred and fifteen non-commissioned officers and privates were made captive. Among
the prisoners were many sick who had not participated in the unfortunate engagement. Forty-eight pieces of cannon,
twenty-three mortars, ninety-four barrels of powder, a fort, the shipping in port, and, above all, the capital
of Georgia were among the substantial trophies of this victory.
Wonderful to relate, the loss sustained by the British consisted of only one captain and two privates killed, and
one sergeant and nine privates wounded.
Although Colonel Campbell reported that "every possible care was taken of the houses in town " and that
" few or no depredations occurred," and although he would have Lord George Germain to believe that many
of the respectable inhabitants of Savannah at once flocked to the king's standard, the truth is the houses of all
rebels were given up to the spoiler. Brutal outrages were committed by both officers and men. Prisoners were alternately
threatened and persuaded, and such as resolutely refused to enlist in the British army were immured in prison-ships
where they suffered the privations and the tortures of the damned. Among the victims of British vengeance who were
consigned to such horrid confinement may be mentioned Rev. Moses Allen, chaplain to the Georgia brigade and as
pure a patriot as dwelt within the confines of the State, who lost his life in attempting to regain his liberty
by swimming to land, and the venerable Jonathan Bryan, bending beneath the weight of years and many infirmities,
yet proud in spirit and unswerving in his devotion to the principles of American freedom. The names of the Nancy,
Captain Samuel Tait, the Whitby, Captain Lawson, the Eleanor, Captain Rathbone, and the Munificence will always
be associated with memories of privation, suffering, inhumanityand death.
What Colonel Henry Lee calls the supineness " exhibited by General Howe in not discovering and guarding the
by-way leading to the rear of his line of battle, as well as his general conduct in the affair of the 29th of December,
have been severely criticised and censured. They became subjects of serious inquiry by the General Assembly of
Georgia. A committee of investigation was raised which, on the 17th of January, 1780, submitted the following report:
" The Committee appointed to take into consideration the situation of the State since the 29th of December,
1778, report that the Capital and troops in this State were sacrificed on the said 29th of December, which was
the first cause of the distresses and consequences which ensued. Your Committee are of opinion that the delegates
of this State should be directed to promote a trial of Major-General Howe who commanded on that day. They find
that the good people of the State were still further discouraged by the said Major-General Howe crossing Savannah
River the next day with the troops that escaped from Savannah, and ordering those at Sunbury and Augusta to do
the same; leaving the State at the mercy of the enemy without any Continental troops: instead of retreating to
the back country and gathering the inhabitants. The country, thus abandoned, became an easy prey to the British
troops, they marching up and taking post at Augusta and sending detachments to every part of the State."
A court of inquiry was held; and although General Howe was acquitted, his military reputation never recovered from
the shadow cast upon it by the loss of the capital of Georgia.
Among those who took occasion to criticise his conduct most severely was General Gadsden of South Carolina. He
published a letter condemning his behavior in unmeasured terms. General Howe demanded an explanation. Upon General
Gadsden's refusal either to retract or to apologize, a dudensued in which Howe's ball grazed Gadsden's ear. The
circumstances of this meeting being published in New York, at that time the headquarters of the royal army, the
famous Major Andre was moved to the composition of the following parody: —
" It was on Mr. Percy's landl At Squire Rugeky's corner, Great H. and G. met, sword in hand, Upon a point
of honor. — Yankee Doodle.
" G. went before with Colonel E., Together in a carriage ; On horseback followed H. and P.. As if to steal
a marriage.
" On chosen ground they now alight, For battle duly harnessed ; A shady place and out of sight, It showed
they were in earnest.
" They met, and in the usual way, With hat in hand, saluted, Which was, no doubt, to show how they Like gentlemen
disputed.
" And then they both together made This honest declaration — That they came there by honor led, And not by
inclination.
" That is, they fought, 't was not because Of rancor, spite, or passion, But only to obey the laws Of custom
and the fashion.
" The pistols then, before their eyes, Were fairly primed and loaded; H. wished, and so did G. likewise, The
custom was exploded.
" Bat as they now had gone so far In such a bloody business, For action straight they both prepared, With
mutual forgiveness.
" Bat lest their courage should exceed The bounds of moderation, Between the seconds 't was agreed To fix
them eacfe a station.
"The distance Btepped by Colonel P., 'T was only eight short paces; Now, gentlemen, said Colonel £.,
Be sure to keep your places.
" Quoth H. to G., Sir, please to fire; Quoth G., No, pray begin, Sir: And, truly, we must needs admire The
temper they were in, Sir.
" We fire both at once, said R, And so they both presented ; No answer was returned by G., But silence, Sir,
consented.
" They paused awhile, these gallant foes, By turns politely grinning, 'Till after many cons and pros, H. made
a brisk beginning.
"H. missed his mark but not his aim, The shot was well directed ; It saved them both from hurt and shame,
What more could be expected ?
" Then G. to show he meant no harm, But hated jars and jangles, His pistol fired across his arm From H., almost
at angles.
" H. now was called upon by G. To fire another shot, Sir; He smiled, and after that, quoth he, No, truly,
I cannot, Sir.
" Such honor did they both display, They highly were commended, And thus, in short, this gallant fray Without
mischance was ended.
" No fresh dispute, we may suppose, Will e'er by them be started ; And now the chiefs, no longer foes, Shook
hands, and so they parted. —Yankee Doodle.
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