CHAPTER XVII pages 326-344 By Charles C. Jones Volume II - Revolutionary Epoch, 1888 Submitted by: Dena Whitesell Although destitute of artillery horses and unprovided with a provision train, Colonel Campbell followed up his advantage so vigorously that he reached Cherokee Hill on the 1st of January, 1779, and the next day took possession of the town of Ebenezer. On this march he succeeded in collecting twenty dragoon horses and several hundred head of cattle. So close was his pursuit that the rear of General Howe's army had barely crossed the Savannah River at Sister's ferry when the British infantry came up and occupied that point. With such men as he was able to place in the saddle, and with his light infantry, he proceeded to Mount Pleasant and, for a distance of fifty miles above Savannah, found not a " single rebel to oppose him." Overwhelmed at the calamity which had overtaken the State, and some of them rejoicing at the triumphant return of the king's servants, "many respectable inhabitants reports Colonel Campbell, " joined the army on this occasion with their rifles and horses." These he organized into a corps of rifle dragoons, that they might patrol the country between the advanced poets and Savannah and convey the earliest intelligence of the movements of the Americans. At Ebenezer sufficient recruits were enlisted to form a company, and to it was assigned the duty of scouring the country in that vicinity. Posts were established at important points along the line of the Savannah, and every effort was made to awe the region into submission. With a number of armed boats from the fleet Captain Stanhope, of the navy, and Lieutenant Clark ascended the Savannah River and succeeded in capturing an armed brig, two sloops, and a schooner which were interrupting the passage to Abercorn. The Comet galley and the sloop Greenwich were anchored at the mouth of Ebenezer Creek. The American galleys, which were occupying that station, upon the approach of the enemy sailed up the river as far as Purrysburg, where General Benjamin Lincoln, assigned to the command of the Southern Department and newly arrived, had established his headquarters. Here, too, on the 4th of January, was he joined by the remnant of General Howe's army under the conduct of Colonel Huger. Orders were issued for slaughtering and salting up for the use of the British army and navy all rebel cattle within reach of the posts established by the enemy, and such encouragements were offered the farmers to bring in their animals and produce as were deemed sufficient for the establishment of suitable markets. Upon the capture of Savannah Colonel Innes, aid-de-camp to Sir Henry Clinton, who had accompanied the expedition, was assigned to the immediate command of the town. He saw fit at once to issue a proclamation requiring the inhabitants of Savannah and the adjacent country to bring in their arms, ammunition, and accoutrements of every sort, and surrender them to the military storekeeper. They were also enjoined to reveal the places where arms and stores were buried or secreted, under the threat that if, upon search, such articles were discovered the inhabitants owning the houses or plantations where such concealments occurred should be regarded and punidhed as enemies to the royal government. Regulations were established, and special places designated for landing boats. None were suffered to depart without a permit from the superintendent of the port A violation of these regulations involved a confiscation of boats and cargoes and punishment of the crews. On the 4th of January Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell and Sir Hyde Parker united in a proclamation setting forth the fact that a fleet and army had arrived in Georgia for the protection of the friends of lawful government and to rescue, them from the bloody persecution of their deluded fellow-citizens. All well-disposed inhabitants " who reprobated the idea of supporting a French league, and wished to embrace the happy occasion of cementing a firm union with the Parent State free from the imposition of taxes by the Parliament of Great Britain, and secured in the irrevocable enjoyment of every privilege consistent with that union of force on which their material interests depended," were assured that they would meet with the most ample protection on condition that they forthwith returned to the class of peaceful citizens and acknowledged their just allegiance to the Crown. Against those who should attempt to oppose the ree&ablishment of legal government the rigors of war were denounced. Persons desiring to avail themselves of the benefits of this proclamation were invited to repair to Savannah, and, as an evidence of their sincerity, to subscribe the following oath: " I . . . do solemnly swear that I will bear true and faithful allegiance to his Majesty King George the Third, my lawful Sovereign, and that I will, at all risks, stand forth in support of his person and government. And I do solemnly disclaim and renounce that unlawful and iniquitous confederacy called the General Continental Congress, also the claim set up by them to independency, and all obedience to them, and all subordinate jurisdictions assumed by or under their authority. All this I do sincerely promise without equivocation or mental reservation whatever. So help me God." A week afterwards another proclamation was issued, offering " a reward of ten guineas for every committee and assembly man taken within the limits of Georgia, and " two guineas for every lurking villain who might be sent from Carolina to molest the inhabitants." Prices were prescribed for all articles of merchandise, country produce, and vegetables. A violation of the rules of trade, thus established, was punished by confiscation of the articles exposed to sale. Licenses to traffic were granted only to those who had taken the oath of allegiance; and a penalty of one hundred pounds sterling was recoverable from every me, chant dealing with one disloyal to the king. No produce of any kind could be exported without a certificate from the superintendent of the port that it was not wanted for the use of the king's soldiers. To the families of those who maintained their devotion to the American cause, whether in camp or on board prison-ships, no mercy was shown. Stripped of property, their homes rendered desolate, often left without food and clothing, they were thrown upon the charity of an impoverished community. The entire coast region of Georgia, with the exception of Sunbury, was now open to the enemy who overran and exacted a most stringent tribute. Never was change more sudden or violent wrought in the status of any people. Writing from Purrysburg, on the 10th of January, 1779, to Colonel C. C. Pinckney, General Moultrie mentions that thousands of poor women, children, and negroes were fleeing from Georgia, they knew not whither, " sad spectacle that moved the hearts of his soldiers." Upon their occupation of Ebenezer the British threw up a redoubt within a few hundred yards of Jerusalem Church and fortified the position. The remains of this work are still visible. The moment he learned that Savannah had fallen, Mr. Triebner, who always maintained an open and strenuous adherence to the Crown, hastened to Colonel Innes, proclaimed his loyalty, and took the oath of allegiance. The intimation is that he counseled the immediate capture of Ebenezer, and, in person, accompanied the detachment which compassed the seizure of his own village and people. He was a violent, uncompromising man, at all times intent upon the success of his peculiar views and wishes. Influenced by his advice and example, not a few of the Salz-burgers subscribed oaths of allegiance to the British Crown and received certificates guaranteeing royal protection to person and property. Prominent among those who maintained their adherence to the rebel cause were Governor John Adam Treutlen, William Holsendorf, Colonel John Stirk, Secretary Samuel Stirk, John Schnider, Rudolph Strohaker, Jonathan Schnider, J. Gotlieb Schnider, Jonathan Rahn, Ernest Zittrauer, and Joshua and Jacob Helfenstein. " The citizens at Ebenezer and the surrounding country/' says Mr. Strobel, " were made to feel very severely the effects of the war. The property of those who did not take the oath of allegiance was confiscated, and they were constantly exposed to every species of insult and wrong from a hired and profligate soldiery. Besides this, some of the Salzburgers who espoused the cause of the Crown became very inveterate in their hostility to the Whigs in the settlement, and pillaged and then burnt their dwellings. The residence on the farm of the pious Rabenhorst was among the first given to the flames. Among those who distinguished themselves for their cruelty were one Eichel, who has been properly termed an ' inhuman miscreant,' whose residence was at Goshen, and Martin Dasher, who kept a public house five miles below Ebenezer. These men placed themselves at the head of marauding parties, composed of British and Tories, and laid waste every plantation or farm whose occupant was even suspected of favoring the Republican cause. In these predatory excursions the most revolting cruelty and unbridled licentiousiness were indulged, and the whole country was overrun and devastated. . . . The Salzburgers, nevertheless, were to experience great annoyances from other sources. ... A line of British posts had been established all along the western bank of the Savannah river to check the demonstrations of the Rebel forces in Carolina. Under these circumstances, Ebenezer, from its somewhat central position, became a kind of thoroughfare for the British troops in passing through the country from Augusta to Savannah. To the inhabitants of Ebenezer, particularly, this was a source of perpetual annoyance. British troops were constantly quartered among them, and to avoid the rudeness of the soldiers and the heavy tax upon their resources, many of the best citizens were forced to abandon their homes and settle in the country, thus leaving their houses to the mercy of their cruel invaders. Besides all this, they were forced to witness almost daily acts of cruelty practised by the British and Tories toward those Americans who happened to fall into their hands as prisoners of war; for it will be remembered that Ebenezer, while in the hands of the British, was the point to which all prisoners taken in the surrounding country were brought and from thence sent to Savannah. It was from this post that the prisoners were carried who were rescued by Sergeant Jasper and his comrade, Newton, at the Jasper Spring, a few miles above Savannah. There was one act performed by the British commander which was peculiarly trying and revolting to the Salzburgers. Their fine brick church was converted into a hospital for the accommodation of the sick and wounded, and subsequently it was desecrated by being used as a stable for their horses. To this latter use it was devoted until the close of the war and the removal of the British troops from Georgia. To show their contempt for the church and their disregard for the religious sentiments of the people, the church records were nearly all destroyed, and the soldiers would discharge their guns at different objects on the church; and even to this day the metal Swan' (Luther's coat of arms) which surmounts the spire on the steeple bears the mark of a musket ball which was fired through it by a reckless soldier. Often, too, cannon were discharged at the houses ; and there is a log-house now standing not far from Ebenezer, which was perforated by several cannon shot. . The Salzburgers endured all these hardships and indignities with becoming fortitude; and though a few were overcome by these severe measures, yet the great mass of them remained firm in their attachment to the principles of liberty." Having completed his arrangements for the occupation of all important posts along the line of the Savannah River for a distance of fifty miles above Savannah, and having overrun and reduced into submission the territory adjacent to the late capital of Georgia, Colonel Campbell was just turning his attention to the capture of Sunbury when he received the intelligence of its surrender to the arms of General Augustine Prevost. That officer, in obedience to orders issued by Sir Henry Clinton on the 20th of October, 1778, and received by him on the 27th of the ensuing November, so soon as he was advised of the arrival off the Georgia coast of the transports conveying Colonel Campbell's command, set out for Sunbury with all the troops which could be spared from the forces concentrated for the defense of St. Augustine and its castle. This expeditionary corps numbered rather more than two thousand men. His artillery and ammunition, with a strong guard, were transported in open boats, which, to avoid falling in with the American galleys, proceeded cautiously through the inland passages. The Colonel's Island, a few miles below Sunbury, was reached at ten o'clock on the morning of the 6th of January. By a forced march, Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost with his light infantry enveloped the town on the 7th to prevent the escape of its garrison. The following day General Prevost arrived with the main body of his army. Two American galleys and an armed sloop, lying in Midway River, cannonaded the enemy, but without effect. On the night of the 8th, taking advantage of a low tide, the British, coming up from Colonel's Island in their boats, passed behind the marsh island2 in front of the fort, and landed some howitzers and royals above the town. These were placed in position in batteries prepared for their reception. On the morning of the 9th General Prevost summoned the fort to an unconditional surrender, accompanying his demand with a statement of his forces and a memorandum of his guns. Major Lane, commanding, responded that his duty, his inclination, and the means at hand convinced him of the propriety of defending Fort Morris against any force, no matter how superior it might be. General Prevost thereupon opened his batteries, to which Major Lane responded until he discovered that the fort was rapidly becoming untenable. He then parleyed to obtain terms better than those involved in an unconditional surrender. None other would be accorded, and the time having elapsed within which be was required to signify either his acceptance or rejection, hostilities recommenced. Again did he parley, asking that he might be allowed until eight o'clock the next morning to consider the conditions offered. This request being peremptorily refused, Major Lane surrendered unconditionally the fort and its garrison. Seventeen commissioned officers and one hundred and ninety-five non-commissioned officers and privates—continental troops and militia included — constituted the garrison which then capitulated. Twenty-four pieces of brass ordnance, one brass seven-inch mortar, twenty pieces of iron ordnance, eight hundred and twenty-four round shot of various sizes, one hundred stands of case and grape shot, thirty shells, fifty hand-grenades, one hundred and eighty muskets with bayonets, twelve rifles, forty fusees and carbines, four wall-pieces, and a considerable quantity of powder and small arm ammunition fell into the hands of the enemy. Among the Americans one captain and two privates were killed, and six men were wounded. The loss of the enemy was still smaller, amounting to only one private slain and three wounded. The Washington and Bulloch galleys ran down to Ossabaw Island where they were stranded on the beach and burned. Their crews, taking passage on Captain Salter's sloop, and sailing for Charlestown, were captured by a British tender and carried to Savannah. Captain John Lawson with his sloop Rebecca, of sixteen guns, succeeded in reaching Charlestown in safety at Purrysburg. General Moultrie, in a letter to Colonel C. C. Pinckney, dated at that town on the 10th of January, 1779, says: " I fear we have lost Sunbury and the two gallies that took shelter under that battery last Thursday or Friday, as we heard a very heavy cannonade from that quarter. The officer commanding had about 120 Continentals and some inhabitants within the fort. He refused to evacuate the post. Notwithstanding his receiving positive orders for that purpose, he, Don Quixote like, thought he was strong enough to withstand the whole force the British had in Georgia, for which I think he deserved to be hanged." Having detailed a garrison for the fort, the name of which he ordered changed from Morris to George and having directed neccessary repairs to be made, General Prevost proceeded to Savannah and assumed command of all his majesty's forces in Georgia. The continental officers captured at Savannah, with the exception of such as were immured in prison-ships, were sent to Sunbury for safe keeping. Southern Georgia was now in a wretched condition. Unable to support themselves amid the destitution, demoralization, and restrictions to which the region was subjected, many of the inhabitants set out for Carolina where, aided by the charity of strangers, they hoped to subsist until the coming season afforded an opportunity for planting and harvesting crops in their new homes. Others, possessing the means of subsistence, were so hampered by royal proclamations and were so preyed upon by foreign and domestic foes that they abandoned the country in quest of peace and security. In its capture by General Prevost Sunbury experienced a shock from which it never recovered. Its prosperity, population, and commercial importance culminated during the early years of the Revolutionary War when its inhabitants, white and black, numbered, we should say, nearly a thousand. It had long been a favorite resort both for health and trade. That, until impeded by the retarding influences of the Revolutionary struggle, Sunbury had steadily advanced in material wealth, influence, and population may be safely asserted. Bermuda Island, too, was comfortably settled by agriculturists, on small plantations, busied chiefly with the production of indigo. Sunken spaces, indicating where the old vats were located, may be seen to this day. A rich and by no means inconsiderable back country was entirely tributary to this town. Rice, cattle, lumber, shingles, staves, and other articles of commerce, brought from the furthest practicable distances, were here concentrated for sale and shipment. Quite an extensive territory drew its supplies from the storehouses and shops of the Sunbury merchants. On one or two occasions cargoes of Africans were landed and sold in this port. The houses, although almost exclusively of wood, were some of them large and even imposing. The wharves were faced with palmetto and live-oak logs, and filled in with oyster shells, sand, and stone-ballast. Among the residents were not a few of gentle birth, refinement, and education. As a rule, the inhabitants led easy, comfortable, simple lives, and were much given to hospitality. No one was ever in, a hurry, and the mornings and afternoons, among the better class, were largely devoted to amusements, such as fishing, sailing, riding, and hunting. The evenings were spent in visiting and in social intercourse. It was a good, easy life which these planters, even at that early day, began to lead upon the Georgia coast. It became even more attractive after the Revolution ; but the delightful germs of the most pleasing existence this country has ever known were then present. Augusta alone of all the rebel posts in Georgia had not yet submitted to the royal arms. It was occupied by a provincial force under Brigadier-General Williamson, and its reduction was necessary to complete the subjugation of Georgia. About the middle of January, 1779, Colonel Campbell was detached with a column about a thousand strong to capture this town. The Savannah River was now the dividing line between the contending armies. General Lincoln was at Purrysburg on the north side of the river with a force of some five hundred continentals and two thousand provincials. The main body of the enemy was at Aber-corn. In Savannah were one thousand Hessians. At the Two Sisters there was a detachment of six hundred men. Two hundred more guarded Zubly's ferry, and at Ebenezer a considerable force was stationed. So near were the two armies that, in the language of General Moultrie writing from Purrysburg, " we hear their drums beat every morn from our outposts; nay, hear their sentinels cough." Although anxious to inaugurate a movement for the relief of Georgia, the American commander found himself too weak to cross the river. His troops were in large measure undisciplined, and lacked arms. The North Carolina levies, under the oommand of General Richardson, were discontented and on the eve of returning home. From Georgia came no recruits. " Most of the inhabitants of that State," reports General Moultrie, " have submitted quietly to the British government, and I believe they will remain neutral unless we go in with a considerable body so as to insure success." All that General Lincoln could do, under the circumstances, was to act upon the defensive, encourage reinforcements, and prevent the enemy from crossing over into Carolina. Advancing for the capture of Augusta, Colonel Campbell sent forward Colonels Brown and McGirth with four hundred mounted militiamen to make a forced march to the jail in Burke County and there form a junction with Colonel Thomas and his party of loyalists. Advised of this movement, Colonels John Twiggs and Benjar min and William Few quickly concentrated an opposing force of two hundred and fifty mounted men. Attacked by Brown and McGirth, they succeeded in repulsing them, inflicting a loss of five killed, several wounded, and nine captured. Expecting that Brown would speedily be supported by Colonel Campbell, the Americans withdrew, maintaining, however, a close watch upon the enemy. Rallying his troops, and being reinforced by a party of Royalists from South Carolina under the command of two Tory majors, and a detachment led by Major Harry Sharp, Brown determined to renew the attack. In the second engagement he and McGirth were defeated, sustaining a loss greater than that encountered two days before. Among the wounded was the noted Tory leader of the expedition. In this skirmish Captain Joshua Inman, commanding a troop of American horse, slew three of the enemy with his own hand. General Elbert, who had been ordered by General Lincoln to proceed to the upper part of Carolina, crossing the Savannah River came to the assistance of Twiggs and the Colonels Few. Together they disputed, but were not strong enough to prevent, Colonel Campbell's crossing at Brier Creek. Hoping to be reinforced by Colonel Andrew Williamson from Carolina and Colonel Elijah Clarke from Wilkes County, they retired slowly, skirmishing with Campbell's column as it advanced upon Augusta. Those officers, however, were otherwise engaged and could not respond to the expectation. Upon his appearance before the town the American forces retreated across the river and yielded Augusta without a struggle. Tarrying there but a few days, and leaving Colonel Brown in command, Colonel Campbell, early in February, marched some thirty miles in the direction of Wilkes County, and detached Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, with two hundred mounted infantry, to proceed to the frontiers of Georgia and there encourage such of the inhabitants as were attached to the British government. The disaffected were to be summarily disarmed. Thus, for the moment, was Georgia completely in the possession of the king's forces. Overt opposition ceased, and it was believed by Colonel Campbell that the population would permanently yield to this enforced submission. Wherever British detachments appeared the severest penalties were meted out to those who refused to take the oath of allegiance. For the possessions of such as were absent in arms plunder and the torch were always in store. So soon as it was known in Wilkes County that Augusta had passed into the possession of the enemy, the inhabitants who were able to remove, hastily collecting their household effects and cattle, fled into Carolina. Those who remained betook themselves to forts, and associated together in small bands for mutual protection. Many, having lodged their wives, children, and servants in places of security, assembled under Colonel John Dooly on the Carolina shore of the Savannah River, about thirty miles above Augusta. McGirth, with three hundred loyalists, was occupying a position on Kiokee Creek. Both parties were watching the ferries and collecting all boats found on the Savannah River. Returning to Georgia with a part of his command, Dooly was quickly pursued by Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, who pressed him so closely that he fired upon his rear as he recrossed the Savannah just below the mouth of Broad River. Having driven the rebels from that portion of the State, Hamilton encamped with one hundred men on Water's plantation, three miles below Petersburg. Dooly, with like force, was just opposite in South Carolina. There he was joined by Colonel Andrew Pickens, who brought with him two hundred and fifty men of his regiment. Although the senior in rank, Colonel Dooly yielded the command in deference to the fact that Pickens had contributed more than two thirds of the troops constituting this little army. With this united force it was resolved to attack Hamilton without delay. Accordingly, on the night of the 10th of February, Pickens and Dooly crossed the Savannah at Cowen's ferry, three miles above Hamilton's encampment, and prepared to charge the enemy early the next morning. To their surprise and regret they found that the British officer, in entire ignorance of the impending danger, had departed on an excursion through the country to visit its forts and administer oaths of allegiance to such of the inhabitants as he chanced to meet. Conjecturing that Carr's Fort would be the first point visited by the enemy, Captain A. Hamilton was directed, with a guide, to proceed rapidly to that point and arrange for its defense with such men as he might find there congregated. Pickens and Dooly, moving with their command, intended to fall upon the rear of Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton as he should be engaged in an effort to reduce the fort. Captain Hamilton arrived in season to execute the order with which he was charged, but found that there were only seven or eight aged and infirm men in Carr's Fort who, dreading the consequences, refused to undertake the defense of that post. The Americans were so close upon the heels of the British as they entered and took possession of the fort that they were compelled to leave their horses and baggage outside the stockade. A brisk fire was opened on both sides, but without effect. A siege was determined on; and, in order to cut the besieged off from all access to water, Captain William Freeman, with forty men of his company, in gallant style dashed through an open space exposed to the guns of the fort, and took possession of a newly constructed log house which effectually commanded the only source whence the enemy could hope to obtain a supply of water. Early in the evening the horses and baggage of the British were brought off, and every avenue of escape was occluded. The same afternoon the fort was summoned to a surrender. While refusing to accede to this summons Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton requested that the women and children within the stockade might be allowed to depart. This application was denied. Without food and water it was confidently believed that the enemy could not hold out more than twenty-four hours. Moreover, the possession of the log house near the water gave the assailants command of the tops of the huts inside the fort whence the most injurious fire proceeded. The happy anticipations of the Americans were doomed to disappointment. About ten o'clock at night Colonel Pickens received, at the hands of Captain Ottery,. a dispatch from his brother, Captain Joseph Pickens, informing-him that Colonel Boyd, with eight hundred loyalists, was moving through Ninety-Six District toward Georgia, destroying by fire and sword whatever lay in his path. It was deemed proper, without delay, to raise the siege and move against Boyd. A proposition was made by some volunteers to apply the torch to the fort at several points at the same time, and thus to compel quick surrender. In tender consideration of the women and children who were within, the idea was abandoned. Carrying off their wounded, the Americans departed leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton in the fort without horses and baggage. As soon as Pickens and Dooly were out of hearing, he quitted Carr's Fort, retreating upon Wrightsborough, where he occupied a small stockade fort for a few days and then rejoined Colonel Campbell at Augusta. In the affair at Carr's Fort the British lost nine killed and three wounded. The American casualties amounted to five killed and seven wounded. Retiring from Carr's Fort the Americans recrossed the Savannah River near Fort Charlotte and advanced toward the Long Cane settlement to meet Colonel Boyd. Hearing of his advance, Captain Robert Anderson, of Colonel Pickens' regiment, summoning to his aid Captains Joseph Pickens, William .Baskin, and John Miller, with their companies, crossed the Savannah River with a view to annoying Boyd when he should attempt the passage of that stream. He was subsequently joined by some Georgians under Captain James Little. This accession increased his force so that he had, present for duty, nearly one hundred men. In order to avoid Pickens and Dooly, Colonel Boyd changed his route and approached the river at the Cherokee ford. Here, upon a commanding elevation, was a block house mounting two swivel guns and garrisoned by a lieutenant and eight men. A quiet passage having been demanded and refused, Boyd proceeded up the river about five miles, and there placing his men and baggage on rafts, and swimming his horses, effected a crossing. His instructions to his men were to land at different points on the opposite shore. This circumstance, in connection with the tall canes growing along the river bank, so confused the small force under Captain Anderson that it did not render an opposition as effectual as might have been expected. That the passage of the river was sharply contested, however, will be readily conceded when we remember that the Americans lost sixteen killed and wounded and an equal number of prisoners. Among the latter were Captains Baskin and Mill. Colonel Boyd acknowledged a loss of one hundred killed, wounded, and missing. Retreating rapidly, Captain Anderson formed a junction with Colonels Pickens and Dooly and united in the pursuit of the enemy. On the 12th of February, passing the Savannah River at the Cedar shoal, the Americans advanced to the Fish Dam ford, on Broad River. The command had now been reinforced by Colonel Clarke and one hundred dragoons. Captain Neal, with a party of observation, was detached to hang upon the enemy's rear, and, by frequent couriers, keep the main body well advised of Boyd's movements. Shaping his course to the westward, and purposing a junction with McGirth at a point agreed upon on Little River, the enemy on the morning of the 13th crossed Broad River, near the fork, at a place subsequently known as Webb's Ferry. Informed of this movement, the Americans passed over Broad River and encamped for the night on Clarke's Creek, within four miles of the loyalists. Early on the morning of the 14th the Americans advanced rapidly but cautiously. Wherever the surface of the country permitted, their line of march was the order of battle. A strong vanguard moved one hundred and fifty paces in front. The right, and left wings, consisting each of one hundred men, wfcre commanded respectively by Colonels Dooly and Clarke. The centre, numbering two hundred men, was led by Colonel Pickens. Officers and men were eager for the fray and confident of victory. Soon the ground was reached where the enemy had encamped during the preceding night. Seemingly unconscious of the approach of danger, the loyalist commander had halted at a farm on the north side of Kettle Creek, and turned out his horses to forage among the reeds which lined the edge of the swamp. His men, who had been on short allowance for three days, were slaughtering bullocks and parching corn. Colonel Boyd9s second officer was Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, of North Carolina, who is said to have been deficient both in courage and in military skill. The third in command, Major Spurgen, was brave and competent. As Colonel Pickens neared the enemy, Captain McCall was ordered to reconnoitre his position, and, unperceived, to acquire the fullest possible information of the status of affairs. Having completed his observations, that officer reported the encamp ment formed at the edge of the farm near the creek, on an open piece of ground flanked on two sides by a cane swamp, and that the enemy was apparently in utter ignorance of any hostile approach. The Americans then advanced to the attack. As they neared the camp the pickets fired and retreated. Hastily forming his line in rear of his encampment, and availing himself of the shelter afforded by a fence and some fallen timber, Boyd prepared to repel the assault. Colonel Pickens, commanding the American centre, obliqued a little to the right to take advantage of more commanding ground. The right and left divisions were somewhat embarrassed in forcing their way through the cane, but soon came gallantly into position. Colonel Boyd defended the fence with great bravery, but was finally overpowered and driven back upon the main body. While retreating he fell mortally wounded, pierced with three balls, two passing through his body and the third through his thigh. The conflict now became close, warm, and general. Some of the enemy, sore pressed, fled into the swamp and passed over the creek, leaving their horses, baggage, and arms behind them. After a contest lasting an hour the Tories retreated through the swamp. Observing a rising ground on the other side of the creek and in rear of the enemy's right on which he thought the loyalists would attempt to form, Colonel Clarke, ordering the left wing to follow him, prepared to cross the stream. At this moment his horse was killed under him. Mounting another, he followed a path which led to a ford and soon gained the side of the hill, just in time to attack Major Spurgen who was endeavoring to form his command upon it. He was then accompanied by not more than a fourth of his division, there having been some mistake in extending the order. The firing, however, soon attracted the attention of the rest of his men, who rushed to his support. Colonels Pickens and Dooly also pressed through the swamp and the battle was renewed with much vigor on the other side of the creek. Bloody and obstinate was the conflict. For some time the issue seemed doubtful. At length the Americans obtained complete possession of the hill; and the enemy, routed at all points, fled from the scene of action leaving seventy of their number dead upon the field, and seventy-five wounded and captured. On the part of the Americans nine were slain and twenty-three wounded. To Colonel Clarke great praise is due for his foresight and activity in comprehending and checking, at its earliest stage, the movement of the loyalists beyond the swamp. Had they succeeded in effecting a permanent lodgment upon the hill, the fortunes of the day would have proved far otherwise. This engagement lasted for one hour and forty-five minutes, and during most of that time was hotly contested. As the guard having charge of the prisoners captured when Boyd crossed the Savannah River heard of the disaster which had overtaken the main body, they voluntarily surrendered themselves, thirty-three in number, to those whom they held in captivity, promising, if allowed to return in peace to their homes, to take the oath of allegiance to the government of the Confederated States. The battle ended, Colonel Pickens waited upon Colonel Boyd and tendered him every relief in his power. Thanking him for his civility, the loyalist chief, disabled by mortal wounds and yet brave of heart, inquired particularly with regard to the result of the engagement. When told that the victory rested entirely with the Americans, he asserted that the issue would have been different had he not fallen. During the conversation which ensued he stated that he had set out upon this march with eight hundred men. In crossing the Savannah River he sustained a loss of one hundred in killed, wounded, and missing. In the present action, he had seven hundred men under his command. His expectation was that McGirth with five hundred men would form a junction with him on Little River either that very afternoon or on the ensuing morning. The point named for this union of forces was not more than six miles distant from the place where this battle had been fought. Alluding to his own condition he remarked that he had but a few hours to live, and requested Colonel Pickens to detail two men to furnish him with water and to inter his body after death. Delivering to that officer certain articles of value which he had upon his person, he asked the favor that they be forwarded to his wife with a letter acquainting her with the circumstances of his demise and burial. These dying injunctions were carefully observed. He was a corpse before morning. Dispirited by the loss of their leader, and stunned by the heavy blow which had fallen upon them in an unexpected moment, the followers of this dangerous chieftain scattered in various directions. Some fled to Florida; others betook themselves to the Creek nation ; others still sought refuge among the Cherokees; others returned to their homes and craved mercy at the hands of the patriots; while a remnant, under the command of Colonel Moore, numbering some two hundred, retreated to Augusta. Dismayed at the defeat which had overtaken Colonel Boyd, and pausing not to retrieve the fortunes of the day, McGirth fled precipitately to Augusta and rejoined the forces under Colonel Campbell. The prisoners captured at Kettle Creek were carried to South Carolina, tried, found guilty of treason, and sentenced to death. Only five of the most noted offenders were executed. The others were pardoned. Departing from the field of action the Americans encamped for the night in a locality near the present town of Washington and, on the 15th recrossed the Savannah River. In the affair at Carr's Fort and in the engagement at Kettle Creek the Americans possessed themselves of some six hundred horses and a large quantity of arms, equipments, and clothing. This accession to the scanty stores of the patriots was most opportune and valuable. In the general gloom which was encompassing all, this victory shone like a star of substantial hope, dissipating despair and enkindling confidence in the hearts of the Revolutionists. From the banks of this insignificant stream, rendered historic by the prowess of Pickens, Dooly, Clarke, and their valiant followers, there arose a martial shout which proclaimed the restoration of Whig ascendency in Upper Georgia and the discomfiture of the Royalist cohorts. With no uncertain sound did the bugle-blasts then blown summon to further feats of patriotic emprise, and admonish the king's officers that Georgia was not wholly within their grasp. This battle was quickly followed by movements which, although partial in their character, indicated that the love of liberty and the spirit of resistance were abroad in the land. Advancing with a portion of his brigade and some of the Georgia militia, General Andrew Williamson encamped not far from Augusta, on the Carolina side of the Savannah River. Colonel Leonard Mar-bury, with fifty dragoons and a body of militiamen, took post near Brownsborough. Colonel John Twiggs, having assembled the militia of Richmond County and passed in rear of the British occupying Augusta, surprised one of their outposts at Herbert's, where seventy men were stationed. In the assault several of the assailed were killed and wounded and the rest forced to an unconditional surrender. A reconnoitring party of twenty of the king's rangers, under the command of Captain Whitley and Lieutenants McKenzie and Hall, was sent to Brownsborough to ascertain if there was an American force assembling in that quarter. Through his scouts obtaining information of Whitley's position and force, Colonel Marbury detached Captain Cooper with twelve dragoons to gain the enemy's rear while he advanced in front. So rapidly did Cooper execute this order that he surprised Whitley and his party at dinner, and captured the whole of them before Colonel Marbury came up. Hall, who was a native of South Carolina, had formerly been in the American service. While in command of a small fort on the frontier of that State he treacherously surrendered it to the Cherokee Indians, and permitted, without remonstrance, every man, woman, and child within its walls to be butchered by the savages. He was now sent to the jail at Ninety-Six for safe keeping. In due season he was tried, found guilty of treason, and condemned to be hung. The death penalty was visited upon him on the 17th of April. He miserably perished, confessing his crimes and acknowledging the justice of his sentence. In the disturbed state of affairs, instances of personal daring and hairbreadth escapes were not infrequent. Desirous of acquiring a definite knowledge of the force and position of the enemy in Augusta, General Elbert sent Lieutenant Hawkins to obtain the necessary information. While nearing an outpost he was overtaken at Bear Swamp by three Tories. To avoid them was impossible. Advancing resolutely towards them, he inquired who they were and whither they were going. The answer was that they were on their way to join Colonel Daniel McGirth. Hawkins, who was wearing an old British uniform, responded that he was McGirth; that he believed they were rebels, and that he should proceed to hand them over to his party, near at hand. They protested to the contrary, and, to demonstrate the truth of their assertion, at Hawkins' suggestion, placed their rifles upon the ground and held up their right hands. As they did this, Lieutenant Hawkins advanced upon them with pistols cocked and presented. Taking up their rifles, he ordered them to march in front of him, threatening to shoot the first who attempted to turn. In this manner did he conduct them to the American camp. The Tories in Upper Georgia having been completely routed, and the Americans daily becoming more formidable in numbers and pronounced in their demonstrations, Colonel Campbell determined to evacuate his advanced position at Augusta. Accordingly, late in February, he commenced his retreat, which did not terminate until he reached Hudson's ferry on the Savannah River, where Lieutenant-Colonel Prevost had constructed a fortified camp and mounted some field artillery. In the end, so suddenly did he quit Augusta that he paused not to destroy a considerable quantity of provisions which he had there accumulated. During this retrograde moyement he was much annoyed by the Americans, who, in small bodies, harassed his command in flank and rear. PICTURE OF COLONEL LINCOLN   BACK TO HISTORY INDEX   © Genealogy Trails