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CHAPTER
XXVII
pages 515-529
By Charles C. Jones
Volume II - Revolutionary Epoch, 1888
Submitted by: Dena Whitesell
Having been officially notified of the proceedings of Parliament contemplating an adjustment of the existing difficulties
between England and America and foreshadowing an early acknowledgment of the independence of the United Colonies,
Governor Wright promptly communicated the intelligence to General Wayne. He accompanied his dispatch with an avowal
of his determination to " observe such conduct in every respect as might best promote a speedy and happy reconciliation
and peace" between the two countries. As the most effectual means of bringing about this desirable result
he proposed a cessation of hostilities. Declining to act upon the suggestion, General Wayne referred the matter
to his commanding officer, General Greene, who, in turn, took counsel of the Continental Congress. Fortunate was
it that Wayne did not relax his vigilance, for Guristersigo was at the time on the march to join General Alured
Clarke in Savannah.
Matters, however, reached a crisis in the royal camp upon the arrival of a communication from Sir Guy Carleton,
dated New York, May 23,1782, ordering the evacuation both of Savannah and of the province of Georgia, and notifying
the authorities that transports might be expected to bring away not only the troops and military and public stores,
but also Governor Wright and all loyalists who desired to depart. Although anticipated, this intelligence created
a profound impression among soldiers and civilians. The latter were most anxious to ascertain what their status
would be under the changed condition of affairs, and to secure pledges that they would be unmolested in the enjoyment
of personal liberty and private property. Negotiations were at once opened between Governors Wright and Martin,
and between the British merchants represented by Major Hale and General Wayne.
Early in July that officer was waited upon by a deputation of merchants and citizens bearing a flag. As British
subjects, they desired to know upon what terms they would be permitted to remain in Savannah after the withdrawal
of the king's troops. They requested also to be informed whether their rights of property would be respected.
Upon conference with Governor Martin it was concluded " to offer assurances of safety for the persons and
property of such inhabitants as chose to remain in Savannah after it should be evacuated by the British troops,
and that a reasonable time would be allowed them to dispose of their property and settle their pecuniary concerns
in the State.9' It was emphatically declared that persons who had been guilty of murder or atrocious crimes were
liable to trial and punishment according to the laws of Georgia. For the safety of such culprits the governor declined
to stipulate, alleging very properly that the executive could not rightfully exercise control in matters which,
by the constitution of Georgia, were cognizable by the courts. In the case of merchants, ample opportunity would
be afforded for them to sell their goods and adjust their accounts. At the expiration of a reasonable period a
flag would be granted to convey them and their property to any convenient British port they might select.
With regard to those inhabitants who, having served in the king's militia, were now willing to enlist in the Georgia
regiment of infantry for two years or the war, assurance was given that every effort would be expended in procuring
the passage of an act granting oblivion of all offenses which they might have committed, except murder.
"In offering these terms," said General Wayne, "I had in view not only the interest of the United
States but also that of Georgia: by retaining as many inhabitants and merchants as circumstances would admit, and
with them a considerable quantity of goods much wanted for public and private use: but (what was yet of greater
consequence) to complete your quota of troops without any expense to the public, and thus reclaim a number of men
who, at another day, will become valuable members of society. This also appeared to me an act of justice tempered
with mercy: justice to oblige those who have joined or remained with the enemy to expiate their crime by military
service; and mercy, to admit the repentant sinner to citizenship after a reasonable quarantine. By these means
those worthy citizens [the Whigs], who have so long endured every vicissitude of fortune with more than Roman virtue,
will be relieved from that duty."
These terms having been reported in Savannah, another deputation was appointed to enter into definite stipulations.
That they might be well understood, it was requested that they should be reduced to writing. This was accordingly
done. To Major John Habersham, an officer of the Georgia line, a native of Savannah, a gentleman whose personal
character inspired confidence, and whose correct conduct and polished address commanded the utmost respect even
from those who were inimical to the cause which he espoused, was this negotiation chiefly confided on the part
of the patriots.
" Satisfied with the assurances of protection which were given," writes Captain McCall, " many of
the British subjects who resided with their families in Savannah discontinued the preparations which they had commenced
for removal, and became citizens of the United States. Such of the loyalists as were unwilling to subscribe to
the conditions proposed removed with their families and the property they had in possession to Cock-spur and Tybee
islands where they encamped until the transports were ready to sail. Among this number there were many whose atrocious
conduct during the war would have placed their lives at great hazard if they had been tried by the civil authorities
of the State. Others had in possession large fortunes in negroes and other property which had been plundered from
their Republican countrymen."
In anticipation of the early departure of the British forces General Wayne published the following order: —
" Head Quarters, Camp at Gibbons', July 10th, 1782
" As the enemy may be expected daily to evacuate the town, the troops will take care to be provided with a
clean shift of linnen, and to make themselves as respectable as possible for the occasion. The officers are particularly
called upon to attend to this order and see it executed in their respective corps. No followers of the army are
to be permitted to enter the town until the main body has marched in. Lieut: Col: Jackson, in consideration of
his severe and fatiguing service in the advance, to receive the keys of Savannah, and is allowed to enter at the
western gate, keeping a patrole in town to apprehend stngglen who may steal in with the hopes of plunder. Marauders
may assure themselves of the most severe and exemplary punishment."
The very next day (July 11, 1782) the British troops evacuated Savannah, and, in the afternoon, General Wayne entered
with his forces and took possession of the town. This done, the following order was forthwith promulgated: —
" Head Quarters, Savannah, 11th July, 1781
" The light infantry company under Captain Parker to take post in the centre work in front of the town, placing
sentries at the respective gateways and sally ports to prevent any person or persons going from or entering the
lines without written permits until further orders.
" No insults or depredations to be committed upon the persons or property of the inhabitants on any pretext
whatever. The civil authority only will take cognizance of the criminals or defaulters belonging to the State,
if any there be. The merchants and traders are immediately to make out an exact and true invoice of all goods,
wares, or merchandise of every species, dry, wet, or hard, respectively belonging to them or in their possession,
with the original invoices, to the Commissary, who will select such articles as may be necessary for the army and
for the public uses of the State, for which a reasonable profit will be allowed. No goods or merchandise of any
kind whatever are to be removed, secreted, sold, or disposed of until the public and army are first served, which
will be as soon as possible after the receipt of the invoices, &o.
" N. B. Orders will be left with Captain Parker for the immediate admission of the Honorable the Executive
Council, and the Honorable the Members of the Legislature, with their officers and attendants."
To Colonel Jackson were the keys of the town delivered, at its principal gate, in token of formal surrender; and
he enjoyed the profound pleasure and distinguished honor of being the first to enter Savannah from which the patriots
had been forcibly expelled in December, 1778.1 This compliment was well merited and handsomely bestowed. It was
a just recognition of the patriotism and gallantry which characterized him during the war, and of the activity
displayed by him as the leader of the vanguard of the army of occupation.
Thus, after the lapse of three years and a half, was the capital of Georgia wrested from the dominion of the royal
forces and restored to the possession of the sons of liberty. With the departure of the British garrison there
lingered not a single servant of the king on Georgia soil. Although no treaty of peace had yet been consummated
between England and America, this surrender of Georgia into the hands of the republicans was hailed as a practical
abandonment of the war on the part of the Realm, and was regarded as an earnest of a speedy recognition of the
independence of the United States. And so it proved.
If we may credit the contemporaneous accounts, between the 12th and 25th of July, 1782, in additiob to the garrison,
from Savannah and its vicinity were transported five hundred women and children, three hundred Indians, and several
thousand negroes. Governor Wright, accompanied by some of the civil and military officers, was conveyed to Charlestown,
South Carolina, in the Princess Caroline. General Alured Clarke, with a portion of the British regulars, sailed
for New York. Colonel Brown with his rangers and some Indians repaired to St. Augustine. Others, including the
negroes, were carried to the West India islands under convoy of the frigate Zebra, the sloop of war Vulture, and
other armed vessels which had been ordered to the Georgia coast for that purpose.
By these departing loyalists, many of whom had been guilty of enormities the most revolting, was Georgia grossly
despoiled. Gathering about them slaves and personal property plundered, during a series of years, from republican
owners intent upon an assertion of their claims to liberty, they effected an escape to distant parts where, avoiding
punishment for past offenses, they enjoyed their gains ill-gotten in an unholy strife. So far as the record stands,
no return was ever made of this stolen property, no compensation offered to the impoverished republicans who, amid
the general wreck of desolated homes and vanished possessions, sought a modicum of comfort and subsistence.
Leaving Colonel Jackson with his legion and Major John Habersham's corps of new recruits in charge of Savannah,
General Wayne marched with his forces to South Carolina where he joined General Greene. " I wish you to be
persuaded," wrote that great and generous officer to his subaltern, " that I shall do you ample justice
in my public accounts to Congress and the Commander in Chief. I think you have conducted your command with great
prudence and with astonishing perseverance; and in so doing you have fully answered the high expectations I ever
entertained of your military abilities from our earliest acquaintance."
Following close upon the heels of the military came members of the executive council, who established themselves
in Savanuah on the 14th of July. There being many lawless, profligate, idle, and runaway negroes in the town and
its vicinity, one of the first acts performed by this body was the appointment of Joseph Clay, James Habershara,
John Houstoun, William LeConte, John Wereat, William O'Bryan, John Kean, Peter Deveaux, Thomas Stone, Peter Taarling,
and Joseph Woodruff as a special committee to take into immediate custody all negro slaves absent from their masters,
and all suspected property. This done, public notice was given so that owners might prove property and reacquire
possession.
The legislature quickly convened and approved the agreement made between Governor Martin and General Wayne and
the British merchants in Savannah, rendering it obligatory upon the latter to expose their goods for sale at fair
profit and to abstain from anything savoring of extortion.
Bills were passed forbidding the exportation of salt, provisions, and other necessaries of life; placing the Georgia
battalion upon an equal footing with the continental troops as to pay, clothing, and rations; reopening the courts
of justice; encouraging churches and schools; and prescribing terms upon which the disaffected might again be admitted
to the privileges enjoyed by citizens of Georgia.
Arrangements were made for refunding the supplies and moneys advanced to soldiers in the field by officers and
citizens during the progress of the Revolution. Bounties were offered to seamen who would man the two galleys ordered
to be built for harbor defense. Questions touching the creation of a suitable navy, the adjustment of the public
accounts, the collection of arms in the hands of the militia, the equipment of troops, and the sale of confiscated
estates, all received careful consideration. A plan was digested for protecting the southern frontier against depredations
from East Florida.
In acknowledgment of his "great and useful services to his Country for which he is entitled to the notice
and attachment of the Legislature," it was resolved that " the House which heretofore belonged to Mr.
Tattnall in Savannah be granted to Colonel Jackson as a mark of the sense entertained by the Legislature of his
merits."
Governor Martin was instructed to issue a proclamation calling upon the inhabitants of Savannah to assemble at
a given time and place to inquire into the character of all persons deemed suspicious, and to tender the oath of
allegiance to such as might be found worthy the privileges of citizenship.
On the 31st of July the committees, previously appointed for that purpose, reported that they had, upon the sales
of confiscated estates, purchased for General Anthony Wayne, at a cost of £3,900, the plantation, late the
property of Alexander Wright, containing eight hundred and forty acres; and for General Nathanael Greene, the plantation
recently owned by Lieutenant-Governor John Grahame, containing two thousand one hundred and seventy-one acres,
at a cost of £7,097 19s.
Realizing the propriety of establishing some definite rule by which outstanding debts might be equitably adjusted
a committee was raised on the 4th of August to prepare a table showing the depreciation of the paper currency,
month by month, from the first of January, 1777.
On the following day, which was the last of the session, jEdanus Burke was elected chief justice, with a salary
of £500 per annum; John Milton, secretary of state, with a salary of £100 ; and Joseph Clay, treasurer,
with a salary of £300. John Wereat and John Gibbons were chosen as auditors of accounts, with an annual salary
of £300 each. Joseph Woodruff was appointed collector of customs for the port of Savannah at a salary of
£150, and John Lawson, Jr.,was selected to fill a like office for the port of Sunbury, at a salary of £50.
John Gibbons was named as vendue master for the town of Savannah. It was a busy session, and the legislature adjourned
to meet again in Savannah in October. Most earnest were its members in the passage of measures which would conduce
to the rehabilitation of the State.
Deplorable was the condition of Georgia. For forty-two long months had she been a prey to rapine, oppression, fratricidal
strife, and poverty. Fear, unrest, the brand, the sword, the tomahawk, had been her portion. In the abstraction
of negro slaves, by the burning of dwellings, in the obliteration of plantations, by the destruction of agricultural
implements, and by theft of domestic animals and personal effects, it is estimated that at least one half of the
available property of the inhabitants had, during this period, been completely swept away. Real estate had depreciated
in value. Agriculture was at a stand-till, and there was no money with which to repair these losses and inaugurate
a new era of prosperity. The lamentations of widows and orphans, too, were heard in the land. These not only bemoaned
their dead, but cried aloud for food. Amid the general depression there was, nevertheless, a deal of gladness in
the hearts of the people, a radiant joy, an inspiring hope. Independence had been won at great cost. It was prized
all the more, and the sufferings endured in its acquisition were remembered only with pride. In the near future
it was believed that all sorrows would be speedily forgotten, all losses rapidly repaired. Therefore there was
no repining, and each, sharing the burthen of his neighbor, set about, and that right manfully, providing for the
present and laying the foundations for prosperous and happy days.
The population of Georgia, as reported by Governor Wright1 to the Earl of Dartmouth on the 20th of December, 1773,
consisted of upwards of eighteen thousand whites and fifteen thousand blacks. If it be true, as Dr. Ramsay suggests,
that the State lost during the progress of the Revolution one thousand of her inhabitants and four thousand slaves,
it appears scarcely probable, allowing a reasonable rate of increase and at the same time paying due regard to
the retarding influences of the struggle, that Georgia, upon the conclusion, could claim many more inhabitants
than she numbered at the inception of the war. We question whether her population aggregated more than thirty-five
thousand. Unfortunately we find no data upon which to predicate a definite estimate.
It would appear that Sir James Wright was quite opposed to the evacuation of Savannah. His views are forcibly presented
in the following important document copied from the original in the Marquis of Lansdowne's collection: —
" On my departure from Tybee Island at the inlet from the sea to the town of Savannah, such part of the loyal
refugees as were then collected there in order to embark on board the transports in consequence of the order from
Sir Guy Carleton to evacuate the Province of Georgia, to the number of about 800, on the 5th of July last addressed
me and most earnestly requested that I would lay before his Majesty a true and faithful state of the Province and
of their sufferings and distresses in general and particularly by the cruel order for the evacuation.
" And the following I conceive to contain a concise view of the situation of affairs therefor three years
past.
" In March 1779 I was ordered out from hence by his Majesty with the rest of the King's officers in order
to reestablish his Majesty's civil government in Georgia, and I landed there on the 13th of July when I soon began
to set about that pleasing work. But on the 12th of September following the Count d'Estaing landed the French Troops
to the number of from six to seven thousand, and a few days after the Rebel General Lincoln joined him with about
five thousand rebel forcesl and laid close siege to the Town of Savannah attended with a most furious bombardment
and cannonade which continued till the ninth of October when, by the blessing of God, they were totally defeated
and routed by the united and spirited efforts of his Majesty's Troops and his loyal and faithful subjects there.
" After which we flattered ourselves with hopes that we should have been able to remain in peace and quietness,
and to pursue Buch measures in our legislative capacities and otherwise as would most effectually promote and secure
his Majesty's Government and authority in that Province, and show to others the great blessings resulting from
peace, true liberty, happiness, and good order under his Majesty's mild and free government, and in which we had
made some progress as by the several laws passed &c. and transmitted home may more fully appear.
"And the Province was peopling very fast the latter end of the year 1780, when great numbers of loyal subjects
were flocking in to settle, expecting his Majesty's protection and safety from the tyranny and oppression of Rebellion,
and when the loyal subjects in that Province were beginning to raise their drooping spirits and to collect and
improve the remains of their scattered and almost ruined and lost property.
"But alas these flattering hopes were not of long continuance, for after the reduction of So: Carolina and
before the minds of the people were settled and wholly reconciled to a return to their allegiance and the authority
of the King's Government, the troops were withdrawn and carried out of that Province, and the spirit of Rebellion
still remaining amongst many of the inhabitants of South Carolina, no sooner were the Troops got to a distance
from them than (as was clearly foreseen and mentioned) a general and very rapid revolt took place in that Province
and a considerable number of Rebels from thence and of Georgia Rebels, who on the reduction of the Province fled
into So Carolina, and some who remained in the back settlements of Georgia, began to raise commotions in those
settlements and assassinated and otherwise cruelly murdered as many Loyalists as they could come at, and upwards
of one hundred good men in the space of one month fell victims to their loyalty and the cruelty of the Rebels,
and the Rebel Party increasing, the Loyalists found themselves overpowered and, receiving no assistance or protection
from his Majesty's Troops (altho' frequently applied for by me in strong terms), they were at length, in order
to save their lives, reduced to the dire necessity of quitting their very comfortable settlements in the Country
and their whole property and come to the posts held by the King's Troops at Ebenezer and other places where they
joined them in April, May, and June 1781, and carried arms and did constant duty with them from that time till
they retreated to Savannah, when the Militia came with them. And these people with their wives and children amounted
to about fourteen hundred in number; who, having been compelled to abandon their all, fled at different times to
Savaunah (almost naked and destitute of everything) where I conceived they could not be suffered to perish in our
Streets for want of food and raiment, and the resources of the Province being all exhausted and gone, it became
absolutely necessary to support them and draw bills on the Lords of the Treasury for the amount of the expense.
And his Majesty's faithful subjects bore up against all these misfortunes and distresses and voluntarily and cheerfully
laboured many months in erecting fortifications and works of defence at Savannah and other parts of the Province,
and in providing barracks and quarters for the Troops, and contributed everything possible towards the support
of government, and flattered themselves happier times were not far off, especially as I had received on the 4th
of February last a letter from his Majesty's Secretary of State declaring his Majesty's great satisfaction with
the conduct, zeal, and affection of the Legislature for his Majesty's person and tbeir firm attachment to the Constitution,
and that the King had commanded him to acquaint me that I should ' assure them that his loyal and faithful subjects
of Georgia may always rely upon his Majesty's protection and constant attention to their prosperity and happiness?
and the people, encouraged by his Majesty's most gracious approbation of their conduct, and the assurances of protection
and support, and stimulated by their unshaken loyalty and fidelity, were persevering in their exertions for the
defence of the Province against a Rebel Force which had for some time infested the Town of Savannah and parts adjacent,
and flattering themselves with a prospect of peace cm Sir Guy Carleton's arrival at New York, when to their very
great mortification, grief, and astonishment an order was received from him about the middle of June, dated at
New York the 23d of May, for the evacuation of the Province and notifying * That Transports might be daily expected
not only to bring away the Troops with the Military and Public Stores of all sorts, but also myself and all such
Loyalists as might choose to depart, with their effects.'
" And it was conceived by the Civil Power that there was no apparent necessity for evacuating the Province,
at least such part of it as we then held, because there were then at Savannah 1,300 regular Troops, and at least
500 loyal Militia might have been added to them, and the Rebel Forces under General Wayne by the best information
did not at any time exceed 500, besides some small straggling parties of Rebel Militia who were going about the
Country murdering and plundering the loyal inhabitants in cold blood, and therefore it was apprehended that the
force then in Savannah was full sufficient to hold and protect the parts then planted, unless a Foreign Force had
come by sea or a very large reinforcement of Rebel Troops with cannon by land, and it was also conceived that instead
of evacuating, had an addition of 500 more Forces been sent, it would have enabled us to have drove the Rebels
entirely out of the Province and to have opened the Country again as far as Augusta, which would have afforded
a happy asylum for thousands of loyal, suffering subjects, and for which reinforcement I frequently and long applied
to the King's Generals, but without effect And I conceive that even holding what part we had would have been of
the utmost importance by raising large quantities of provisions for the supply of the Army and West India Islands.
Whereas by the sudden evacuation at the time it was ordered, crops of rice were left standing which would have
been fit to reap in August, and full sufficient to produce at least (on a very moderate calculation) 10,000 barrels
of 500 lbs. each, besides a very large quantity of Indian corn, peas, potatoes, and other provisions to a very
great amount and value, and enough to support the Rebels for several years in great plenty, or which they may sell
for a large sum of money, rice then selling at from five to six guineas per barrel. But alas ! we were hurried
away with our Negroes, without the least notice, and had not provisions for six weeks in hand for their future
subsistence, whereas had this evacuation apparently unnecessary (for the reasons before given) been only delayed
for a few months, we should have had plenty of provisions for years to have carried with our Negroes, or might
have sold oar crops to great advantage, but by the hasty evacuation the King's faithful and loyal subjects were
most cruelly abandoned and reduced to the sad necessity of forsaking their valuable possessions, and which many
hundreds did, and became overwhelmed in difficulties and distress which they are not able to surmount, and this
rather than swerve from their allegiance.
"And I had several meetings and consultations with the Council to settle what was most advisable and proper
to be done on that most critical, cruel, and trying occasion. And on the 21st of the said Month it was finally
settled and determined by the unanimous voice of the Council, That Whereas there was the number of Rebel Troops
hereinbefore mentioned then in the Province, and as the King's Troops were ordered away, it became impossible for
the Crown Officers and other Loyal Subjects to attempt to withstand the said Rebel Forces or to remain in the Province,
and more especially as the Rebel General Greene was then in So: Carolina within three easy days' march of Savannah,
and was said to have with him upwards of 2,000 men, besides the Militia in that Province which he could soon raise.
And thus circumstanced and plunged and reduced at onee (from the pleasing prospect of seeing Georgia a great and
flourishing Province) into the utmost difficulties and distress, we found ourselves constrained to abandon our
valuable estates and crops, and to quit the Province with such of our movable property as we could collect almost
instantly, not having received the least previous notice.
" And thus the King's loyal and faithful subjects have been treated, and these facts I conceive in justice
to them and to myself necessary to state, in order to show that I have not been wanting in my duty, and that the
true and real situation of affairs in Georgia may appear, and whether there was any and what foundation for such
a hasty and cruel evacuation.
" And I must beg leave to report and assert that the King's subjects in general in Georgia have from time
to time given the strangest proof possible of their loyalty and firm attachment to his Majesty's person and government.
" I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem, my Lord, your Lordship's, Most obed* & most humbto Servant,
Ja, Wright."September, 1782."
With the exception of some disturbances on the northern frontier, caused by the Indians, the rest of the year 1782
brought no alarms to Georgia. Rejoicing in present freedom, and encouraged by the hope of assured peace, her citizens
industriously meditated upon and perfected plans for the development of the agricultural and commercial resources
of the commonwealth, and for the speedy accommodation of many troublesome questions growing out of the recent abnormal
condition of affairs.
The last blood shed upon the field during the war was that poured from the mortal wound received by Colonel John
Laurens, only twenty-seven years old, as with an inferior force he repelled a party of the British collecting provisions
at Combahee ferry. " He had not a fault that I could discover," said Washington, "unless it were
intrepidity bordering upon rashness."
Careful search fails to disclose the proceedings of the adjourned session of the legislature in October, if any
meeting was held.
By the General Assembly which convened in Savannah in January, 1783, that sterling patriot and worthy gentleman,
Dr. Lyman Hall, was elected governor of Georgia. On the 81st of that month George Walton was selected to fill the
position of chief justice, Samuel Stirk was appointed attorney-general, John Martin, treasurer, John Milton, secretary
of state, Richard Call, surveyor-general, Joseph Woodruff, collector of the port of Savannah, and John Lawson,
Jr., collector for the town and port of Sunbury.
Registers of probate and assistant justices were named for the respective counties. Land offices were established
and commissioners were designated to superintend the sales of confiscated property. The payment of the public debt
was receiving due consideration. Officers and soldiers were rewarded with bounty warrants for military services
rendered. William McIntosh, Samuel Stirk, and John Wereat, as comissioners on the part of the State, were negotiating
with Governor Patrick Tonyn, of East Florida, for the accommodation of all differences and the prevention of disturbances
along the line of the St. Mary's River. General Lachlan McIntosh, John Hoostoun, and Edward Telfair were designated
as proper parties to " settle and adjust the northern boundaries of Georgia," and to treat with such
commissioners as might be selected by the State of South Carolina for that purpose. It was proposed to organize
a " Court of Claims to determine the rights of contested property." Temples of justice and of religion
were now open in the land. Provision was made for public education. The entire machinery of state government; was
in motion. Peace and independence had been formally conceded to the United States.
The infant Republic, no longer buffeted within the confines of its storm-rocked cradle, walked forth in the light
cf unclouded day an acknowledged member of the sisterhood of nations, and Georgia, youngest born of the Confederation,
as a sovereign State entered upon a career of strength and of prosperity.
Thus have we endeavored, in all fidelity, to present the history of Georgia from the earliest period to the epoch
of her elevation into the dignity of an independent commonwealth.
Henceforward it will be our pleasure and privilege to trace her progress as augmenting daily in population and
material wealth, developing year by year in resources and capabilities, and, through the intervention of wise constitutions,
sage rulers, good government, educational advantages, commercial connections, and fruitful fields, encouraging
the intelligence, the enterprise, the industry, the patriotism, and the virtue of her citizens, she has grown mightier
with each generation until now the insignificant colony, planted by Oglethorpe upon Yamacraw Bluff, is saluted
as the " Empire State of the South."
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