ROBERT W.WDDDRUFF
FIBRARY
COLLECTIONS
OF THE
GEORGIA
HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
VOL. III.
WITH AN APPENDIX.
SAVANNAH :
PRINTED at the morning news office.
1873.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by the Georgia Historical SocietJ,
in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington City.
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
I. Prefatory Note by the Publishing Committee. ,... v
II. Letters from General Oglethorpe to the Trustees of the
Colony and others, from October 1735 to August 1744.... 1
III. Report of Governor Sir James Wright to Lord Dartmouth on
the Condition of the Colony, September 20, 1773 158
IV. Letters from Governor Sir James Wright to the Earl of
Dartmouth and Lord George Germain, Secretaries of
State for America, from August 34, 1774, to February
16, 1782 180
APPENDIX.
I. Anniversary Address of Col. Charles C. Jones, Jr. Subject:
Casimir Pulaski 385
II. Address of Richard D. Arnold, M. D., on the Organization of
the Georgia Historical Society and of the Savannah
Library Association 416
PREFACE.
Through the researches of Mr. G. W. J. DeRenne, of this
:ity, a gentleman who has devoted much time to historical
nquiry, the Georgia Historical Society became aware of the
'act that copies could be obtained from the British Colonial
Dffice, of valuable manuscripts connected with the- early
listory of the Colony of Georgia.
On a subsequent visit to England, Mr. DeRenne was
smpowered by the Society to procure copies of such valuable
locuments appertaining to the history of Georgia, not
hitherto printed, as could be found in the Colonial Office.
The Society thus obtained copies of
1st. The Letters of General Oglethorpe to the Trustees of
the Colony, commencing October 29th, 1735, which was the
period of his return from his first visit to England after the
settlement of the Colony, and ending August 24th, 1744.
' 2d. Letters from Sir James Wright, Governor of the
Province of Georgia, to the Earl of Dartmouth, and Lord
George Germain, Secretaries of State, and others, in which
he narrates the local events of the War of Rebellion by which
the Thirteen Colonies became separated from the mother
country.
It is believed that few, if any, of the letters contained in
this Collection, have ever before been printed, though extracts
vi
preface.
from some of them may be found in biographical sketches of
General Oglethorpe, Sir James Wright, and others.
In addition to these letters, Mr. DeBenne, who has been
recently elected its President, has kindly presented to the
Society a copy which he had obtained for his own use, of a
Beport on the Condition of the Province, made by Governor
Wright, in the year 1772, in reply to certain specific inquiries
from the Earl of Dartmouth. This Beport is considered very
valuable, as containing a reliable account of the state of the
Colony, immediately prior to the Bevolution.
In the publication of these papers, the Committee have
carefully abstained from any alteration of the copies in their
possession, the copies themselves conforming as closely as
possible to the originals. In a very few instances, they have
inserted a mark of punctuation where it was absolutely
necessary to a ready understanding of the writer's meaning.
The Publishing Committee.
Savannah, August 1,1873.
HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS.
Letters from General Oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. YERELST *
29 oCT. 1735.
The Downs Oct. 29th, 1735.
Sir,
I find that for want of a Husband to put the things regu¬
larly on board the 200 Deals are absolutely lost. Perhaps
they were never put on board. This will be a very great dis¬
appointment and I must either expose the people to Fluxes
by lying in the open air upon their first landing or else delay
the Settlenfi till I can get Boards sawed in Georgia the con¬
sequence of which delay I cannot yet tell. The charge will
be very great of keeping the ships upon Demurrage besides
the danger of a general satisfaction amongst the people.
If you do not send the Seeds by us you had better send
them to the Seeds-man & get the Money back, for sending
them by Harbin or Thompson they will arrive so late that
they will be useless this Year & be spoiled before next. In
my last I desired they might be sent by Nicholson if you
could not send them by the Stage Coach. But if you cannot
send them to Portsmouth time enough for us to take them in
you had better return them to the Gardiner for I find that
any ship that is not already in the Downs will be too late.
With respect to Capt. Thompson I think you had better
left it as it was, that he should go from Bristol & Harbin
1
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 22.
2
letters from general oglethorpe.
from London. To send Passengers and Goods from Bristol
to London in order to go to America is doubling the expence
and length of the voyage for the being out of the Channel
which the Bristol people are, is one half of the voyage to
Georgia. For Harbin to go to Bristol would be still worse
for all the passengers he has on board will be eating and
losing time & the Servants perhaps provoked to dissert.
I wish you could send to Portsmouth a Quart of Daffy's
Elixir. We can find but one little Chest of Medicines (that
on board Thomas) so I have divided it.
The Winds hang westerly & I fear we have lost our Oppor¬
tunity by staying for Thomas's Ship. If we had sailed the
Day I went on Board we should probably by this time have
been at the Maderas. My humble servce to all the Gen:
I am,
Your Friend
James Oglethorpe.
[Addressed]
To
Mr. Yerelst, at the Georgia Office
in Old Palace Yard
Westmr.
Free i JameS
( Oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. YERELST*
2 Nov. 1735.
Cows Novr. 2nd, 1735.
Sir,
Capt. Thomas & Capt. Corinsh gave me notice on Saturday
last that they, could continue their Yoyage the lYind being
fair therefore they must be allowed Demurrage till we leave
this Harbour. The People are all well & Captain Gascoigne
* P. R. O. Georgia, R. T. vol. 19, p. 24.
letters from general oglethorpe.
3
will be ready to sail with us on Tuesday Night or Wednesday
morning.
I am,
Sir,
Yonr humble Serv*'
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. I send you by the Portsmouth Coach a Box with the
Thernomiter which was broke. Pray let it be carried to Mr.
Scarlets to be mended & send it me oyer by the first ship.
[.Addressed]
To
Mr. Yerelst at the Georgia Office
in Old Palace Yard
Westmr,
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. YERELST*
19 Nov. 1735.
Cows Road Novr. 19th, 1735.
Sir,
I have received the Letters with an Acc* that Thompson is
to follow me soon and am very much obliged to the Trustees
for their great Diligence to support me by the speedy send¬
ing what in the hurry was forgot. The delay of the Man of
War has occasioned a vast deal of Charge & will occasion
much more & also give me an infinite deal of trouble to re¬
trieve the loss of the Season but I hope by the Blessing of
God we shall be able to go thro' the Undertaking tho' not in
so full a manner as I should have been enabled to do had I
arrived there by this time as I probably might have done
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 32.
4
letters from general oglethorpe.
had I met with no Delays from Thomas's Ship nor from the
Man of War.
I have ordered the Captains to draw out the Accounts of
Demurrage A Port Charges A have advanced them some
Money on the Accots of- the Ships of which Mr. Moore will
before we sail send you the particulars. I have also laid in
Refreshments of several kinds the Fowls Greens Ac. being
most dead consumed or spoiled. Our People are very healthy
A very orderly; excepting two Women Servants Ann Hams
Serv1 to the Trust A Elizh Wheeler Servant to Mr. Horton
whom I have set on shore for drinking and indecent behavi¬
our I haye also set 011 shore the Surgeon's Serv* (he having
the Itch) & Robinson's Servant who has stole for which his
Master had him whipped A I have turned him ashore A shall
in their places take four others whose Names Moore will send
you.
Pray send Bradley's Goods by Thompson, Bradley has
taken another Servant for the Trust on board the Thomas, a
Brick maker A a very useful Man.
I wish you would put the Trustees in mind of the Saw Mill
A let me know by what Ship I may expect it. Pray let me
know what is become of the Seeds: if they had been sent
down to Portsmouth by Land I should by this time have had
them. Give my humble Service to all the Gentlemen of the
Board A believe me to be
Sir,
Your very humble Serv*-
P. S. The Wind continues Southwardly but seems as if it
would come to the Eastward howsomever write to me and
direct it to be left with the Post Master at Cows A give him
orders to send it back to you if I am gone.
Novr. ye 20th, 1735.
theykanh<of ^he Wind is come a little to the Eastward of the
tiie ships South A the Weather being very moderate we have
then ceasing
ventured out tho' if it should blow hard it may be
dangerous. But something must be hazarded when the ex-
pences A the ill consequences of Delay are so considerable.
letters from general oglethorpe.
5
I send jon this by the Pilot we being now past the Needles.
The Man of War and Thomas are in-company with us.
Pray send me the Gen1 Acco1 of how the Trustees Cash
stands for you forgot to give it me when I came away.
Yarmouth Road Novr. 21st.
The Wind changing and Weather growing bad we were
obliged to put in here. The Man of War, Thomas & We are
all well & at anchor in a safe place.
[.Addressed]
To
Mr. Verelst at the Georgia Office
in Old Palace Yard
Westmr.
Free James
Oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST.*
3 deo. 1735.
Sir,
I am very glad that you have mentioned to me that you
intend to send over the Mill by Capt. Pearcy, because I have
1 now time to acquaint you that if you should send it by him
it will be entirely useless to us, for you may depend upon it,
that tho' Mr. Wragg enters into the strictest agreenP it is
impossible for Pearcy to touch at Tybee. If he should fall
in first to the Southward, as the Beacon is not yet up, he can¬
not tell by that Coast whether it is Tybee or Augustine, and
he will not venture in unless there be a Pilot Boat to fetch
him in and all the Pilot Boats will be with me, therefore he
will naturally go into Chas. Town and have a very good
excuse for so doing. If he falls to the Northward, he cannot
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 34.
6
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETEtORTE.
beat up from Cliarles Town to Tybee against the Gulph
Stream without great difficulty, therefore he will certainly go
into Charles Town, and the necessity o£ the Seas will be an
excuse against every Covenant and if he does go into Charles
Town, besides the great Expence of bringing up the Mill it
will be almost sure yt Cooper and Smither will be debauched
from us and then our Mill will be of no use for there are peo¬
ple in Charles Town who would willingly promise a Mill¬
wright two or three hundred pounds a year, for promises
which they never design to keep are ready to them and they
would perhaps advance them 15 or 20 Guineas, and they will
employ People to make them drunk and then get them to run
away & hide themselves for some time & then go up & work.
They have already served us so upon several occasions, there¬
fore if you desire that the Mill should be of any use it is
necessary you should remonstrate in the strongest terms to
the Trustees not to send it by any Ship but one bound direct¬
ly for Georgia and which hath no cargo at all for Charles
Town. You may venture to send ye Stonehorse (which I
have given to the Trustees if they care to be at the charge of
sending it) and the Mares of which I shall speak more here¬
after, by Pearcy to Charles Town, for they cannot give them
Rum nor Debauch them away from us. Mr. Wragg told me
at Gravesend he thought he could take them at £10: pr-head
which would not be dear, was he obliged to deliver them alive
& we not to pay freight until they were delivered at Charles
Town to the Trustees Order, for if you pay freight before and
they die there may be a suit for it.
I want to know what news of poor Frank Harbin, he is a
man who I think would be very usefull and who I have a
value for. Pray let me know what is become of the Seeds
which Bradley bespoke.
Send me 4 Spirit Levels. I have sights for to fix them in.
You may ask for them at Mr. Scarlets in Thrift Street Soho.
The Wind still continues Westerly and Southerly. On the
20th of the last month the Wind coming Easterly we sailed
for the Needles as I mentioned but the Wind coming about to
South West and blowing very hard we were obliged to run in
again and (God be praised) got to a safe Road. That night
Letters from general oglethorpe.
7
several sliips which could not get in were lost, two being
wreckt on the 22nd on the South part of the Isle of Wight,
and one upon Portland. One got in here having lost her
head and masts in the storm, but the Hawk Sloop, Thomas
and We got in here without any damage. Ever since have
been strong storms at South and West. I must own if I had
not been overborn by the sea Captains I should have kept to
sea from the 20th and not have come in again but have beat
up against the S. W. Wind and would rather have run the
risque of the seas than of staying here. But the sea officers
were my humble servants for that they valued their flesh
more than I did my bones. It is very possible we might have
weathered the Start, and if so we might have got into Ply¬
mouth Harbour but if not, we must have been lost, and I
had rather have run the danger of my life at sea than have
risqued the losing the season of the year in Georgia and the
sickness which may probably happen to the people by lying
here. Several are already ill. I had a fever which forced
me to "keep my bed three days but am now perfectly recov¬
ered. Mr. Johnson was so ill of a Feaver too that he was
forced to be sent to Portsmouth and if he recovers will go to
London. Several of out people are sick of Feavers and
other distempers for nothing is so unwholesome as staying
on board ships when they lye still, all this is the conse¬
quence of waiting for the Man of War till the Easterly
Winds were past. I desire you would show the Trustees
this letter.
I have nothing more to say but to again repeat the not
sending any Passengers or Servants by Ships bound for
Charles Town or who have any Cargo for that place.
I am,
Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Cowes
the 3rd Dec. 1735.
8 letters from general oglethorpe.
[Addressed]
To
Mr. Harman Yerelst at the Georgia
Office in Old Palace Yard
"Westminster.
t-, J ames
ree Oglethorpe.
Indorsed Recd the 8th Dec.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. YERELST.*
10 dEO. 1735.
From the Needles Dec. 10th 1735.
Sir,
God be praised we at last have got an Easterly wind in the
morning & weighed anchor at Nine of the Clock. I. have
settled the account of Demurrage for the Ship Simond with
Mr. Purry & have paid the Capt. some Money on the account
which is inclosed to Mr. Simond. I thought it necessary and
just to pay for all the passengers as well for those on their
own acc* as those on the Trust: for as they were detained to
their loss by our orders I thought it unjust for to make them
pay Demurrage. The 3rd article is for the Pork, 3 Barrels
of which I send back & the 101 Pieces of the Barrel which
was opened were so bad that I gave it away to the Boat men
that attended the Ship who dried it ashore and made some
use of it and this made them more diligent in attending us.
The 15s was for bringing on board fresh water over & above
the Ships allowance which I gave to enable the Passengers
to wash up the Linnen they had dirtied during our stay in
Harbour I furnished Elour & Plumbs to make Puddens by
the Peoples desire instead of the Pork & which I believe will
be more wholesome and it would be right to order that upon
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 35.
letters erom general oglethorpe.
9
the Pork Days each Mess should have but one piece of Pork
of 21b & instead of the other Piece of Pork to have 2ft> of
flour & | a pd of Plumbs allowed besides their Pease.
I have laid out a great deal of Money for Extraordinarys
for the People & laying in new Stocks of Refreshmts & also
for Medecines &c. The great Chest being stowed so low in
Thomas that we could not get at it for our People have been
very sickly. The accots Moore will send you at large and I
believe it will be best to make them up all together, for sev¬
eral Servants have been put away & Expences have accrued
in getting others. I have advanced Thomas Money on acc*
of the Demurrage of his Ship.
"We have had some uneasiness amongst the Ships Crew
who did not treat the Passengers in the manner they ought
to have done & Cornish was much afraid of disobliging his
men who came at last to that height of insolence that whilst
he was ashore getting of Provisions the second mate en¬
couraged some to throw water upon the poor Boys that be¬
longed to the Passengers. I hearing a noise went out to
desire him to quiet the disorder which he refusing to do &
answering with great Insolence & the Seamen saying that
they would stand by him one & all I sent him on board the
Hawk Mali of "War & took a well qualified young man from
thence for our second Mate. The Men since this Example
have been very quiet & obedient.
Robinson's Coats shrink intollerably. Some of them that
touched the mens heels do not now touch the bottoms of
their Coats.
I am, Sir,
Your very humble Serv*
[.Addressed] ' J. Oglethorpe.
To
Mr. Yerelst at the Georgia Office
in the Old Palace Yard Westmr.
"FYpp James
Oglethorpe.
10
betters from general oglfthgrff.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
18 February 1735-6.
Feb. 13. 1735-6 On Board the Simonds
in Tybee Road.
j Dunbar, ye Peter & James, Cpn Diamond ye Two
{ Brothers Cpn Thomson & ye James Cpn Yokeley.
Gentlemen,
I am arrived here where I found ye Prince of Wales Capn
on demurrage I begun by hastning the discharge of them. The
first was Capt. Dunbar's; that being at the largest expence
I mustered the People and find they amount to one hundred
sixty three whole Heads which is three less than tlie muster
on the 20th of October before Provost Hassock at Inverness;
one of them having run away and two having been set ashore
because they would neither pay their passage nor indent as
servants of the Trust.
I found that 17 Heads had paid their passage. I agreed
with Mr. Pury That the three Heads which run away or were
set on shore as above, before they sailed shd be deducted,
which reduces the Heads to be paid for by the Trust to 146
whole Heads and he did not persist in insisting pn Passage
for these three Heads as you will see by the Account: I pro¬
ducing a like instance of ye Proceeding with Mr. Rag. As
he gave up that he said that he believed Mr. Mackay's
Daughter was above the age of a year and a half & upon
enquiry it appeared to me to be so & y* ye setting her down
at a year and a half was a mistake of the Writer, since her
name was carried out into the column of ages whereas none
under the age of two years was carried out.
With respect to the list of the persons who paid their own
passage, of the servants of the trust and the servants of pri¬
vate persons it stands thus, The trust ordered Mr. Hugh
Mackay & Mr. Dunbar to raise 100 Men free or servants and
for that purpose allowed to them the free passage of ten serv¬
ants over & above the 100. They farther allowed them to
take 50 Head of Women & Children and agreed with Mr.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 20, p. 121.
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE. H
Simmonds to send a ship about, which he wd not do unless
they agreed for 130 Men Heads certain. This may have
led the trust into the mistake That they were to raise
only 130. The method they took in the raising these men
was according to the Custom of that Country. They were to
bring the Enterprise into vogue with the chief gentlemen, but
as they were unused to labour, they not only permitted but
obliged them to bring each a laborious servant capable of
supporting him. Some of them paid their own passage and
that of one out of two servants. Others paid passage for
their servant & took the benefit of the Trust passage for
themselves. Besides this there were some who having numer¬
ous families, wanted a farther assistance of servants & there¬
fore Mr. Dunbar gave to them the passage of four servants
which was his right for having raised forty of the hundred
men. He therefore thought he ought to set them down as
paid because they were paid for in account, by his not apply¬
ing the passage of those 4 servants to his own use. By this
means they have not only raised their 100 Men 10 Servants
& 50 other Head, but they have landed in Georgia, one hun¬
dred seventy seven Persons amounting to 163 Heads who
were mustered at Inverness, beside Mr. Baily & four Servants
who came on board some Hours before the ship sailed. Out
of these the Trustees paid for only 146 Heads, whereas
they allowed them to give passage to 160 Heads. And out of
these 146 several are servants to the Trustees, their Inden-
ures with blank Endorsements, for, ye use of ye Trust, being
in my Hands.
As to the Demurrage of the Prince of Wales, it runs very
high; as they had a fortunate passage & I was delayed. This
I mentioned before I left England. Mr. Dunbar sent the
people away in open boats, as fast as possible to Alatamaha
& the day they went the charge of victuals on board the Ship
ceased, as you will find on the account. But as there were
not Boats sufficient to carry them all at once 61 Heads were
sent away 7 days after their arrival which makes 6 days De¬
murrage. Forty six Head and a Half more were sent away
Feby. 4, more boats being then procured. Mr. Dunbar also
made another saving by permitting those who were able to go
12
LETTEES FEOM GENEEAL OGLETHOElX.
up to Savannah and Joseph's Town where they maintained
themselves at their own expense, some till the Boats went to
the Southward & some till my arrival. The charge prevent¬
ed hereby amounted to XI, 13s. 8d. per Bay.
I am obliged to allow Demurrage for the ship till she is out
of sight of Land. And if I was to leave that to Hazard for
the time of sailing, her Ballast, her Water & other Prepara¬
tions the Easterly winds might set in & occasion another
month's Demurrage as there was at Cows. I have therefore
settled that Demurrage at 12 Days & whatever Delays may
happen the Trust can be charged with no more. I take Mr.
Dunbar with me to the Southward to introduce me to the
Highlandmen & instruct me a little in their manners. There¬
fore I allow a Pilot for the ship to the Bar of Charles Town.
The Highlandmen have these three weeks had quiet posses¬
sion of the Alatamaha and agree very well with the Indians.
The Servants that are on account of Patrick Mackay &
John Cuthbert are to be paid for to the Trust by them in
Provision & labour & will help to supply the wants of those
Hands we mist of in Germany. With respect to Hugh Mac¬
kay it is He that contracted with us and commands the Party
at Alatamaha. As he has been very serviceable & as the Im-
barkation which he heads are the only men that have com¬
plied with their Agreement, I think there could be no Objec¬
tion to his being allowed Ten Servants. But I do not find he
is allowed one except those allowed by his Capitulation, being
his proportion of the Ten, for raising the 100 Men.
As to G. Dunbar he has none that I can see charged to the
Trust, except he be understood to be concerned in those of
Cuthbert which are to be paid for. And the giving Credit for
Servants to these Gentlemen is no more than what the Trust
daily does to the English which is very advantageous since
they gain a man to the Country & are repaid for his Passage.
Mr. Baily parts with one of his servants & by the money so
raised pays the passage of himself & the rest.
I have sent you Lists of the People pursuant to ye desire
& having made up the account with Mr. Pury find that the
remainder due to Mr. Simonds for the freight of Passengers
on board the Prince of Wales is eighty pounds as per account
which I have signed.
letters from general oglethorpe.
13
With respect to the Bill £33, 9s. 6d. drawn by Mr. Dunbar
on the Trustees for Wine it was pursuant to the Trustees
Order dated August 23 signed by you. In the same order
were the Plads Ac. However as the Trustees do not think
the Claret proper for their keeping, I take it. But as I know
by fatal experience that the want of Claret or Florence (be¬
ing styptick wines) was of very ill consequence in the flux, I
have bought of Mr. Mountague four Hogsheads on the stores
account, which I have disposed of as follows, viz:—To the
Governour of Augustine, One Cask. To Ebenezer, Two;
The Rest to the Store at Savannah for the sick of the whole
Province.
GOD be praised all the people are in Health, nor has one
Passenger died at' Sea either on board us or Capt. Dunbar.
The Town of Savannah is in good Order & much increased
in Buildings. The People who come at their own charge live
in a manner too expensive which will make sumptuary laws
necessary for the Province. I will write a particular Letter
about the Indian Affairs which the Carolina people have in
vain strove to put into confusion Tomo-Chawchi has maintain¬
ed the Trustees Interest among the Creeks till my arrival.
And the French having insulted the Chocktaws have made
them zealous.
The People at Ebenezer are very discontented & Mr. Yon
Reck & they that come with him refuse to settle to the South¬
ward I was forced to go to Ebenezer to quiet things there and
have taken all the Proceedings in writing. Finding the people
were only ignorant & obstinate but without any ill Intention,
I consented to the changing of their Town. They leave a
sweet place where they had made great Improvements, to go
into a Wood. I have raised 100 Workmen at different Pays,
but one with another they come within the sum limited. I
have also ordered 50 Rangers & have taken up a Sloop &
bought her Cargo & shall draw for it, being all Provisions.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your very Humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
14
letters from general oglethorpe.
[.Addressed]
To
The Honble the Trustees
for establishing the Colony of
Georgia
on His Majesty's Service.
GENEEAL OGLETHOEPE TO [THE TEUSTEES.]*
27 I^EBETJAET 1735-6.
On board the Symond in Tybee Creek
the 27th February 1735-6.
Gentlemen,
Coll. Bull is come down to me with Letters from the Lieu¬
tenant Governor & assembly of Carolina of which I send
you copies inclosed. We were seperated from the Man of
War at Sea, and she is not yet arrived. I thought the best
way both for the health of the people and for the saving of
Charges would be to carry down these two Ships to the Ala-
tamaha & land the Passengers at once from on board but the
Capts. having no Man of War nor Pilot that knew the entry
did not dare go with such large ships till a small vessel had
tried the Entry. I agreed with Capt. Yoakley & put on
board him great part of Thompson's Cargoe, he was so long
in getting ready that I was at Ebenezer & had returned again
& seeing no end of the Delays a New York Sloop coming into
the Eoad loaded with a well sorted Cargoe of Provisions I
bought the Cargo on condition yt she should go up & deliver
them on St. Simon and the Capt. of these two ships went up
in her to sound the Barr, I went within Land & having passed
by Skidaway & Thunderbolt both which are in a very good
scituation I arrived at St. Simon the 18th & found the Sloop
and a Detachment of men whom I had sent with her there.
The Capt. gave me an account that they had met with seven
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 49,
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
15
fathom water all the way in excepting one place, where they
had bore too near the shore and so found shoaly water. We
immediately got up a house and thatched it with Palmettoes,
dug a Cellar, traced out a Fort with 4 Bastions by cutting up
the Turf from the ground, dug enough of the Ditch & raised
enough of the Rampart for a Sample for the Men to work
upon.
On the 22d a boat arrived with a Detachment of the Work¬
men & the same day I left St. Simon rowing up the Alatama-
ha 3 hours I arrived at ye Scotch Settlement which they
desire may be called Darien. They were all under Arms
upon seeing a Boat, and made a most manly appearance with
j/heir Plads, broad Swords, Targets & Fire Arms, the latter
of which were very bad, of which the person who furnished
them should be informed. Some of the Carolina People on
their first landing near Savannah strove to discourage them
by saying that the Spaniards would shoot them as they stood
upon the ground where we placed them from the houses in
their Fort. Why then said the Highland men we will beat
them out of their Fort & shall have Houses ready built to
live in. They have mounted a Battery of 4 pieces of Can¬
non, built a Guard house a Store house a Chappel & several
Hutts for particular people & one of their men dying, the
whole people joyned & they built a house for his widow. Mr.
Hugh Mackay who commands there has shown himself an
excellent Officer, in all the Dispositions which he has made,
and deserves the thanks of the Trustees & also that they
should speak for the continuance of his leave of absence &
obtain Commission for him to sell.
Mr. M'pherson with the Rangers having marched over land
from Savannah arrived at the Darien before I left that place
so that there is a Communication opened for Horsemen be¬
tween the two Towns.
On Monday I set out from the Darien and on Tuesday
night came on board. The Captains returned last night with
an accot that for want of time & conveniency they could not
find a passage over the Barr sufficient to carry in these ships,
but that there is no doubt a good Channel may be found by
a Man of War who has hands sufficient.
16 letters from general oglethorpe.
Yoakley is sailed and the Weather very blustring God
knows what is become of him.
They have discovered a Channel big enough to carry in
Captain Dymond so shall put as much on board him as I can
and shall carry the rest in Perrivauguas and small Craft down
the Inland Passage. This will be vastly expensive, but can¬
not now be avoided.
I have issued out ,£431 in Notes. The Merchants are very
greedy of them and I believe some will be soon in England.
I have drawn upon you for £500. Sterling in Payment of
the Sloop's Cargo, and paid the remainder of the value of it
amounting to 200 and odd Pounds Currency here.
I am, Gentlemen, 1
Your most obedient humble serv*
James Oglethorpe.
Mr. Wesleys are gone up to Toma-chi-chi Mico and live
with Mrs. Musgrove in his Neighbourhood six miles from
Savannah where he has built a new Town.
I have sent Major Richards an Officer belonging to Caro¬
lina with an armed Boat to conduct Mr. D Empsy who was
sent by Sir Thos. Fitzgerald with letters from himself and
from the Spanish Sceretary of State to the Governour of St.
Augustine he set out from here a week ago so that in a few
days I shall have an account how things go there.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
2 Maeoh 1736-5.
Tybee, March 2d, 1736-5.
Sir,
I have drawn a set of Bills at 30 days sight for £200 sterl-
ing payable to Colonel Bull or Order which is upon acco4 foi
* P. R. O, Georgia. B, T. vol, 19, p. 67.
letters from general oglethorpe.
17
2 Houses, Frames & boards of sawed Cypress which he had
ready against my arrival & which are now going np to St.
Simons & for sending them up & other charges. I have writ
to the Trustees at full how things go.
Gentk>
The above is Copy of a letter of advice sent you from
Tybee road I desire you would facilitate ye payrn1 of the said
Bills & believe me to be Gent11,
Your most obed* humble serv4
James Oglethorpe.
To the Honoble the Trustees for Establishing
the Colony of Georgia in America at their
office in Old Palace Yard
"Westmr.
London.
GENEKAL OGLETHOBPE TO H. VEKELST*
2 March 1736.
March 2, 1736.
Tybee Creek.
SR'
I have drawn a set of Bills at Thirty days dated March 2,
1736 for two hundred pound sterling payable to Col. Bull or
order, which is upon acco* for two houses frames & boards of
saw'd Cypress which he had ready for me ag* my arrival &
which are now going up to St. Simons & for sending them up
& other charges. I have writ to the Trustees at full how
things go. Moore is so busy in loading & unloading the
Stores of the two Ships into other Yessels y* he has not yet
been able to write. A great many of the stores are damaged
particularly on board Thompson, some few lost of wch Moore
2
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 67.
18 letters from general oglethorpe.
will give you an acco*- I have also drawn for £500 Sterling
from St. Simons in four sets of Bills of Exchange being in
part of paym* for y* part of ye sloop Midnight's Cargo
wch belonged to ye Owners, y* wch belonged to ye Master I
bought and paid for in Currency beside. I am, Sr'
Your very humble serv4'
James Oglethorpe.
[Addressed] To
Mr. Yerelst
At the Georgia Office
near ye House of Lords
Westminster.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
3 March 1735-6.
Gentn>
I have drawn upon you for £200 Sterling payble to Mr.
Chas. Purry at one usance It is for Cash to buy Horses for
the Rangers and shod have been paid in Georgia Bills but
that throwing too many of them out at once would run them
down I am just setting out for Frederica & am
Gentn
Your most humble
& obed* Servtj
James Oglethorpe.
Tybee 3 March 1735-6
[.Addressed] To
The honb*e the Trustees for establishing the Colony of
Georgia in America at their Office in Old Palace Yard
Westminster.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T, vol. 19, p, 71.
letters from general oglethorpe.
19
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
16 March 1736.
Frederika—On the Island of
St. Simon's in Georgia Mar. 16,1736.
Gentlemen,
I have at last gott all ye People to St. Simons, but ye
charges of Demurrage & ye shipping have been intolerable,
nor are our goods half come down, having been obliged to
freight two ships for bringing them. One of them The James
Captn Yokley is arrived & boldly came up to ye place where
our Town is to be settled & rides in three fathom water with¬
in ten yards of ye Fort walls. Diamond who commands
ye other ship is not yet arrived. We have built Bowers
thatched with Palmetto for about half ye Inhabitants & by
ye end of this week I hope every Family where women are,
will have a Bower wind & water tight upon their Lot. A
party of people are sowing for ye next Years Crop. I have
already shown every man his Town Lot. About forty of
ye Workmen are already come up & some are joining us every
Day. The Mail of War & ye King's Independent Company
are not yet arrived. But the Indian King Tonio Chachi &
his Nephew Tooanoghoni & the Beloved Man Umpechee who
were in England with me have joined us with a Party of
Indians & declared yt they will live & die by us. They
agreed that we shall possess the Island of St. Simons, but
reserve that of St. Catharine to themselves. The War Capt.
Hillispilli was sent before my arrival by Tomo Chachi up to
ye lower Creek Nations to keep up our Interest with them &
would have brought down a large Body of men, but I have
desired Tomo-Chachi y* He may bring no more than 200,
that being sufficient for any service we can have for them.
The Highlanders are very ready upon all Occasions. We
have recd no answer yet from Augustine. Yesterday Mr.
Hugh Mackey arrived here and gave an account y* he with a
Detachment of twelve of the new raised Rangers under his
* P, R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 65.
20
LETTEES EEOM GENEEAL OGLETHOEPE.
Command had conducted Mr. Walter Augustin as far as
ye Darien, who had run a traverse line from the town of Sa¬
vannah to the Town of Darien upon the Alatamaha in order
to know where to lay out ye Road between ye two Rivers
which we now find will be ninety miles. I shall send you a
Copy of their Journal as soon as I can get it transcribed.
Tomo-Chaclii & I at his Desire go out tomorrow to hunt
ye Buffaloe as far as the utmost extent of his Dominions
towards Augustine. We shall then know how far ye Lands
possest by ye English Confederate Indians extend. Tomo-
Chachi is willing that we should settle upon any place within
his Lands provided the Lower Creek Nations agree to it.
God be praised there is not so much as one of the Persons
dead that came from Europe with us.
The Saltzburgliers are mightily discontented & I cannot
find the real reason of it. I send you Mr. Vats & Mr. Yon
Reek's letters. The last Transport under Mr. Yon Reck was
destined to strengthen me here, yet at their Desire I suffered
them to settle on ye River Savannah tlio' by that Means we
lost ye Assistance of 50 men able to bear Arms & shall be
at a monstrous Expense for carrying up ye Stores to them.
I also allowed the first established Saltzburgers to change
their Lots at Ebenezer for ye Red Bluff over against the
Lands by Purisburg ye place themselves had chosen,
tho' contrary to ye General Opinion & ye National Policy of
not letting Foreigners settle too near each other. After all
these Concessions ye'll see they desire to go beyond ye River
Ebenezer to Lands reserved by ye Indians for tlieir own use,
which if agreed to, will certainly draw on an Indian War.
Mr. Yon Reck has took two men into Pay whom he calls
Soldiers and intended to raise more without any Orders from
me & takes it very ill y1 Mr. Causton should refuse to pay for
them. I must desire to know whether ye Saltzburgers shall
be on ye footing of ye old Inhabitants of ye outward Settle¬
ments which amounts to each man at full allowance for
Provisions £7.15.11d
To each head of Women & Children 5.11.11d
or whether they shall be upon the same allowance as ye
Highlanders Men X10,10.4d
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
21
Women
or those y4 join us in America
8. 3.3d
3. 3.6d
or on ye charity of 80 men English & Forreigners & 120 head
of Women & Children making together 200 heads. For the
Men 23.15.11. For ye Women &c. <£12.3.3^. What part of
which is paid as ye Passage Mr. Yerelst knows.
We have here of men 4A head & of Women & Children 72
head which are part of the 200; therefore if ye New-come
Saltzburghers should exceed what makes up the 200 there
will be a deficiency in the Estimate equal to what they exceed
the Town of Frederica will be lessened by as many Head
of People as is allowed to the Saltzburgers, for if the Saltz-
burgers Provision was not allowed to them, there would be
just as many settle here for the provision as they who quitted
us amounted to. I have allowed them a credit for one half
year's provision upon ye footing of those y4 join us in Ameri¬
ca & also 10s. pr head in Extraordinaries & 20s. for Tools till
yr pleasure is known.
Mr. John Wesley is at Savannah & I have desired him to
state ye Case of ye Saltzburgers. Mr. Charles Wesley and
Mr. Ingham are working with me. I am
To
The Honble the Trustees
for establishing the Colony of Georgia.
22
letters from general oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO MR. VAT *
16 March 1786.
Copy Frederika March 16, 1736.
To Mr. Vat.
Sir,
I have reca the Favour of yours and am very sorry to find
there are any Discontents among the Saltzburgers. Mr. Van
Reck complains much of yon, as well as yon of him. I have
wrote to him upon the Occasion & sent him the Heads of
what you have objected to him, that he may make his De¬
fence. I have also desired him to make good what he objects
to yon, & recommended to the Revd Mr. John Wesley to
state the matter, how things have past at Ebenezer, that
when I have seen things in a clear Light, I may be able to
determine them, which I would not do in a matter where such
worthy People are concern'd, till the Truth appeard fully,
least I should by rash Judgment injure any man's Reputa¬
tion or Character.
Cop: J. O.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO REVD MR. WESLEY.f
16 March 1736.
Copy to the Revd Mr. Wesley.
Frederika Mar. 16, 1736.
Revd Sr*
I must desire the Favour of you to examine the Com¬
plaints made by Mr. Von JJeck & Mr. Bolzius against Mr.
Vat & by Mr. Vat against Mr. Von Reck & to make a true
state of the Case, that X may judge concerning them. If
you shew this to Mr. Causton, he will examine any Person
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 80.
t P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 80.
letters erom general oglethorte. 23
Upon Oath that shall be necessary for the coming at the
Truth.
Mr. Causton will shew you
the Letters I have wrote to
Mr. Von Reck, Mr. Bolzius &
Mr. Vat.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO MR. BOLZIUS.*
16 March 1786.
Revd Sir,
I received yours & as I know your zeal for the service of
God, your Charity to the Poor, your faithfull attachm* to
your Elock & to ye Trustees their Benefactors, I am very
much concerned at hearing you should have had any uneasi¬
ness. Mr. Vat has retired from the care of the Stores at
Ebenezer haveing first protested against ye Disobedience of
the people to the rules prescribed & complained of Mr. Von
Reek's having broke open the Storehouse & dissipated the
Stores. I am really under the utmost apprehension what
the consequence of these things may be; I apprehend much
from the youth of Mr. Von Reck & the age of Mr. Vat the
dispersing the provisions prevents our Storekeeper from
daring to send down any more provisions but God be praised
who has raised you up who can moderate between them.
Mr. Vat is Secretary put in by the Trustees & was recom¬
mended by Mr. Spergei'ul. I can determine nothing in his or
Mr. Von Recks case without hearing both & in the mean
time the poor people must suffer unless some person of
weight be accountable to Mr. Causton that the Stores should
be regularly delivered, otherwise he can send up none to
Ebenezer, because he can gett no disc.harge for them. I
must therefore desire you to take charge of such stores as
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 81.
24
letters prom general oglethorpe.
shall be sent up 'till the matter is decided & to give receipts
to Mr. Canston for all that is delivered to you.
1. The Orders I sent to you concerning the General work
are the same at Ebenezer as the English all conform to the
1st yeare & are necessary upon the first Settlem* of a Towne,
but since you desire that the Saltzburgers should work by six
in Common Labour instead of all together they may do it &
y* may be altered in the orders. 2d with respect to building
the Storehouse I am content with a Hutt for the publick
Stores 'till after planting time (tho' the English allways build
a strong house at first) provided that you will take charge of
them, that they be not stoln out of the Hut nor the Hut
broke open to the damage of the people. 3 as to the boat
you may buy such a one as is most convenient for you & Mr.
Causton shall pay for it not exceeding <£20-Sterling, provided
the whole Congregation repay the same in coin within two
yeares. 4 in regard to the Gardens they shou'd be marked
out according to the plan given by me to Jones which was
the same I showed to you & he had orders from me to put
you into immediate possession of them, to give to your self
& your fellow Labourer those neerest the Towne & to pro¬
ceed on to the Constable, the officers and others according to
their ages & the time of their arrival but neither the Saltz-
burghers the English or any other Persons are to take up &
cultivate Lands beyond the River Ebenezer.
I am, Revd Sir,
Your most obedient humble Ser*
Frederika j. O.
March 16,1735-6.)
Copy to Mr. Bolzius.
letters from general oglethorp^.
25
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO MR. VAN RECK *
16 March 1736.
Sir,
I have received the favour of yours & was allways appre¬
hensive that the Saltzburghers removeing from Ebenezer &
leaving a ready built Towne would plunge them into great
Difficulty s. such as it would not be in my power to prevent I
find by yours they begin to feel those Inconveniences which
are inevitable Consequences of that unfortunate step; I am
sorry to hear you should have had any difference with the
Officers of the Trustees, was I upon the spot I am sure you
should have no just cause to complain but ye Kings orders &
my own Reputation require me to be where most danger is;
The Stores, the shipping the expences of the Province are
now removed to the Southerd Frontiers therefore had your
Saltzburgers came down directly to me with the ships, It
would have been a great pleasure to me to have had them
under my Eye that I might have supplyd them with the same
care as usual But 'tis their misfortune to be at a distance
from me, where tis Impossible Orders should be so well exe¬
cuted as if I were present. Mr. Vat has complained that
you have broke open the Storehouse at Ebenezer & taken all
the Provisions you found therein & further that he found the
door of the small Storehouse broken open & one Barrel of
Rue (tho another Barrel lay in the large Storehouse) some
beef & several Tools & nails belonging to the 2d Transports
under his charge taken away. As you very kindly say that you
know I will hear both sides before I determine I send you
the matters laid to your charge that you may justifie your¬
self for I am very unwilling to believe you can do anything
that is wrong. Mr. Vat is an Officer appointed Secretary of
the Saltzburghers by the Trustees & to him were the Stores
at Ebenezer entrusted. He is answerable for them and 'till
such time as by his misbehaviour I am intitled to dismiss
him, it is improper for me to take them from his care nor can
I determine any more in his than in your case without a
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 82.
26 letters from general oglethorpe.
«
hearing. Mr. Bolzius & you have both accused him, there¬
fore as I cannot come myself yet to Savannah I refer exam¬
ining into the matter to Mr. John Wesley who is there
intirely unprejudiced I must again repeat the uneasmess
I am under in not being able to assist them personally &
am Sr
Your very humble Ser4
J. 0.
Frederika
Mar. 16, 1736.
Mr. Yan Reeke.
Cop.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO MR. CAUSTON.*
17 March 1736.
Mr. Causton,
You are to take care to let the Saltzburgers have the Pro¬
visions that the Trustees have destined to those who joined
us in America. Pray take care that they do not suffer for
want of them. If you can hire or buy a trading Boat not
exceeding 20 Pound Sterling it will be properest for carrying
them up: You may also hire English men by ye Month to
row ye Boat. You may likewise give Credit to such of ye last
Transports as are recommended by Mr. Bolzius as far as
10s. ^ Head & 20s. for Tools, till such time as ye Will of
ye Trustees is known upon what Establishment they are to
be. All Stores sent up to Ebenezer are to be consigned to
Mr. Bolzius & he is to give" Receipts for them. Mr. Jones
should have put them into possession of their Garden Lots
as you will see in my letter to Mr. Bolzius. You are to take
care that the Trustees Orders for preventing Peoples settling
beyond the River Ebenezer be executed by the Proper
officer: The Indians having complained that some Persons
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 11), p. 78.
letters from general oglethorpe.
27
have settled over against Palachocolas & some near the
month of Ebenezer. Be they of what nation they will they
must be dislodged for we will never break faith with the
Indians & hot at this time disoblige them. If yon want any
thing that comes from Europe let me know it & I will send it
up to you. I am, Sr Yr hume Sep
Erederika, March 17, 1735-6.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]*
28 March 1786.
Frederica on St. Simons.
28 March 1736.
Gentlemen,
Things go well here considering the few men I have with
me from the disappointments which I before acquainted you
with. I am so hurried that I cannot write long therefore have
sent you a Copy of a letter to the Lieut. Govr of Carolina of
the state of affairs.
The Beer at first was excellent good and a great deal of it
is so still but there is a good deal which I am afraid of, it
having lain exposed to the Rain & Sun in open Boats and if
the Casks had not been very good and Iron bound we had
lost it, the wooden hoops being all flown. To provide for the
worst I have bought some beer & other things from Mr. Ellis
a Merchant and Alderman of Philadelphia & friend to Mr.
Penn who came in here for the assistance of the Colony. I
have got him to furnish <£40 to Mr. Spangenberg who is gone
for Philadelphia to bring down a number of Germans who
designed for Georgia but were deluded thither by Mr. Hopp.
I send you his receipt and Bill of Parcells & draw upon you
for the Amount. My humble service to Mr. Vernon, tell him
that his Son is well. I should have wrote to him but could not
* P. K. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 1'.), p. 70.
28
letters eeom general oglethorpe.
till three days since spare time to undress myself, and have
not lain in sheets from leaving the ships till then. The
Indians and the Highlanders have behaved with great cour¬
age, fidelity and affection and the English that came with me
are not far behind with them, particularly Mr. Horton who
has not undressed himself since he came here, though he has
a tent and bed standing which he has given to the sick and
has been with me in an open boat in all the Southward Expe¬
dition.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient
humble Serv1
James Oglethorpe.
A bill for <£97. dated 27 Mar. paya at 30 days sight.
A bill for £100. dated 27 Mar. paya at 30 days sight,
both payable to Mr. Robt. Ellis's Order.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE LIEUT. GOY.
OF SOUTH CAROLINA.*
28 March 1786.
Frederica the 28th March 1736.
Sir,
Pursuant to His Majestey's Commands I have settled &
fortified on the Island of St. Simons & have took the best
measures that my small Judgment suggested to me for put¬
ting the place into a condition of Defence and of being
supported by keeping an open communication both by Land
& Water. For this purpose the Rangers & the Scout boat
will be necessary, the first have marched over Land from
Savannah to the Darien, and a Surveyor sent by me with a
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 7<>.
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
29
Detachment of the Trustees men has run the Traverse Line
from Savannah by Fort Argyle to the Darien from whence to
this place is only 16 miles by water.
After this was clone I went down to the Frontiers to see
where his Majesty's Dominions and the Spaniards joyn, a
Detachment of Creek Indians invited me to go down with
them to show me how far their Claim and possession extend¬
ed. I found that they have been in quiet possession ever
since the last War of all Lands on the North side as far as
the Mouth of St. John's River and that the Spaniards have
two Guards called Lookouts 011 the South side of that River
the one 7 or 8 miles from the sea the other at the Sea Point.
Tomachichi brought us to a rock covered with woods from
whence we could see the uppermost Look Out and they not
discover us. He then said he would go out with his Indians
and bring me in a Prisoner to inform me of their scituation and
cutt off their Guard and drive them down to Augustine for
that the Number with him was sufficient so to do and that
the Lands as far as Augustine belonged to the Creeks but
that the Spaniards had taken forcible and unjust possession
of it. It was with much difficulty I could prevent them from
attacking the Spaniards. I therefore having two boats with
one bigger than any one of theirs obliged the Indians to stay
and myself set forward with one boat and having viewed
both the Spanish out Guards I went round the Southward-
most point of his Majesty's Dominions in North America
which I called St. George's Point and is over against the
Spanish Lower Look out from which it is seperated by the
mouth of St. John's River which is there about a mile wide.
From thence I returned and found that the Highland men
whom I had left upon an Island at the Southermost Entrance
of this Port had fortified themselves there. I called the New
Fort St. Andrews and the Island it stands upon the High¬
lands.
I shall be obliged to keep a Boat on the River St. John's
to prevent the Creek Indians from passing to hurt the
Spaniards. The Governor of Augustine having informed me
that he is very apprehensive of those Indians and as I cannot
answer for the Indians and that an hostility committed by
30
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
them might be construed to be my doing I shall acquaint him
that I cannot be answerable for keeping up the tranquility
but by maintaining a Boat and Guard to prevent them from
passing the River.
The Gentleman that brought letters from the King of
Spain's Secretary of State and his Ambassadour at London
to the Governour of Augustine and who came over in the
ship with me is still at Augustine. Major Richards who con¬
ducted him thither is returned with letters both from him
and the Governour full of civility and professions of friend¬
ship mixt with some complaints of the Creek Indians not
permitting them to settle the Apellachee Towns.
My private Advices from thence say that they have sent to
Havannah & suspect that it is for succours in order to drive
us off. The Governour has acquainted me that he will send
an Officer as his Plenipotentiary to treat with me for settling
the Boundaries and the matter of the Apellachee Towns. I
have acquainted him that I am ready to receive his Plenipo¬
tentiary or to meet him personally on the Frontiers which is
at St. John's River.
I have sent Perriauguas for the Detachment of the Inde-
pendant Company. The Man of War is already arrived at
Tybee & I expect him here in a few days. Mr. Jonathan
Bryan and Mr. Barnwell have been with me to the Frontiers
and behaved very handsomely.
I am &c.
To the Honble Thos. Broughton Esq.
Lieut Governor of South Carolina.
Copy.
letters from general oglethorpe.
31
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THOS. TOWERS *
17 aPKIL 1736.
Frederica the 17th Aprill 1736.
Dear Sir,
I send you inclosed a Memorial of the King's Right to
these Countreys and in the Trustees letter the Correspond¬
ence between me and the Governor of Augustine. It is fit
that Mr. "Vernon or you shou'd carry the Copies of both to
the Duke of Newcastle, with my letter to his Grace which I
have sent open to Mr. Yernon and which I desire you would
read. I referr you to the Carolina Gazette and Trustees
Letter for News here.
I am
Dear Sir
Your most obedient
humble SeiV
James Oglethorpe,
To. Thos. Towers Esq.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.!
24 aPKIL 1736.
Frederica the 24tli April 1736.
Gentlemen,
I not having time to stay at Savannah desired Mr. Wesley
to inquire concerning Mr. Quincy's behaviour there, and
this is a copy of a Paragraph by him sent to me in his Letter.
I found Mr. Quincy here last night who hearing you was
not certain as to the time of your Return hither, resolved to
make use of the first opportunity of waiting upon you at
Frederica. I have not only heard more than I usually do of
what the People here say concerning his behaviour among
• P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol, 19, p. 89,
t P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 137.
32
letters from general oglethorfe.
them, but have purposely asked several Questions about it.
And if they were (as I suppose) answered sincerely, his Car¬
riage has not been such as I believed it was, but in the
general more than inoffensive. All I have spoke to, inform
me, That they judge him to be a good natured, friendly,
peaceful, sober just man and that they have no complaint
against him either relating to his private life or to the execu¬
tion of his office as a Clergyman except his absence from
them (in New England I apprehend) which they believe was
chiefly owing to his ill state of health.
With respect to his marrying an Englishman to an Indian
woman unbaptized he was advised to do so by most of the
people then in Savannah and by what I found in conversing
with them the generality of the people thought they had
done a very pretty thing in getting an Intermarriage. I
thought it was proper to acquaint you of this matter. Mr.
Quincy intending to return soon to England and he then will
deliver you this himself. He thinks of applying to be assist¬
ant to Mr. Garden Minister at Charles Town who is Commis¬
sary to the Bishop of London for Carolina.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant,
James Oglethorpe.
Indorsed
Mr. Oglethorpe's letter to Mr. Quincey
recd 11 August.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
11 Mat 1736.
Gentn>
I have been down to the Southward to quell a Muthr
among our Erontier Garrison. The Spaniards have, I appre
* P. R. O, Georgia, B. T. vol. 19, p. 139,
letters fiiom general oglethorpe.
33
hend, detained tlie persons I sent down to treat with them,
contrary to faith, and have sent up some Launches to view
us. I am forced to set out immediately to throw succour
into the Frontier Garrisons, who I expect will be attacked
every hour. I have no time to write particulars I send you
Copies of the Letters I had from Augustine. I could think
of no method to hinder the Spaniards from being supplied
with Presents but that of remonstrating to the Governour and
Council of Carolina to get^ an Embargo, and if they do not
grant that, to buy up all the arms &c. which may amount
to about XI200 sterling now in Charles Town and by that
means delay the Spaniards being able to make a strong push
till they receive Succours from Europe. I have drawn upon
you for <£500 Sterling upon this account payable to Mr.
Eveleigh. I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
Erederica, ) humble Servant,
11th May, 1736. f James Oglethorpe.
The honble the Trustees for establishing
The Colony of Georgia
"rec. 21 July 1736."
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
18 mAY 1736.
Erederica, the 18th May 1736.
Gentlemen,
I have received no Letters from you since my arrival here
except by Mr. Bradley who is arrived safely with the horse.
The Spaniards complain of our Indians harrassing them and
as I could not restrain them by any other means I sent Boats
and men to make a Garrison, from whence to patrole upon
* P. R, O, Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 98,
• >
o
31
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORRE.
the Rivers that seperate the British from the Spanish
Dominions and sent to the Governour of Augnstine by the
same Gentleman who carried the first Message of my having
so done. The Spaniards on his arrival seemed greatly
rejoyced at our taking such care to prevent the Indian Rav¬
ages but soon after some letters coming from some Merchants
in Charles Town to the Governour, the Scene was changed,
they confined my Messengers, put all their men under arms,
ordered their Horse out and took measures to attack us.
The best way to prevent which, upon mature advice I found
was to strengthen ye Frontiers A to shew them that though
we courted their friendship, we did not fear their force. I
went down myself, found the Garrison at St. Georges Fort
had mutinied, re-embarked themselves and met tliem return¬
ing from their Post. I carried them back A resettled them,
in ye mean time a Bark sent out from Augustine to spy upon
our settlements without Colours A like a Pyrate came near
where the Independent Company is quartered upon St.
Simons Island. Ensign Delegall who commanded there,
made signals to her to come in and show what nation she
was of but she refusing A running away he fired at her. The
alarm being once given the Garrison at Fort St. Andrews
saw her and called to her as she ran away, but would not fire
upon her because she answered. She met also some of our
Boats whom she fancied were in pursuant of her, on which
she made the best of her way to Augustine with a dismal
account that the whole Coast was covered with men boats
A Cannon I also made use of some small stratagems on
the Frontiers at Fort St. George to make tliem believe we
were numerous and treating some Spaniards who came with
messages to us with great kindness. God was pleased to
prosper our endeavours. The Spanish Gov1" was obliged to
call a Council upon the Terrors spread abroad, in which the
Bishop, the Officers A the People declared unanimously that
they were for preserving a good harmony with the King of
Great Britain's Subjects, and desired the Governour to release
the Messengers I had sent down, and send up an Officer with
them to excuse them having violated the Laws of Nations
A Hospitality. Whilst things were going on in this manner
LETTERS FllOM. GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
85
at Augustine I came from St. George's Fort hither and in five
days time returned to the Frontiers with men Cannon A Pro¬
visions, where I found that Capt. Hermsdorff, who commands
the Boat which guards the Passages being apprehensive from
the threats of the Spaniards so as to think it dangerous to
stay without Defence for the return of the Messengers had
fortified himself and for that purpose had chose the old Fort
which was erected by Sir Walter Raleigh's first Colony when
Sir Francis Drake took Augustine. I met a Spanish boat
and making up to her to know what she was found she had
on board Mr. Dempsey and a Capt. of horse and the Govr of
Augustine's Secretary who are sent as Deputies to treat with
me. I sent a boat to escort them to St. Simon's and found
Major Richard and all our Gentlemen sent by me on the
message had been dismissed in a very honorable manner
though when thought us weak they had threatened Major
Richard to send him to the Mines at least if he would not
sign some Interrogatories which they presented to him. The
Spanish Officers are now at the Garrison where the Inde¬
pendent Company lies. I shall fee them tomorrow and shall
by Dymond send you an account of their message.
The Magistrates of Savannah have seized and staved large
quantities of Rum upon the River under the Hill at Savan¬
nah. This Channel being between Hutchinson's Island and
Savannah they deem that the water between the Island and
the Town is Georgia since the Islands are so. The People
of Charles Town have taken this extremely ill and sent me a
Representation upon it, which I have sent to Mr. Causton
of. which he is to send you a Copy. They are also very
angry concerning the Indian Trade and some private men
have taken great pains to incense the Indians against the
Spaniards and against the Colony of Georgia particularly.
Capt. Green who I am informed has advised the Uchee
Indians to fall upon the Saltzburgers for settling upon their
Lands, the occasion of which was an indiscreet action of one
of the Saltzburgers who cleared and planted four acres of
Land beyond the Ebenezer contrary to my orders and with¬
out my knowledge. They also turned their cattle over the
River some of whom strayed away and eat the Uchees corn
36
letters from general oglethorfe.
20 miles above Ebenezer. But what vext tlie Uchees more
was that some of the Carolina people swam a great Herd
of Cattle over Savannah and sent up Negroes and began
a Plantation on the Georgia side not far from the Uchees
Town. The Uchees instead of taking Greens advice and
beginning Hostilities with us sent up their King and 20 War¬
riors with a Message of thanks to me for having ordered
back the Cattle & sent away the Negroes which I did as soon
as ever I arrived. They told me that my having done them
justice before they asked it made them love me and not
believe the stories that were told them against me & that
therefore instead of beginning a War with the English they
were come down to help me against the Spaniards and that
if I wanted them they would bring down four score more of
their Warriors who should stay with me a whole year. You
see how God baffles the attempts of wicked men.
Capt. Yoakley is just setting sail I have settled his
accounts and empowed Moore to sign them, because I would
not keep the ship on Demurrage for my Return. I' therefore
desire you would look upon my Name signed by him on that
occasion as my act. As soon as this hurry with the Span¬
iards is a little over I shall be able to send you very clear
accounts in which I have conformed as near as possible to
the Estimate.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
J. Oglethorpe,
[Indorsed]
Rec. 11 Aug. 1736.
Letters Erom general ogletRorpe.
37
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
1 July 1736.
Gentlemen,
I send you Copies of my last, together with the Transac¬
tions with the People of Carolina <fc Governour of Augustine.
The Day and Night together is not long enough to dispatch
the number of trifling things that are here necessary. I have
bid Moore & Causton keep up the accounts and send them
continually to you. It has been as yet impossible for me to
look them over, having been taken up with the necessary
defence of the Province which the People of Carolina desire
to have entirely destroyed & united to theirs that they may
have the benefit of the improvements here & the liberty of
oppressing both the Indians & the English Poor as they do
their own.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah,
July 1, 1736.
To the Honble the Trustees &c.
Time pressing and there being so many papers to tran¬
scribe it was impossible to send a Copy of my last to you.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.!
4 July 1736.
Gentlemen,
I send you over a Proposal made to me, of which I desire
you to consider. It is a method of remitting Money without
* P. E. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 114. t P- R- O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 11(5.
38
letters from general oglethorpe.
losing the Exchange. Goods to the value of the Money
advanced are assigned as security. I have a good opinion
of it, since it will save Commission & Exchanges, which I find
very difficult now for they will not take the Georgia Bills in
Carolina unless I give them below the Exchange. Wherefore
I have rather chose to draw upon you.
I am
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
July 4, 1736.
[Addressed]
To
The Honble the Trustees for
Establishing the Colony of. Georgia
in America at their Office
in Old Palace Yard
Westminster.
GENERAL OGLETHOKPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]*
24 JULY 1736.
Gentlemen,
I was just going hence to the Spanish Frontiers when Mr.
Purry brought me the enclosed Account. And as it is uncer¬
tain what might happen, I thought it necessary to give him
Draughts for seven hundred pounds Sterling on you on
account thereof, untill it is further examined.
The large Articles of this Account are for Presents to the
Indians and to fit out two Agents one for the Creek and the
other for the Cherokee Nation to prevent those Nations from
falling upon us who have been solicited thereto not only by
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 140.
letters erom general oglethorre.
39
French & Spaniards but by some who are nearer to ns as you
will see by Hobochaclii's speech.
Severall other Articles have been issued at the publick
store for Creditt to Familys who necessarily wanted such
things, which either have been or will be repaid.
The greatest part of the Ammunition is in the Store to
supply the necessary uses of the Colony. And the Cash is
accounted for in Mr. Causton's Cash Account being paid to
him by my Order for the better circulating the Georgia Bills
and supplying the said Agents with Carolina currency in
their journeys. I am,
Your obedient & humble Ser1
J. Oglethorpe.
July 24, 1736 for £400.
300.
To Messrs Montaigut)
& Comp. j £700.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO LORD — *
26 Jtit.y 1736.
My Lord,
The Act for securing the Peace with the Indians which was
examined by Your Lordship was not onely wisely calculated
for the advantage of his Majesty's Subjects but very accept¬
able to the Indians and will be the true means of preventing
their falling into the French & Spanish Interest.
A few Private Merchants in Charles Town for their own
Interest opposed the putting this Action in execution and
gamed a party in the Assembly where it was carried by one
vote to raise £2000 sterling to indemnify the Traders that
should come up against the King's Orders in the Georgia
Act. Some of the Indian Traders sent up to the Indians and
though with much difficulty obtained of one Indian Chief
* 1'. K. (). (It'orgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 123.
40
letters from general oglethorpe.
named Opayhatclioo to deny the concession of those Lands
which he himself had before consented with the rest of the
Nation to grant.
The French have attacked the Chickesaw Indians and been
repulsed by them. I sent a large account to the Drffie of
Newcastle & to your Lordshfp's of this matter, but fear letters
sent by Charles Town have not always been forwarded.
These Indians submitted themselves to His Majesty King
George the First and were declared his Subjects by General
Nicholson. Since that their Chiefs have received Commis¬
sions from the King's Officers continually. They have been
here to demand protection as the King's subjects and others
of them have done so at Charles Town. I should be glad to
know what to do. If the French be allowed to destroy our
Indians, Nation by Nation in time of peace, the Settlements
must follow in the first of a Warr. Mr. Wesley who was
present at the conferences with the Chickesaws can give you
a particular account of them.
I am
My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
July 26tli, 1736.
[Iiulorsed]
reca by Mr. Wesley ye 8 Decbr-
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
[26 JULY 1736.]
Gentlemen,
The Town on the Alatamaha is already settled; The
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 121.
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
41
King's Independent Company is fixt on ye same Island.
The Man of War is likewise there & there are two Forts
built and garrison'd beyond it.
We .are in great want of servants. If some 100s of them
cd be sent over by one of the next ships yt come, there are
persons enough here & to the South who wd be glad to pur¬
chase ym immediately.
I shall reduce the Expences by all possible Means, especi¬
ally by encouraging the Lazy to leave the Colony, tho' I do
not doubt but they will abuse the Place, as many have already
done. I had engaged 100 Workmen from various Places for
6 Months & 50 Rangers for a year before I recd yr letters.
The Spanish Frontiers have ► occasioned many large and new
Expences. The French by attacking the Chickesaws who
have Commissions both from Gov1' Nicholson & Govr John¬
son & the Spaniards by attacking the Creeks shew y* Peace
in Europe is no security for the English Province in America
since if they conquer all the surrounding Indians during the
Peace, the settlements much fall in the next war.
Mr. Wesley who brings you this can give a more particular
account of the present situation of the Indian affairs & of
what has occurr'd since my last. The Opposition from Caro¬
lina forced me to give the Indians large presents to procure
their confirmation of the Cession of the Islands: and they
have refused as yet to give leave to settle the Inland Parts
up the Alatamaha. If the act for the Peace with the Indians
be not supported, not only this Province but Carolina too
must be undone & an Indian War follow.
Macbain a highland man has a very good interest among
the common people of that country and if Capt. Dunbar be
sent to transport them, a large recruit of servants may be
procured thence.
Tis a very wise Resolution of you to send over no more
people upon the Charity: for we have too many mouths and
not labouring hands in proportion.
What wd be very necessary is, some more Persons to form
the Morals of our People & instruct them in Religion. The
change since the arrival of the Mission is very visible with
respect to the increase of Industry, Love and Christian
42
letters erom general oglethorpe.
Charity among them. But on their removal to the Indians,
we shall be left entirely destitute, and the People by a
relapse, if possible worse than before.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
[Addressed] To James Oglethorpe.
The Honble the Trustees
[Indorsed] Memm Mr. Wesley says this Letter was wrote
26 July 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
30 Jttly 1736.
Savannah July 30th 1736.
Gentlemen,
You having desired me in your letters to give Bills of
Exchange to Mr. Eurey for money at Charles Town.
I have drawn bills of Exchange on you for £200 sterling
dated July 23d and also for £200 sterling dated herewith
making £400 sterling in favour of Mr. Peregrine Furey.
As these Bills are for Currency reced of Messrs. Beal
& Comp. to defray the necessary expences of the Colony
the application thereof will appear in Mr. Causton's Cash
account. The whole sume of which is at present paid into
the hands of Paul Jenys Esq <fc Comp. to answer such
Draughts as there shall be occasion to make on them.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most humble Serv*
James Oglethorpe.
[Addressed] To
the Honoble the Trustees for Establishing
* P. it. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 112.
letters ellom general oglethorpe. 43
Georgia in America
at their House in Palace Court
Westminster.
To the care of Paul Jenys Esq.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.] *
7 aug. 1736.
Gentlemen,
You have the Cash accounts by which you will see there
is a Balance due from the Store at Savannah, which makes
it necessary for me to draw on you for two hundred pounds
sterling of this date in favour of Paul Jenys Esqre and Comp.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most humble Ser4
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
Aug. 7th 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.] t
29 sept. 1736.
Gentlemen,
Mr. Dempsey at Augustine acquainted me that several
Expences were necessary for him to make there, all things
being very dear and unless he acted according to the Cus¬
toms of the Countrey he could not hope for any success.
Mr. Crokatt therefore an English Merchant at Augustine
very handsomely furnished him with £200 Sterling for which
I have drawn Bills upon you to discharge Mr. Crokatt s
t P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 19. p. 138.
44 LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
account. They bear date this day and are for £200 at one
month's sight.
I am
Gent11
Your most obed* Serv1
James Oglethorpe.
Frederica
29th Sept1' 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES. 1*
22 oCT. 1736.
Gentlemen,
A Philadelphia Sloop loaded with Provisions bespoke by
me at my arrival to make up the remainder of the People's
provisions here for the year is now arrived. I have drawn
upon you for the same hi the following Bills, Yiz: One for
£100, one for £105, one for £95, one for £51, one for £49 and
one for £75.13.11^ all bearing date the same with this letter,
amounting in the whole to £475.13.11^.
I shall set out soon for England where I hope I shall have
the happiness of seeing you before January.
I am,
Gentn
Your most obed* Serv4
James Oglethorpe.
Frederica
22d October 1736.
[Indorsed]
recd 17 Jan1'? 1736-7.
* P. It. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 20. p. :t.
letters from general oglethorre.
45
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]*
25 Oct. 1736.
Gentlemen,
I have received yours and the Regulations are very well
calculated for the present Circumstances, they will imme¬
diately be put in execution. All matters with the Spaniards
are regulated and the Governour of Augustine contented.
Therefore all being safe here I shall set out immediately for
Europe, Captain Thompson lying in the River Savannah I
have freighted him directly for England. The People to the
Southward where the Act against Rum is strictly put in exe¬
cution, but those to the Northward where they run it from
Carolina in spite of the Officers, are very sickly. Mr. Wesley
who was at Savannah when the Rum was seized will acquaint
you of the particulars of it. Hoping to see you soon I shall
say no more but that I am
Gentlemen
Your most obedient Serv*
James Oglethorpe.
Frederica
25th Octr 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]!
19 Nov. 1736.
Gentlemen,
Mr. Robert Williams who hath a 500d Acre Lot in this
Province has not only performed his Agreements, but has
brought over more servants than his Contract was for, and in
all things has shewn a commendable zeal for the Company's
service and sent down six servants for tl?e defence of the
Southern Frontiers. He has brought at different times three
ships with Molasses of which we stood in great need, and
* P. R. O. Georgia. R. X. yol. 20, p. 5.
t P. R. O, Georgia. B. T. vol. 19, p. 144,
•±6 letteks fltom general OGLETHOlil'e.
hath loaded them with lumber at his own Charges. He hath
made some Improvements and he will make much more con¬
siderable ones on his Lands. His brother John Williams
hath also complied with his Articles. I therefore recommend
him and his brother Williams to you and desire pursuant to
the stated Resolution of rewarding those who discharge their
Covenants and deserve well from the Publick that you would
exempt them from the forfeitures upon the following Articles,
viz: from the being obliged to plant & maintain the Mulberry
Trees. 2dly from the Prohibition of making Pot Ash. That
they shall not be obliged to clear the whole 500 Acres of
Land in eighteen years, part of it being necessary to be
reserved for wood. Thirdly that in case of the failure of
heirs male of the said Robert Williams you will assign the
said 500 Acres to such other person not possessed of Lands
in Georgia as he under his hand and seal shall request of
you.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obed4 humble Servant
James Oglethokpe.
Savannah
19th Nov1 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]*
19 Nov. 1736.
Gent11'
Mr. John Williams brother to Mr. Robert Williams having
deserved as I have mentioned in my letter to you of this date,
prayeth that you would also favour him with the same per¬
mission as I desired in favour of his Brother. Therefore I
desire that in case of the failure of heirs male of the said
John Williams you will assign the said 500 Acres to sucli
* P. U, T. Georgia. B. T, vo). l'J, p. li,».
letters from general oglethorre.
47
otlier persons not possessed of lands in Georgia as ha
under his hand and seal shall request of you.
I am
Gentlemen
Your most obed* Serv1
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
19th Novr 1736.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO [THE TRUSTEES.]*
20 Nov. 1730.
Gentlemen,
Mr. Robert Williams having represented to me that he
hath setled his Lands with men born in his own Countrey
and intends to continue the same. And they having a partic¬
ular regard to him and his family will be unwilling to settle
in this Countrey or more to come over by reason of their
being apprehensive that in times to come the said Estate
dropping for want of heirs male should be granted to
Strangers and I knowing that your Intention is always to
prefer Relations or Friends to the succession of those near
unto them and believing therefore that it would not be incon¬
sistent with the Entails and the Preservation of Families in
this Case so circumstanced to grant his Request. Therefore
I desire that in failure of heirs male of his body you will
grant the said 500d Acres upon the said Conditions to such
other person not possessed of Lands in Georgia as such Heir
male shall under his hand and seal request of you.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most hunible Serv1
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
20th Novr 1736.
* I', R. Q. tieoi'jia. B. X. vol, 19, y. 140.
48
letters from general oglethorte.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
13 SEPT. 1738.
Gentlemen,
We are now in soundings off the Coast of Georgia a good
deal to the Northward of our Port. Sir Yelverton Peyton,
in the Hector is going to leave us for Virginia, and sends
this Letter. The Officers the Men and their Families are
(God be praised, all well as is
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Blandford
13th Septr 1738.
\ Addressed] To
The honourable the Trustees for
establishing the Colony of Georgia
in America at their Office in Old
Palace Yard
London.
[Indorsed]
reed 24th Novr 1738.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO SIR JOS. JEKYLL.t
19 Sept. 1738.
Sir,
I am now got to an anchor in a Harbour and near an
Island that bears your Name. God has given us the greatest
marks of his visible Protection to this Colony. The Span¬
iards though they had 1500 men at Augustine & there was
nothing in Georgia but the Militia of the Countrey delayed
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol, 21, p. 7G,
t P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol, 21, p. W.
letters from general oglethorpe.
49
attacking tliem till the Regular Troops arrived. We have
had the finest passage and lost but one man out of the
Soldiers. The Inhabitants are extreamly cheerfull and now
hope that they have seen the worst over & that being no
longer troubled with alarms they may on with their Improve¬
ments. We shall certainly succeed in Silk and Wine in case
the planters are supported by the Publick in those attempts.
This Province bridles the Spaniards in America & covers the
English Frontiers. The poor people that are here have been
so harrassed by their threats & so constantly under arms
that they have not been able to make that Provision for their
subsistence which was necessary though it was far from want
of Industry in them. They have been sometimes obliged to
be two days out of five on guard, notwithstanding which they
have laboured their lands and made some Improvements.
It is the vigilance & courage of the Militia that prevented
the Spaniards from being Masters of this Province as well as
Carolina but they must in the end have been starved through
want of time to follow their business if they had not been
relieved by the Regiment. These duties to the Public
Service have thrown them so backward that unless the
Trustees have the continuance of the Parliamentary assist¬
ance, all that is already done will be lost and what is already
given thrown away, besides it will be the greatest inhumanity
to send over People to settle a Countrey and when they have
behaved so well as to sacrifice their own affairs to the pub-
lick service, then to abandon them to destruction I am
persuaded therefore the Parliament will give the necessary
supplies to the Trustees for the carrying on the Civil Govern¬
ment and the improvement of the Countrey. I hope you
will be so good as to permit Mr. Towers and Mr. Archer
to wait upon you on this occasion; that you will make my
Compliments acceptable to my Lady Jekyll and believe me
to be Sir,
Your most obedient and
most humble Servant
Jekyll Sound James Oglethorpe.
19 Septr 1738.
Rt. Honble Sir Joseph Jekyll.
4
50
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
19 sept. 1738.
Erederica 19tli September 1738.
Gentlemen,
I am arrived here and find tilings in a better situation than
I heard in England. All the Southern Division of the
Province is in very good order.
I have now told you the best. I hear that the Northern
Division of the Province has lost near three fourth parts
of the People since I left it, some running away for fear
of the Spaniards but ten for fear of debt; for the Court of
Savannah has taken upon them to imprison for debt, notwith¬
standing the People surrender their effects. I landed here
and sent up Mr. Jones express to Savannah. I have been
unfortunately forced to stay by an unfortunate Difference
between the Lieutenant Colonel and some of the Officers
of the Regiment and for the landing of men. I can say
nothing with certainty of what has been done at Savannah
till I see with my own Eyes. I have published the order
forbidding all Certified accounts &ca and shall reduce all
Expences but I fear if some of the people who have had
misfortunes are not assisted with Pro\isions the Misery will
be too great for Description. I hope you will obtain another
supply from Parliament, and there is great hope, nay I may
say no doubt that both Silk and Wine will in a very short
time come to perfection I shall give you a further account
when I have been at Savannah which will be in a few days.
I must again mention that if there is not a supply from
Parliament this year, those brave fellows who stood the worst
and who till the arrival of the Regiment were forced to be
almost the whole year under arms must starve with their
families since they could not do the duty and work at the
same time; from hence forward I shall ease them of their
heavy guards and only keep such a Watch or Guard as will
preserve the Peace of the Town which will be always
necessary. I desire to know what Establishment you will
* P. R, O, Georgia. B. T, vol, yi, p, 7(1,
lette11s from general oglethorpe.
51
order if any that I may be able to prevent the storekeepers
exceeding the allowance as I fear they have lately done.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. Capt. Burrish says the
Entrance & the Harbour is very
good & that much larger ships
than his may come with safety.
[Indorsed]
Gen. Oglethorpe to ye Trustees
recd 29 Janry 1738-9.
Read to the Committee 14 March 1738-9.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THOS. ARCHER.*
19 sept. 1738.
Extract of a Letter from General Oglethorpe to Thomas
Archer Esqre dated 19 Septr 1738 at St. Simons in Georgia.
I think you are very well acquainted with some of the
Lords of the Admiralty, I must desire therefore that you
would use your interest that Capt. Burrish who commands
the Man of War that brought me over may be continued on
the Georgia Station, he is very zealous for the service and
has showed by standing directly to the Southward up to the
very noses of the Spaniards, whilst all the others went into
Charles Town where they generally stay. If Captain Gas-
coigne and'Captain Burrish were continued with their Ships
on this Station and that one lies in Amelia & the other in
Jekyll Sound, they will cover this Province by sea and keep
open the Communication between the Garrisons where my
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. voL 21, p. 80.
52
LETTERS from GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
Regiment must be dispersed amongst the Islands; If the
Communication is not kept open, it may be of very dangerous
consequence.
Perhaps the Lords of the Admiralty may say the Ships at
Charles Town may if we are attacked come up to our assist¬
ance but if tliey consider that Charles Town is near three
degrees to the Northward and Augustine not above half
a degree to the Southward the matter may be over before
they come up; besides that the Gulf of Florida sets with
a rapid Current to the Northward so that it is very difficult
to come from thence Southward and the same Wind that
brings up the Spaniard from the Havannali hinders the Ships
at Charles Town from coming down to us.
Besides how strange a thing is it that there should be no
Man of War stationed in a Frontier Port exposed to an
Enemy, but that they should depend for tlieir support upon
those who lye in a Port in the heart of a peaceable Countrey
above 100 miles distant. Mr. Wilmington & Sir Thos. Lyttle-
ton are friends to Capt. Burrish, and if you mention it to
them they will give their assistance to the Trustees in obtain¬
ing a Station ship for them.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
7 oct. 1788.
Frederiga 7tli October 1738.
Gentlemen,
1st. I have sent up Mr. Jones, as I informed you in my
last I would, and am now going to Savannah. In the Inclosed
is an account of the Condition I found the Southern Part of
the Colony in on my arrival, as also a Petition from the
people for support, the allegations of it are very true. The
Storehouse at Savannah has supported this Division of the
* P. It, O. Georgia, li. T. vol, 21, p. H7,
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
Province so ill that the People must have starved or aban¬
doned the Place had not Mr. Orton given them his own
Cattle and Corn to eat.
2d. You see the Quantity of Provisions, a great deal of the
Flower is in danger of spoiling on which I had it made into
bread and sold to the Soldiers at prime cost, so that they had
it at five farthings a pound; the Money arising from it I have
ordered to be laid out in fresh Flower for supplying the Trus¬
tees People. The Indian Corn, Mr. Causton bought in at 3s.
6d. per Bushell and charged it at that Price to the Store
here; It is now fallen, upon the new Harvest, which (God
be praised is very plentiful in Carolina, so that it is sold at
Is. per Bushell there. Our poor people lost their Harvest by
reason of their being called by the Spanish Alarms from their
ho wing. I have ordered the old Corn to be issued at Is. 2d.
p bushell which if I had not done, would have been lost, for
the People would not have taken it at 3s. 6d. when they could
have bought new Corn cheaper, and it would have spoiled in
two months.
3d. We want Beer here extreamly. I brought over Twenty
Tuns of Beer which I issued to the Soldiers and Inhabitants
at prime Cost which I believe will be gone before I can
receive a Supply. There are six Barrells a day drawn and
paid for in ready money. It would be very proper therefore
if the Trustees affairs would allow it, to send over a Cargo of
at least 50 or 60 Tons of strong Beer, and that, of the same
as I had from Mr. Hucks in Soutliwark. It will be a better
remittance than even Bills, since Beers being cheap is the
only means to keep Bum out of the Colony, thank God,
there is none in this part, Mr. Horton having used great
diligence to prevent it, to which in a great measure is owing
viz: a ib. the health and Industry of the People,
ped Yini! 4tli. Upon the necessity I have granted the Peti-
h a d 4 ibV. tion so far as to continue to furnish the People upon
have now re- Credit with 6 pounds of bread kind and 2 pounds of
2 ib. y ° meat per week A 1 pint of molasses.
5th. I shall when I come to Savannah strive to reduce all
the Trustees Expences as much as I can, but I can say noth¬
ing of certain relating to the Northern part of the Province,
54
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETttORrE.
Reports being so different. I fear there has been great
Roguery in the certified accots there having been several
Barrells of Provisions bought from Philadelphia and New
York, which were condemned as unfit for food, and burnt as
such. The Prices of the Goods were also exorbitant and the
species very bad. I have great difficulties to struggle with, as
you may conceive, a great number of mouths to feed, empty
Magazines and no Money; a great Debt, I fear, is contracted,
but as there was no authority for contracting that Debt I
shall wait your Orders before I will approve or pay any of it.
I take a List of all the Stores I find in the Colony, and I will
intermeddle nor approve of nothing that was done before my
arrival till I hear from you. I will make the few stores that
are here go as far as possible towards supplying the People
but if we have not a supply from Parliam1 the Misery will he
inexpressible, for there are eight months that the Colony is to
be supported, and no other Fund, as I can find, except the
.£500 of Sola Bills which you sent over with me; and what is
in the Magazines. The best Expedient I can think of is to
support the Credit by paying such Certified Accounts, the
Particulars of which have been honestly delivered at moderate
prices. If any certified accounts shall appear to have been
fraudulently obtained; your Judgement will be the best
direction how to proceed therein. I will inquire at Savannah
into that matter, whether there has been any combination or
fraud between the Persons who delivered the Goods and those
imployed by you, and you will take the advice of proper
persons how far such Informations will justify you in over-
hawling those Accounts.
Till I have examined things at Savannah I cannot see clear
enough to make a full report but hope that if the Parliament
grants us the Supply, I shall be able to settle all things so as
to put the Colony into a very flourishing condition. It will
cost me a great deal of labour but I shall grudge no pains
for to bring about that good end.
Among other Disappointments the great Drowth and the
Spanish Alarms last year hath rendered the best and most
zealous part of the people incapable of supporting themselves
this year, but thank God we are rid of great numbers of idle
betters prom general oglethorpe.
55
mouths wlio ran away from the Northern Division part for
debt, part for fear of the Spaniards.
I hear there are several industrious people of some sub¬
stance who are willing to come up at their own expence if you
will give them the forfeited Lotts.
The Spaniards have tempted the Creek Indians with great
Presents to joyn against us which they have refused and
yesterday arrived a Messenger from the Towns that the Chief
Men are coming down to meet me. The Spaniards reported
that I had been disgraced in England and that I should never
return and this was confirmed by the Carolina traders. The
Creeks declared that they would take no determination till
they could see me and their Chief men come down to confer
with me and I shall see them in a few Days at Savannah.
This will be a new Expence for there must be Presents given
to them.
Some Soldiers who had been in the Irish Troops in France
and Spain listed in our Regiment. I had some information
of this in Portsmouth since which I have found out the whole
combination, and have taken the furlow which one of them
had from the Duke of Berwick's Regiment. A young Recruit
has discovered the Proposal they made to him to secure some
advance Post, destroy the Officers and go into Foreign
service. I have ordered a General Court Martial to be held
upon them, but have not yet received their Report. The
fellows are very artful and it was with great difficulties we
could find out tha't they had been in Foreign service.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honble the Trustees.
P. S.
I send you a Plan of the Town of Frederica with the
Granted Lotts & the names of the Possessors. Some families
go away and some are newly come. I send you also the
Petition of the old Freeholders as likewise of those newly
arrived. Dr. Hawkins is in the regiment and wants no pro¬
visions therefore is not in the List. I send you a List of the
56
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
new Freeholders and a List of the old Freeholders and of
their allowances. I send you a Return of the Freeholders
and of the weekly issues to them before my arrival. A List
of persons on pay in the Trustees service at Frederica.
The Establishment of St. Andrews wh consists of 19 of
the Trustees Servants and 10 upon hire. I have ordered the
10 upon hire to be reduced, but it will be necessary to give
them one month's pay to enable them to return to their
homes. I have also reduced the two Carpenters but have
continued Mr. Hugh Mackay to oversee the Trustees Servants
and one Storekeeper and I shall send as many of the Trus¬
tees Servants from the other parts of the Province as will
make up the Compliment and I hope by their labour to
defray the charge of keeping them. The whole of St.
Andrews for keeping and employing the servants will be
£229 per ann. The Surgeon of the Regiment will take care
of the Servants so that that Expence also will be saved there¬
fore there will be 31 of the Trustees Servants subsisted and
kept to work for £229 per ann: which upon each will be
£7.12.0.
Here are also servants on pay at Frederica Mr. Auspour-
ger at 3s per day Surveyor. John Calwell Deputy Surveyor
at 2s per day and the Labourers at the same rate. I have
ordered the Labourers to be turned off as soon as the Ships
are unloaded, in which they assist and I shall get the service
they now do, performed by 3 of the Trustees servants who
are without wages. Their Food is mentioned in a List but
it will be necessary to keep a Cooper and the 2 Clerks Small-
wood & Dobree and the Storekeeper "White upon pay.
I have reduced upon the people of Frederica with their
own Consent, so that they are now to have but 23bs of meat
per week per head and they consent to pay for even this little
which they shall receive.
If we do not supply these Expences the People cannot
keep together here, I desire therefore an answer as soon as
possible what I should do and I shall write you an acco*
from Savannah of that part of the Province.
[Indorsed]
Recd Jany 22, 1738-9.
Read March 26, 1739.
letters from general oglethorpe.
57
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
19 oCT. 1738.
Gentlemen,
I recd a Copy of Mr. Yerelst's Letter dated the 4th Aug4
and in answer to it, am very glad that the prudent measures
you took to stop all credit here has had an effect (as you
mentioned) suitable to your Intentions.
I have not issued the 500<£ Sola Bills & do not intend to
do it, 'till I hear from you; Upon my arrival I sent Mr. Jones
from Erederica & have taken possession of the Books
& Effects in ye Store. Mr. Jones will receive them as soon
as they can be delivered him regularly. I demanded an
Inventory of the Stores which Mr. Causton has delivered
(but Mr. Jones thinks 'tis imperfect) I send it herewith.
You will see how small the remains of the vast stores laid
in are and how insufficient of supporting the Colony to
Midsummer.
These accounts are very imperfect great part of the Steers
& Hogs charged to ye acco4 are wild in the Woods, others
lost; The price of all overcharged. The acco4 of stores sent
to Frederica is not allowed by the Storekeeper there, he
alledging that he can prove they were not delivered, the
Darien the same, and a great part of what they received was
damaged when sent.
I am very sorry to send you such trifling papers but they
are the only accompts I can yet get. The estimate of the
niointhly allowance of provision for Servants would lead
one into an Error, for most of those whom Mr. Causton
trusted with Servants, cannot maintain them, & depend on
the Store for Subsistence.
I cannot as yet find that Causton has been guilty of getting
for himself, tho' he has unaccountably trifled away the public
money; one of the Follies that has brought this ruine on,
is the trusting People that importuned him with Goods and
Provisions of all kinds & let them discharge the Debts by
day labour in trifling works; Whilst mony was thus squan-
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 88.
58 LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
dered tlie real necessary charges of the Colony were not
defrayed; The Scout Boatmen, Rangers & others who
defended the Province are not paid and starving whilst the
Trustees owe them mony and yet they were not only con¬
tented to stay till my arrival, but when I told them the
Trustees circumstances, their affection was so great, that they
offered to serve on until the Trustees affairs mended;
I thanked them but reduced the Rangers, since I could not
feed them with hopes of what I could not make good; The
Scout Boats I have for this month paid out of my own mony
since they are absolutely necessary and I will not charge
the Trustees with new debts.
There is a worse circumstance than any above, viz: the
Industrious Poor People who have saved something by
frugality have lodged their little all in the store hoping
to have provisions from thence in their Necessity; and now
if the store cannot pay, they must perish for want; the like
misery must befall all the Trustees servants as well as many
of the Inhabitants whom sickness and misfortunes have
prevented from having a crop this year.
I have sent your Orders to Mr. Stevens & Parker, a copy
of which I send you and their answer, which I believe yon
will think reasonable and a very good expedient.
I can see nothing but destruction to the Colony unless
some assistance be immediately sent us; I support things
for a while by some mony I have in my hands, & is the
Ballance of my acco* with the Trustees, and the rest I supply
with my own Mony for I will not incurr Debts nor draw Bills
upon you; and if the Effects here go to pay the Certified
accompts they will not near pay them, for they will not
amount to half the sum of the Debts incurred here that are
not certified.
If this (I know not what name to give it) had not happened,
the Colony had overcome all its difficulties & had been in
a flourishing condition. The Italians begin to like the Place
and the family of Cameus have wound silk as fine as the last
was which was made in Georgia, there are a great many
Mulberry Trees in the Garden which begin to recover them¬
selves so that next year they will feed a great quantity
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
of worms; There's Earth found here that a Potter has bak'd
into China Ware, they have also found stone, they make very
good brick and lime. There are several yokes of Oxen broke
and several Carts with horses—Since the idle people have
run away, there seems to be a spirit of Industry stirring but
I fear it comes too late, if they are not speedily supported.
The Trustees Saw Mill has worked and hath saw'd 700 feet
a day w°h if managed right will bring an income.
You recomend it to me, to keep the industrious people
from real want out of the surplus of the stores after payment
of the Debts, but, as I mentioned above, there will be no
such surplus for they are not sufficient to pay half the Debts
owing here, and therefore I fear cannot support the People
till the News of what the Parliament may grant at their next
Session can arrive.
Had any Bills been sent over to me, or was I sure there
would no demand be, upon what is now in store, I could
make shift to support the most valuable part of the People
which I shall still strive to do, tho' with little hopes of success
for I must do it out of my own money. I have already
expended a great deal and as far as the Income of my Estate
and Employments for this year will go, I shall sooner lay
it out in supporting the Colony (till I can hear from you)
than in any other Diversion.
You ask me the sum I think necessary to carry on the
Civil concerns of the Colony. I reckon the lowest sum that
can be expended here, if you expect any success in the
Improvements in Silk and Wine, and keep up a form of Civil
Government, will be <£5000 a year expended here, and you
are exceedingly right in sending that sum over in Sola Bills
(& that in time,) and in not suffering any Debt to be con¬
tracted here to which the Trustees can be liable. It will be
necessary to have a sufficient sum to pay what you are in
arrear. I believe that sum may be made out by adding what
you owe here to what Mr. Verelst knows from the certified
accots but I suspect there is a good deal more, by their loose
manner of keeping their accots (since Mr. Burnside, whom
I left here, was dismissed from the Store) that they scarce
know how much they owe: It is said that there is above
60
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
1000X owing to Carpenters for building Slieds &■ Hutts,
to Boat hire &c, yet not brought in:—Another thing may
lead yon into a mistake in believing that there is mony due
to the Store here, from the accot Mr. Causton sent you
of Goods issued from ye store to sundry persons (a copy
whereof you sent me) whereas most of those people were
Creditors who were paid what was due to them from the
Store by giving them Credit with the Sloop Owners.
The short state of your affairs is, That this unhappy man
Causton, hath contracted a Debt at home and abroad far
beyond what the Trust is possessed of, therefore nothing can
be issued from the store, except in payment of Debt, since
all belong to the Creditors.
There are a great number of People to be assisted here,
Orphans, Widows & the Sick. There is a great surplus, I
fear due by the Trust. Therefore the only Remedy I can
think of, is,—If ye Trustees have not Mony sufficient to pay
the certified Accompts and Demands in England, then to pay
what they have equally at an average and out of the next
Supply (if any) given by Parliament to pay the Remainder,
whilst I will, out of the Stores here, pay the Debts as far as
they go, and make out an Accompt of the remaining Debt
which I think should also be paid out of tfie supply granted
by Parliament. When all the Debts are paid the Trustees
set out anew, and setting aside what the Expences of ye Office
and other Expences in England will amount to for the Year
they should send hither in Sola Bills what part of the Par¬
liamentary Supply they think will be sufficient for the
Improvement and Support of the Colony. I think that sum
cannot be less than £5000, But whatever it is I will make it
go as far as possible, it shall not be exceeded.
You have given me orders to build the Church and culti¬
vate the Lands for religious uses both here and at Frederica;
As I will not incurr any Debts, I cannot proceed unless you
send me Sola Bills, or order me to issue those in my posses¬
sion, And place in the Bank so much of the mony appropri¬
ated to religious uses as shall answer the Bills which you
order me to issue.
With respect to Causton's behaviour here, I have already
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 01
mentioned. I examined liim to know what conld be the
meaning, that he dare to exceed so excessively your Orders
& thereby plunging the Colony into its present difficulties.
He answered that he made no expences but what necessity
forced him to, and that he could prove that necessity. He
entered into several particulars; That the Multitude forced
him to build a Fort for fear of the Spaniards; That the
charge of Saltzburgliers and other charges were not provided
for in the Establishment sent over by the Trustees; That he
received that Establishment too late to comply with it. He
did not pretend to justify himself in not sending over the
Ballance of his accornpts. His negligence to bring his Accots
to a Ballance half yearly, or every year at least has been the
occasion of the melancholy scituation he has put us in. Some
things he alledged that had weight—That the prices of Pro¬
visions were treble to what they were at my first arrival here
from whence we calculated the Estimate-—That the Spanish
Alarms obliged him to comply with the humour of the people
here, for which reason he was forced to give any prices to
Sloops to bring down provisions to the Colony. He said
farther that he had not been guilty of any fraud nor con¬
verted any of the Trustees mony to his own use. He at first
seemed pretty stubborn but upon a second examination he
was more submissive; When I was about to comit him, he
pleaded that it was not usual here to comit Freeholders for
any but Capital Crimes. That Watson, who was accused of
killing a man, and had been found guilty by a Jury, was
bail'd upon his own Recognizance. That he submitted to the
Trustees and that all he had acquired in his six years service
and all that he had in the world was laid out in improvements
011 his Lot in the Colony, and that he would give all as
security to abide and justify his accots- He has accordingly
given security. He has delivered the Stores, Books Ac. unto
Mr. Jones, according to your appointment. I have not been
able to enter into the rest of the affairs of the Colony; The
Saltzburghers thrive and so do the people at Hampstead &
Highgate. There are abundance of good Houses built hi
this Town. I desire to know in what manner you would
have me proceed in Causton's affair. And I desire you
G2 letters from general oglethorte.
would favour me with, jour answer to this letter as soon as
possible.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your obed1 humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Savanah
October 19, 1738.
Gen1 Oglethorpe to the Trustees "wrote bj Mr. J ones.
recd 22 Janry follow8
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO ALDERMAN HEATH-
COTE.*
20 Nov. 1738.
Frederick, 20 Nov. 1738.
Dear George,
I am here in one of the most delightful situations as any
man could wish to be. A great number of Debts, empty
magazines, no money to supply them, numbers of people to
be fed, mutinous Soldiers to command, a Spanish Claim & a
large body of their Troops not far from us. But as we are
of the same kind of spirit these Difficulties have the same
effect upon me, as those you met with in the City, had upon
you. They rather animate than daunt me.
There is no doubt but that the Debts due to the Merchants
& others for supporting the Colony in the time of the greatest
Dangers ought to be paid for by the Parliament. Shall they
who ventured their effects to prevent a Colony's being swal¬
lowed up by a Spanish Invasion, be rained for their Publick
Spirit ? Shall the poor men who are here in Garrison in the
Trustees service, on the utmost frontiers of America starve
for w7ant of the pay which is due to them. I am perswaded
* P. 11. O, Georgia. B. T. vol, 21, p, 97.
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
63
the Commons of England will never think so. If the Trustees
will but concert and apply to Parliament for a sufficient sum
they certainly will succeed. It is the interest of the Mer¬
chants who have the certified Accounts to assist them. The
Parliament ought to enable the Trustees to pay these Debts
for the following reasons. They granted £20,000 for the
whole Expence of the Colony, but when they separated the
Military from the Civil, they granted but £8,000 for the Civil
Expence, supposing that a Regiment would arrive there which
would take off the Military Expence, but it was near a year
before the Regiment arrived all which time the Trustees
Officers were obliged to continue the Expences for the
Defence of the Province by maintaining the Militia who were
under arms, by paying Scout boats, Rangers and Garrisons
and supplying the Indians with Arms, Amunition and Neces¬
saries, in order to keep them in readiness against the Spanish
Invasion.
These measures occasioned Debt but these measures pre¬
served the Province and frustrated the attempts of the
Spaniards from Cuba and Augustine, nay even prevented
their daring to attack so much as one Out Post.
But supposing on the contrary the Trustees Servants here
had not ventured to buy Provisions on credit, but had on the
ceasing of the Military Establishment and before the arrival
of the Regiment abandoned the Garrisons, the Spaniards
might then have taken possession of them, without so much
as an Hostility and the Nation would have had no remedy
but applying to Commissaries or entering into a War. These
measures therefore ought to be justified, and the Parliament
if applied to, will doubtless enable the Trustees to pay those
who so frankly risqued their substance for the Publick
service.
I need not conjure you by your friendship to me, for I
know your own publick spirit will make you animate our
friends to apply to Parliament, and push for such a supply
as may pay the Debts and continue to support the Improve¬
ments of the Colony. I shall add nothing more than to
assure you that in what ever part of the world I am, neither
.distance nor time can lessen the sincere affection I have for
() f LETTERS from GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
you and hope you will believe me to be
Your most obedient &
most humble Serv*
James Oglethorpe.
Alderman Heathcote.
[H. YERELST.]*
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE ACCOUNTANT
22 Nov. 1738.
Frederica in Georgia
Novr 22d, 1738.
Sir,
I cannot yet get Mr. Causton's Balance of Account, nor can
I be sure of the Debts due in Georgia; every day fresh
demands come in. By my best guess there is above £8000
due in Georgia, besides the Certified Accounts. The Expence
here of the year for the Improvements of the Colony the
Civil Government and Presents to the Indians cannot be
brought under £5,000 for the year. The Trustees Stores will
be no assistance at all towards it, since they have been
ordered to be issued in payment of Debts at Savannah. I
have desired Mr. Jones to draw out a particular of all the
Expences that are absolutely necessary. I hope therefore
that the Trustees will apply to Parliament for a sum sufficient
to pay the certified accounts, the Debts incurred here & to
provide for the charges of the year. They will be the best
Judges how much that sum must be. I reckon the Military
Expence for the year, between the ceasing of the Military
Establishment and the arrival of the Regiment might amount
to £12,000. I reckon therefore the Debts certified and
uncertified that are unpaid must amount to near that sum
and the Expence of the year from my arrival this November
to the 1st of next November will be £5,000. If the Trustees
* P. K. O. Georgia. B, T, vol. 21, p. 99,
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
65
think the sum of £17,000 is more than they can obtain from
Parliament, they will do what they think best, but if ye Par¬
liament does not pay the Debts, It will only be impossible to
support the Colony at all, but the misery of the poor people
who came upon their own Expences and trusted their little
Fortunes upon the Publick Faith will be inexpressible. The
Clamour also of the Merchants who furnished Provisions &ca.
in the time of the Spanish Alarm upon seeing the necessity
of supporting ye Colony, will be very great. I should there¬
fore move the Trustees to insist upon a sum sufficient to pay
the Debts and support the Colony, and I am so persuaded
that the Parliament will grant such a sum that I venture
upon paying all the necessary Expences here, out of my own
Pocket, without drawing on ye Trustees or charging them
with any debt, till I hear of ye determination of Parliament,
which I fear will be near six months, in which time I fear I
shall have expended (though I shall use the utmost Oecono-
my) near <£2,500.
I have paid £100 pursuant to the Trustees order to Lyon
to enable him to carry on ye Vineyards. I sent you by my
last letter his Receipt & I have secured the other £100 to
him. I have paid at Savannah about £400 part in purchas¬
ing Provisions for the supplying of the most necessitous
people, part for making up presents to the Indians. Four
Kings of whom, with great numbers of Warriours and
Attendants 80 in all came down there to meet me and to
assure me of their Fidelity to His Majesty and that they had
rejected the Spanish offers.
I have ordered the account of the Issues of ye Indian
Presents to be made out and sent to you. I have sent you
also an acknowledgment signed by the Officers who arrived
with the first part of the Troops, of their having Boats
furnished to them, & boarded Hutts built for them at the
Trustees Expence, which is demandable from Parliament. I
have not been able to get in yet the particular account, but
the whole must amount to above £1000, for the Regiment
and all the persons belonging to them amounted to above
1000 and the Hutts and Boat hire for them and such a
quantity of stores as came over cannot be reckoned at less
5
66 letters prom general oglethorpe.
than 20s. charge per head one with another. I have delivered
the yawl to the Pilot for to be a Pilot boat, according to
Trustees order. I have ordered Copies of the Wast book
kept at the store at Frederica to be made out & sent over to
you every month from the time of my coming over. There
is not hands to post up after the Italian manner of book
keeping, but I suppose if you have a Wast book sent over
you may do that in London. I hope if ye Parliam* makes a
Grant that the Trustees will immediately send Sola Bills for
what they intend should be the Expence of the year.
I am,
Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Inclosed I send you an Acct
of the Mutiny at St. Andrews,
and a letter to Mr. Holland
which if he is not in Town
you may open and read and
communicate to ye Trustees.
[Indorsed]
General Oglethorpe to the Accountant.
recd 15 Febry 1738-(9.)
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST*
21 dec. 1738.
21st December, 1738.
Sir,
Mr. Mackintosh spoke to me and showed me your letter to
him of the 11th August. I found that he had disposed pur¬
suant to the Trustees Orders a part of the Servants to the
I reeliolders of Darien upon Credit, which encouragement
had enabled that Settlement to continue under all the difti-
*p. r. o. uewfjid, 15, t, m>1. 'u, J). 104,
letters from general oglethorpe.
67
culties arising from tlie Spanish Alarms Aca. they being
the Frontier Settlement on the Continent. The remaining
Servants he had reserved in the Trustees hands. The
Women were a dead charge to the Trust, excepting a few
who mended the Cloaths, dressed the Victuals and washed
the Linnen of the Trustees Men Servants. Some of the
Soldiers who were Highlanders desiring to marry them
Women I gave them leave upon their discharging the Trus¬
tees from all future Charges arising from them. The Men
Servants are now taught to saw and they make good work
and indeed are the only hands in the Province that bring
any advantage to the Trust. I therefore thought it improper
to take from the Saw till the Trustees knew the Circum¬
stances and gave their farther orders. They are now sawing
Timber for the Church or rather Chappel at Frederica which
I have agreed to have built. The whole Building will be
sixty foot long by twenty foot wide, three Stories, the two
Lowermost Cellars and Booms for Provisions, Books Aca and
the uppermost, a Chappel. The assistance of ye Timber, the
work of the Trustees Servants A the Flints I brought over,
will make such a saving that I think I shall get the whole
finished for less than <£150 Money, exclusive of ye Timber
and Labour of the Trustees Servants and if this Building
was to be performed without their assistance, It would have
cost above double that sum.
It is impossible at this present, for the Freeholders at
Darien to pay in Money for their Servants, but they are very
willing and able to pay in sawed stuff both for that and the
Provisions which they owe. They have wanted Provisions
for three Quarters of this year having raised but just enough
corn to supply themselves three months. I am forced there¬
fore to let them have one bushel of Corn and eight pounds of
meat per head per month upon Credit.
Mr. McIntosh will write to you more at large the affairs of
Darien.
I'am,
Sir,
Your very humble Serv11
James Oglethorpe,
Mr. Harman "Verelst.
LETTERS from GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
68
[Indorsed]
recd 28 August 1739.
General Oglethorpe's letter to the Trustees Accountant.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
8 March 1738-9.
Savannah 8th March 1738-9.
Gentn-
Mr. Obryan is a man who hath kept a Storehouse for fur¬
nishing the Indian Traders with Goods, he took up a Lot
on the first Settlement of Augusta, and hath returned me the
Inclosed Plot thereof. I should recommend to you the
granting to liini and the heirs male of his Body under
the same Restrictions, Reservations and Limitations as usual,
the said 500d acres of Land and to send over the said Grant
under your Seal unto him. The settlement of Augusta
is of great service it being 300 miles from the Sea, and the
Key of all'the Indian Countrey therefore I recommend to you
the forwarding the said Grant, it being a reward of a consid¬
erable inhabitant, who begun the Settlement of the Town
at his own Expence with a well furnished Warehouse. There
are also several other men who have deserved extreamly well
of the Trustees whom I shall recommend to you for Lotts
near the said Place.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe,
The honble the Trustees.
* P. R. 0. Georgia. P, T- yol, 21, p. 127,
letters from general oglethorte.
C9
genebal oglethobpe to the tbustees *
9 March 1738-9.
Savannah 9tli March 1738-9.
Gentlemen,
I acquainted you upon my first arrival with the terrible
bad situation of affairs, but I find you received those advices
extreamly late by reason of neglect at Charles Town.
The Store hath received a second advice from you that
you have sent back an account Certified by Mr. Causton
of £772.4.7 due to Mr. Symond for Goods deliver'd to the
Stores here, and that you have ordered it to be paid here.
The scituation of the Stores you will find by Mr. Jones's
Letters as well as mine and that there was a great deal more
due amongst the People upon the Spot here, than the Stores
amounted to. /The Store offered Mr. Purry, who is Mr.
Symond's Correspondent, to deliver him Provisions &ca. that
were in store in payment of the Debts, at the prices which
other Creditors offered to take them in payment of theirs,
but he said he was unwilling to take the Provisions which
was all that the poor people here had to keep'them from
starving, out of their mouths. And also that his demand was
for Goods sold for Money, and not for Provisions and Goods
which he did not know how to raise money upon if he had
them. Mr. Purry here, as well as Mr. Symond at London,
have been of great service to the Colony. All that they have
delivered into the stores has been of the best sorts in a good
condition and at the lowest prices and if other people had
dealt as well by the Trustees there had been several
thousands of Pounds saved. I should therefore recommend
it to you as a point of expediency as well as Justice, to pay
out of the first monies that come to hand this Demand
of Mr. Symonds.
There' was <£426.0.2 more delivered by Mr. Purry to the
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T: vol. 21, p. 128.
70 letters from general oglethorpe.
Store liere before my arrival & expended otherwise, he would
have took the same goods back again.
I am,
Gentn
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
There is also anor aecott
not yet settled, but wch is
supposed may jimo4 to ab*
400 and odd pounds for prova
& goods deld before my arrival
and Money to the Missionary.
The honble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 18 June 1739.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
12 makch 1738-9.
Savannah 12th March 1738-9.
Gentlemen,
It is with great difficulty I carried on affairs here. Mr.
J ones hath acted with steadiness and courage, he desired me
not to confirm a Certificate signed by Mr. Causton in favour
of Mr. Williams for the reasons in his Letter. Mr. Williams
is very angry and hath got the poor people of Savannah,
many of whom are deeply in debt to him, to sign the Petition
for Negroes which affirms that white men cannot work in this
Province. This assertion I can disprove by hundreds of Wit¬
nesses, all the Saltzburghers the people of Darien, many
at Frederiea and Savannah and all the Industrious in the
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 129.
letters erom general oglethorpe.
11
Province. The idle ones are indeed for Negroes. If the
Petition is countenanced, the Province is ruined. Mr. Wil¬
liams and Doctor Talfeur will buy most of the Lands at
Savannah with Debts due to them and the Inhabitants must
go off and be succeeded by Negroes. Yet the very debtors
have been weak enough to sign their Desire of Leave to sell.
A worse affair hath happened, upon the civil letter wrote
by the Trustees to Mr. Causton to furnish Colonel Cochran
with what he wanted for the Regiment and paying for the
same, a Credit hath been given to his order to ye amount
of £935.13.3 and Mr. Causton hath taken from Col. Cochran
£198 in Wines. The Debt cannot be demanded of the
Regiment for Regiments have nothing but the pay of each
individual Officer and Man. When six Soldiers were sub¬
sisted out of the Trustees Store, no more should have been
issued than what their Pay would have discharged but they
have received and spent their Pay, and the Debt for their
subsistence is still due to the Trustees nor can I tell from
whence the money can come for to discharge it.
I have advanced for the service of the Colony about £2000
and have drawn Bills upon Mr. Verelst upon my own account
and have ordered all my Cash, Pay and Salary & appoint¬
ments in his hands to answer those Bills, with that Sum
I have paid the five months Expences since my arrival and
if the Parliament have granted any Money I hope you will
reserve that sum, that when you are satisfied that it hath
been applied in such manner as you shall approve of, you
will pay that money into the hands of Mr. Verelst for
replacing my money that paid the Bills.
There are 10 ounces of silk worms Eggs hatched and Lyon
hath planted | of an acre of Vineyard which thrives well
and hath 20 acres cleared already which he intends to plant
in the fall. The Trustees have \ an acre and the Plants have
begun to shoot & promise well.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
[IiuhrmJ\ reca by Capt. Yeoman 14 May 1739.
n
Letters from general oGletRorfE.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
4 July 1789.
Frederica in Georgia 4th July 1739.
Gentlemen,
Give me leave to thank you for the great care you took
to send immediate assistance to me, by ordering the issuing
of the Five Hundred Pounds in Bills and by sending me £710
in Bills, and by the vigorous push you made in Parliament,
the Resolutions of which hath preserved this Colony, and by
it covered all the Trade of North America from the Spanish
Guarda Costas.
I am very glad to find by the last of yours that you have
come to a Resolution of keeping no stores here after what
is at present in the Magazines is expended but for the future
paying for the Servants Subsistance and other Expences in
ready Money. In this there is but two difficulties which
I hope to be able to regulate in the execution, the first is the
Merchants seeing that there is no publick Stores may run up
the Prices of all provisions to treble the value so that the
People may not with their Money be able to buy Food, the
second is that the People themselves when they receive their
pay may spend it in Drink instead of buying victuals and so
suffer in their healths as the Independent Company did in
General Nicholson's time of whom two thirds died in a year.
However I believe both these Inconveniences may be pre¬
vented by the Regulations which I shall make for the Mer¬
chants & Suttlers. I do not doubt but the sum granted
by Parliament will enable us not only to pay the debts of the
Colony and subsist it for this year, but also have a Fund
beforehand, which will prevent any accidents for the future,
but to bring this about there must be a steady and regular
manner of acting here. There are several Expences abso¬
lutely necessary and the factious humour of many people,
the difficulties of finding amongst such as are sent hither,
any persons of proper confidence to execute a Trust where
a Gain attends, is very great. The Temptations of large
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 146.
LfciTEBS khoto general oglethoepe. 73
bums! to poor people who have given no security are difficult
to be withstood, and I have met with so much Roguery that
I have been obliged to change hands frequently. The powers
given to the Magistrates have generally been made use
of either to get by winking at men who disobey the Laws
or expecting large allowances from the Trustees for doing
their duty and they have banded at Savannah so strongly
together that they refused Mr. Jones as he informs me to
take any measures for preventing People who were running
away with effects when in the Trustees debt. The People
have frequently been striving to deny any authority in me
& would fain bring the Tryal of the Trustees Properties
before Juries almost every one of whom is interested by
being Debtors to the Trustees and many Declared that they
would bring in their verdicts according to their interest.
They very ignorantly and unjustly at Savannah tried the
People who broke through the Rum Law by Juries who
acquitted the Sellers in spite of evidence. Here at Frederica
the Magistrates acted wisely, they tried and convicted them
at Petty Sessions as Justices of Peace and amongst others
levied upon a Master of a Sloop who had so many Friends
amongst the Freeholders that they publickly declared in
Town that no Jury would convict him though he tapped
a Cask at noon day. This steady proceeding and the
appointing a very brisk man, Patrick Grant (a relation of Sir
James Grant's) Naval Officer and Searcher has got the better
of Rum here.
I am insensibly got off from the most important matter
that of keeping the Expences of the Province within bound
and at the same time pushing on the Improvements of Silk
and Wine and other Agriculture making the Province capable
of subsisting itself, and encouraging industry in such manner
as the Inhabitants may be able to raise and sell Food suffi¬
cient for the Regiment's consumption and for the Trustees
Servants so that they may not be obliged to buy from the
neighbouring Colonies, which if it can be compassed the
Planters by that money will be enabled not only to purchase
Clothing but also to pay for the passage of Servants and
other labouring hands and thereby increase the people of the
*74
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLEtHORPE.
Colony without any new expence to the Puhlick and these
methods have already had their effect in Pensilvania which
is grown wonderful populous by the German Servants.
I have been labouring to reduce the Expences within
bounds and to fix them with some certainty but have met
with so many other affairs arising from Oppositions, many
of which were surely set on foot .on purpose to prevent
my having time to regulate the Expences and look into
accounts. I think I have got pretty near through and should
have finished in about a months time but the Indians have
been stirred up to insist upon my meeting them and they
hold a General Assembly for that purpose upon the Result
of which depends the welfare not only of this but of the
Colony of Carolina. The Spaniards and French have both
been very active and have spared no pains to gain an interest
sufficient amongst the Indians to persuade them to separate
from the English.
I send you an account of sundry7 Disbursements made
by me by the hands of Moore, and I submit them to you
to consider of them and if you think they ought to be repaid,
you will please to pay them to Mr. Verelst on my account.
If there are any Articles that you object to, if you will let
me know them I will explain them in the General Account,
this being only an account of some Disbursements which
I send home for your perusal till I can get the General
Account and the Issues of all the Stores and Provisions
by me bought and applied to the Trust's service.
It is necessary to set down the following Articles for
explaining the Expences of the Province.
1st. The whole Civil and Military Expences were to be
defrayed by the Trustees till the arrival of the Regiment
And till my arrival none of the Trust's Military Expences
were reduced.
2ndly. On the arrival of the first Detachment with Colonel
Cochran, the Trustees were put to new Expences for Boats
to carry up the Soldiers, the King's Stores and Provisions,
also for Warehouses for them ; and at the Trustees Expence
also Cleft-Board House were built for the reception of the
five Companies quartered for the Defence of Georgia. These
Letters from general oglethorte.
75
Expences, had I been here, should not have been paid, but
have been directly certified home, that the Trustees may have
applied to the Crown to obtain payment for the persons who
had disburst them. It is very true that they were absolutely
necessary or the Troops must have perished. It is also as
true that Colonies who levy Taxes upon the people do out
of them Taxes defray all such contingent Charges necessary
for the Troops sent for their Defence. But this is not the
case of Georgia, where there can be no Taxes levied and
consequently the Trustees cannot defray the Contingencies,
therefore they very properly ought to have been represented
to the Crown.
3rdly. Mr. Horton when he found that it was necessary
there should be Cleft-board Houses provided for covering
the Regiment, imployed as many of the Inhabitants as were
indebted to the Trustees for food, as would work, and thereby
lessened the Expence of those Buildings, since he thereby
secured the Payment of Debts which it would otherwise have
been very difficult to recover.
4thly. Mr. Hugh Mackay imployed at St. Andrews the
Trustees Servants to build the Cleft-board Houses there and
some few other Carpenters and hired men.
5thly. I presume that the Trustees have a very good
Demand for the building of the above mentioned two Camps
of Cleft-board Houses in which 500 Men and their Officers
are • conveniently lodged since it was done by servants and
Creditors fed and clothed by the Trust, whose Labours have
been other ways of use to them.
6thly. It is necessary for the Trustees to use their En¬
deavours to people the Colony for which they are entrusted
with the Publick Money. People cannot live without protec¬
tion and communication. The regular Troops protect the
Frontier Islands but Boats are necessary for Communication
and Watchmen for preserving the peace of the Country and
Horsemen for pursuing in the Woods Felons, Runaway
Servants, Outlaws and Slaves from Carolina which have
already molested the Inland parts of the Countrey, and thiev¬
ing for want of Rangers to pursue them is grown so common
that great numbers of Hogs and not a few Cattel have been
76
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETMORFE.
killed in tlie Woods so that it is dangerous to let tlieni and
People have neither Inclosures nor Food to keep them at
home. The killing and stealing of Hogs has been so frequent
at Savannah that there is hardly one person in that Town
that has one though when I left that Province there were
several hundreds there.
7thly. There are great numbers of Servants belonging
to the Trustees, those at Savannah were under the care
of Mr. Bradley and Mr. Causton, of whose work I have been
hitherto not able to get a full account. Those at Darien were
under the charge of Mr. Mcintosh and have learned to saw,
so that all the Boards imployed in the King's Works, as also
those for building the Chappel at Frederica have been sawed
by them, the value of which, I believe will near answer the
keeping of them. And next year, as they are now Masters
of their Business, will I hope considerably more than main¬
tain them. The Servants on Amelia are under Mr. Hugh
Mackays charge there is a very fertile spot of ground on
which I placed them and they have made a Plantation;
It promises fair for a great crop of corn, much more than
they can eat, but their cloathing and meat kind will be still
some charge, nor can the Trustees expect that their Servants
should at first entirely defray their charges for they must
consider that a great part of their time must be taken up in
building Hutts and clearing and fencing of Land, which is an
Improvement of the Province and a greater gain to it than
the Crop raised within the Year.
8thly. Several Boats are absolutely necessary for the
Province, one at least to each Settlement, which if the Trust
does not maintain the People cannot, and it is as good with¬
drawing at once from the Colony as forcing the People to
leave it. I have done all I could to reduce the charge
of Boats, as I have wrote more at large.
9thly. This Countrey cannot be supported without Cattel,
the Trustees have a large herd, the keeping of which hath
been considerable Expence to them but I think the Profit
upon the Increase notwithstanding that vast numbers have
been killed and stole is above treble the charges they have
cost, but if Mr. Jones the Storekeeper had not acted \yhli
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
77
great courage there was a general combination to eat the
Trustees Cattel and I cannot say that the Magistrates at
Savannah did act with that vigour that they might have done
'till I myself was obliged to make them examine the people
before me and there was such a good natured spirit stirring
that I was informed no Savannah Jury would find a man
guilty for killing the Trustees Cattle in the Woods, of which
I suppose Mr. Jones has given you a full account. This has
forced me to continue a number of Cattel Hunters by which
means I have already stopped the stealing and above sixty
wild Calves have been taken up and marked at the Cow pen
at Ebenezer.
lOthly. Till the present stores are issued of which I have
laid in a great quantity, there will be occasion not only for
a storekeeper and clerks but several other Servants and
Labourers for unloading and preserving. Several may be,
reduced as soon as we can put the new Regulations into
Practice, particularly a Smith for the Indian Arms, a Sur¬
veyor &ca.
I am afraid I shall tire you with too long a letter if I should
enter into the whole Detail of the Province and it is impos¬
sible to explain all things at this distance. The only method
that I can think of to hinder any increase is strictly to
adhere to the notice you have already advertized and which
is now up at all the Store house doors that no person shall
contract any debt chargeable upon the Trustees, and I fear
the allowing any of the People here to indorse your Bills will
give a new Credit to them persons, which perhaps may be
better let alone for this reason. I scratched out the Indorse¬
ment which I had ordered to be made to Mr. Causton and
issued them myself, and have charged myself with that ,£500
received from you.
I mentioned in my first letter that if you would acquaint
ine how much you intended to expend yearly in Georgia,
I would frame an Establishment to that sum in the best man¬
ner I could and would take care to whilst I was here that
it should not be exceeded and to have left the strongest
orders for securing the same after my return and to have had
security given for the execution of them.
78
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
There are two matters of great importance that I cannot
omitt speaking of before I conclude. First
You mention a new Law concering the altering the Entails
of Estates. There are infinite difficulties in getting the Laws
now in being for this Countrey executed, therefore I should
not yet wish for any new Ones. The Titles are at present
upon a very good Footing and those who made most noise
about their Lands are those who have taken no care
of making any use of them. I suppose the heads which you
send me will be very well considered, and before passed
many things amended, for as they stand they first deprive
the male Heir who has now a Eight from the Grandfather,
in favour of the daughter of the Son. Secondly They tend
to uniting of Lotts and destroying the Agrarian Equality,
one of the first principles on which you set out. Thirdly,
they leave Freehold Possessions open to the Frauds of Wills
a grievance complained of in England, and a yoke which
neither we nor our Fathers could bear. They bring Free¬
holds to be judged by the Civil Law, which is the Law by
which Wills are decided instead of being judged by the com¬
mon Law of the Land. And this will make a Court of
Doctors Commons and a Chancery necessary either of which
will be enough to crush a full grown, much more a young
Colony. I am persuaded that you will not pass any Law till
such time as the Accounts and Affairs of the Colony are
settled.
The second thing is, You sent over <£710 in Bills to he
issued for certain purposes. I immediately signed and issued
£10 to Mr. McLeod, £70 to Mr. Bolzius and Mr. Gronan and
£60 to Mr. Jones for the Servants and sent them to Mr.
Jones to be signed. Mr. McLeod & Mr. Jones &ca. inform
me that Colonel Stephens and Mr. Parker have both refused
signing of them by which means they will be greatly dis¬
tressed for want of money. Upon which Mr. Jones came
up in an Express Boat to me from Savannah. He will
acquaint you with Mr. Parker's reasons. This might have
occasioned some uneasiness to the Trustees Affairs hut
I have prevented it for I will take up the Bills and pay the
Orders and I have sent home the Biffs and hope you will pay
letters from general oglethorpe.
79
into Mr. Verelst's hands the amount of those Bills making
£710 to answer my Draughts upon him for the same. Though
this is an Inconveniency I think it hath prevented a worse
that is to say, your giving a credit to any persons in America
after your Orders published to the contrary.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honoble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 2 Nov. 1739.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
16 JULY 1739.
Gentlemen,
I send you by Mr. Auspourger about twenty pounds weight
of silk, we hoped for five times the quantity but for want of
room we made use of the House where the sick people used
to be, and the Infection had such an Effect (as Camus tells
me) that it occasioned a sickness amongst the worms, which
destroyed a great many. Some of the silk was wound last
year, but most, this. I hope we shall have better success
next.
Several applications will be made to you for Lands, but I
hope you will make no new Grants whatever till we can get
those already granted in some manner cultivated. There is
one Talfeur an Apothecary Surgeon who gives Physick and
one Williams of whom I wrote to you formerly, a Merchant
who quitted planting to sell rum. To these two, almost all
the Town is in debt for Physick & Rum and they have raised
a strong spirit to desire that Lands may be alienable and
* P. R, 0, Georgia, P, T, vol, !U> P- 150,
80
letters from general oglethorpe.
then tliev would take the Lands for the Debts, monopolize
the Countrey and settle it with Negroes. They have a vast
deal of Art and if they think they cannot carry this, they
would apply for any other alteration since they hope thereby
to bring confusion and you cannot imagine how much uneasi¬
ness I have had here. I hope therefore you will make no
alterations.
I desire you would send over an appointment to the Magis¬
trates of the Town Court of Savannah for the time being to
proceed to put the Bum Act in execution.
There is lately a considerable trade started up here and
Mr. Fallowfield Qollector of Savannah and Mr. Grant Naval
Officer and Searcher at St. Simons, vigilantly acquainted me
that they had discovered there were some Spanish Sugars
imported here which I think ought to pay a Duty to the
King. I ordered the two Officers to write to you and hope
you will order proper Lawyers to be consulted and send us
advice what to do.
The French and Spaniards have used their utmost endeav¬
ours to raise disturbances amongst our Indians & the not
deciding clearly in the Act relating to them has given such
Insolence to the Carolina Traders that the Indians have
declared, if I do not come up to them they will take Arms
and do themselves Justice & have ordered a General Assem¬
bly of all the Nations to meet me. I set out this night and
am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient
humble servant
James Oglethorpe.
Savannah
16th July 1739. \ Indorsed]
The Honoble the Trustees. recd 2 Nov. 1739.
letters from general oglethorpe.
81
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST.*
5 sept. 1739.
Fort Augusta in Georgia
5th September 1739.
Sr,
I am just arrived at this Place from, the Assembled Estates
of the Creek Nation. They have very fully declared their
rights to and possession of all the Land as far as the River
Saint Johns and their Concession of the Sea Coast, Islands
and other Lands to the Trustees, of which they have made a
regular Act. If I had not gone up the misunderstandings
between them and the Carolina Traders fomented by our two
neighboring Nations would probably have occasioned their
beginning a war, which I believe might have been the result
of this general meeting; but as their complaints were reason¬
able, I gave them satisfaction in all of them, and every thing
is entirely settled in peace. It is impossible to describe the
joy they expressed at my arrival they met me forty miles in
the woods and layd Provisions on the roads in the woods.
.The Express being just going to Charles Town, I can say no
more but that I have had a burning fever of which I am per¬
fectly well recovered. I hope the Trustees will accept of this
as a letter to them.
I am, Sr'
Your very humble Serv1,
James Oglethorpe.
To Mr. Harman Yerelst.
recd 30 Nov. 1739,
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 162.
82
letters from general oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
5 Oct. 1739.
Savannah, 5th October 1739.
Gentlemen,
I am returned from the Indian Countrey and thank God in
good health. I have received .the Kings Commands to anoy
the Spaniards and am going to execute them. I've been
obliged to make large presents to the Indians, who are now
thoroughly engaged to us. Tooanahowi is gone with 200 men
against the Spaniards the Clierokees are raising 600 Men and
the Creeks 400 who are to act with me. The Affairs of the
Colony are much mended but the accounts are not gone
through. Mr. Jones will let you know the progress that is
made in them. I am forcd to make several Expences upon
this rupture, which I hope will be laid before the Parliament
not as the Trustees but as a Governmentall Expence. There
has been a great sickness in Charles Town, but Georgia is
healthy. Pursuant to his Majesty's Orders the Inhabitants
have fitted out a Privateer.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. As soon as possibly I can get time I write I'll send
you the state of the Colony to lay before Parliament.
P. P. S. I fear I have tired you with the length of the
inclosed and for more particulars of the Province I must
refer you to Colonel Steven's Journals. I've been forc'd to
put 30 Rangers upon footing to employ several Scout Boats,
to promise pay to the Indian Traders for raising the Indians
to preserve the Province in this critical juncture.
The Honoble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
reca 13 March '39-40.
* p. r. 0. qeorsga, p, t. v»l. 21, j>. 107,
letters from general oglethorpe.
83
GENEBAL OGLETHOBPE TO H. YEBELST *
9 Oct. 1739.
Savannah in Georgia
October 9th 1739.
Sir,
Just now Captain Mack ay arrived and Captain Thomson
is on the Bar. Captain Mackay returns on board to go with
him down to Frederica to which place he must sail immedi¬
ately, whilst the Men of War are on the Coast to protect
him. I have wrote to the Trustees at large and hope Mr.
Vernon and Mr. Towers and all my friends will accept of it
as a letter to each.
I am,
Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. I f you would have
the inclosed account'of the
Insurrection of the Carolina
Negroes inserted in some
Newspapers.
GENEBAL OGLETHOBPE TO THE TBUSTEES4
11 October 1739.
Savannah 11th October 1739.
Gentlemen,
I have seen Captain Mackay who arrived last Sunday.
Captain Thomson and all on board is safe. I have received
your letters and have desired Mr. J ones and Colonel Stephens
to send you very full answers. As we every hour expect
* p. b, o. Georgia,. B. T. vol. 21. p. 172. t Original MS. torn and partly illegible,
t P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. voL 21, p. 174.
84
letters from general oglethorpe.
Action with the Spaniards, I have hardly time to write out
the different necessary orders for the Indian Nation, the
Rangers, the Garrisons, the Boats and Letters to Carolina,
Virginia, the Northern Colonies and Men of War. As the
safety and lives of the People and honour of the English
Arms in these parts depend upon using the present Conjunc¬
ture, I hope you will excuse my not writing a long letter. I
shall use my utmost Endeavours to see your Orders executed.
Some things I believe you will think necessary to alter in
them, particularly the allowing an Alehouse at Tybee which
would be the occasion of making Boatmen drunk and might
be the loss of many Boats and Men and would be attended
with the same ill Consequences as the Alehouse on the Caro¬
lina side hath been which oil the losing of several Boats and
drowning 14 of my men I have applied to have suppressed.
Upon the rupture with Spain and the discontents of the
Cherokees and .Creeks against the people of Carolina and
their Traders, the greatest part of that Colony own that I am
best able to manage the Indians and the Lieutenant Gover-
nour hath wrote to me that it is necessary to send an Agent
amongst the Cherokees. But this as they live in Georgia he
cannot do, therefore I have sent up Mr. Eyres as Agent and
the Lieut. Governor joyns in suppressing of Rum.
With respect to Colonel Stephens and Mr. Jones, they tell
me that to give a full and satisfactory answer to your last
letters will require some time, but I have desired them to
write to you in the mean time.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. I have read over the Estimates, but have not time to
explain upon them till I have talked to the different Officers.
Upon the first view I think there may be .-£20 a year saved
upon each of the Pilots. There is no allowance of a Surveyor
to the Southward and there are some other Charges which I
believe may be saved, and some other Articles which I believe
when you hear you will think necessary to add, particularly
LETTER^ FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
85
Ty thing men in the Towns & a Correspondent Clerk or Intel¬
ligencer to he maintained in the Creeks and another in the
Cherokee Nation.
[Indorsed]
The Honoble the Trustees. recrt 13 March 1739-40.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST*
10 October 1739.
Duplicate. Savannah 19th October 1739.
Sir,
This is by way of Explanation of some Accounts that I
send over to answer the Bills I have drawn upon you. The
Trustees assured me that they would make good the Expences
laid out for them. I have been as frugal as I possibly could,
as you will see by the Accounts. I thought to have bought
Horses sufficient to have made the Journey to the Indian
Nation & carried up the goods & for that purpose I drew
upon you for X200 Sterling payable to Mr. Jenyns but being
disappointed in purchasing Horses was obliged to buy goods
in the Nation from the Traders to make presents to the
Indians and paid an advance price, which was but half the
price they sell them to the Indians for. I carried up as many
as I could get Pack Horses for and upon those I saved the
advanced price. I have sent the Bills at large though in
tliem there are mixt Articles, some relating to myself some
to the Indians, but I have set off all that was to my own
account. In the Articles of the Trustees there is X20 lent
Mr. Kent. I've sent a letter from him to his Father, he is a
young man of great worth and merit his Father was Member
for Reading has a good Estate and is an acquaintance of Mr.
Hucks's. I hope he will support his son. If he sends him
over X300 SterF A X50 a year he will make a very happy man
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21. p. 175.
86
LETTERS EROM GENERAL 0&LETNORRE.
of him, for he has a very fine tract of Land at Augusta and
the best notion of improving of any man I know in the
Province. There is an article of <£12 which was a loan in
cattel to one Overstreet an industrious man with a Wife and
six Children, who is settled at Augusta. The Inhabitants
recommended him to me, he having been afflicted with Sick¬
ness and answered that by the milk of six Cows the Wife
would be able to maintain the family. There is £5 given for
assistance to the Cattle hunters. Captain Cuthbert with the
Cattle hunters and that small assistance cut a path for horses
through the Woods which were before impassable from
Augusta to the Uchee Town above 60 miles on our side the
River. The whole of this account, with the presents amounts
to £648.10.2 out of which £123.9.4| I discharged from the
Trusts to my own account, being the Expences of myself and
family, so that their charge is £561.0.9^. There is £200
Sterling in Mr. Jeny's hands which I drew for to pay for
horses, which as I could not get horses at a reasonable price,
I have made an advance out of that money to some Butchers
and Drovers who are Inhabitants of this Town, to slaughter
here, and thereby enable them to furnish the Town and Ship¬
ping &ca with Provisions & to repay the same to the Trust
as they receive it. This became quite necessary by the
shutting up the Trustees Store and is what their Letter hints
at of Encouraging People to sell Provisions.
Besides which there is £40 which I pay to Camuse the
Silk Winder in account he having a Demand upon the Trus¬
tees before my arrival and for Expences this year, which
demand will be lessened by this £40, as will appear in the
Accounts of the Commissioners for stating the Debts.
The next is £63 paid to Mr. Jones in order to enable him
to discharge the debts due to the Garrison at Augusta and
would have been at a great discount to the prejudice of the
Trust's Credit, because the poor people were not able to stay
the sending them home to England.
Captain Mackpherson has a very considerable demand
upon the Trust as appears by the Report of the Commis¬
sioners, he having made it appear that he was in the utmost
distress I advanced him £61.4.0 which lessens the debt due
by the Trust.
Betterft erom gEnErae oglethorpe.
87
Mr. J ones having occasion for provisions &ca. from Cattell
and Austin at Charles Town I advanced him £50 for the
same for which he is to account to the Trust.
A ship belonging to Captain Caleb Davis arrived here with
Molosses and as there was no probability that more would
come up by reason of the War, Mr. Jones by my order
bought the cargo which is to be issued by him to the people
here for money and as soon as he receives the same it will be
so much towards the paying the Estimate of the Trustees.
It amounts to £400, of which I have at present drawn for
but £220. I have also drawn for £107.9.0, £100, and £20
payable to Mr. Thomas J ones which money has been paid in
discharge of the account of Indian presents and is part of
the £684.10.0.
The Cherokee Indians as will appear by the Affidavits sent
over to England by Colonel Stephens, which I hope are
arrived, were destroyed by Rum and the Small Pox, carried
up by Traders from Carolina, some of whom had been
licensed at Charles Town and some without any Licences
but encouraged from thence. Above 1000 of the Indians
died and the sickness raged so that they could not attend
their Corn fields. They demanded justice from all the Eng¬
lish, threatened Revenge and sent to the French for assist¬
ance. Their Deputies met me at Fort Augusta. I asked
them if they were Georgia Traders that had sold the Rum
they said No, and I prevailed with them not only to be paci¬
fied with the English but also to promise me the assistance
of a body of Men against the Spaniards. When they told
me of the starving condition they would be in by their having
lost their Corn harvest by the Sickness, I ordered as far as
1500 Bushells of Corn to be bouglit at Augusta & to be given
to the Cherokee Nation if they came down to fetch the same,
to be divided amongst all the Towns where the dearth of
Corn was. Upon my acquainting the Chiefs of my having
done this before they asked it, they said, that the Trustees
treated them as Fathers do their Children they did not give
them Toys nor unwholsome Liquor, but gave them Wisdom
and Justice and supplied then- wants when misfortunes came
upon them. They called them the Preservers of their hi a-
88
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORFE.
tion, as thej did the Carohna Traders, the destroyers of it.
I have drawn for £107.10.0 to pay for this Corn which stands
in about 18 pence per Bushell delivered at Augusta, and this
is paid into the hands of Mr. Jones to answer that Demand.
There was a great damp upon Planting and indeed upon
every other thing when I came over, but things are now
much mended, yet I was obliged to encourage the planting
and with much difficulty could I persuade any one near the
Town to it, so was obliged to promise a bounty of two
shillings per Bushell upon Indian Corn and pease, and one
shilling for Potatoes in the hopes of which some have planted
& have large Crops. This Bounty extends only to the Dis¬
trict of Savannah. The People of Ebenezer were contented
with a less Proemium viz: 12 pence per bushel and that only
upon Corn and Pease. The sum total I cannot yet tell, but
I suppose a good deal of the Bounty will be paid by setting
off some of the Debts due to the Store, those who are most
necessitous I pay in money. By the Regulation there can
be no Fraud, for the Ground on which the Com grew is to
be viewed, as well as the Corn measured. I have drawn for
£150 which is left in Mr. Jones's hands for this purpose.
I shall lend Mr. Burnside upon Cattel £40 in order to
enable him to buy the same in Carolina, the Cattel will be in
this Colony as security, and Cattel may be very necessary
in case supplies should be cut off. And for that and some
other Expences which I have left with Mr. Jones to make,
I have drawn for £80. If the Trustees do not think this
Encouragement to be within their intention continue that
£80 upon my account.
You see by this that there is great part of the Amount
of these Bills in the Colony to answer the Trustees Estimate.
There is part of it to pay the Expences of the last year and
part to lessen the Debt before my arrival, so that there is no
increase of this Years Expences nor nothing exceeding the
Estimate. Therefore I hope the Trustees will pay you the
same and take them off from my account. I believe that
it will be necessary to incourage the people in planting
to give next year a bounty of one shilling per Bushel upon
i^ttem #r6m 6en£ral oglfcthorpte.
Corn and I have promised four shillings a pound for silk
Balls.
I am,
Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Mr. Harman Yerelst.
[Indorsed]
recd 7 March 1739-40.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
20 oct. 1739.
Savannah in Georgia
20th October 1739.
Gentlemen,
The Order relating to Negroes is arrived and published
& hath had a very good effect. The Resolution shown by
the Trust hath in a great measure quelled the troublesome
spirit. The remainder of the Idle Walkers and Doctor
Tailfer are preparing to leave the Colony but several indus¬
trious people are settling. This week above eight'Lotts have
been taken up.
I defrayed last years Expences as I mentioned in my
former and thank you for the kind paragraph in your letter,
that you will repay those Advances. I am not able yet to
send home all the Accounts and Vouchers, but some I have
and explained them in a letter to Mr. Verelst and hope you
will pay them.
The estimate for the Establishment of this year is very
short, the Provision for the silk which is one of the most
important improvements in the Colony is far from being
sufficient to carry that on. There is no provision made for
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 121, p. 176.
LETTERS PROlrf &ENEEAL OCxiEttirtftto:.
Magistrates or Constables at Augusta, nor for Tything men
in this Town, nor for Agents in the Indian Countrey nor for
Tything men in the Out Villages of Hampstead, Highgate,
Skidoway and Abercorn therefore probably the Out Villages
will quit their ground for want of proper Officers to preserve
the peace.
There is also no provision for Tything men at Ebenezer.
The Darien hath been one of the Settlements where the
People have been most industrious as those at Savannah
have been most idle. The Trustees have had several Servants
there who under the direction of Mr. Moore M'lntosh have
not only earned their bread but have furnished the Trust
with such Quantities of sawed Stuff as hath saved them
a great sum of Money. Those Servants cannot be put under
the direction of any body at Frederica nor any one that does
not understand the Highland language. The Woods fit for
sawing are near Darien and the Trustees engaged not to
separate the Highlanders. They are very usefull under their
own Chiefs and no where else. It is very necessary therefore
to allow Mr. Mackintosh for the overseeing the Trusts Serv¬
ants at the Darien. And indeed I do not think there is Occa¬
sion for an Overseer with any large 'Salary at Frederica since
there is very little work for Servants there, except about the
store. There are several other absolute necessary Expences
but as I know that the Trustees cannot exceed a certain sum
I shall not venture upon making them, though I believe the
Colony will suffer for want of them. I am indeed of opinion
that with the sum of <£5000 a year here would have done
if no war had happened. I could have distributed it in such
a manner as to have supported the Colony, but I fear it
cannot now be done, for the having given notice to the
Magistrates and others that they are to have such large
Salaries, they cannot now be reduced. There is no Provision
in the Estimate for encouraging the Vineyards, no bounty
upon Corn, no food to encourage young Planters, nor no
Provisions for Servants out of their times. There is £500
a year for all Contingencies. I shall take all the Care to
divide that in such a manner as to make it go the farthest I
can, but fear it will nothing near answer the necessary services.
LETTERS fR6ar 6mt&At 06LfiTH6fePE.
There are two Articles, without which we should be entirely
destroyed, those I shall venture upon and I send you over
notice of them that if you think they are not within the
power of the Trust to apply Money to, I should desire you
would use your interest in Parliament to procure a separate
sum for that purpose in your Vote. The one is a Troop
of Hangers and Pay for those who head the Indians as
Officers, without which we' shall lye entirely open to the
Insults of the Spanish Horse and Indians upon the Con¬
tinent, for it is impossible for one Eegiment of Foot to cover
such a vast Frontier. I send you the Establishment of these
Bodies of Men. There is also the Garrison at Augusta the
first party that I sent up there under Ensign Kitson was
drowned and I cannot spare any men from the Eegiment
to so far a post now we have the Spaniards upon our Backs,
therefore I have kept up that Garrison with ten men. I have
also kept one Agent or Intelligence in the Creek and one in
the Cherokee Nation with an appointment of <£30 a year for
themselves and <£24 for a Servant and to find themselves food.
Colonel Stephens and Mr. Jones having acquainted me
that Mr. Williamson was gone away to Charles Town and
not like to return and that therefore Mr. Christie could not
leave the Eecorders Office & consequently not succeed Mr.
Parker. They farther acquainted me that Mr. Parker now
behaved well, had entirely left off drinking and ^hat they
thought it would be most serviceable to the Colony to con¬
tinue him first Magistrate. I accordingly did till your farther
Orders and I believe you will think it proper to continue him
on. This Place is now very quiet & the whole Province
wears a much better face than when I arrived. Georgia hath
been very healthy this year, the fatal Eum Fever of Charles
Town hath not extended to us & I believe five men have not
died out of the five Companies of my Eegiment quartered in
this Province.
I am
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honoble the Trustees.
letters from general ^gl^tliort'^.
[Indorsed] recd 7 March 1739-40. Head before the Com¬
mittee of Correspondence March 22d 1739-40.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO REVD MR, BOLZIUS*
3 Nov. 1739.
Copy. Savannah in Georgia 3d Novr 1739.
Revd Sir,
I was speaking to you of the situation of several Dutcli
families, who are already at Erederica and others who are
coming thither, in the great want they were of one who could
preach the Gospel in their Language. The edifying manner
in which you have behaved in this Colony makes me desirous
of obtaining a Minister from the Place where you were
educated and though I cannot hope to have one with the
same perfections yet I ani persuaded those bred with Mr.
Professor Francke under his excellent discipline, do partake
of the same spirit therefore I should desire you to obtain
one for me, I will take care of giving him £40 pr ann: for
his maintainance here and should be very glad if in your first
letter to' Germany you would mention this and the sooner
he arrives the better.
I am,
Revd Sir
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Revd Mr. Bolzius.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 202.
letters from general oglethorpe.
93
GENEEAL OGLETHOEPE TO THE TEUSTEES*
16 Nov. 1739.
Erederica in Georgia 16tli Nov. 1739.
Gentlemen,
The Spaniards have fallen upon Amelia & killed two
unarmed sick men, one of the Scout boats being there took
the Alarm & they and a Party from the Garrison pursued
the Spaniards very briskly. We have not so much as given
the least provocation to the Spaniards as yet, but most man¬
fully they surprized two poor sick men, cut off their heads,
mangled tlieir Bodies most barbarously and as soon as
a Party and Boat appeared which together did not make
their number, they retired with the utmost Precipitation.
A number of Scout boats are absolutely necessary. The
Men of War stationed at Charles Town cannot be here.
Since Capt. Burrish went away, we have had no Man of War
except Capt. Eanshaw and he did not stay above eight or ten
days. The Launches from Augustine can run into almost
every Inlet in the Province, therefore it is absolutely neces¬
sary that the Trustees should apply to Parliament for at
least five ten Oared Boats and a Troop of Eangers, otherwise
there will be no possibility of the Peoples going out to plant
without being murdered as those Highlanders were. The
Eegiment can defend the Parts they are in but they cannot
march on foot over' the waters without boats nor overtake
Horse on Indians on foot in the vast Woods on the Con¬
tinent.
The French have attacked the Carolina Indians, and the
Spaniards have invaded us. I wish it may not be resolved
between them to root the English out of America. We here
are resolved to dye hard and will not lose one inch of ground
without fighting, but we cannot do Impossibilities, we have
no Cannon from the King, nor any others but some small
Iron Guns bought by the Trust. We have very little Powder,
we have no horse for marching & very few Boats and no fund
for paying the men but of one Boat. The Spaniards have
* F. R, 0, ewtfiiV, B. 'f. vol, 21, p. 17a,
94
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
a number of Launches, also horse, and a fine Train of Artil¬
lery well provided with all Stores. The best Expedient I can
think of is to strike first and as our strength consists in men
and that the people of the Colony as well as the Soldiers
handle their Arms well and are desirous of action, I think
the best way is to make use of our strength & beat them
out of the field and destroy their Plantations and Out Settle¬
ments (in which the Indians who are very faithful can assist
us) and to form the siege of Augustine If I can get Artillery.'
It is impossible to keep this Province or Carolina without
either destroying Augustine, or keeping Horse Rangers and
Scout boats sufficient to restrain their nimble Parties.
I must therefore again desire you would insist for our having
an Establishment of Four Ten Oared Boats to the South¬
ward and one at Savanah, a small Train of Artillery, some
Gunners and at least 400 barrels of Cannon and 100 of
Musquet Powder with bullets proportionable.
I am fortifying the Town of Frederica & hope I shall be
repaid the Expences; from whom I do not know, yet I could
not think of leaving a number of good houses & MerchtB
Goods and which was more valuable the Lives of Men,
Women and Children in an open Town at the mercy of every
Party and the Inhabitants obliged either to fly to a Fort and
leave their Effects, or suffer with them.
Mr. Williamson who was appointed to succeed Mr. Christie
in case the latter could make up his Records, had left his
Plantation and was removed to Charles Town & settled as
a Lawyer there before your letters arrived, on the hearing
that he was appointed Recorder with a Salary, he came back
but did not bring his family with him & it was reported in
the Town that he intended to act by Deputy, which he denied
to me, but at the same time said he would not bring up his
family till after he was declared Recorder, and insisted that
the Magistrates Imployments ought to be held during good
behaviour, That the Trustees might not turn them out
precipitately. I found by his Conversation that he was very
much of a Lawyer and a much better Attorney than the
Town of Savannah wants, he is likely to have very good
practice at Charles Town, where the people like hbn mightily
letters from general oglethorpe.
95
& I believe it will be much better for him to be encouraged
there than to be buried at Savannah where the whole Town
can hardly pay the charge of one Chancery suit. Colonel
Stephens thought that according to your orders he could not
deliver him his constitution till he had conformed to them.
All things are very quiet with the new Magistrates, and
I believe will continue so, if the Court remains as it is, but
I believe any alteration would hurt, unless it were the
changing Christie for Pye, a very industrious young man who
writes an exceeding good hand, is a pretty good Scholar, very
honest & sober and is no Attorney.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
To Honoble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 10 March 1739-^0.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST*
29 Dec. 1739. •
Frederika 29th Decr 1739.
Sir,
I have received from Captain Thomson several things,
amounting in the whole to £686.16.4 of which great part
is for the service of the Trust, a great part of the Account
itself is a voucher of its having been applied, as that to the
Boats &ca. That to the Rangers is in part of an old debt
due by the Trustees to them. As many of these Articles as
the Trustees think proper to charge to their account, I em¬
power you to receive from them; the rest you will post to my
Account. I shall send you a farther Explanation of how
f p, R. 0. B. T- yqI 31, p. 186.
96
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
these things are applied pursuant to the Trustees Orders.
I have wrote at large to them by this occasion. Mr. Horton
will explain all Affairs here and can give a very clear light
into them.
In Captain Thomson's former Aecok of £110. which the
Trust refused to pay; That which I took in order to give the
Spaniards, in case we had had a Treaty with them and which
Presents are a necessary Expence and part of the support
of the Civil Government as all matters of Negotiations are,
is not now necessary, because we have no friendship with
them, so as the things are here I will receive them and you
may charge that £7.1.7 to me.
As for the Credit given to Shopkeepers it is what the Trust
always used to do, and what their letters approve of, Setting
up people in Business that they may sell at reasonable prices,
and thereby take off. the trouble from the Store. I therefore
ordered Credit to be given to Philip and Anne Courtney who
were recommended by my Lord Egremont and to Abbott
an old Widow Woman that came with the first people here.
Abbot has paid 40s. back, Courtney has paid some little on
account, and the Trustees cannot think that to set up Shop¬
keepers in this Town is no concern of the Publicks but is a
personal Affair of mine. It can be no personal affair of
mine, since I have no benefit from it, it is the business of the
publick to support the Town and has been always judged a
useful Charity to put poor people into an honest way of earn¬
ing their Livelyhood by small Credits.
With respect to the £58 delivered to Mr. Mcintosh at
Darien, it was to support the Inhabitants of Darien with
cloathing and delivered to the Trustees Store there, for which
the Individuals are indebted to the Trust. Part, of it was
paid in discharge of service done to the Trustees in building,
Part is still due and some do pay and are ready to pay which
you may see by the Darien accounts. I am perswaded that
when the Trust considers this they will find that I have
nothing to do with it, and more particularly, that some part
of this very money has been paid for in Timber for building
the Chappel.
The £6.13.6 charged to Mr. Carteret was by him paid for
letters from general oglethorpe.
97
by bill of Excbe which I sent home to you. This is all that
I can say upon that account, which I understand to be part
of the Charge of the last year, excepting that I would some
what farther explain that the Goods for the Shopkeepers were
taken into the Trustees Store, and part i^s^ed to them, and
part retained in order to be issued, as they made Payments.
And if they did not make paymts then the Remainder was
not issued to them, but issued to others, and the same paid
into the Trustees Account. By the payments arising from
Debts due to the Trustees, the Debts contracted have been
lessened and several Buildings and Publick Works have been
paid for by Labour done in payment of those Debts particu¬
larly the building of the Barracks, and these Goods stand in
the same light as many others taken in & issued in that man¬
ner, therefore I think the Trustees cannot refuse paying
Captain Thomson for them & they in the general account
will find that they have Credit from the persons to whom
they are issued. Capt. Thomson will have a Declaration from
Mr. M'lntosh and from Mr. White that these Goods have
been received, and that the Trustees have credit for the
same.
I am, Sir, Your very humble Servant,
Mr. Harman Verelst. James Oglethorpe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
29 deo. 1739.
Frederica 29th Decr 1739.
Gentlemen,
I send this by Mr. Horton whom there is no need of recom¬
mending to you. You know his behaviour when he com¬
manded the Southern Division of the Province in my
absence. I could not think of a way more likely to acquaint
you with the whole Particulars of the Province, than by
* P. R. O. Georgia, 8, T. vol. 21, p. 186,
7
98
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
sending him home, who can explain every thing. I was in
hopes to have sent you all the Accounts, but have been intol¬
erably plagued by the backwardness of ye Clerks. I have
been obliged to imploy my own Secretary Moore, in almost
every thing, tllbu^h writing for me is full one Man's work,
and I can to thi/minute get nothing finished by the others,
nor any other Account than that Cash Book, which he kept.
To give a general Idea of the Accounts, there is three distinct
terms of time, one before my arrival, which you have put
into an excellent method by appointing Commissioners to
state. Some debts due in that Term to persons who must
have been ruined if not paid, I have paid, the Commission¬
ers having acquainted me that they were justly due, and Mr.
Jones hath promised me to transmit the Report, which if you
approve of, you will pay what I have advanced to Mr. Yerelst
on my account.
The second term of time is from my arrival to the time of
receiving Your Establishment, during which time I proceeded
in the Bark, having only this General Rule to go by, not to
make any Expences as I could avoid and at the same time
not to neglect doing those things which were necessary for
the preservation of the Colony, amongst them the taking the
German Servants which came over by Captain Thomson, and
the lending their Passages to such Persons as were desirous
thereof & were capable of maintaining them, and keeping the
rest for the Trust. I thought an absolute necessary measure
for the service of the Colony, since it not only increased it
with so many able bodied industrious People, but it would
have been a Cruelty to turn the poor People a starving into
other Provinces, and have prevented the being able to pro¬
cure more Germans & thereby augmenting His Majesty's
Subjects, by the accession of Foreign Protestants. I hope
therefore that this step will be approved of, and that you will
orcler Captain Thomson to be paid the Passage of those
Servants.
As I promised to you when I first arrived I have main¬
tained the Colony for the year, and think it will come within
the <£5,000 as I guessed at first. I drew upon Mr. Verelst
who had Cash of mine and mentioned in ye Betters of advice
Letters from: general oglethorpe.
99
generally, the services for "which those Bills were drawn.
The proper Vouchers showing that the Money was applied
to the Publick Service according to the Trustees maxims for
Improving and Settling the Colony, shall be sent over as soon
as ever I can get the Clerks to draw them out in order. But
a journey in open Boats to Charles Town a Journey by Land
for several hundred miles over many wide Rivers to the far
Indian Nations and the preparations for invading the Span¬
iards and making Inroads upon them, have took up so much
of my time that I have not been able to do the Business my
self nor can I prevail with others to do it for me. If I come
back alive from this Expedition, I will labour at the accounts
and do not doubt to settle them and the Province upon a
good foot of Oeconomy. I hope you will make good to Mr.
Verelst those payments that I have made here upon the
Trusts' Acco4 and thereby replace the money I drew from
him.
There will be this year over & above your Establishment
several Expences necessary for the preserving of the Colony.
The small Garrison of a Captain and ten men at Fort Au¬
gusta will be necessary to be continued, since we cannot
weaken the Regiment by sending a Detachment to so great
a distance as 300 miles. The Regiment of Foot that is
here, is not sufficient to make War in the Woods by Land
and overtake Indians or horsemen therefore I have been
obliged to call down our Indian Allies they have very readily
assisted me, but whilst they lose their hunting & Corn season
for our Defence, we are forced to give them Food, Arms, Am¬
munition & some Cloathing which they would otherwise buy
with skins which they get by hunting. Their Leaders and
Interpreters have certain allowances. I sent you over them
for the Creeks & Cherokees, those for the Chickesaws Uchees
and Yamacraws have the same.
Horsemen also I am obliged to raise & have order'd 60
Rangers. Their Establishmts Mr. Horton has with him. The
Settlements must all have been destroyed and the commu¬
nication between the Troops cut off when the Spaniards
attacked Amelia, if I had not armed out Boats, which I did
in the cheapest manner, taking no more men upon hire than
100
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
just enough to navigate them, and even saving this Expence
upon some by imploying the Trust's Highland Servts whom
Mr. M'lntosh and Mr. Mackay had taught to Bow; the rest
of the men are Soldiers to whom we only allow prov8 during
the time they are on board. Thus the Colony Periagua is
fitted out with 4 Guns, rows with 20 men & carries 20 more,
so that having 40 men she is able to engage a Spanish
Launch stands only in the wages of a Commander, a Patroon
and six men, the rest of the 40 being Soldiers, of whom only
them that row have Provisions^ By these Boats I have drove
the Spaniards out of the Biver St. John's, ean, when I will,
land in Florida, as well as protect this Colony and Carolina
which without them would be entirely exposed, as by the sad
accident at Amelia, when we had only two Boats in service
too plainly appeared.
The Forts that I built were run to ruin, being mostly of
earth, having no means to repair them and having also orders
not to fortify. Upon the Hostilities being committed, I
thought I should be answerable for the blood of these people
before God and man if I had left them open to be surprized
by Spanish Indians and murdered in the night and their
houses burnt, and if I did not take all proper means for their
defence they being under my charge. I therefore began to
fortify Frederica and inclose the whole Town in which there
are some very good houses. It is half an Hexagon with two
Bastions and two half Bastions and Towers after Monsieur
Vauban's method upon the point of each Bastion. The
"Walls are of earth faced with Timber, 10 foot High in the
lowest place and in the highest 13 and the Timbers from
eight inches to twelve inches thick. There is a wet Ditch 10
foot wide, and so laid out that if we had an allowance for it,
I can by widening the Ditch double the thickness of the
Wall and make a covered way. I hope in three months it
will be entirely finished and in that time not only to fortify
here but to repair the Forts on Amelia and Saint Andrews.
The Expence of these small above mentioned Works, which
is all that I can now make, will not be great. Frederica will
come within <£500, St. Andrews £400, and Amelia £100. I
made an Inroad into the Spanish Florida by the help of the
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
101
Boats drove them to take shelter in their Forts & kept the
field several Days, parties of Indians killing their Cattel &ca.
even to within a few miles of Augustine, but could not pro¬
voke them to fight. I am going to make another Inroad and
trust in God it will daunt them so that we shall have full
time to fortify and if the people of Carolina would assist us
heartily, we might take Augustine, to which these frequent
Inroads pave the way, for they dishearten their people make
us acquainted with the Country and encourage the Soldiers
by living on the Enemy's Cattel and Provisions.
I hope if the Trustees will represent the necessity of the
above Expences to Parliament the House will grant to them
sufficient to defray the Estimates of them. Or if the Parlia¬
ment thinks this Expence too much for the preserving of this
Colony, I hope they will withdraw both the Colony and the
Regiment since without these necessary, preparations they
will be exposed to certain Destruction.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honoble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
Recd May 2 1740.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
29 DEO. 1739.
Frederica 29th December 1739.
Gentlemen,
There were 69 heads of Germans Servants delivered by
Capt. Thomson to different Persons in Georgia upon Credit,
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 187.
102 LETTERS FROM GENERAL. OGLETHORPE.
which I find did not appear to the Committee of Accounts to
be chargeable on the Trust by any Evidence by him pro¬
duced.
The first was a Family of 5§ heads, Servants to Mr. Chris¬
tie, he has an open Account with the Trustees as Recorder
& there has been Orders from the Trustees relating to Serv¬
ants for the Magistrates there.
The Second is one head delivered to Mr. Matthews, whose
Wife was Widow of Mr. Musgrove, Interpreter to the Indians,
as She herself is now. The passage of this Servant was
given to them as a Recompence for Services with the Indians,
and for an Indian Servant belonging to them, killed in the
Disputes with Watson.
Andrew Duche is the Potter at Savannah who goes on
very well there, is one of the most Industrious in the Town
& has made several Experiments which seem to look like the
making of China, he had two Servants whom he breeds to
the Potter's Trade.
The two Servants to the Widow Harris are paid for.
Bailiff Parker's Servant depends upon the Trustees orders
relating to the Magistrates.
Those delivered Mr. Bolzius were Families in which there
were many unmarried young women, the Congregation of
Saltzburghers desired they might be left there, there being
many unmarried men and no unmarried women. They
believed that several would take them for Wives and that
such as did would pay the passage into the hands of Mr.
Bolzius, to remain there for the Trustees directions, I hoping
they would apply it to the maintenance of the Orphan house
at Ebenezer and as such be a usefull Benefaction to the Saltz¬
burghers. They amount to 11 heads, some are married and
they all have behaved very well, as Mr. Bolzius informs me.
Mr. Fallowfield has been a very active inhabitant of the
Colony, has settled here at his own Expence, and expended
a great deal of money, and was Constable, he thought he had
a Pretension to have Servants from the Trustees upon the
footing of Constable, according to former Letters, by wlych
they gave Servants to make up the time which the Officers
imployed in the Publick Service.
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
103
Noble Jones and Mr. Causton undertook to maintain their
Servants and bonded for the payment of them. West did
ye same and one of them is returned to ye Trustees being a
Wheelwright, and a necessary man for their service.
Mr. Mouse has a family of 5 children is a very industrious
man and was the only Inhabitant that stayed upon the
Island of Skidoway out of ten families, therefore the giving
him Credit for this Servant I intended to recommend to the
Trustees as an Encouragement to Out Planters.
Mr. Perkins is a Magistrate of Frederica and has a Credit
upon the store upon this years Establishment.
Mr. Hawkins had paid for his Servants.
Walker works upon the Fortification and is willing to pay
for the passage of his Servant out of his work.
Walset is a good Planter, has a large Family, came at his
own Expence from Germany and has a demand on the Trus¬
tees for a Debt in Mr. Causton's time, and has sixty Bushells
of Corn, ready to be delivered the Trustees this year, and
they want Corn to feed their Servants and horses.
Upon the whole at that time there was a disgust to white
Servants artfully fomented by the Negroe Merchants. The
Trustees had stopped all Payments and the People were
diffident of getting Provisions for themselves therefore did
not care to take Servants least they could not feed them. I
was glad therefore to get people that could feed.them and
take them, but yet there remain several that nobody would
take. Those I placed in a village, lent them Provisions and
they gave their own bonds for their Passages. Some of them
it is true are dead, some have throve and the Colony is in¬
creased by that number, and the Germans seem to take more
to planting than the English do. I should think therefore
that there is not a better service can be done to the Colony
than paying the passage for them, taking it up again accord¬
ing as they can pay and thereby discharging the Establish¬
ments here and lessen the Trustees Eemittances so much.
Those who dye, indeed, will be a loss to the Trust, but then
by those who live, the Province will require so many planting
Families. The bonds were continued in the name of Captain
Thomson, because that I believed the people would more
104 letters from general oglethorpe.
willingly pay to him than to the Publick, and that he might
upon his coming back push for payment and he will give you
an account of what Payments he has been able to get.
I am,
Gentlemen,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
P. S. The necessity of acting on this
breach with the Spaniards obliged me
to take Capt. Thomson's Long Boat down with
me & preventing my dispatching him till
I returned from the Frontiers; so that he
could get his discharge from me but
this day. His hands have been very
usefull in helping to fit out our Boats
as you will see by his Account.
[Indorsed] Recd May 2, 1740.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
24 January 1739-40.
Erederica 24th January 1739-40.
Gentlemen,
Lieutenant Horton has orders to raise 30 Recruits for the
Regiment. If the Trustees would give passage to their
"Wives it would be a cheap way of increasing the Colony by
30 families, from single men there are very great Incon-
. veniences and their being obliged to leave their wives behind
plunges them into great difficulties. I need say no more on
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21, p. 190.
litters from general Oglethorpe.
105
that head but desire the Trust would give passage to the
Wives and Corn and Meat to them for one year.
X am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honobl* the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
brought by Captain Thomson & by him
delivered at the Trustees Office 2 May 1740.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO COL. STEPHENS*
1 February 1739-40.
Frederica 1st Febry 1739-40.
Sir,
Since the Spaniards began hostilities by attacking Amelia
& murdering the Men there, I pursued them into Florida,
swept the River St. Matthceo by the Indians called Alata,
and which the Spaniards would fain now call St. John's.
I landed on the Spanish main drove in their Out Guards and
the Indians burnt 3 Guard houses. I proceeded one day's
march towards Augustine, stayed 3 Days hunting their Cattle
and ravaging the Country, but could not provoke them to
action. Their Horse and a party of Negroes and Indians
once appeared, but went off upon a gallop and took shelter
in their Forts. .The Spaniards had in Florida besides the
Fortress of Augustine, the Fort of St. Marks, with a Gar¬
rison of 80 regular Troops, 100 Spanish Transports, besides
Negroes, Indians &ca. This Fort lies on the Bay of Apel-
lachee which makes the most Eastern part of the Gulf of
Mexico, and by it Augustine has a communication with
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 21. p. 194.
io6
LETTER^ EROM GENERAL OGIETHORPE.
Mexico. It also influences the Creek Indians, being not fai4
from their Towns. They had also built a new Fort called
St. Francis de Pupa on the British side of St. Matthceo, or
Alata before mentioned. This Fort was an encroachment,
and built not long since to protect a Ferry over the River
Alata, to defend their Communication with St. Marks and to
give them an Entry into that part of Georgia inhabited by
the Creek Indians and also all the Northern parts of Georgia
and Carolina by land, it being but 5 days Journey from this
Fort to Mr. Matthew's new Settlement and that but two days
Journey from Savannah. Over against this on the south side
the Alata which is there so wide as to be no longer a River
but a Lake, they had a Fort called Picolata in the shape
of a Star and a Ferry boat going from the one Fort to the
other. They had also the Fort of St. Diogo 7 leagues from
the Alata 6 from Augustine and 3 from the Sea. They had
another called Rossa with a Garrison mostly Indians, another
Chicketo with 4 Bastions, the Garrison partly Indians and
partly regular Troops & lies about a league from Augustine.
Another called Pinnion and they were building a new one
of Stone called Moosa to protect the Plantations they had
granted to run away Negroes who were armed and officered
in order to garrison the same. A particular account of St.
Augustine is inclosed.
On my first Inroad the Spaniards quitted Moosa and drew
off the Negroes. I sent Lieut. Dunbar up the River with
two Scout Boats to destroy what Boats the Spaniards had
and to view their Forts and attack them if weak. Accord¬
ingly after 12 hours rowing up the Alata he came to where
it forms a Lake being in many places above 2 leagues wide
but straitened in one by 2 Points so that it was not above
2 miles wide. On the Northern Point was Fort St. Francis,
and on the Southern Point that of Picolata. He landed in
the night and thought to have surprised the latter, but after
several hours firing and three men being wounded he found
he could not earry it without Cannon, so returned. On New
Year s Day I set out with a party of the Regim^ accompanied
by Captain Mackay, Captain Desbrisay, Lieutenant Dunbar
and Ensigns Mackay, Mace, Sutherland & Maxwell and
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE. lOt
Adjutant Hugli Mackay. The Rangers, Fannee Mico with
the Chiekesaws and Captain Gray the Uchee Ring with the
Uchees and Hewitt Hillyspilli and Santoucliy with the
Creeks Mr. Matthews and Mr. Jones, one Periagua 13 Boats
and a small Privateer Sloop, who went in at the River Alata.
On the 27th after having got over many difficulties by day¬
break the Indians surprized and burnt the Fort of Picolata,
the Spaniards having abandoned it. At 10 the same day
I landed and invested Saint Francis de Pupa with the Indians
and Rangers, and formed the Regular Troops and landed
four pieces of Cannon, posted them and marked out a Battery
in such manner that they were sheltered from the sight
of the Garrison by the Woods. In the mean time the
Indians advanced as near as they could under the shelter
of trees, some of which stood within 100 yards of the Fort,
but in most places the ground was cleared 300 yards round.
The Indians fired very briskly upon the Fort and the Span¬
iards returned the same very hotly till towards 3 of Clock
when their Fire lessened considerably. This kept the Span¬
iards so amused that they did not discover our men at the
Batteries so that they worked undiscovered till 5 of clock
when the Spaniards began to fire upon them but the Breast
work being then finished they did no mischief. Before sun
set the Battery fired on the Fort when I offered them terms
but they refusing the Cannons fired a second time which had
so good an effect that they cried out for Quarter, became
Prisoners of War and surrendered the Fort with two Pieces
of Cannon, one Mortar, three Swivel Guns, 150 Shells,
a number of glass bottles filled with Powder, and artificial
Fireworks, a sufficient Quantity of Ammunition, Provisions
&ca. for a long Defence. The Fort consisted of a strong new
built Tower about 30 foot high 16 foot square within with
a Manchicolis above which flanked the foot of the Tower,
without that a Rampart faced with Timber a foot thick and
12 foot high, filled up within side with 6 foot earth but the
Garrison was very weak consisting only of a Sergeant, a Cor¬
poral, 9 Soldiers and one Indian. The Governour having
since the first Inroad withdrawn the Garrison from Picolata
and part of that from Pupa, they formerly consisting of
108
letters from general oglethorpe.
a Comissioned Officer and 30 men. I left a Garrison in this
Place & have added to the Fortification it being of great
consequence, since thereby the Communication with the
Creek Indians is secured and their means of invading by land
the Northern parts of the Colony is taken away, and if any
party of Horse comes from Carolina, they may be here
sheltered 'till they be ferried over and Picolata at which they
land, is within 21 miles of Augustine, and the Country,
between is full stocked with Cattle and Horses.
I have received some letters from "the Trustees relating
to the title of Lands, which I wish may not give room to the
troublesome peoples making new Cavils. I have not yet had
time to consider well of it, but think it would be right to take
them into mature consideration that at the same time they
are published they may be thoroughly explained to the
people, and thereby Dissentions at this critical Juncture
be prevented.
I am, Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
I desire you would show this letter
to Mr. Jones. I have sent Mr. Horton
to England and Capt. Heron to Charles
Town to solicit assistance for the
siege of Augustine & other matters
for the safety of the Province.
Colonel Stephens.
By the examination of the Prisoners which confirms former
Informations; the Castle of Augustine is a fort built of soft
stones with four Bastions, the Curtain sixty yards in length,
the Parapet nine foot thick, the Rampart twenty foot high,
casemated underneath for lodgings and arched over and
newly made Bombproof. There are fifty pieces of Cannon
mounted in the Castle, they have been for some time working
on a Covered way which is not yet finished. Sixteen of the
Cannon are Brass & some twenty four Pounders. The Town
is entrenched with Ten Salient Angles in each of which are
some small Cannon. The Forces in Florida consist of by
Establishment:
letters from general oglethorpe. 109
One Troop of Horse
One Company of Artillery
Three Indepench Comps of old Troops, each
Two Companies of the Begimt of Esturias
One Company of Valencia
One Company of Catalonia
Two Companys of Cantabria
Two Companys of Mercia
Armed Negroes "
White Transports for Labour
Militia of Inhabitants one Company
Indians the Number uncertain
[Indorsed]
Brought by Capt. Thomson who delivered it at the
Trustees Office 2 May 1740.
GENEKAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
2 apkil 1740.
Charles Town April 2d 1740.
Gentlemen,
I acquainted you in my last of our taking Fort St. Francis,
since which we have had some further advantages. Carolina
has voted £120,000 assistance, a Regiment of Foot, a Troop
of Horse &ca. and the Men of War assist in attacking the
Town and blockading the Castle of Augustine. I send you
inclosed a Copy of my answer to Mr. Jones's Representation
relating to the Orphans, and am
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honble the Trustees.
recd 2 June 1740.
[Indorsed]
* P. R, o. Georgia, B. T. vol. 21, p. 203,
110
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORTE.
Copy.
As for Milledge's brother and sister I think your repre¬
sentation is very jnst, that the taking them away to tlie
Orphan House will break up a family which is in a likely way
of living comfortably. Mr. Whitefield's design is for the
good of ye people and the Glory of God and I dare say when
he considers this, he will be very well satisfied with the Boy
and Girls returning to their brother John Milledge, since
they can assist him, and you may allow them upon my
account the Provisions they used to have upon the Orphan
account. Upon this head I am to acquaint you that I have
inspected the Grant relating to the Orphan House. Mr.
Seward said that the Trustees had granted the Orphans to
Mr. Whitefield, but I showed him that it could not be in the
sense he at first seemed to understand it. It is most certain
that Orphans are human creatures & neither Cattel nor any
other kind of Chattels, therefore cannot be granted, but the
Tiust have granted the care of the helpless Orphans to Mr.
Whitefield & have given him 500d Acres of Land and a power
of collecting Charities as a consideration for maintaining all
the Orphans who are in necessity in this Province, and
thereby the Trustees think themselves discharged from main¬
taining of any, but at the same time the Trustees have not
given as I see any power to Mr. Whitefield to receive the
effects of the Orphans much less to take by force any
Orphans who can maintain themselves, or whom any other
substantial person will' maintain. The Trustees in this act
according to the Law of England in case Orphans are left
destitute they become the charge upon the Parish and the
Parish may put them out to be taken care of, but if any
person will maintain them so that they are not chargeable to
the Parish, then the Parish doth not meddle with them, and
since the taking away of the Court of Wards and Liveries
the Guardianship of Orphans is in their next Relation, or
themselves at a certain age can chuse their Guardians and
the Judges, Chancellor, Magistrates <fcca. have the same
inspection over the effects and persons of the Orphans as
they have over those of his Majesty's other subjects, and the
effects and persons of Orphans are as much under the pro-
letters from general oglethorpe.
Ill
tection of tlie Laws as those of any other of His Majesty's
Subjects. I send a copy of this Paragraph to Colonel
Stephens and think it would be right in you and him to give
an account to the Trustees of this matter and of all other
things relating to the Orphan house.
[Indorsed]
Copy of General Oglethorpe's Answer to
Mr. Jones's Representation relating to the
Orphans inclosed in the General's letter
to the Trustees dated 2 April 1740.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
10 apbil 1740.
Savannah 10th April 1740.
Gentn>
I was in hopes to have saved the charge of the Garrison
of Augusta on my first arrival here by the Regular Troops
and for that purpose sent up a second Ensign and 14 men
but the Boat being cast away and the Officer and most of the
men being drowned I never was able to spare a party since,
by reason of the Spanish Alarms, so could not reduce that
Garrison and it being continued, I have been obliged to pay
into Mr. Jones's hands money for discharging the arrears,
and which I desire you would pay to Mr. Yerelst on my
account. I shall relieve the Garrison with the King's Troops
as soon as the siege of Augustine is over and thereby save
the Expence of the Trustees men, but a Constable and
a Magistrate will be very necessary there and an allowance
for them, since that is the great resort for the Indian Trade
' ~ " ff p, r. p, (ieorgiq.. p. t, vol. 21. p- 2()4t
112
letters from general oglethorpe.
and there is a very pretty Town bnilt with a number of white
families without any expence to the Trust except the Gar¬
rison for their protection.
I am
Gentn
Your very humble Servant
The Honoble the Trustees. James Oglethorpe.
[Indorsed] recd 12 June 1740.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
38 April 1741.
Frederica in Georgia 28 April 1741.
Gentlemen,
- Notwithstanding the sillyness & desertion of some of our
Inhabitants and the underhand endeavours of the Spaniards
whose private Agents in Charles Town have hightned every
uneasyness. The Town contains of Freeholders and
there is more likelyhood of planting upon this Island than
there has hitherto been, being about one hundred and
fifty acres already planted besides 40 acres of clear meadow
enclosed for Hay & some teams of Oxen & Horses besides
a great many rideing Horses most of 'em taken from the
Spaniards.
The desertion of the people I have been obliged to remedy
by filling up the Lots in the inclosed form and thereby keep
up the Guard Dutys & Improvements. I still think this
Province is likelier to succeed than ever and to become
a strong frontier and usefull in furnishing all those produc¬
tions of warm Countrys which we have from the Mediter¬
ranean and by the raising of them gives support to perse¬
cuted Protestants from foreign Countrys and others who are
willing to be industrious and do not doubt to accomplish the
* P. R, 0. Georgia. R. T. Y°l, 22, p. 4.
letters from general oglethorpe.
113
ends mentioned in our first Proposals. I have the more
reason to believe this since we have had the utmost opposi¬
tion both publick & private that could possibly have been
given by the Enemys of the Nation as well as by the idleness,
wickedness & folly of our Inhabitants & the jealousy & self
interest of neighbouring Colonys. As God has been pleased
hitherto to overcome all these oppositions, I think from
thence we are much more likely to succeed than we were
before we knew what opposition, we were to receive. The
chief thing is to persevere & go on steadily in spite of
calumny, the weak but poisoned weapon of impotent Ene-
mys. I think still as I have already mentioned the greatest
services that can be done is to send over married recruits
with industrious wives, the next is to get the Mess: Hopes
to send the Germans from Rotterdam hither as they do to
Pensilvania. The third without which the rest is useless
is to defend the place by Boats mann'd with 100 men by the
Highland Company for the Woods, two Troops of Rangers
for the inland Country and a proper Sloop for the Coast.
I have been at the charge of keeping up of this as much as
I could also the supporting the Indians and other things as
usual I think no Innovations by new Orders or Laws or by
explanation of old ones. I do not doubt God would bless
these endeavours with success. We want here some men fit
for Schoolmasters, one at Frederica and one at the Darien,
also a sedate and sober Minister, one of some experience in
the world and whose first heat of youth is over. These are
things I should chiefly think necessary. There are numbers
of things which I should write upon but must refer you
to another letter particularly the accounts.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Honble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 38 Septr 1741.
8
114
letters from general oglethorfe.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST*
6 May 1741.
Frederica 6th May 1741.
Sir,
I send you inclosed the List of the Widdows now at
Darien and also the Receipt for the pay of the Troop of
Highland Rangers. Mr. Mackay who is Captain of them
was Ensign and Overseer of the Works at St. Andrews in the
Trustees Service and held that place with thirty men, when
the Spaniards attempted the invasion of this Province, with
a great number of men in the year 1737. I hope he will
have all dispatch in his affairs having waited with great
patience till the Commissioners had leasure to report-upon
his accounts. Mr. Jones has promised to send the report
by Capt. Thomson to which give me leave to refer you.
I send also enclosed to the Trustees Copy of the Proceed¬
ings relating to a Negro Slave seized at Frederica and some
Examinations which the Germans desired to be taken here,
also a Certificate for the cloathing of the Regiment for Mr.
Fury.
Doctor Hawkins tells me that he has sent you Vouchers to
prove his Demands which when he sent his last accounts
to the Trustees he did not think it was necessary to trouble
them with but offered them at Savannah. I do well know
that he has attended the sick very carefully and that he con¬
stantly went up to Darien when I was here and suppose lie
did so when I was not. It is no little thing to go in open
boats in all weathers near twenty miles and no small expense
to hire men and boats but these things will appear more fully
from the evidence he has sent over and desire you would put
them in a clear light to the Trust, for though he is very
capable of doing his duty as Surgeon he is very ignorant in
accounts.
I am, Sir,
Your very humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Mr. Harman Verelst.
[Indorsed] recd 28 Sept. 1741.
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T, vol. 22, p. 6.
letters from general oglethorpe.
115
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
28 jUNE 1741.
Erederica 28th June 1741.
Gentlemen,
Upon hearing of an unfortunate accident happened at the
Camp down at the South end of the Island of a quarrel
between Capt. Desbrisay & Capt. Norbury, I wrote immedi¬
ately to Lieut. Col. Cook and he spoke to the Major who
sent me the enclosed letter on which I wrote to Mrs. Norbury,
of which a Copy is Enclosed. The Magistrates ordered
a Jury being the Coroners Inquest to sit upon the Body who
found the matter Manslaughter. One who was upon the
Coroners Inquest, went down to Port Royal, that Mrs.
Norbury might be informed of the whole, and I received
answers from other People to whom I wrote but had none
from Mrs. Norbury.
In the meantime one Court Hay came on and the Magis¬
trates would not bring on the Tryal of Captain Desbrisay
that there might be time for Mrs. Norbury to send up, on
which Capt. Desbrisay apply'd to be Bailed till the next
Court Day And on the 1st of June being Court Day the
Grand Jury found a Bill against Capt. Desbrisay upon which
he was tried and found guilty of Manslaughter. Some time
after his Tryal, Mrs. Norbury came up & I send you Copy
of her Letters and my Answers Enclosed. She refuses
to bring any Evidence against any Person here as also to
commence any Action for the loss of Her Husband but
seems to insist upon trying Capt. Desbrisay again in another
Country. The Magistrates offered her the liberty of using
any Records or Evidence of the former Tryal here, and to
examine any person or to commence any new Suit that might
be lawfully done, but she seems entirely to contemn all
authoritys derived from the Charter. I believe the Magis¬
trates will send home the full Proceedings to you. All the
Colonys in America try Criminal matters finally in the
Colony & if this or any other was deprived of that priviledge
* P. R. 0. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. H.
116
lettees from general oglethorfe.
the oppression of twice being pnt into Jeopardy of their
Lives & carrying Witnesses so far upon Expences would be
too great for the subject to suffer, my opinion was that if she
thought there was any injustice or omission of Evidence
in the Tryal of Capt. Desbrisay which was for the loss of the
King's subject, She might try him in the Colony for the loss
of her husband and being upon the spot might have the
benefit of all witnesses without expence, but I believe she
is very sensible that the Tryal was very full and seems by the
removal of the Tryal only to intend to put the persons she
would attack to expences and to compass some other end.
As the President of removeing Criminal Tryals after
sentence and putting men twice in Jeopardy of their lives
would not only destroy this Colony but also be an injustice
to the People here I must desire you would have this matter
well enquired into and would desire that Mr. Towers and the
other Lawyers who are of the Trust would consider of it, and
whether it would not be best to take the Attorney Solieiter
Generals opinion thereupon.
The Charter gives power to the Trustees & they to these
Courts to try all matters, capital or not capital and to award
execution thereon.
I am
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe,
The honble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 28 Sept. 1741,
letters from general oglethorpe.
117
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
29 jUNE 1741.
Frederica 29th June 1741.
Gentlemen,
I have wrote very fully to the Ministry to obtain assistance
for the defence of this Colony, which every Day I believe
shows the usefulness of it, since without any new succours
from Europe we ravaged Florida and besieged St. Augustine
and have since defended ourselves though the Spaniards have
received great reinforcements from Cuba.
The Spanish Emissarys are very busy in stirring up Dis¬
contents amongst the People, hence their principal point is
Negroes, since as many slaves as there are so many Enemys
to the Government and consequently Friends to the Spaniard.
Another great point is to discourage the Planters since they
think if planting don't go forward England will grow tired of
supporting the Colony and then of course the Spaniards will
gain their ends.
The way to overcome all this is to persist in allowing no
Slaves, encourage the importation of Germans and married
Recruits and prevail with the Government to answer those
necessary Expences of Rangers, Sloops, Boats and Fortifica¬
tions. In spite of all opposition our Vineyards go on pros¬
perously and Colonel Stephens will give you a full account of
the silk from Savannah.
I am
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The honble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 28 Sept. 1741.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 15.
IIS LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. YERELST *
12 Nov. 1741.
Freda 12th November 1741.
Sir,
Several Inhabitants of Erederica & Neighborhood being
forward enough in their lands to want Mulberry Trees and
able to preserve them, they desired of me that they might
have them pursuant to the promise of the Trustees and Mr.
Graham having raised on his Plantation upon the Savannah
Eiver a large nursery, I bought of him 6,000 Trees which
were deliver'd & distributed as ^ enclosed. I have drawn
for the amount making £25:—which I desire you would pay
and apply to the Trustees for Eeimbursement thereof. Too-
anohivi returned yesterday with a party of Uchee and Creek
Indians from incursions against the Spaniards, they deliv¬
ered to me a Lieutenant of Spanish Horse and another
Horseman whom they took Prisoners near Augustine.
I am Ac.,
James Oglethorpe.
Mr. H. Y.
[Indorsed]
rec. 4 Feb. 1741.
GENERAL OGLETHOEPE TO THE TRUSTEES.t
3 March 1741-2.
Frederica 3d March 1741-2.
Gentlemen,
Govern our Clark hath for some years past laboured to
bring about one of the noblest designs and most advantage¬
ous for all the British Settlements on the Continent of Amer¬
ica which is to make a peace between all the Indians that
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 34. t P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 42.
Letters from general oglethorpe.
119
are subject or under the Crown of Great Britain and thereby
preventing their destroying and slaughtering each other as
they now daily do, besides the saving so many lives & making
the Western part safe, it enables the English Indians to act
with more vigour & greater numbers against the Spaniards
or any Nation at war with us. Those men who otherwise
would be forced to stay at home for their own Defence will
be enabled to leave their Towns by the Peace. I have with
much difficulty made a Peace between the Chickesaws, Cher-
okees & Creeks but the great work of making a Peace be¬
tween them & the six Nations remains with Governour Clark
to do.
If the Chickesaws can obtain a Peace with the Six Nations
which are called the back Enemy, They will be secured
against the French otherwise that brave People will be over-
layed with Numbers. They have acquainted me that the
fear of the back Enemy did prevent their coming down this
year to war against the Spaniards, Whereas last year they
sent down forty, And if the Peace is made with the Six
Nations they will send down every year 200 to war against
St. Augustine.
The Cherokees have also acquainted me that they are
secured from the back Enemy who lately killed their Em-
perour Moy Foy. They will be able to furnish 2,000 men in
case we should have occasion for them.
I shall say no more to you on this head since Governour
Clark in his letter speaks so fully upon it. His Reasons are
so full and strong that I can add nothing to the works of his
excellent pen therefore send you the Copy of his.
As this Treaty is of greater consequence to Georgia than
to any other Colony, I drew for <£100 sterling upon Mr.
Verelst towards defraying the charge hereof, which I hope
you will reimburse.
We still keep our ground and our Indians continually make
Incursions up to the Walls of St. Augustine.
On 1st Febry a Spanish Privateer Sloop which was sent by
the Governour of St. Augustine to Guarica on Hispaniola for
Provisions, arrived loaded with Wine, Clothing, Flour &c. off
the bar of Augustine. The half Galleys with 200 men went
120 letters from general oglethorpe.
out to convoy her in, but the weather blowing fresh, they
went back again & carried on shore to the Governour the
Chief Merchants & the letters & left the Sloop &ca Pilot to
wait for and come in with the Flood. The Governour being
extremely rejoiced at the arrival of this succour, ordered the
Cannon round the works to be fired and bonfires to be made
and sent out a party of Indians to get wood for the same.
A Detachment of our Savannah Indians fell upon the Wood
cutters killed some and took five Prisoners whom they
brought in here and so took away the Bonfire which the
Spaniards might the better spare since at the same time our
St. Phillip Guard Sloop came up with the Spanish Sloop
before the tide of Flood was full made who took her and
brought her in here.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The IIonble the Trustees.
[ Indorsed]
recd 23 July 1742.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
28 may 1742.
Frederica in Georgia
28th May 1742.
Gentlemen,
The mutinous temper at Savannah now shows itself to be
fomented by the Spaniards and that the destruction of that
place was but part of their scheme for raising a general dis¬
turbance through all North America. Their Correspondence
* P. E. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 59.
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 121
with the Negroes too fatally manifested itself in the fires at
New York and Charles Town and the insurrection of the
Negroes in Carolina when Mr. Bathurst and above twenty
white people and forty Negroes were killed. The vigilance
of the government of Virginia, New York, New England &ca.
hath prevented farther consequence and we have lock'd them
so up in Augustine that they could not favour their Partizans
in those different Colonys. They found three insuperable
obstacles in their way in driving out the English from this
Colony, 1st The People being white and Prostestants and no
Negroes were naturally attached to the Government. 2ndly
The Lands being of inheritance, as men could not sell they
would not leave the Country so easily as new Commers would
do, who could sell their Emprovements. 3rd Distilled Liquors
were prohibited which made the place healthy. Their Parti¬
zans laboured to get those who perhaps intended no ill to
bring about what they desired. 1st To obtain Negroes being
secure that Slaves would be either Recruits to an Enemy or
Plunder for them. 2dly Land alienable which would bring
in the stock jobbing temper, the Devill take the Hindmost.
3d Free importation of rum and spirits which would destroy
the Troops and labouring people here as it hath done the
Army in Jamaica and Cuba and would give a reputation of
unhealthiness to the Province. To bring this to bare no
money was spared you have had a constant history of the
effects of their bribery from Savannah, when they found all
their cunning of no Effect. They show'd their last effort of
impotant rage against the rest of the Trustees by scolding &
raising virilent and malicious lies which they even ventured
to print. Every faithful and honest Magistrate they were
for destroying. Mr. Jones gave me an account of a design
against him as you will see by the enclosed. I sent to Col.
Stephens & ordered such assistance to be given him as he
should have occasion for, of which you will see the good
effects by the enclosed. I believe this will be the Spanish
factions last effort at Savannah for the new orders to the Men
of War to act with vigour against the Spaniards and to come
to me for advice has given a great turn to every thing. Now
the Spaniards private Emissarys are striving to make the
122
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
people of Carolina quarrel with the Indians and I must now
labour to prevent the effects of their indiscreations. In a
few days Capt. Dunbar will proceed for England with the
Spanish prize he took & I shall send on board the Invalids
of the Regiments a Spanish Lieutenant & some of their
Officers taken prisoners by me. We have had a crop of
wheat of about sixty bushels on the farm in this Island. The
Yines grow prodigiously. We hope for a great crop of Indian
corn upon the Island. The Soldiers hold the spade in one
hand and the sword in the other and both successfully for
since we destroyed seven Spanish Forts in Florida in the
Campaign against Augustine, we have held them into this
very hour so that they have not been able to rebuild any one
of them.
The Darien Settlement florishes exceedingly so does the
Town of Ebenezer. I shall send Capt. Dunbar a return
of the improvements in the Southern part of this Province
which are really wonderfull considering the situation and
opposition.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obed1
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
The Honble the Trustees.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES *
5 August 1742.
Duplicate.
Gentlemen,
Lieutenant Sutherland whom I send express will give you
an account of the wonderfull manner God has been pleased
to defeat the Spaniards in their invasion of this Colony. I
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 65.
LETTERS PROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE. 123
refer you for particulars to his account and must desire you
to grant to him 500 Acres of Land which I have ordered to
be set out about 16 miles from Darien also 500 Acres for
Lieut. Charles Mackay who assisted in the defeat of the
Spaniards in the Granadeer Savannah.
I am,
Gentlemen
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Freda in Georgia
5th August 1742.
The Honble the Trustees.
[Indorsed]
recd 24 April 1743.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE DUKE OE NEW¬
CASTLE*
24 Nov. 1742.
Frederica 24th Novr 1742.
My Lord,
A matter of importance coming now to my knowledge and
having this opportunity of sending by New York to England
I could not omit acquainting Your Grace that a Party of our
Rangers having been surprised and most of them killed by
the Yamassee who are Spanish Indians they burnt Mount
Venture and thereby opened a passage into the Upper
Settlements of Georgia over the North Branch of the Alata-
maha River. I shall strive to build a stronger place at that
passage but it is not only this matter and the consequences
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 25, p. 49.
124 LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
of it that makes me trouble your Grace but that of one
of our Indians taken by the Spanish Indians at that place
escaped from them after they had held him some days on
their return towards Augustine; they told him that since the
last invasion and repulse here the Spaniards had received
frequent succours of men by sea at Augustine, that they had
lost a great many men in their last attempt which they were
resolved to revenge and that they expected the French would
attack along the River Savannah and the Spaniards would
take this Place.
I shall do all I can to baulk their Expectations but the
condition we are in is such that I hope Your Grace will
excuse my so frequently troubling you with our necessitys
and my demands.
It was with much difficulty and not without the apparent
hand of God that we made head the last time against a vastly
superior force and that with a few Cannon, doubtless they
are stronger and will take better measures. We have no
addition and the Men of War have refused to stay in this
Port.
I know it is near the Enemy but am perswaded the declin¬
ing of danger can never be their reason for choosing a more
distant port, howsoever as they are not here I have been
obliged to keep the same Twenty Gun Merchant ship that
did fight the last time for the defence of the Harbour.
I am forced to be at very considerable Expences but the
sparing of them would be very ill Oeconomy since it would
probably be the loss of the Country.
Permit me to acquaint Your Grace that if this Province
is conquered by the Spaniards the Negroes in the next will
probably join with the Enemy & God alone can tell how far
alone their success may extend. This I can say that the
knowing what a terrible consequence the loss of this place
would be has made me expend my fortune and expose my
person much more than by the strictest rules of duty I should
have been obliged to do.
I hope Your Grace will apply to His Majesty that this
Frontier may be supported or that I may not be blamed
if I dye in an unsuccessful defence of it for the being killed
letters from general oglethorpe.
125
in one's duty is all that the bravest man or best officer that
wants the necessary means of war can do.
I am
My Lord
Your Grace's most devoted
and obedient humble Serv4
James Oglethorpe.
His Grace
The Duke of Newcastle.
[Indorsed]
recd Janry 5th-
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO ANDREW STONE.*
24 Nov. 1742.
Frederica 24th Novr 1742.
Sir,
The Friendship you have shewn towards me on all occa¬
sions makes me give you this trouble tho' I am perswaded
you will not think it such since it is upon a point of great
service to the publick.
You have already had an account that we defeated the last
Spanish Invasion beyond all expectation. At Charles Town
they were so stupid (not to say worse) that they prevented
the Men of War from coming hither tho' I gave them very
near a month's notice. If there had been but one twenty
gun ship besides a Merchant Ship of twenty Guns which was
here and our Guard Sloops they would have beat them at the
Entry of the Harbour and have saved the loss there which
amounted to at least 20,000,£.
We did beat them at land but did not persue them so that
they are now capable of undertaking a second Expedition,
I have given notice of it to the Men of War but can get none
* P. R. O. Am. & W. lad, vol. 25, p. 50,
126
letters from general oglethorpe.
to stay here and unless I should punn I can't say we have
any Balls to entertain them with.
The Detachment from Jamaica is returned from Charles
Town without ever coming here.
We have reason to expect an Invasion both from French
& Spaniards who if they succeed here instead to push their
Conquest as far as Virginia and I fear if this is destroyed
they may have too much reason to hope for success all North
& South Carolina being full of provisions and above ten
slaves to one white man besides a very busy Spanish Faction
stirring at Carolina.
I must desire the favour of you to put my Lord Duke in
mind of obtaining His Majesty's further orders to me what
I am to do on these new Emergencies whither I am to take
the Artillery at Charles Town whither the men of War are
to assist according to my directions whither I am pursuant
to His Majesty's former Orders to continue to defend His
Dominions as far as the Bounds by the Charter of King
Charles the Second and to continue hiring of the Indians
Rangers and Boatmen and in keeping the Magazines full
of Provisions whither I am to finish the necessary fortifica¬
tions and orders if I am not to act in this manner what I am
to do with a single Regiment without Provisions Fortifica¬
tions Cannon Indians or Horse in the neighborhood of a
powerfull Enemy furnished with all.
Pardon me for troubling you with a repetition desiring you
to put my Lord Duke frequently in mind of laying these
matters before His Majesty so as to obtain some answer for
my remaining in uncertainty may not only prove fatal to
myself but very probably the consequence of it may be the
loss of two or three Provinces.
I am
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant.
James Oglethorpe,
By this occasion I send a
letter relating to the same
to His Grace.
letters from general oglethorpe. 127
Andrew Stone Esqre-
[Indorsed]
recd Janry 5th-
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEWCAS¬
TLE.*
22 January 1742-3.
Frederica 22d Janry 1712-3.
My Lord,
. This goes by Capt. Dunbar with the Prize Sloop taken by
him which I formerly mentioned to your Grace. I retained
her here to help to make the defence against the Spaniards,
I send him to surrender her to His Majestys Orders.
When I fitted out Privateers at His Majestys expence
I agreed and gave in orders that the Officers and Men both
Sailors and Soldiers should have the half of every Prize for
their encouragement and His Majesty the other half towards
defraying the expence of fitting them out whereby if we had
success a fund would arise for the increasing Privateers for
guarding this Coast and annoying the Spaniards and this
is the more necessary since it appears by experience that the
shoals on this coast are such as renders it very difficult for
the Men of War to prevent supplys from arriving at St.
Augustine or Privateers from coming out thence.
Give me leave to desire Your Grace to recommend to His
Majesty the giving to the Captors in the case of this present
prize the Moiety which is reserved to His Majesty & I must
the sooner desire Your Grace's favour upon this occasion by
reason that most of the Captors have behaved extremely well
in the defence of the Country And if His Majesty would
be graciously pleased to order me to have this Prize Sloop
repaired and continued in service she will be of great use
here.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. lad. vol. 25, p. 64.
128 letters from general oglethorpe.
Give me leave to recommend to Your Grace's protection
Capt. Dunbar who has been with me from the beginning
of the setting this Colony and distinguished himself upon
many occasions in His Majestys service. I send him home
to solicit the necessary assistance.
I am
My Lord
Your Grace's most obedient
and most devoted Servant
James Oglethorpe.
His Grace
The Duke of Newcastle.
[Indorsed]
recd April 24th-
(by Capt. Dunbar.)
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OE NEWCAS¬
TLE*
22 January 1742-3.
Frederica 22d Janry 1742.
My Lord,
Your Grace will receive with this a short account of the
Proceedings here with Copys of the Letters and other Papers
proving the Facts and thereby Your Grace will find the ill
Consequences that attended Lieut. Gov. Bull and the Capt.
of the Men of War's neglecting the advices I sent them.
It was by the great Blessing of God that we defeated the
Enemy they had all Preparations numbers and time sufficient
to have destroyed us and had I been as incredulous and as
unprepared they had in all human probability not only con¬
quered Georgia but both Carolinas for the Negroes would
have certainly revolted and if the Spaniards had defeated us
they had nothing but what would have run from them.
* P. R, O. Am, & W, Ind. vol, 25, p. 55,
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
129
I would not trouble Your Grace with these Reflexions were
not it necessary to prevent future ill Consequences by dear
bought experience I have all along mentioned how unable
Men of "War from Charles Town were to come to our assist¬
ance and the event has proved the truth of that as well as
of the Spaniards Preparations*
I hope this good use may be made of a bad accident that
it may give weight to the representations of those-who are
near danger and who can certainly perceive the danger and
take the measures necessary for defence sooner than those at
a distance can.
His Majesty has been pleased to power his favours on me
far above my Deserts or capacity yet let me be never so per¬
sonally inconsiderable I should be wanting in my duty if I did
not maintain the character of General of his forces in two
frontier Provinces since he has honored me with it.
It is the duty of that Office and my standing orders to
defend the Provinces I saw the danger every day more
certain and too near to receive support or orders from
England on such an Emergency therefore as in duty bound
made all the Preparations I could, these occasioned expence
and that expence was crowned with success and I drew for
sums towards defraying it, had I done otherwise and for want
of these necessary assistances of Indians, Vessels, Rangers,
Provisions, &ca. and had lost these Provinces I should have
deserved to have answered it with my life.
As I had early intelligence of the Spanish designed Inva¬
sion I beg leave to acquaint Your Grace that the Past is only
a Prelude of a second Invasion from the Spaniards which
is to be supported by the French.
I must again sollicit Your Grace to lay before His Majesty
the dangerous scituation of these Provinces and to move His
Majesty that a second Battalion may be added to the Regi¬
ment the manner of raising which with the greatest oeconomy
Captain Dunbar can more fully explain.
Absolute necessity obliges me to repeat to Your Grace that
the many expences for the extraordinarys of the War are so
necessary to be satisfied that these Provinces cannot be sup¬
ported without them.
9
130
letters from general oglethorpe.
Permit me to refer Your Grace to the enclosed Letters for
further particulars.
I am,
My Lord,
Your Grace's most obedient
and most devoted Servant
James Oglethorte.
P. S. It is from all Quarters
confirmed that the French and
Spaniards are preparing to
invade us.
His Grace
The Duke of Newcastle &c.
[Indorsed]
recd April 24th
(by Capt. Dunbar.)
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO LT. GOV. BULL.*
8 June 1742.
[In Gen. Oglethorpe's of Janry 22d 1742-3.]
Frederica in Georgia
8 June 1742.
Sir,
I send you enclosed Capt. Hauler's account of the action
he had with the convoy and some of the Transports that
brought the succours into St. Augustine. Our Guard
Schooner is on the Spanish Coast & will probably bring us
back some intelligence. I have sent the Faulcon Guard
Sloop to the Southward. I will also send out the Sloop St.
Phillip to watch their Motions as soon as I can get guns,
having lost several hi a storm which disabled her from going
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 25, p. 07,
letters from general oglethorpe.
131
to sea untill tlie arrivall of those Guns which I ordered Mr.
Maxwell to buy.
You would be in the right to have the Militia immediately
reviewed and ready for service. I expect the Spaniards will
attack us and if they do, doubt not to give them a warm
reception and make them sick of it, but if they should get
the better of us, they will immediately follow their advantage
and you may expect a visit and its possible they may excite
an insurrection amongst the Negroes. I expect you should
send to Fort Frederick what is necessary for the defence
of that Place of which I send you an Estimate and one to
the Assembly to be laid before them. If there's any trifling
in this and an accident thereupon should happen, You may
depend on it you are answerable for it. I have often given
notice how the Place was neglected. Some of the men in the
Garrison were countenanced in their desertion & harboured
by some ill designed People. I therefore desire you would
publish a Proclamation for the apprehending of them setting
forth the Consequences upon those who receive them. These
men have been four years in the Regiment and never at¬
tempted to desert till in Garrison in the Province of Carolina.
If encouragement be given them and no notice taken of
Deserters there, it will be the worse Consequence not only to
the King's Service but the Defence of the Province itself.
I am Sir
Yours
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE COMMANDER
OF H. M. SHIPS AT CHARLES TOWN*
18 jUNE 1742.
[In General Oglethorpe's of Janr? 22d 1742-3.]
Copy. Frederica 18th June 1742.
Sir,
Our Guard Schooner is just returned from off the Barr of
* P. R. O. Aiu. & W. Ind. vol. 22, p. 68.
132
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORTE.
St. Augustine. The Officers report that they saw nine sail
at Anchor without the Barr but night coming on prevented
their discovering them more exactly but the next day they
stood in again close and discovered six sail more making in
all fifteen sail of which two seemed twenty Gun ships one
large Sloop and the rest large Sloops and- Schooners, the
large Sloop and Schooner chased her and one of the ships
shewed her fore Topsail. Their schooner outsailing their
sloop ours lay by for her upon which she tacked and stood
back, the Weather came on hazy and our Schooner cruized
along shore and at the mouth of St. John's River discovered
a Spanish Row Galley who run in and was soon out of sight.
I must desire the assistance of His Majesty's ships in such
manner as you shall think fit. If I was to advise it would
be best to have some Men of War in this port or cruizing to
the southward of us when we may assist each other whereas
at present the Spaniards will engage us singly. I desire you
would acquaint Governour Bull with the news having not
time to write at length we certainly shall have a visit. I
must desire the favour of your assistance and give counten¬
ance to the officers. I have sent up to get men & guns <fcc.
for His Majesty's service.
P. S. The Bearer Jas. Howell under¬
stands the Pilotage of this Port. I send
him for that reason to wait upon
you that if the Men of War come
this way and have occasion he may
bring them in. I can join them if
they come down with a Sloop of »
ten and a Schooner of 14 Guns.
General Oglethorpe to the Commander of His Majesty's
Ships at Charles Town.
letters from general oglethorpe.
133
GENERAL "OGLETHORPE'S ACCOUNT OF THE
SPANISH INVASION OF GEORGIA & REQUEST
OF TROOPS, ARTILLERY &ca *
[In General Oglethorpe's of January 22d 1742-3.]
Frederica in Georgia
30th July 1742.
The Spanish Invasion which has a long time threatened
the Colony Carolina and all North America has at last fallen
upon us <fc God hath been our deliverance. General Horca-
silas Governour of the Havannah ordered those Troops who
had been employed against General Wentworth to imbark
with Artillery and every thing necessary upon a secret expe¬
dition. They sailed with a great Fleet amongst them were
two half Galleys carrying 120 men each & an 18 pound Gun.
They drew but five feet water which satisfied me they were
for this place. By good great Fortune one of the half Galleys
was wrecked coming out. The Fleet sailed for St. Augustine
in Florida. Capt. Hamer the latter end of May called here
for Intelligence. I acquainted him that the Succours were
expected and sent him a Spanish Pilot to shew him where to
meet with them. He met with ten sail which had been
divided from the Fleet by storm but having lost 18 men in
action against them instead of coming here for the defence
of this Place he stood again for Charles Town to repair and
I having certain advices of the arrival of the Spanish Fleet
at Augustine wrote to the Commander of His Majesty's Ships
at Charles Town to come to our assistance.
I sent Lieut. Maxwell who arrived there and delivered the
letters the 12th of June and afterwards Lieut. Mackay who
arrived and delivered letters on the 20th of June.
Lieut. Colonel Cook who was then at Charles Town and
was Engineer hastened to England and his son-in-law Ensign
Eyre Sub-Engineer was also in Charles Town and did not
arrive here till the Action was over so for want of help I
myself was obliged to do the duty of Engineer.
* P. R. O. Am. Si W. Iud. vol. 22, p. 70.
134
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
The Havannah Fleet being joined by that of Florida com¬
posed 51 sail with land men on board a List of whom is
annexed they were separated and I received advice from
Capt. Dunbar (who lay at Fort William with the Guard
Schooner of 14 Guns and ninety men) that a Spanish Fleet
of 14 sail had attempted to come in there but being drove
out by the Cannon of the Fort and Schooner,- they came in
at Cumberland Sound. I sent over Capt. Horton to land
the Indians and Troops on Cumberland. I followed myself
and was attacked in the Sound but with two Boats fought
my way through. Lieut. Tolson who was to have supported
me with the third and strongest boat quitted me in the fight
and run into a Biver where he hid himself till next day when
he returned to St. Simon's with an account that I was lost
but soon after found. I was arrived there before him for
which misbehaviour I put him in arrest and ordered him to
be tryed. The Enemy in this action suffered so much that
the day after they ran out to sea and returned for St. Augus¬
tine and did not join their great Fleet till after their Grena¬
diers were beat by Land.
I drew the Garrison from St. Andrews reinforced Fort
William and returned to St. Simons with the Schooner.
Another Spanish Fleet appeared the 28tli off the Barr by
God's blessing upon several measures taken I delayed their
. coming in 'till the 5th of July. I raised another Troop of
Bangers which with the other were of great service.
I took Captain Thomson's Ship into the Service for defence
of the Harbour. I imbargoe'd all the Vessells taking their
men for the service and gave large Gifts and promises to the
Indians so that every day we increased in numbers. I gave
large rewards to men who distinguished themselves upon any
service, freed the Servants, brought down the Highland Com¬
pany and Company of Boatmen, filled up as far as we had
Guns.. All the Vessels being thus prepared on the 5tli of
July with a leading Gale and Spring Tide 36 Sail of Spanish
Vessels run into the Harbour in fine of Battle.
We Cannonaded them very hotly from the Shipping &
Batterys. They twice attempted to board Capt. Thomson
but were repulsed. They also attempted to board the
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
135
Schooner but were repulsed by Capt. Dunbar with a Detach¬
ment of the Regiment on board.
I was with the Indians Rangers and Batterys and some¬
times on board the ship and left Major Heron with the Regi¬
ment.
It being impossible for me to do my duty as General and
be constantly with the Regiment therefore it was absolutely
necessary for His Majesty's service to have a Lieut. Colonel
present which I was fully convinced of by this day's experi¬
ence. I therefore appointed Major Heron to be Lieut.
Colonel and hope that Your Grace will move His Majesty to
be pleased to approve the same.
The Spaniards after an obstinate Engagement of four hours
in which they lost abundance of men passed all our Batterys
and Shipping and got out of shot of them towards Erederica.
Our Guard Sloop was disabled and sunk one of our Batterys
blown up and also some of our Men on board Capt. Thomson
upon which I called a Council of War at the head of the
Regiment where it was unanimously resolved to march to
Frederica to get there before the Enemy and defend that
Place. To destroy all the Provisions, Vessells, Artillery &c.
at St. Simon's that they might not fall into the Enemy's
hands.
This was accordingly executed having first drawn all the
Men on shoar which before had defended the shipping. I
myself staid till the last and the wind coming fortunately
about I got Capt. Thompson's Ship our Guard Schooner and
our Prize Sloop to sea and sent them to Charles Town. This
I did in the face and spite of thirty six sail of the Enemy as
for the rest of the Vessells I could not save them therefore
was obliged to destroy them.
I must recomend to His Majesty the Merchants who are
sufferers thereby since their loss was in great measure the
preserving the Province.
We arrived at Frederica and the Enemy landed at St.
Simon's.
On the 7th a Party of theirs marched towards the Town
our Rangers discovered them and brought an account of their
March on which I advanced with a party of Indians Rangers
136
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
and the Highland Company ordering the Regiment to follow
being resolved to engage them in the Defiles of the Woods
before they could get out and form in the open Grounds. I
charged them at the head of our Indians Highland Men and
Rangers and God was pleased to give us such success that
we entirely routed the first party took one Captain prisoner
and killed another and persued them two miles to an open
Meadow or Savannah upon the edge of which I posted three
Platoons of the Regiment and the Company of Highland
foot so as to be covered by the woods from the Enemy who
were obliged to pass thro' the Meadow under our fire. This
disposition was very fortunate. Capt. Antonio Barba and
two other Captains with 100 Grenadiers and 200 foot besides
Indians and Negroes advanced from the Spanish Camp into
the Savannah with Huzzah's and fired with great spirit but
not seeing our men by reason of the woods none of their
shot took place but ours did.
Some Platoons of ours hi the heat of the fight the air
being darkened with the smoak and a shower of ram falling
retired in disorder.
I hearing the Firing rode towards it and at near two miles
from the place of Action met a great many men in disorder
who told me that ours were routed and Lieut. Sutherland
killed. I ordered them to halt and march back against the
Enemy which orders Capt. Demere and Ensign Gibbon
obeyed but another Officer did not but made the best of his
way to Town. As I heard the fire continue I concluded our
Men could not be quite beaten and that my imediate assist¬
ance might preserve them therefore spurred on & arrived just
as the fire was done. I found the Spaniards intirely routed
by one Platoon of the Regiment under the comand of Lieut.
Sutherland and the Highland Company under the Comand of
Lieut. Charles Mackay.
An Officer whom the Prisoners said was Capt. Don Antonio
Barba was taken Prisoner but desperately wounded and two
others were prisoners and a great many dead upon the spot,
Lieut. Sutherland, Lieut. Charles Mackay and Serj1- Stuart
having distinguished themselves upon this occasion I ap¬
pointed Lieut. Sutherland Brigade Major and Serj*- Stuart
second Ensign.
Letters prom general Oglethorpe.
137
Capt. Demere and Ensign Gibbon being arrived with the
men they had rallied Lieut. Cadogan with an advanced party
of the Regiment and soon after the whole Regiment Indians
and Rangers I marched down to a Causeway over a Marsh
very near the Spanish Camp over which all were obliged to
pass and thereby stopt those who had been dispersed in the
fight in the Savannah from getting to the Spanish Camp.
Having passed the night there the Indian scouts in the morn¬
ing advanced to the Spanish Camp and discovered they were
all retired into the ruins of the Fort and were making In-
trenchments under shelter of the Cannon of the ships. That
they guessed them to be above 1000 men. I thought it im¬
prudent to attack them defended by Cannon with so small a
number but marched back to Frederica to refresh the Soldiers
and sent out Partys of Indians and Rangers to harrass the
Enemy. I also ordered into arrest the Officers who com¬
manded the Platoons that retired.
I appointed a General Staff Lieut. Hugh Mackay and
Lieut. Maxwell Aids de Camp and Lieut. Sutherland Brigade
Major. On ye 11th of July the Great Galley and two little
ones came up the river towards the Town. We fired at them
with the few Guns we had so warmly that they retired and I
followed them with our Boats till they got under the Cannon
of their ships which lay in the sound.
Having intelligence from the Spanish Camp that they had
lost 4 Captains and upwards of 200 men in the last Action
besides a great many killed in the sea fight and several killed
in the night by the Indians even witlijn or near the Camp and
that they had held a Council of War in which there were
great divisions insomuch that the Forces of Cuba separated
from those of Augustine and the Italick Regiment of
Dragoons separated from them both at a distance from the
rest near the Woods and that there was a general Terror
amongst them upon which I was resolved to beat up their
Quarters in the night and marching down with the largest
body of men I could make I halted within a mile and a half
of their Camp to form intending to leave the Troops there
till I had well reconitred the Enemy's disposition.
A French Man who without my knowledge was come down
138
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
amongst tlie Yolnnteers fired liis Gun and deserted. Our
Indians in vain persued and could not take liim. Upon this
concluding we were discovered I divided tlie Drums in differ¬
ent parts and beat the Grenadiers march for about half an
hour then ceased and we marched back with silence.
The next day I prevailed with a Prisoner and gave him a
sum of money to carry a letter privately and deliver it to that
French Man who had deserted. This Letter was wrote in
French as if from a friend of his telling him he had received
the money that he should strive to make the Spaniards be¬
lieve the English were weak. That he should undertake to
pilot up their Boats and Galleys & then bring them under the
Woods where he knew the Hidden Batterys were, that if he
could bring that about he should have double the reward he
had already received. That the French Deserters should
have all that had been promised to them. The Spanish
Prisoner got into their Camp and was imediately carried be¬
fore their General Don Manuel de Montiano. He was asked
how he escaped and whither he had any letters but denying
his having any was strictly searched and the letter found and
he upon being pardoned confessed that he had received
Money to deliver it to the Frenchman for the letter was not
directed. The Frenchman denied his knowing anything of
the contents of the Letter or having received any Money or
Correspondence with me, notwithstanding which a Council
of War was held and they deemed the French Man to be a
double spy but General Montiano would not suffer him to be
executed having been imployed by him however they im-
bargued all their Troops and halted under Jekyl, they also
confined all the French on board & imbarked with such pre¬
cipitation that they left behind them Cannon (tea. and those
dead of their wounds unburied. The Cuba Squadron stood
out to sea to the number of '20 sail General Montiano with
the Augustine Squadron returned to Cumberland Sound
having burnt Captain Horton's houses &c. on Jekyll. I with
our boats followed him. I discovered a great many sail under
Fort St. Andrews, of which eight appeared to me plain but
being too strong for me to attack I sent the Scout Boats
back.
LETTERS PROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
139
I went with my own Cutter & landed a Man on Cumber¬
land who carried a letter from me to Lieut. Stuart at Fort
William with orders to defend himself to the last extremity.
Having discovered our Boats & believing we had landed
Indians in the night they set sail with great haste in so much
that not having time to imbarque they killed 40 horses which
they had taken there and burnt the Houses. The Galleys
and small Craft to the number of fifteen went thro' the inland
Water Passages. They attempted to land near Fort William
but were repulsed by the Bangers they then attacked it with
Cannon and small Arms from the Water for three Hours but
the place was so bravely defended by Lieut. Alexander
Stuart that they were repulsed and ran out to sea where
twelve other sail of Spanish Yessells had lain at Anchor
without the Barr during the Attack without stirring but the
Galleys being chased out they hoisted all the Sails they could
and stood to the Southward. I followed them with the Boats
to Fort William and from thence sent out the Bangers and
some Boats who followed them to Saint Johns but they went
off rowing and sailing to St. Augustine.
After the news of their defeat in the Grenadier Savannah
arrived at Charles Town the Men of War and a number
of Carolina People raised in a hurry set out and came off
this Barr after the Spaniards had been chased quite out
of this Colony where they dismissed the Carolina Yessells
and Capt. Hardy promised in his Letters to cruize off St.
Augustine.
We have returned thanks to God for our deliverance have
set all the hands I possibly could to work upon the Fortifica¬
tions and have sent to the Northward to raise men ready to
form another Battallion against His Majesty's Orders shall
arrive for that purpose. I have retained Thompson's ship,
have sent for Cannon Shott &c. for Provisions and all kinds
of stores since I expect the Enemy who (tho' greatly terrified)
lost but few Men in comparison of their great numbers as
soon as they have recovered their fright will attack us with
more caution and better discipline.
I hope His Majesty will approve the measures I have taken
and I must entreat Your Grace to lay my humble request
140
letters erom general oglethorpe.
before His Majesty that lie would be graciously pleased to
order Troops, Artillery and other necessarys sufficient for
the defence of this Frontier and the neighbouring Provinces
or give such directions as His Majesty shall think proper and
I do not doubt but with a moderate support not only to be
able to defend these Provinces but also to dislodge the
Enemy from St. Augustine if I have but the same numbers
they had in this expedition.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE COMMANDER
OF HIS MAJESTYS SHIPS AT SEA, SENT BY
LIEUT. MAXWELL.* 14 July 1742.
[In General Oglethorpe's of 22 January 1742-3.]
Frederica 14th July 1742.
Sir,
The Spanish Fleet is locked in this Harbour and very weak
in Shipping and Gunns being but one 20 Gun ship one 16
Gun Schooner & the rest Ships of six or eight Guns ill fitted,
One Galley with a large Gun I think a twelve pounder in lier
Prow with some half Galleys.
God has given us' Victory over them in two Engagements
by Land and the Galley and half Galleys attempted the
Town by water and were repulsed. I am extremely glad
of your arrival since I believe you will be able to destroy the
whole Spanish Fleet I send out Capt. Wm. Morgan to Pilot
you over the Barr if you think proper to come in. I shall
attack the Spaniards by land whenever you attempt it.
I should not take upon me to advise you who knows so much
better the sea affairs but in my opinion it is absolutely neces¬
sary for His Majesty's Service and our own Honour to attack
them both by sea and land and I think the best method
would be to come in as they did with a leading Gale since
* P. r: O. Am. & W. Ilia. vol. 25, 1). 75.
lette11s from general oglethorfe.
141
the upper part of the Harbour is entirely in our power
whereas it was nut in theirs. I will make three Smoaks in
the heart of the Island to shew that we are ready. I have
three strong Boats which carry about thirty men each who
will meet and assist you. as soon as you are come by the
Spanish Fleet and come to the bottom of the Harbour.
If you see an English Jack hoisted upon the Sea Shore you
may know it to be us if it is proper I will also fire a Platoon
near the Jack and make two smoaks.
I am Sir in hopes of seeing you soon and accomplishing
one of the most noble things that has been done this war
which will redound to your eternal Honour as well as to the
service of your King and Country.
I am &c.
P. S. Mr. Maxwell is my Aid-de-Camp and Lieut, in the
Regiment, Capt. Morgan is Master of the St. Philip Guard
Sloop for the defence of this Province in His Majesty's
service. If the Guard Schooner Walker is with you I desire
you would send her in at the North End of the Island to
this Town and she with our Boats can certainly destroy their
Galleys and all their rowing Craft.
Copy. Letter from General Oglethorpe
To the Commander of His
Majesty's Ships at Sea.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES.*
12 February 1742-3.
Frederica 12th Febry 1742-3.
Gentlemen,
I received yours from Mr. Martin of the 10th of August to
be sure it was very right that a Hearing should be had
* P. R. O.' Georgia. B, T. vol. 22, p. 87,
142
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
relating to Stephens but I think it was unfortunate that that
hearing should be at a time when the necessary defence of
the Colony obliged every man of worth to be here present
and as there was none in England the Folly as well as
improbability and falsehood of his assertions could not
appear. A mistake both in the charge and defence run thro'
the whole. It was Villainy in him and it was natural for our
Council to be incited by making a defence against His charge.
This mistake is speaking of Savannah as if it was the whole
Province of Georgia whereas the district of Savannah is hut
a small portion of it. The Province extends beyond the
Mississippi Westward & beyond Frederica Southward and
the Trustees Orders are obeyed in every part of it except at
Savannah.
It was not till after the War obliged us to be upon the
Frontier that the Laws for the welfare of the Colony and the
Trustees Orders were disobeyed at Savannah. There has
been since my coming away nothing but continual complaints
between the Magistrates and Inhabitants and between each
other. These disputes have been artfully kept up by the
Spanish Emissarys of whom it seems too apparent young
Stephens is one. It was near as good to them to draw off a
man from this Colony as to get one to Augustine. Since this
Spirit has been stirring the Town & District of Savannah has
decreased daily in men. I find they say at the Barr they
drank rum publickly, I believe it may at Savannah have
been drank plentifully, by the great sickness and mortality
there, but here there has been no such thing and the people
have been healthy.
The Mortality in America is chiefly owing to distilled
Liquors, the mixing with Water makes them less hurtful hut
is very far from making them wholesome.
At St. Andrews where no distilled Liquors were drank they
lost out of two Companys of 100 men each but three and at
Port Royal where rum was drank we lost out of one Com¬
pany" between forty and fifty in one yrear and I can assure
you if Rum is allowed in any shape here the Soldiers will be
unfit for action and the Inhabitants for labour & sicknesses
wrill be as fatal as at Jamaica which will be then imputed to
the Clim'ate.
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
143
As for tlie Magistrates being unable to enforce the Laws it
is the fault of such Magistrates. I am sure here .the Laws
are strictly put in execution. Besides the health of the
People the consumption of Beer and Wine is greatly more
beneficial to Trade than distilled Liquors. They employ
more shipping Beer is the manufacture of Britain imploys
many hands who pay Bents and Taxes. Wine comes from
Madeira and is paid for by English Goods and this imploys
the poor English Manufacturer and the importing of Molasses
which is the material for small Beer here is much more
beneficial to the Sugar Colonies than the importing of Bum
since Bum is a Comodity that will sell any where as well as
in this Colony but Molasses is a Drug of but little vent
elsewhere.
I am of opinion that this is the Crisis and upon the
Measures taken depends the Fate not .only of this Colony
but in a great measure of North America also the importance
is now proved by the great Armament of the Spaniards dis¬
appointed by the resistance they met with here. It is
impossible to advise what should be done at the distance
between this and Europe before one can send over a Proposal
have it debated and receive an answer the executing of it
becomes out of season. Two Battallions and a small Squad¬
ron with Mr. Vernon would at first have taken Carthagena,
4000 men after they were prepared could not do it.
The little strength I had if they would have joined me in
March would have reduced Augustine but they would not
come up from Carolina till May and in that space the half
Galleys were arrived and other preparations made which
rendered the enterprise impracticable. The same is in Civil
as in Military Affairs, the encouragenfi of cultivation by
Prcjemium if promised after planting time is useless. A num¬
ber of Magistrates necessary among 4 or 5000 people are a
liusance if reduced to 100.
These are only instances to prove a general proposition
the important point now is to defend the Province against a
numerous enemy or else all cultivation must cease or which
is worse be beneficial to an Enemy. If the Government
thinks proper to have the Colony vigorously defended I could
with great ease have all the improvements carried on.
144
LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
Tlie first Measures for us as Trustees to take is after sup¬
porting Religion to encourage Marriage and the rearing up
of Children. Here are a great number of married people
and yet there is now in this place only above 700 men more
than there are Women most of these would marry if they
could get Wives. The sending over single Women without
Familys that could protect them might be attended with
Indecencys but the giving passage to the Wives, Sisters and
Daughters of Recruits and a small maintenance till they go
on board would be a remedy to this and much the cheapest
way of peopling the Country since after their arrival they are
no further expense for their Husbands can maintain them.
We have found also that the married Soldiers live easiest
many of them having turned out very industrious Planters.
The next thing is protecting the Magistrates in the execution
of the Laws and at the same time protecting the people from
their insolence litigiousness and extortion in the shape of
Fees. Next in persevering and encouraging the Europe kind
of agriculture as Vines, Silk, Olives &c. all which by experi¬
ence we know thrive in the Country. Accidents and the War
has prevented a large increase of them but the keeping out
of Slaves and peopling the Country with labouring Hands
from Europe, perticularly from Germany, which is the conse¬
quence thereof, will soon make Wine and Silk the staple
Comodity of this Country since most foreign Protestants are
accustomed to either the one or the other produce but it is
needless to talk of these things if the Country is exposed to
the Enemy. The sufferings of the People here have been
very great by the late Invasion and it is natural to believe
that People will not carry on Cultivation in so exposed a
scituation.
I think it would not only be a very just & charitable but
also a highly comendable step in the Trust to become then-
Advocates many of whom have lost then- all by the Enemy
and most of whom voluntarily destroyed their whole for fear
it should be beneficial to the Enemy.
I already grow tedious shall therefore refer you to Capt.
Dunbar for a full account of all things here.
As I hope we shall succeed in our applications and have
letters from general oglethorpe.
145
such assistance as will put this place in a posture of defend¬
ing itself it will then be absolutely necessary that Vessels
should be encouraged to come over with Passengers as
servants to Frederica.
Labouring hands are much wanting and there are many
who are able and willing to pay their passage for them.
The Palatines have hitherto been found the best,
I am
Gentlemen
Your most obed4
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe,
[Indorsed]
recd 24 April 1743.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEWCAS¬
TLE.*
14 February 1742-3.
Frederica 14th Febry 1742-3.
My Lord,
Frequent delays having happened gives me an opportunity
of acquainting Your Grace that every day confirms the
imminent danger. I am like to bear the first brunt therefore
think it my duty to acquaint Your Grace therewith that you
may lay the same before His Majesty. I must also desire
that you would move His Majesty that he would .be graciously
pleased to grant such assistance as He shall think proper.
In the present scituation I am in I shall do the best I can
but have reason to apprehend the worst of consequences
10
P. R, O. Am, & W, Ind, vol, 25, p. 93,
146 LETTERS FROM GENERAL OGLETHORrE.
from the great numbers of the Enemy if I have not timely
support.
I am,
My Lord
Your Grace's most obecb
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
[.Indorsed]
R April 24th-
(By Capt. Dunbar.)
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO ANDREW STONE*
16 February 1742-3.
Erederica in Georgia Febry 16th 1742-3.
Sir,
There being repeated advices of the Spanish Intentions
privately countenanced by the French, to make a strong push
in North America, and but too much reason to imagine that
they have a Faction in some of the Provinces, makes me
obliged to send over Capt. Dunbar to solicit my affairs in
England, and for proper support. I must desire the favour
of you to give him your Countenance and to introduce him
to my Lord Duke, and to esteem what he says as coming
from me, I having impowered him to present such Memorials
as is proper in my behalf. If I dare presume farther on
your friendship I should desire you to instruct him how to
act towards obtaining assistance, which if we have not we
must certainly perish.
I am
Sir
Your most obedient
humble Servant
James Oglethorpe.
Andrew Stone Esqre-
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind, vol. 25, p. 94.
letters from general oglethorpe. 147
[Indorsed^]
R April 24th-
(By Captain Dnnbar.)
[.Addressed] To Andrew Stone Esq
Member of Parliament. West.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEWCAS¬
TLE*
22 February 1742-3.
Frederica 22d Febry 1742-3.
My Lord,
Notwithstanding the large Pacquet I troubled Your Grace
with a new accident forces me to write again.
The Spaniards from Augustine have sent a Sloop with
a Flag of Truce to Charles Town & the Lieut. Governour
and Managers there have not only suffered them to come
over the Barr but given them liberty to go about the Town
and allowed an exchange of Prisoners. This may be
attended with the most dangerous consequences for many
of those Prisoners whom I sent up in the late Invasion were
Pilots & they have had the liberty there to stroll about the
Country therefore if they return to Augustine they can give
better information than any spies as well as be Guides to
them.
I sent up to the Lieut. Governour not to take this step but
I fear he will neither take my advice or obey my Orders
being strangely changed (by what motive I can't tell) for
of late he has pretended that they were in no apprehension
of the Spaniards even when they were in possession of this
harbour & refused to send me some of the 18 pound Cannon
which lay useless at Charles Town.
* p. R, O. Am. k w, Ind, vol. 25, p. 97.
148
letters from general oglethorpe.
Tliis Flag of Truce looks as if they wanted Intelligence
and were ready for an Enterprize.
Capt. Dunbar has some Prisoners and amongst them a
Lieut, of Horse if Lieut. Southerland whom I sent Express
should be taken as it is reported this would furnish an
Exchange.
A Spanish Captain taken Prisoner here in the Invasion
desired I would forward the inclosed to Spain. Your Grace
will be Judge how far it is proper. He is himself Infirm and
has a family at Augustine and desired I would not send him
over since it was probable he might not have lived to have
been exchanged he therefore with the rest of the prisoners
remains here for His Majesty's orders.
I am
My Lord
Your Grace's most devoted
& most obed4 Servant.
[Indorsed]
It 24th April.
By Capt. Dunbar.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO H. VERELST*
22 feb. 1742-3.
Erederica 22d Eebry 1742-3.
Sir,
I desire you would recommend to the Trustees Thomas
Sumner who has behaved very well here who goes over with
an intention to come back. If he cod bring over Servants as
he intends I believe he might bring a valuable branch of the
Timber Trade here. I therefore should wish the Trustees
would give him passage for same servants in case they send
over any Vessels which would be much better for the people
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 89,
letters from general oglethorpe.
149
than sending them free since they would have no House to
cover them or person to take care of them whereas he hath
both.
It was he whom I sent to build the Light House which he
executed in 10 months and is by much the best building
of that kind in America.
I shall say no more on this occasion but am,
Your very humble Serv*
James Oglethorpe.
[Addressed]
To,
Mr. Harman Yerelst
at the Georgia Office
London.
[Indorsed] Recd 27th April 1743.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OE NEWCAS¬
TLE*
12 March 1742-3.
From: the Camp on the River St.
Mattitf.o or St. John's in Florida
12th March 1742-3.
My Lord,
Having wrote at large to Your Grace by Capt. Dunbar,
I shall only trouble Your Grace with what has happened
since.
I prevailed with the Creek Indians to send a large Party
of their Warriors to join me. The Spaniards at Augustine
were so strengthened by the Troops left there after the Inva¬
sion of Georgia amongst which were the Dragoons of the
Regiment of Italica that they repulsed all the Partys of
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 25, p. 100.
150 letteks ekom general oglethoepe.
Indians that I conld send out against them. I also had
Intelligence of a strong party of Men marching towards the
River St. Matthseo. As I concluded this was to enlarge then-
Quarters ready for the reception of the next body of Troops
that they expect in the Spring from the Havannah and with
which they propose to invade all North America and to begin
with the Conquest of Georgia and Carolina. I therefore
thought the best measures I could take was to oppose them
in time and myself in person to lead the Indians and dispute
with them the Field before their Troops came from Cuba.
I therefore with a Detachment of the Highland Company of
the Rangers and of the Regiment landed in the night in
Florida & had such success that the Indians advanced undis¬
covered & attacked the Spaniards & killed upwards of forty
of them but one of their own party being killed they would
give no Prisoners Quarter therefore I have no intelligence.
I march tomorrow and if I have success I trust in God I
shall be able to force the Spaniards once more to take shelter
in their Town which I shall look upon as a great point gained
since it will delay their intended operations and give heart to
our Indians and keep them steady to His Majesty's Interest
who were a good deal staggered by some strange step taken
by the Lieut. Governour' of South Carolina which Capt.
Dunbar will inform Your Grace of but any success I can now
have will be only putting off for a short time the fatal blow
which must attend the vast preparations making at Cuba
if we are not strongly and speedily supported.
I should think myself inexcusable if I did not inform Your
Grace of the dangerous scituation of His Majesty's Colonies
as well those two under my charge as those neighbouring to
them. I dare not at present write more perticularly least
this should fall into the Enemy's hands.
Not having time to transcribe Paragraphs of them I inclose
two letters to Your Grace which I just now received they con¬
taining advices of consequence. I am with profound respect,
My Lord, Your Grace's most devoted
& most obed* Serv1 James Oglethokpe.
His Grace
The Duke of Newcastle.
[Indorsed] R July 7th-
letters from general oglethorpe.
151
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEWCAS¬
TLE*
21 March 1742-3.
Florida on the Riyer St. Mathteo.
21st March 1742-3.
My Lord,
I am to acquaint Your Grace with the success of His
Majesty's Arms. The Spaniards have quitted the Field and
are retired into St. Augustine. The Troops made a very
extraordinary March in four days of ninety six miles for so
many it is from this place to St. Augustine & back again &
this we performed without leaving one sick man behind us
and the whole party is in health and strength.
I hear from all hands that there is a strong body of Troops
in Augustine and can hardly conceive the reason of their
behaviour and precipitate retreat from numbers so much
hiferiour to them unless they have orders from their Court to
preserve their strength entire for the intended Invasion.
I did all I could to draw them to action and having posted
the Grenadiers & some of the Troops in ambuscade advanced
myself with a very few men in sight of the Town intending
to skirmish & retire in order to draw them into the Ambus¬
cade but they were so meek that there was no provoking
them.
The Indians advanced so nimbly as to get up with a party
of the Enemy & killed above 40 of them under the Cannon
of the Town.
I am, My Lord, Your Grace's most devoted
& most obd* ServTt-
James Oglethorpe.
[Indorsed] R July 7th-
* P. It. O. Am. & W. Iml. vol. 25, p. 104.
152 LETTERS FROM GrENERAL O&LETEORPE.
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEW¬
CASTLE.*
22 April 1743.
Frederica 22d April 1743.
My Lord,
A very extraordinary transaction that has happened in
Carolina obliges me to trouble Your Grace since if proper
remedies are not applied the consequences may be detri¬
mental in the highest degree to His Majesty's affairs in
America.
As I am always willing to put the best Construction upon
every Man's actions I would not trouble Your Grace with the
conduct of the Lieut. Governour of Carolina and his advisers
before the last Invasion because I believed it proceeded from
ignorance and that I should be able to prevent their Actions
doing any hurt to His Majesties service. The Spaniards are
now preparing (as Advices from all sides say) for an Expe¬
dition from the Havannah.
In their last Invasion of this Province one of our Chief
advantages lay in their want of Pilots and Guides. The
Governour of Augustine has sent a Spanish Vessell to Charles
Town to exchange Prisoners many of whom are Pilots by
water or Guides by land. Lieut. Governour Bull suffered
this Yessell which was commanded by Don Domingo de la
Croix one of the Spaniards best Pilots to go over and conse¬
quently know the Barr of that Town and ventured to receive
Messages from His Majesties Enemys without acquainting
the General who comands in Chief His Majesties Forces in
that Province. He also received Alexander Paris who piloted
the Spaniards into St. Simon's Harbour in the last Invasion
and he walks about Charles Town at full liberty.
These Pilots may be of the greatest consequence to the
Spaniards in the eusuing Expedition if designed against us
since it lays our harbours open and makes the fastnesses of
our Woods less advantageous. What makes this step more
extraordinary is that many of them were prisoners taken by
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 25, p. 108,
Letters prom general oglethorpe.
153
trie or ransomed by me from the Indians whom I sent up to
Charles Town least they should escape in the late Invasion,
and at that place they gave them liberty of going about by
which means they may have been acquainted with the weak¬
ness of the Country and the disposition of the Negroes. One
Prisoner sent into Augustine is equal to five or six delivered
in Spain since every recruit to that Garrison costs the Crown
of Spain between forty and fifty Pounds sterling.
Every advice I send up they slight so far that tho' I sent
notice to Charles Town that the Spanish Armada for the
Invasion was actually arrived at Augustine, the Lieut. Gov-
ernour not only treated the Advices with contempt but
talked in such a manner of them that Capt. Frankland in
the Eose went to his Station at Providence & no assistance
arrived here till eleven days after the Spaniards were beat
out of this Province which was very near two months from
the first advices.
The frequent hindrances he gave to my buying things
necessary for the defence and to the Planters who were will¬
ing to join me and many other perticulars I shall not trouble
Your Grace with, but this is not out of any disregard to me,
he professing a personal attachment and even gratitude to
me for solliciting and carrying over his Commission of Lieut.
Governour without suffering him even to pay the Fees.
A very odd kind of man one Pryber was taken by the
Indians and brought hither prisoner. He has been for some
time solliciting them to fall upon the English. The perticu¬
lars are in the Paper inclosed.
I must desire Your Grace that I may have Instructions
what I am to do in both these Cases. I must also intreat
Your Grace to move His Majesty for succour. The inclosed
shew the designs of the Spaniards and advices from all
Quarters agree that there is a powerful Armament making
in the Havannah and it is said to be designed against this
Place and the rest of His Majesties Dominions upon this
Continent.
I am, My Lord
Your Grace's most devoted
and most obd* Serv1
James Oglethorpe.
154 liters prom general oglethorpe.
[Indorsed]
R July 29th.
From Capti Dunbar*
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO THE TRUSTEES*
10 June 1743.
Frederica 10th of June 1743.
Gentlemen,
The people of the French Church at Savannah having
desired of me that the Revd Mr. Chiffelle might assist them
in Spiritual Matters and that his Charges of Boat hire &c.
for coming from his residence at Purisburgh to Savannah
might be defrayed, I did allow thereof and it appears unto
me by the annexed & other evidence that the said Mr. Chif¬
felle has done his duty for five years and upwards And that
the sum of Twenty one Pounds sterling may be a reasonable
allowance for his Charges Ac. and that the said sum of
Twenty one Pounds is due unto him by the Honourable the
Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America
and therefore recommend the same for payment.
Signed
James Oglethorpe.
To the Honourable
The Trustees for establishing
the Colony of Georgia in America.
A True Copy, John Dobell.
Not seeing any cause of objection, I humbly submit it to
the Honourable the Trust for their direction.
Will. Stephens.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 22, p. 108.
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORPE.
155
GENERAL OGLETHORPE TO DUKE OF NEW¬
CASTLE.*
24 August 1744.
My Lord,
I have frequently applied to Your Grace myself as well as
by Letter to acquaint you of the danger of the Provinces
where I have the Honour to command. I particularly repre¬
sented long ago to Your Grace the want of Artillery as well
as Powder in Georgia, as also the necessity of supporting the
Indian Nations of whom I have one Chief with me, and the
benefit of getting them to assist in the War. I farther ac¬
quainted Your Grace of what I thought necessary for the
defence of Carolina and Georgia from the Experience gath¬
ered by near ten years spent in those Provinces as well as
from the efforts of a Spanish Invasion of much larger Force
than that Enemy can now make. I have received no Answer
to those Proposals but hear that measures entirely opposite
are to be pursued and which I think would be detrimental
and can be proved to be of no manner of service but a useless
Expence.
I have received the enclosed Advices. Your Grace will be
the best Judge what credit to give to them. I have the Ship
Success which mounts upwards of Twenty Guns ready to
take in Stores and carry over the Indian Chief who can raise
several hundred Indian Warriours if Your Grace moves His
Majesty that in time we might have Artillery and Powder
sent, this will be a proper occasion. Whatever may be the
Event I have not in any shape neglected making all applica¬
tions, so that I cannot be blamed for any Loss that may
happen.
I am
My Lord
with profound respect
Your Grace's most
obedient humble SeF
James Oglethorpe.
24tli August 1744.
His Grace Duke of Newcastle.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 25, p. 149.
156
LETTERS EROM GENERAL OGLETHORRE.
P. S. I find by the Enclosed the Letters I sent to Georgia
were not received and I hear from other Hands that some
were Intercepted at Charles Town.
I wrote to the Secretary at "War the enclosed Letter upon
which he told me to acquaint Your Grace it was properly in
Your Province, I therefore enclose the whole to Your Grace.
Letters from Sir James Wright.
SIR JAMES WRIGHT TO EARL OF DARTMOUTH.*
20 December 1773.
Savannah in Georgia the 20th Dec. 1773.f
N°- 8.
My Lord,
I have now the Honor to Transmit Your Lordship my
Report in Answer to the several Queries Relative to the State
of this Province, in which I have not Attempted a Pompous
description or Account of the Country Ac. but Confind
myself to the more Substantial & Material Facts which from
the best Informations I have been able to obtain, and to the
best of my knowledge A Judgement I have Truly Stated,
and hope the same will prove Agreeable to His Majesty's
Royal intention, and a Satisfactory Account of the Present
State of things in this Province.
I have the Honor to be with Great deference
My Lord your Lordships
Most oblig'd A most obed* Servt-
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth
&e Ac Ac.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 235.
t R. 24th Feb. 1774.
158
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
REPORT OF SIR JAMES WRIGHT ON THE CON¬
DITION OF THE PROVINCE OF GEORGIA, ON
20TH SEPT. 1773 *
t Answers to the Heads of Inquiry relative to the present
State and Condition of the Province of Georgia in obedience
'to His Majtys Commands signified by the Earl of Dartmouth
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State and received the
Fourteenth of September 1773.
Answer to the first Querie.
The Province of Georgia is situated to the Southward of
South Carolina upon the River Savanah which is the North
Boundary of the Province and extends Southwardly as far
as the River St. Mary which is the -South Boundary between
Georgia and East Florida. Tybee Inlet at the entrance
of Savanah River lyes in the latitude of thirty one and fifty
five North Lat: and Longitude of Eighty West from London
and Cumberland Sound or the Inlet at the Entrance of St.
Mary's is computed to be an hundred Miles South of Tybee
Inlet and in the longitude of 80 West from London.
The Lands in general on the Sea Coast are low & flat and
rise gradually as you go back into the Country, but no
remarkable Hills till you get back Westerly or West and be
South about 160 miles from Savanah when you come to very
hilly stony ground. The Nearest Mountain is at Chote a
Cherokee Town about 45 Miles above the Indian Boundary
Line, settled at the Congress held with the Cherokees and
Creeks on the third of June last And the Blue or Appelachee
Mountains are supposed to be about 55 miles beyond Chote.
The soil upon all the Rivers and in the swamps is strong
rich and fertile and in general has a black or loamy mould
at the top with a rich blue clay underneath but these lands
are intermixed with very large ridges of Pine Barren Land
and not worth cultivation which greatly impedes the settling
of the Province and often occasions the Plantations to be at
a very considerable distance from each other.
* {Indorsed.] Report to the Earl of Dartmouth on Sundry Queries sent me, Ja. Wright.
[In Sir James Wright's (No. 8.) of '20th Deer. 1773.)
t P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. No. 235.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
159
The Climate in point of health is by no means bad, in the
fall of the year there often is intermitting Fevers with Agues
and sometimes stubborn and putrid Fevers and in the Winter
Season Pleurisies Peripneumonies and other disorders com¬
mon in all these Countrys. In January, February and March
common Winter Weather and sometimes intensely cold and
the Mercury in the Thermometer has been down at 20, but
usually from 25 to 30. From the latter end of March to the
end of May very pleasant agreeable clear weather. From
the end of May to the end of September clear weather but
excessively hot and often close and sultry for as the Town is
settled up Savanah River about 15 miles from the sea we
have no sea breezes, the Thermometer in the Summer months
rises to 92 and very seldom higher but usually from 80 to 92
and during these months Squals of Wind and Rain are very
common, with sharp thunder and lightening. From the end
of September to the end of December is generally very
pleasant clear cool weather. We have no constant or
periodical rainey seasons, tho often more in July and August
than at other times.
The Latitude and Longitude of Tybee Inlet has been
settled by good observations by his Majesty's Surveyor
General of this. Province and East Florida, as well as by
several other persons.
Answer to the Second Query.
The present Boundaries of this Province are North on the
most Northern stream of Savanah River as far as the Head
of the said River and from thence Westward as far as his
Majesty's Territories extend, on the East by the Sea Coast,
from the said River Savanah to the most Southern stream
of the River St. Mary, including all islands within twenty
leagues of the coast lying between the said Rivers Savanah
and St. Mary And on the South by the said River St. Mary
as far as the head thereof and from thence Westward as far
as His Majesty's Territories extend by the North Boundary
Line of East and West Florida. Our present Indian
Boundary Line between Savanah River and Ogecliee River
extends back from the Sea Coast including the late ceded
Lands about 230 Miles in a strait Line. But the Lower
160
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WIGHT.
Boundary Line cross from Ogecliee to the Alatanialia on
Ogech.ee Liver, I believe does not exceed 110 Miles. At the
Alatamaha Liver not above 70 Miles and at St. Mary's Liver
I suppose not above 45 or 50 Miles from the Sea.
I don't know that there is any doubt or dispute at present
about our Boundaries either with the adjoining Provinces or
with the Indians.
Answer to the third Quere.
The extent of the Province along the Pront or Sea Coast
from Savanah Liver to St. Mary's Liver is computed to be
about one hundred Miles as the Coast lyes, but less in a
direct line from Tybee Inlet. The distance back up Savanali
Liver and from the head of St. Mary's Liver is as far as His
Majesty's Territories extend which it is impossible for me to
determine, but the size and extent within the Boundary Lines
settled with the Indians is as abovd and has been computed
by His Majtys Surveyor General to contain about 6,695,429
Acres, as follows Viz1': Amount of Lands ceded in the time
of the Trustees to General Oglethorpe 1,152,000 Acres.
Additional Cession to me at the Congress in November
1768, 2,408,800 Acres.
Addition made by the extension of this Province from the
Liver Alatamaha to the Liver St. Mary computed at 998,400
Acres.
Additional Cession 20,000 Acres in 1766.
Additional Cession at the Congress held at Augusta tlie
third of June 1773—2,116,298 Acres.
In all within the Indian Boundary Line supposed to be
6,695,429 Acres.
It is difficult to say with any precision what part of tbe
above Lands are actually cultivated and improved, but from
the best calculation that can be made, there is not less than
fourteen hundred settlements or Plantations containing dif¬
ferent Quantitys of Improved Lands in the whole not more
than 120,000 acres. And here I must observe that on the
whole quantity of 93,000 Acres of Land granted to the In¬
habitants of South Carolina in 1763, there is not above three
or four Settlements at the most, just as I wrote the Lords of
Trade in the year 1763 I was sure would be the case.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
161
The Titles to about 140,915 Acres are held under the
Trustees originally nominated for settling this Colony.
There is one Barony of 12,000 Acres held or claimed under
a Patent from the late Lords Proprietors of the Province of
South Carolina. And the above 93,000 Acres under Grants
from the Governor of South Carolina as aforesaid And all
the rest are held under Grants from his late and present
Majesty witnessed by the respective Governors of this
Province. And here I must beg leave to observe that by a
report made to me by his Majesty's Surveyor General in June
1765 which I transmitted to the Board of Trade he deemed
iths parts of the Lands not then granted to be Pine Barren
and bad Lands, and I really believe he may be right in his
calculation. The Quality and Proportion of the good and
bad Lands contained in the late Cession from the Reports
made to me by many and from my own Observation on my
late Tour thro the greatest part of it Judge to be at least
■£d8 if not three parts of it very fine Land.
Answer to the Fourth Quere.
The Principal Rivers are Savanah River, which extends
back into the Country a North west and Northerly course to
Augusta about three hundred miles, altho by Land not above
140. And above Augusta it extends above 200 Miles into the
Cherokee Country and is said to interlock with the Tanassee
River a Branch from the Ohio, but does not join it, pretty
large Trading Boats go to Augusta, but no large Boats can
go above that on account of a ridge of rocks and untill they
are removed, it is only navigable for Canoes. Great Ogechee
River the mouth of which is about twenty Miles to the
Southward of Savanah River. This is a very fine River, is
at present navigable, for Vessels of 150 Tons about 30 Miles
and for small Craft and Boats about 70 Miles and by opening
some Ridges and Stoppages may be navigable for Boats a
great way further up And extends in the whole about 170
Miles back from the Sea Coast, that is in a Strait Line by
Land, but may be 300 by water.
Med way River about nine or ten miles to the Southward
of Great Ouecliee River on which stands the Town of Sun-
11
162
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
n b There })Ury which is a Sea Port, this River does not ex-
1S 11 loot Oil J ' '
Lho WB water tend above eight or ten Miles into the Country above,
Tide'*™ n!! the Town and then runs into creeks. It is a very
foot'a^S good Inlet and carrys 15 feet water up to the Town,
mon Tides"" which is about twelve miles from the Sea.
Sapeloe River is about eighteen miles to the Southward of
Medway and is a very fine Inlet but does not extend many
miles back into the Country.
The Alatamalia River lyes about Ten miles S° of Sapeloe
is a very good Inlet with fourteen to fifteen feet water at high
Water Common Tides, and when in, from three to six fathom
water, and extends back into the Country in a strait Line by
Land about 100 Miles, but much more by Water. When it
Forks—the North Fork or Branch of which is call'd Oconee
River and the South Branch is call'd Oakmulpee River and
which Branches extend a vast way into the Country and
turn Southerly' towards the Creek Nation. The next Inlet is
St. Simons about ten miles to the Southward of the Alata¬
malia the North Branch from which runs up to Frederica
which is about Ten miles from the Sea and where General
Oglethorpe's Regiment used to be garrisoned, this River has
a Communication with the Alatamalia River and the Naviga¬
tion up to the Town is sufficient for a forty gun ship.
The South Branch or River from St. Simon's Inlet runs by
the Place reserved and laid out for a Town by the name of
Brunswick. This is a most pleasant situation on high land,
lying Ten Miles from the Sea and there is on the Bar at Low
Water seventeen feet and at high water Common Tides about
twenty three feet and which depth it carries far up the River
all along by the intended Town.
There is a vast Body of very fine Lands on the Alatamalia
River . Turtle River and some other small Rivers or Creeks,
and I firmly believe that within thirty Miles, say fifteen miles
on each side and twenty miles back from this place, there is
Rice Land enough if properly settled and improved to make
100,000 barrels of Rice, and as this Spot is very near the
Center of the Province on the Sea Coast I conceive in process
of time, it will become a considerable Town.
Little Satilla River lyes about eight miles to the Southward
LETTERS PROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
163
of Turtle River and is of no great extent, a salt water River
and runs back about thirty miles.
Great Satilla River lyes about Ten Miles to the Southward
of Little Satilla and runs back about one hundred miles and
has a great deal of very good land on its Banks and the Tide
ebbs and flows about seventy miles.
Crooked River lyes about Ten Miles to the Southward of
Great Satilla River and does not extend far back—is a Salt
Water River of little or no consequence but that of Water
carriage to the Plantations which may be settled upon it.
And St. Marys River lyes about Five Miles to the Southward
of Crooked River and has very good navigation. The Bar is
at the Inlet by Cumberland Island is an exceeding good and
safe Bar and has seventeen feet water at high water common
Tides and the River continues to be deep and navigable for
large Vessels about twenty miles and may be for small Craft
and Boats much further, but as this River is at the extream
part of the Province and we have no Settlements above forty
miles in a direct line from the Sea it is not so well known as
many of the other Rivers but it is said to flow about Eighty
Miles. And here I must remark that the Courses of all the
Principal Rivers is from West to North West, but this River
after you get about Seventy or Eighty Miles up turns
Southerly. About five miles up the River I have made a
Reserve of four hundred Acres of Land for a Town if at any
time hereafter it may be thought expedient to settle one, it is
a small Bluff, at which at Low Water there is fifteen feet
water and in the bed of the River from three to five fathom,
this I saw sounded myself.
Answer to the fifth Quere.
The Principal Harbours are Savanah on the Bar of which
call'd Tybee there is three fathoms and a half water at low
water or better. And up the River to the Town, there is in
general about thirteen feet water at high Water common
Tydes, but there being three sand banks in different Places
therefore at present and untill they are removed Vessels at
the Town do not load deeper than from twelve to thirteen
feet and then are obliged to fall down to Cockspur to take in
the rest of their loading. But for a more circumstantial
164
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WIGHT.
account of this Inlet <feca* I beg leave to refer to the Inclosed
sketch mark'd A No. 1.
There is at present no other Port in this Province but Sa-
vanah and Sunbury, the situation of which and depth of
water I have mentioned in my answer next preceding. But
when the Country increases a little more and Settlements are
made in the neighbourhood of Brunswick that will certainly
be the most convenient in point of Navigation &ca. &ca. &ca.
There is very safe and good anchorage at all these places.
Answer to the Sixth Quere.
Since the Surrender of the Charter by the Trustees the
Constitution of this Government is established by and de¬
pends upon his Majesty's Commission and Instructions to his
Governor, by which, he with the concurrence of the Council
and the House of Assembly ( to consist of a certain number
to be elected by the Freeholders as their Representatives) or
the Major part of them is empowered to make Laws, Statutes
and Ordinances for the Public Peace Wellfare and good Gov¬
ernment of the Province and the Inhabitants thereof, which
Laws &ca. are not to be repugnant but as near as may he
agreeable to the Laws and Statutes of Great Britian. And
the Governor as his Majesty's Representative and the other
Branches of the Legislature are presumed to be an Epitome
of the Parliamentary Constitution of Great Britain. And
here I must beg leave to observe that the right of the
Council to sit as an Upper House being now denied in the
Neighbouring Province, much will depend on His Majesty's
determination on that matter and if it be against that right
I am very apprehensive that disagreeable consequences may
attend it.
There is a Court of Chancery and a Court of General and
CommoipPleas, also a Court of Sessions or Oyer and Term¬
iner^ and_General Gaol Delivery. The Rules and Method of
Proceeding in all which, are as near as may be, agreeable to
those in use and practice in His Majesty's Several Courts in
Great Britain.
Answers to the seventh and eighth Queres, as they in some
degree seem connected.
The Trade of this Province is principally with Great
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
165
Britain from whence we are supplyed with Linnens and
"Woolens of all Sorts, Ironware of all sorts Hats, Shoes,
Stockings and all sorts of Apparel. Tea, Paper, Paints and
a great variety of other articles; and altho' the Negroes are
brought here immediately from Africa, yet the Beturns in
payment for them are made to Great Britain, so that that
may also be deemed as a part of our Trade with Great
Britain, to which place we export Deer skins, Bice Indico
Naval Stores and_Sundrv other Articles.^ The annual amount
of our Imports from Great Britain is computed at £76.322
on an average for three years past besides the Negroes im¬
ported which in the last year amounted to twenty thousand
pounds. And our Exports to Great Britain only in the year
1772 amounted to £68.688.10.2 .sterling, And besides this we
are supplyed with Bum and Sugar from the West Indies and
also with Bum Flour and Biscuit and other Provisions &ca.
from the Northern Colonys. To the West Indies we send
Bice, Com,.Pease, Lumber, Shingles, Cattle, Horses and Live
Stock, also Barrelled .Beef and Pork. But the Northern
Trade is an injurious trade as they take of but little of our
produce and drain us of every trifle of Gold & Silver that
is brought here, by giving a price for Guineas, Moidores
Johannes's Pistols & Dollars far above their real and intrinsic
value, so that we can never keep any amongst us. There is
belonging to this Province that is owned and part owned
here, five ships, one snow seven Brigantines, thirteen sloops
and schooners and ten coasting vessels, in all to the amount
of nineteen hundred and ninety tons and trading Boats that
go up our Bivers and to which may belong about Two hun¬
dred and twelve seafaring men. And we have entered and
cleared at the Custom House in the Port of Savanali for the
last year one hundred and sixty one sail of Vessels of differ¬
ent sorts and at Sunbury fifty six, in the whole two hundred
and seventeen, the Tonnage of which is computed at 12,124
Tons, and in all which Vessels there may be employ'd seven¬
teen hundred seafaring men. In the year 1761 we only
entered and cleared in the whole Province forty five vessels,
the whole Tonnage of which amounted only to 1604 Tons
from which the increase of the Trade and Produce of this
Province since that time is most evident.
166
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Answer to the Ninth Quere.
For this I must refer to the account and Report made to
me by the Custom House Officers for this Port and herewith
transmitted, B. No. 2.
Answer to the Tenth Quere.
The Methods are by taking care that the Custom House
Officers do their duty, that the Master of every Vessel imme¬
diately on his arrival waits on the Governor with his Manifest
and then goes directly to the Custom House When the Officers
send a Waiter on board who stays till the ship is unloaded,
and in general the Laws of Trade and Navigation are as
duely and regularly attended to and observed as it is possible
to do. This is the method observed at the Port of Savanah
and at Sunbury the Capt. goes immediately to the Collector
who observes the same method as at Savanah and upon the
whole I believe there is very little contraband Trade or
smuggling carried on here, there may be some, but I believe
of no great consequence and as the Province and People
increase illicit Trade may also, and they have great oppor¬
tunity as the Ports are not immediately on the Sea Coast
and there are many Rivers and Inlets into which Vessels may
run and land goods before they come in sight of the Towns.
The Custom House Officers at Savanah have complained to
me that the Commissioners of the Customs will not allow
them a Boat and hands and that if they were to hear of any
illicit Trade or Landing of Goods at any Inlet or in any
Creek &c. before they could get a boat and hands, it would
be too late to detect and seize them. Wherefore I should
suppose, such Trade if ,attempted might be more effectually
prevented if a Custom House boat was allowed. And as the
Officers have returned me what they call a Political Report
or Estimate of Loss to the Revenue by illicit Trade I think
it my duty to transmit it, altho' I look upon the same to be
chimerical and very erroneous. See C No. 3.
Answer to the eleventh Quere.
The Staple Commoditys are Rice, Indico, Deer Skins, Raw
Silk, Pitch, Tar, Turpentine, Beef, Pork, Indian Corn, Pease,
Tobacco, Staves, Shingles, Lumber of all Sorts, and we have
a great deal of fine live oak for Ship-Building and Hemp will
bETTkfiS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
167
groAV very well, but little is planted as yet. And besides
tliese, Cattle, Horses and live stock is exported to the West
Indies. And also Bees Wax, Beaver Skins &ca. Area. The
amount of the whole Exports annually for five years past on
an Average is <£101,240 Sterling.
Answer to the Twelfth Quere.
I know of no Mines discovered or opened, but I should
rather suppose in the back and mountainous parts of the
Province, there must be mines of some sort or other And on
my late Tour I discovered a great Quantity of extraordinary
fine Iron ore—I believe of the Richest and best quality.
Answer to the thirteenth Quere.
I suppose the number of Whites, Men, Women and Chil¬
dren in the whole Province may be eighteen thousand and
upwards, And the number of Blacks is computed at fifteen
thousand.
Answer to the Fourteenth Quere.
In the year 1761 the whole Number of White Inhabitants
amounted to no more than six thousand one hundred. The
Increase therefore since that time is eleven thousand nine
hundred. The Reasons of this Increase are principally the
great inducement people have had to come and settle in a
Province, where they could get fresh and good Lands at a
moderate price and plenty of good range for Cattle Horses
and Hogs and where they will not be so much pent up and
confined as in thick settled Countrys.
Answer to the fifteenth Quere.
The number of Militia say effective white men from sixteen
to sixty years of age, according to the several Returns, made
to me lately by the Officers amount to two thousand eight
hundred and twenty eight in the whole Province And the
Officers are all commissioned by the Governor, and obliged
by the Law of the Province to furnish and provide themselves
with arms, ammunition and accoutrements of every kind and
to muster and exercise six times in the year and as much
oftner as the Governor may order and direct. And the Gov¬
ernor is empowered to order them out as occasion may
require to repell all Enemies, Invasions, Insurrections, Re¬
bellions, <fcc- For a more particular account of which I beg
168
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
leave to refer to the Militia Law at large which I assented to
on the twenty ninth day of September last and which is now
preparing to transmit to the Lords of Trade and Plantations.
Answer to the Sixteenth Quere.
The Forts are as follows Vizr: Fort George oh the Island
of Cockspur opposite to Tybee Island being at the entrance
of the River Savanah and a very necessary post as it is the
Key to our Port and may command all Vessels that come in
or go out; Enforce due obedience to the Laws of Trade and
our Provincial Laws And in case of War prevent Enemies
Privateers from cuting out and carrying off our shipping or
from coming up the River to plunder &ca- This Fort was
built in the Year 1762 being mud walls faced with Palmettoe
Trees, but is now almost in ruins for as it stands on a point
of Land exposed to the Easterly winds from the Sea, it is
very lyable to suffer by the sea beating and washing against
it when there is strong Easterly Winds. On the inside is a
Caponiere which serves for Officers Apartments and in lieu
of Barracks, it used to be garrisoned by an Officer and Ten
Men but now as it's almost in ruins there is only an Officer
and three Men just to make Signals &ca- I look upon this
Fort or having a proper Fort at this Place to be of the utmost
consequence and shall propose building a new Fort of Tabby,
but as our property is yet small and our Taxes pretty high, I
doubt much whether the Province can afford to go to the
expence of building a Proper Fort. I am well informed that
in South Carolina the Capt. of Fort Johnson (which is near
the Entrance of the Harbour and answers the same purposes
that Fort George is intended to do) is paid Two hundred
pounds sterling per annum by His Majesty out of the Quit
Rents and if His Majesty would be graciously pleased to
permit that to be done here, it would be a great encourage¬
ment and inducement to the Legislature to raise and grant
money for building a new Fort.
Fort Halifax in the Town of Savanah built in the Years
1759 and 1760 made of Plank fill'd in with Earth and four
Caponiers, one at each Corner, this is totally down, except
two of the Caponiers & indeed would be of little use.
Fort Frederick at Frederica built by General Oglethorpe
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
169
wlien lie liad a Regiment there. There is still some Remains
of good Tabby Walls &ca but there has been no men there
since the Independent Company were broke in the Year 1767,
And is now going to decay very fast.
Fort Augusta, in the Town of Augusta built with three
inch plank but now going to decay, there having been no men
or garrison kept there since April 1767 when the Rangers in
this Province were broke.
Fort Barrington on the Alatamaha River a large Capoinere
inclosed round with Punchions, not garrisoned since the
Rangers were broke and now going fast to decay.
Answer to the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Queres which
seem to be connected.
The several Nations of Indians in this Province and in the
adjacent parts or neighborhood are the Chactaws Creeks,
Cliickesaws, Cherokees, and Catawbas. The Chactaws from
the best account consist of about two thousand five hundred
Gun men or Efectives and as it is generally calculated that
amongst the Indians, their Women and Children do not ex¬
ceed two to one man or from to two to three therefore I reckon
them at two to one, Say 7500.
The Creeks have four thousand Effective or Gun Men and
consequently the whole may amount to twelve thousand.
The Chickesaws have four hundred and fifty Effective or
Gun Men & may in the whole amount to thirteen hundred &
fifty.
The Cherokees have three thousand Gun men and in the
whole may amount to nine thousand.
The Catawbas are a small parcel of Indians and I suppose
don't exceed three hundred men women & children But as
they lye on the borders of South & North Carolina I can't
he certain of the exact number. All these Nations or Tribes
of Indians are in peace & friendship with his Majesty's sub¬
jects in this and the adjoining Provinces. I firmly believe
many of them are very well disposed through inclination but
chiefly through interest as they cannot now be supplyed with
Arms, Ammunition and Goods from the French and Span¬
iards as formerly and have no resource but the English and
they well know that a total stoppage of the Tiade with them,
170
LETTERS EROM SIR .TAMES WRIGHT.
would reduce them to the greatest necessities, they see we
are increasing dayly and that it is now too late for them to
do anything effectual against the white people; The Creeks
say they might easily break up and ruin this Province and
even distress the Province of South Carolina. But in the
end, it would turn to their own ruin likewise. Considerations
of this sort weigh with some of the most sensible and pru¬
dent. But I am well satisfied at the same time that there
are a great many amongst them, probably the greatest part
of them who would, and are disposed to promote a War at
all Hazards and Events, and they certainly are a most base
treacherous people and in whom you can have no confidence
or dependence. I now speak chiefly of the Creeks. The
Cherokees I think are half a Century before the Creeks,
they are much more civilized and I believe better disposed
yet still they are Savages. The Chactaws & Chickesaws are
at so great a distance and our intercourse so little and seldom
that I can't take upon me to say any thing of them from my
own knowledge.
Answer to the Nineteenth Quere.
The Revenue arising within this Government is the King's
Quit Rents, And what is raised annually by a Tax on Houses,
Lands, Negroes, Money at interest, Stock in Trade and some
other small articles. Also by a Duty on Rum &ca from the
West Indies & Northern Colonys.
And the Revenue raised by the Province is applyed
towards the support of Government—Vizr: To defray the
expence of holding the General Courts and other Articles
as appear by Copys of two last Estimates made out by me
and herewith transmitted, one for the Year 1770 and the
other for the year 1773 which is in fact for three years or in
part for three years as there was no Tax raised in 1771 and
1772.
The Sum raised for the Year 1769 was three thousand and
forty six pounds sixteen shillings Sterling and raised and
appropriated as mentioned in the Tax Law for that Year,
transmitted to the Board of Trade.
The Sum raised for the Year 1770 was three thousand three
hundred and fifty five Pounds nine shillings and one farthing
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 171
sterling and raised & appropriated as mentioned in the Tax
Law for that Year, transmitted to the Bd of Trade.
The Sum raised for the Year 1773 is Five thousand one
hundred and twenty one Pounds fifteen shillings and ten
pence halfpenny sterl: and raised & appropriated as men¬
tioned in the Tax Bill for this Year assented to by me the
twenty ninth day of September last and which will be trans¬
mitted to the Board of Trade as soon as the Laws can be
copyed and got ready And to all which I beg leave to refer
for a more particular account of these matters and answer
to this Quere. But here I must observe that there is no
standing annual Revenue but the Dutys on West India and
other Goods and on Seasoned Negroes, and the Import on
Shipping, all the other part of the Revenue depends on the
Tax bill which is past annually and is for raising more or less
according as the Exigencies of Government may require
Sometimes for Building and Repairing Ports, a Court House
and other Public Buildings as occasion may require. N B.
I suppose our Annual Tax in future Ordinary and Extraor¬
dinary will not be less than from three to four thousand
pounds Sterlg pr ann: and many other things would have
been provided for in this Year's Tax had it not been swelled
so much by providing in part for the Expences of Three
Years.
Answer to the Twentieth Quere.
The Ordinary Expences of Govern1 will appear by the
Estimates now transmitted and those annexed to the three
last Tax Bills as mentioned, and as above The Extraordinary
Expences of Govern1 are casual and I humbly conceive can¬
not be known till they happen, But I am hopefull next year
something will be done towards building a Fort at Cockspur,
and building a Goal, establishing a nightly Watch in the
Town of Savanah—And which last will then I presume
become a constant annual expence.
Answer to the Twenty First Quere.
The Civil Establishments are the Governor appointed by
His Majesty—Salary One thousand pounds Sterling ^9
annum—Perquisites on an average for three Years Three
hundred and nineteen pounds f annum. Secretary James
172
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Habersham, Salary one hundred pounds Sterlg ann: Fees
of Office three hundred & forty one pounds And Fees to
Ditto' on Recording all Deeds and Conveyances as directed
by a Law of the Province amounts to ^ ann: one hundred
and thirty one pounds Sterling—Out of which a Deputy and
Clerks and all Expences are paid by him, amounting to three
hundred & fifty pounds ann: appointed as above.
Anthony Stokes Chief Justice, Salary Five hundred pounds
Sterlg ^ ann:—Perquisites or Fees of Office Five hundred
and twenty pounds Sterling.
Receiver General of the Quit Rents, Sr Patrick Houstown
Baronet, Salary One hundred pounds Sterling ^ ann:, Gross
Fees of Office Seventy one pounds ^ ann: Appointed by the
Lords of the Treasury.
Surveyor General Henry Yonge, Salary one hundred and
fifty pounds Sterl8 ann:, Gross Fees of Office three hun¬
dred and seventy three pounds annum—Appointed by the
Lords of the Treasury.
Attorney General Charles Pryce, Salary one hundred and
fifty pounds Sterling ^ annum—Fees of Office on Prosecu¬
tions and every kind of Busines Two hundred and fifteen
pounds sterlg ^ annum, Appointed in obedience to His
Majty s Royal Sign Manual. N B. Mr. Pryce having been
some time in England by leave of absence from His Majty'
James Hume acts as Attorney General by Commission from
me during the absence of Mr. Pryce.
The Provost Marshall Samuel Smith, appointed as above.
The Patentee resides in England and has a Salary of one
hundred pounds sterlg ^ ann:—The acting Provost Marshal
who does the busines is allowed a Salary by the Province
of thirty pounds Sterl: ann: for attending and taking all
Elections, Summoning Jurys &ca And by his Accounts
rendered me the neat proceeds are two hundred and eighty
pounds Sterl: N B. This Office is attended with much
trouble, fatigue and risque. Judge of the Admiralty James
Edward Powell not worth above Ten Pounds ann: ap¬
pointed by the Govr- Register of the Admiralty, William
Spencer, not worth above Twelve Pounds f* ann: appointed
by the Gov1'- Marshal of the Admiralty, Andrew Elton
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
173
Wells, not worth above Fifteen Pounds ann: appointed by
the Govr- Clerks of the Crown and Pleas, Henry Preston
and Charles Pryce Junr no Salary, Fees of Office Six hun-
ilred and thirteen Pounds Sterl 'f ann: Appointed by the
Governor in obedience to the King's Sign Manual. Publick
or Provincial Treasurer, no Salary, but is allow'd a Com¬
mission of Five Ct. on the Tax received, this has generally
amounted to about one hundred and fifty pounds Sterl: ^
annum: but may be more or less, according to the Taxes
raised, and the profits depend much on the Assembly. Fees
of Office for other business Eighty three Pounds ann:
Appointed by the Governor. Collector of the Customs at
the Port of Savanah Alexander Thompson, Salary Sixty
Pounds Sterl Fees of Office Two hundred and ninety eight
pounds f! ann: Appointed by the Lords of the Treasury and
Commissioners of the Customs.
Comptroler and Searcher, William Brown, Salary as Comp-
troler Fifty pounds—Fees of Office as ditto Seventy Pounds
—Salary as Searcher Thirty Pounds, Fees of Office Ninety
pounds ^ ann: Appointed as the Collector. N B. As these
Gentlemen are very particular in their returns I send the
original accounts signed by them.
Collector at the Port of Sunbury James Kitchen Salary
Sixty Five Pounds Sterl—Fees of Office Ninety Pounds—
Appointed as the Collector at Savanah. Comptroler and
Searcher Isaac Antrobus, Salary Sixty pounds. Fees of Office
Sixty Pounds, appointed as above.
Naval Officer, William Haven no Sallary, Office Fees One
hundred and fifty four Pounds seven shillings Sterl ^ ann:
appointed by the Governor in obedience to his Maj^'8 Royal
Sign Manual. Tlio' here I must observe that the appoint¬
ment of this Office is in the Governor by Act of Parliament.
As the Present Naval Officer is very particular in his return
I transmit the Original.
Besides the above there is some Country Waiters, Comp-
trolers, Inspectors of Hemp, Tobacco Ac. etc. and trifling
Officers of very little consequence or profit appoint* by the
Govr-
There are also three Assistant Judges who sit with the
174
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Chief Justice but have no Salary or Perquisites & are
appointd by the Gov1' during pleasure.
The Clerk of the Council Alexander Wylly, no Sallary.
Pees on attending in Council, entering all Minutes and
making a Pair Copy to transmit Forty six Pounds four shil¬
lings Sterl: Perquisites on drawing Petitions for Land,
Reading them, Swearing the Partys and entering all Orders
thereon, also on hearing Caveats and Countersigning all
Grants one hundred & thirty four pounds four shillings & six
pence. To Ditto as Clerk of the Upper House Salary paid
by the Province Thirty pounds ^ ann: Allowed for Office
business say for the attending the Upper House Entering the
Journals and making a fair copy to transmit, a sum not
exceeding Forty pounds ann: is generally provided in the
Estimate, but may be more or less, and if more, it is provided
for the next year, out of which Clerks & all Expences are
paid by him. Appointed by the Governor. N B. This
Officer depends pretty much on the Assembly to provide for
or not.
The Clerk of the Assembly Richard Cuningham Crook,
Salary allowed by the Crown Twenty Pounds. Allowed by
the Assembly for Office business, Say, Attending the House,
Entering & Copying the Journals &ca one hundred & eighty
one pounds Sterl: out of which Clerks & all Expences are
paid by him. Appointed by the Governor, But depends on
the Assembly to provide or not for all but the abO|Ve Twenty
Pounds.
There are no Military Officers in this Province, except the
Captain of Fort George, James Edward Powell, who is
appointed by the Govornor & paid Ten Pounds ^ month by
the Province.
Also the Officers of a Troop of Rangers now raising for
the protection of the Settlers on the Lands lately ceded to
his Majesty.
The Officers of the Regiment of Foot Militia who have
neither pay nor perquisites I presume are not meant to be
returned.
There is also an Indian Interpreter Moses Nunes who is
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In Lat. 31..55 Longitude 80 is the entrance of Savannah River. At Low water you have 3 Fathoms & J upon the
Barr, from which to sail into Cockspur, your Course is about 5 Miles, carrying 8..2£, 8.. J, 3..8£ Fathoms tDl
yon are abreast of the Lighthouse in 4 Fathom. Then steer W.8.W. about 3 miles carrying in 3£..3..2 Fathoms to
the point of Cockspur Island where you may anchor in 4 Fathoms at Low Water with room sufficient for a
Twenty Gun Ship or Frigate. The flow of the Tides upon a Nieptide is Seven Feet and upon a Spring Tide Nine
Feet, E.S.E. makes high water upon the Barr, full and change.
WILL?? LYFORD
Branch Pilot for the Barr & River of Savannah in Georgia.
13 Dec. 1773.
N.B.—In Tybee Creek there is a proper place and
water sufficient to heave down & careen
any Ship of the above mentioned size.
W. L.
A SCALE OF Ml LES .
letters from sir james wright. 175
allowed Fifty Pounds ^ ann: out of the Contingent Money
granted by Parliament but no Fees or Perquisites.
All which I humbly Certify according to the best? of my
knowledge and belief.
Savanah in Georgia the 20th of December 1773.
J a. Wright.
An Account of the Number of Vessels which are owned or part
owned in the Province of Georgia with the Tonnage thereof;
or as near as can be taken, Vizr:
k
0
1
registered vessels.
11
Ships 11
Snows i
Brigantinek ..'
Schooners. ..
Sloops
Tons.
% Vessels, That makes Voyages to Sea
10 Do. which seldom makes Voyages to Sea, being "j
| mostly employed amongst the Creeks and Rivers (
i bringing the produce to market and shipping from f
[the Plantations J
5
i
6
7
7
6
3
1840
150
351 Totals
5
l| 6
14
9 1990
Custom House Savannah the 18th October 1773.
Alexander Thomson,
ColP
Wm. Brown,
Comptr & Searcher.
An Account of the Imports into the Port of Savannah in Georgia from Foreign Plantations between the 5th January 1772
and the 5th of January 1773
IMPORTED IN SUNDRY VESSELS.
Foreign Brown Sugar which
have paid His Majesty's
Duties.
I
Hh'ds Tr's, bbles Ct. qr lbs.
17 246
18
Foreign Melasses
which have paid His
Majesty's Duties.
Hhd's Casks Gallons
An Account of the Exports from the Port of Savannah in Georgia to Foreign Plantations for the above Period.
Exported
in Sundry
Vessels
RICE
J IUMBER.
<8
;
Licence, and
PINE. .
Cypress
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A Ballance—Part of which may be supposed to be smuggled into the Province, in value of Foreign Produce and part brought in ) 18g3 0 Q
Spanish Gold & Silver Coin i
Custom House Savannah the 18th October 1773.
Alexander Thomson, Colli*.
IVillm. Brown. Comjitr. & Searcher.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
177
GEOKGIA.
AN ESTIMATE OF THE NECESSARY CHARGES OF GOVERN¬
MENT IN THE PROVINCE OF GEORGIA COMMENCING THE
29TH SEPTEMBER 1770 AND ENDING THE 29TH SEPTEMBER
1773.
FOR DEFRAYING THE EXPENCE OF HOLDING THE COURTS OF OYER AND TERMINER, VIZ :
To the Chief Justices Account for holding Seven Sessions 68. 7.2
To the Clerk of the Crown for do 73. 6.6
To the Attorney General's Acct. No. 1 and 2 98.10. iy*
To the Provost Marshal for Summoning Juries &c. 3 Years 90
To Lewis Johnson Esqr. for maintenance of Prisoners 8.13.4
To Matthew Roche Esqre for ditto in part 73. 5.2
To the Cryer and Keeper of the Court three.years 30
To James Whitefield Coroner No. 1 and 2 17. 1.8
To George Mcintosh Esq. for holding Inquests 3
To Robert Baillie Esqr. for do 1.10
To Doctr. George Eraser for attending Coroner 6. 6 27.17. 8
To the Estate of Wm. Graeme deceased 42. 8.10
To the Cryer of the Court his act 2. 6.10 514.16. 1]4
FOR DEFRAYING THE EXPENCE OF HOLDING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
To the Clerk of the Upper House three Years Salary.
To the Estate of Chas. Wattson deceased 7.10. 0
To the present Clerk 82.10 90
To the present Clerk for Incidental Business 336.11. 9
To the Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly three Years Saly
To the Estate of John Simpson deceased 22.10
To the present Clerk 67.10 90
To the Secretary for Incidental Business 165.9.8
To the Messenger of the Upper House three Years Salary 75
To the Messenger of the Lower House his Salary 75 .832. 1.5
1346.17. 6%,
FOR CONTINGENT SERVICES.
For Negroes Executed, Vizr :
To Mary Maxwell for one Negroe executed 25
To John Glen Esqr. Do. Do 30 55
For apprehending Offenders per account delivered 189. 5. 6
For Repairs of public Buildings pr. Do 30. 9. 3
For Expenoe of Expresses $ Ditto 9.10
For the Expence of running Township Lands &c. Acct 41. 6. 9
For several Incidental Charges $ acct 435. 0. 1
To Repairs of Fort George ^ Account 14.16. 3 775. 7.10
To the Register of Grants ^ account 20.10. 8
For Gov. Ellis's Annuity three Years 150
To the Publick Commissary 3 Years Salary 60
For the Garrison at Fort George ^ acct ^1^
For sinking Certificates issued in the Year 1761 for building the Fort at Cockspur 472 . 8. 1 Yz
To reimburse the Treasurer the Monies advanced for the support of the Watch
Company i Savannah 580.19. 9
£3820. 3.11
Usually raised for encouragement of Pilots £170 ^ annum
To the Officers of the Court of Oyer and Terminer for one Sessions..
12
178
EETTERS FROM SIR JAMES AVKIGHT.
To the Estate of John Simpson deceased for maintaining Prisoners..
To the remainder of Matthew Roche Esq. Acco: for ditto
To the Coroner
For Fire and Candle for the vise of both Houses of Assembly
For Incidental Business done by Charles Watson deceased
The same done by John Simpson deceased as Clerk of the Lower House
The same to be done by the present Clerk of the Upper House
The same done and to be done by the present Clerk of the Commons
House
To the Door Keepers of the Upper and Lower Houses
To several Accots. delivered in and no Sums charged
To several Accots. for bounties on Flour and Hemp and for inspeetg
Flour and Tobacco
To the Secretary for Incidental Business to be done
Savannah in (xBoruia
Council Chamber
the 5th of March 1773.
In Sir James Wright's of the 20th Deer. No. 8.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE INCOME OF THE COLLECTOR OF HIS
MAJESTY'S CUSTOMS AT THE PORT OF SAVANNAH IN
GEORGIA IN THE YEAR 1772,
For Fees on Entering & Clearing 161 Vessels from this Port between the
5th of Janry. 1772 and the 5th of January 1773
For Fees paid by the Merchants; for Entries, Oaths, New Registers. Draw¬
back Certificates &c
abt. as near a Calculation as Can be made of the Fees
For Collectors Sallary, as is established
In all
Out of which deduct, Commissions to the Collector's Agent for receiving his
Sallary (a! 5 Cent 3
And the Wages of 2 Clerks in the Office (having no allowance for Clerks)— 115
So that the Collector's net Income for 1772 was about
N. B. The present Collector was appointed by Warrant from the Right Honble the Lords ot
,he Treasury in July 1772—but did not receive his deputation from the Honble the Conmiis-
doners of His Majesty's Customs in America, untill the 25th of January 1773 at which tins*
le was sworn in and commenced to act in Oifice.
Custom House Savannah the 18th Octr. 1773,
Alexander Thomson,
Collr,
£ sh. d.
257.12
4(1. H
298
6(1
£358
118
£240
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
179
AN ACCOUNT OF THE INCOME OF THE COMPTROLLER OF
HIS MAJESTY'S CUSTOMS, AT THE PORT OF SAVANNAH IN
GEORGIA IN THE YEAR 1772.
£ sh. a
For the Fees of Office 70
For Sallary, as is Established 50
In all (haveing no allowance for a Clerk).' £120
N. B. The Searcher has acted in the above Quality since the Death of Mr. Russel in 1769—
by permission of the Honorable Board of Commissioners in North America.
Custom House Savannah the 18th Octr. 1773.
Wm. Brown,
Acting Comptroller.
AN ACCOUNT OF THE INCOME OF THE SEARCHER OF HIS
MAJESTY'S CUSTOMS AT THE PORT OF SAVANNAH IN
GEORGIA IN THE YEAR 1772.
For the Fees of Office 93
For Sallary, as is Established 30
In all (& have no Allowance for Water Incidents) £120
N. B. The Searcher was appointed by Warrant from the Bight Honorable the Lords of the
Treasury in 1766.
Custom House Savannah the 18th Octr. 1773.
Willm. Brown,
Searcher.
180
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH *
24 August 1774.
No. 26. Savannah in Georgia the 24tli of Aug. 1774.
My Lord,
In mine of July the 25tli No. 23 & August the 13th No.
24 I acquainted Your Lordship that I should give you a full
account of the Conduct and Proceedings of the Liberty
People here, as soon as I knew for certain what they did or
meant to do, and I mentioned that some Papers were pre¬
paring by which I believed it would appear that these Resolu¬
tions were not the voice of the People, but unfairly &
insolently made by a Junto of a very few only, but which
Papers are not yet Completed.
every. thing my Lord was done that could be thought
of, to Frustrate their attempt, but this did not totally Prevent
it, they have been strongly -invited by the Carolina Sons of
Liberty, who liav^ been Suffered to do whatever they Pleased
without the least Mark of Disapprobation or attempt to check
them, that I have heard of, and now again my Lord, as in the
time of the Stamp act, I am to be Reflected upon abused
for opposing the Licentiousness of the People and its thrown
out " Why should our Governor do so d'- so, when the People in
' Carolina have yone Greater Lenyths than we have and the Gov¬
ernor has not taken <tny notice of it." In short my Lord at
such times as these, if a man has resolution integrity
Enough to stand forth and attempt to do his Duty its like
being set up as a mark to be Shot at and Raising the
Resentment of great numbers against him. However altlio'
this is very disagreeable I shall not Regard it.
I have been Informed of another Summons & Meeting to
be in St. John's Parish on the 30tli instant and my Lord as
long as these kind of Summonses and Meetings are Suffered
a Private Man to take upon him to Summons a "Whole
Province to Consult upon and Redress Public Grievances
* 1'. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 235, '
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
181
I apprehend there will be nothing but Cabals A Combina¬
tions and the Peace of the Province & minds of the People
continually Heated, Disturbed Ar distracted and the Procla¬
mation I Issued against them is termed arbitrary d oppressive
(tr an attempt to debar them of their natural and Law/id Rights
(P privileges. In short my Lord if these Calls A meetings
are considered as illegal <P improper it will require the inter¬
position of higher authority to remedy the Evil, for the
executive Powers of Government in the Colonies are too
Weak to rectify such abuses, and Prosecutions would only be
Laughed at and no Grand Jury wou'd fine a Bill of Indict¬
ment and the Persons ordering A carrying them 011 Probably
Insulted and abused.
And now I am mentioning these matters Permit me my
Lord to say how things appear to me, and I conceive that
the Licentious Spirit in America has received such Counte¬
nance A Encouragement from many Persons, Speeches and
declarations, at the time of the Stamp Act, and ever since in
Great Britain and has now gone to so great a length, and is
at such a height, that neither Coercive or Lenient measures
will settle matters and restore any tolerable Degree of
Cordiality A Harmony with the Mother Country, and in
short things and circumstances in America have increased
so fast, and at this time so amazingly exceeded what at the
first Settling and Planting the Colonies could Possibly have
been Supposed or expected, and America is now become, or
Indisputably ere long will be, such a vast, Powerfull A
opulent Country or Dominion, that I Humbly Conceive
in order to Bestore A Establish Real A Substantial Harmony
affection A Confidence A that Great Britain may receive that
benefit A advantage which She has a Right to expect from
the Colonies it may be found advisable to settle the Line with
respect to Taxation <(V by some new mode 01* Constitution,
and without which my real and candid opinion is, that
however matters may be got over at present A whatever
appearance there may be of amity A union the Flame will
only be smothered for a time A break out again at some future
day with more Violence.
But be these things as they may I doubt not but your
182
letters erom sir james wright.
Lordship will judge it is absolutely necessary that they are
brought to a Point & Clearly Setled and Established some
hoio or other, and not Suffered to remain as they are. Noth¬
ing but Jealousies Rancour and ill Blood: Law & no Law,
Government & no Government, Dependence and Independ¬
ence, if I may be allowed the expressions and everything
unhinged and Running into Confusion, so that in short
a Man hardly knows what to do, or how to act and its a most
Disagreeable State to one who Wishes to Support Law Gov¬
ernment & Good order & to discharge his Duty with Honor
and integrity.
I beg Pardon My Lord for Presuming to Touch on this
Grand & very Delicate Point, but Trust that my Zeal for His
Majesty's Service & to Discharge my Duty in every Respect
with the Utmost integrity will Plead my excuse, But my
Lord if any alteration should be thought of, Yet Previous to
any thing of this kind intire Submission & obedience to the
Sovreignty of Great Britain and Satisfaction for all Private
Damages & Injuries ought to be exacted & fully Complied
with in & by all the Colonies.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Obliged and
most Obed* Hble Servant
J a. Wright
The Earl of Dartmouth &c &c <fcc.
[Indorsed]
R 26th October.
letters from sir james wright.
183
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
17 Junk 1775.
No. 49. Say. in Georgia the 17 of June 1775.
My Lord,
. It gives me much concern to acquaint Your Lordship that
on Thursday the 13th Inst, the Liberty Folks here assembled
in the- Town of Sav. and put up a Liberty Tree and a Flagg
and in th ^Evening paraded about the Town I am informed
to the number of 300, some say 400. The pretence of the
Meeting was to enforce their proscription against the four
persons mention'd in the Affidavits inclos'd in my last, but no
outrage was committed, as two of them were really going
away before they were proscrib'd and the other two fell on
some method of making their Peace with them.
This happened My Lord on the 1st day of the Meeting of
the Court of Sessions, when the Chief Justice gave an excel¬
lent charge very properly adapted to the present times,
However the Liberty Tree and Flagg were kept up from
Tuesday Morning till now and is still flying in contempt and
defiance of the Court and of all Law and Government and
which here as well as elsewhere seems now nearly at an end
And it has been debated whether or not to stop the Courts
and shut up the Port but this I am assured is laid aside for
the present although very probably wil^be resumed hereafter.
But they have entered into an Association as Your Lordship
will see by the inclosed Paper and whatever is agreed upon
by the Continental Congress, will undoubtedly be adopted
and carried into execution here, and will meet with little or
no opposition, for those who disapprove of these things and
wish well to Government say " Why should they expose their
lives and properties to the resentment of the people when no
support or protection is given them by Government" And
therefore they find it most prudent to waive opposition and
remain quiet.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Iud. vol. 236.
184
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Your Lordship will see that there is soon to be Meetings
in every part of the Province and at Savanah on the 22d
inst. in order to choose Delegates to meet in Provincial Con¬
gress at Savanah on the 4th of July, at which Meeting
I suppose they will entirely approve of whatever n^ay be
determined upon by the Continental Congress And as they
see by my letter to Your Lordship of the 24 Aug. 1774 No.
26 which has been published that I mention the bad conse¬
quences of these Meetings and Cabals and find that no
Notice has been taken of these matters and nothing done to
prevent them they presume that they are either not unlawful
or that there is no power to prevent them and Proclamations
Ac. are only laughed at and I must beg leave to repeat that
Your Lordship cannot possibly conceive the dangerous con¬
sequences of suffering the Governor's letters to be made
public and it is just hanging them out and exposing them to
the resentment of an enraged people who are ready to tear
any man to pieces who writes anything contrary to their
opinions or in opposition to their measures or schemes.
I have laid a state of the proceedings of all the Liberty
People before His Majty's Council and desired their opinions
and advice what was proper to be done. Whether any Legal
steps or whether by Proclamation to take notice of their
conduct and point out the illegality and dangerous conse¬
quences of such proceedings, When all that were present
(six) were unanimous in opinion " that no Legal steps should
be taken because as things are circumstanced no prosecutions
would prove effectuqi and it would only exasperate and
inflame. They were also clearly of opinion that issuing such
a Proclamation would only be held in contempt and expose
the weakness of the executive powers and that unsupported
as we are A threatned from the next Province, they advised
that no steps whatever should be taken, but to represent
a state of all their transactions and facts to Your Lordship"
Which I have done in my last letter No. 48, And now in this
letter, this is very galling, And it is humbly submitted to
Your Lordship what is most proper to be done and necessity
seems to require that it be speedily.
We have accounts from Carolina that they have agreed to
letters from sir james wright. 1§5
raise two Regiments of foot of 750 each and one of horse
of 500.
My Lord I presume again to repeat my humble request to
have leave to return to England, and have the honor to be
with perfect esteem My Lord, Your Lordship's
most obliged & most obed1 Sep
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth &c &c &c.
[Indorsed]
R 27th July.
[In Gov. Wright's No. 49.]
A number of the Inhabitants of the Town and district of
Savannah and also of several other parishes within this
Province having assembled together and taking into consid¬
eration the alarming heighth to which the present contest
between Great Britain and America is risen and reflecting on
the danger of instigated insurrections among themselves
were of opinion, That prudence and common safety suggest
the immediate adoption of some, measures within this
Province; They therefore entered into and subscribed the
following Association Being persuaded that the salvation
of the rights and liberties of America depend under God on
the firm union of*the Inhabitants, in its vigorous prosecution
of the measures necessary for its safety and convinced of the
necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which
attend the dissolution of the powers of government; We
freemen, freeholders and inhabitants (of ;,4he Province of
Georgia, being greatly alarmed at the a^hved design of the
Ministry to raise a revenue in America and shocked by the
bloody scene now acting in the Massachusetts Bay, Do, in
the most solemn manner, resolve never to become Slaves,
and do associate under all the ties' of religion, honour and
love to our country to adopt and endeavour to carry into
execution, whatever may be recommended by the Continental
Congress or resolved upon by our Provincial Convention that
shall be appointed for the purpose of preserving our Consti¬
tution and opposing the execution of the several .arbitrary
and oppressive Acts of the British Parliament, until a recon-
186
letters erom sir james wright.
ciliation between Great Britain and America, on constitutional
principles, which we most ardently desire, can be obtained;
and that we will in all things follow the advice of our General
Committee to be appointed, respecting the purposes aforesaid
the preservation of peace and good order and the safety
of individuals and private property.
And also came into the following Resolves
First, That the foregoing Association be strongly recom¬
mended to the inhabitants of the several parishes and
districts within this Province; and also that a Committee be
appointed among themselves to carry the said measures into
execution.
Second, That it is highly expedient that a General Provin¬
cial Congress be held at Savannah on the first Tuesday in
July next and that it be recommended that each Parish and
district elect Delegates to attend the same.
Third, That the inhabitants of this Town and District
meet at Savannah on the twenty second day of June instant,
to choose Delegates to attend in the Provincial Congress and
also to elect a Committee for enforcing the foregoing Associa¬
tion.
By Order of the Meeting
N. W. Jones, Chairman.
Extract from
The Georgia Gazette, No. 610
Wednesday June 14 1775.
letters from sir james wright.
187
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
17 june 1775.
Sayanah in Georgia the 17th of June 1775.
No. 50.
My Lord,
I have lately received a letter from General Gage of which
the inclosed is a Copy, and the situation of affairs here, being
so much altered within these six weeks past and the number
so small, it is the opinion of the Council in General and in
which I concur that sending for so few would answer no good
purpose but might inflame the whole Province, and altho' an
100 men 12 or 15 months ago would have done it is not the
case now, and that they would be lyable to continual insults
having no Fort or other place of shelter whatever; And there¬
fore it was judged most advisable not to send for any, at least
till we know the result of the Continental Congress and see
how things are like to go on, so that this matter My Lord has
not been made public, And the Cruizer Your Lordship
mentions in your Letter No. 18 I have not yet heard any
thing of, and the gentlemen of the Council my Lord seem to
be of opinion that less , than 500 will not be sufficient or
effectual, and that unless our Neighbours are kept at home its
difficult to say what number might be sufficient and that
there should be two sloops of war or one sloop and an armed
Schooner, but really My Lord these armed Schooners are so
small that they are of very little use.
And we are also of opinion that a Fort should be erected
on some proper part of the Common, with buildings and bar¬
racks suitable for such number of men, as it may be thought
necessary to send, if any should, And then the Governor and
Officers would be in a state of security, whereas now they
are and must be exposed to every kind of insult and violence
the people may choose to offer them.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 236.
188
LETTERS ER0M SIR JAMES "BRIGHT.
I have the honor to be with perfect esteem, My Lord,
Yonr Lordship's
most obliged and obed1 Servant
J a. Wright.
P. S. I should hope this letter may not be made public, as
I'm sure it would give great offence.
[ Indorsed]
B 27 July.
(1 In closure.)
[In Sir Jas. Wright's letter No. 50.]
Copy of General Gage's letter.
received 29 May 1775.
Boston 16 April 1775.
Sir,
I am to acquaint you that I have received His Majesty's
Orders to send to Your Province from the Garrison of St.
Augustine a Detachment of 100 men and Officers in Propor¬
tion. I now take the liberty to inclose you Orders to the
Commanding Officer for that purpose, which please to forward
as soon as convenient and wherein you will see the Command¬
ing Officer of the Detachment will be ordered to consult you
upon the means he may be employed most usefully for His
Majesty's service. You will be so good as give him such
directions as may put him in the way of getting to you as
soon as may be.
I have the honor to be &c
Thos. Gage.
letters from sir james wright.
189
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
20 june 1775.
No. 51. Sav. in Georgia 20 June 1775.
My Lord,
The Liberty people liave now got another pretence for
raising men, they assert that Mr. Stuart the Superintendant
has been endeavouring to raise the Cherokee Indians to come
down against them, this they alledge that they have got
undoubted proof of, and all he can say will not convince
them to the Contrary, his Friends in Charles Town gave him
a hint, and he left that and came here but they sent some
of their party here who have so inflam'd & enrag'd our
People, that he did not think himself- safe, and His Maj¬
esty's armed Schooner. St. John having put in from Provi¬
dence, he went on board her & I suppose by this time is
saild for St. Augustine. And several Boats full of men from
the Carolina side, have been down at our Inlet some days,
the Accounts differ as to No. some call them 50 others 80 all
well completely arm'd. Some alledge their intention was
to seize on Mr. Stuart which very probably was part of their
errand, But I believe they have another point in view and
that is 3 Vessells being expected here from London and a
considerable quantity of Gun Powder being on board for the
Indian Trade, they intend to seize on that & carry it to Caro¬
lina and this is certainly in their power to do and its not
possible to prevent it, if attempted and one of these Vessells
arrived here on Saturday the 18th inst. the Capt. one Ash
informs me that several Boats lay off a little way from him &
that one with 3 or 4 men came on board and one of them
inquir'd whether he had any Gun Powder on board and on
showing his Cockets and their finding he had none they
behaved very civilly and went away, but made great inquiry
after another ship one Maitland who has a large quantity
of Gun Powder on board and it is said they intend to watch
^ * r, u. o. Aw. a W, Ilia, voj, 2^0,
190
letters from sir james wright.
our Inlet till the others come and to take out all the Gun
Powder And if that is the case I am much afraid it will em¬
barrass us with the Indians for thej have for some time being
very impatient for their usual supplys and in order to pacify
them I have told them that the difference we had with them
last year prevented the Merchants from sending for goods,
that none was wrote for till after our disputes were settled in
Octr last and that it takes a great while for ships to carry
letters and orders from hence to England and that then the
goods would be to make (I told them this to gain time) and
afterwards be sent here and that sometimes ships have very
long passages and we could not depend on a supply till late
in the summer and with this they were tolerably well satisfied,
but if they are now disappointed they will conclude we have
some design against them and I can't tell what mjiy be the
consequence for they are a very jealous suspicious people
and as they have been told by the Chickesaw Indians that
the White people are going to join the Chactaws against them
it may confirm that report and thus Your Lordship sees the
state we are in in every respect and no King's Sloop or
Cruizer heard of yet. By the inclosed Paper Your Lordship
will see the*extraordinary Resolves by the People in Charlotte
Town Mecklenburg County and I should not be surprized if
the same should be done every where else.
I have the honor to be with perfect esteem My Lord
Your Lordship's
most obliged and
obedient Servant
Ja. Wright,
[Indorsed]
R 27th July.
letters from sir james wright.
191
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
8 .july 1775.
No. 52. Sayanah in Georgia the 8th July 1775.
My Lord,
I had the honor to write Your Lordship very fully in my
Letters Nos. 47, 48, 49 50 A 51 all which I Confirm and begg
Leave to refer Your Lordship to those Letters for the State
of Affairs in this Province at that Time, Since which a Pretty
Extraordinary Procedure has happened at the Port of Sun-
bury for the Particulars of which Your Lordship will Please
to be referr'd to the Inclosd Copys of the depositions of Mr.
Kitchen the Collector A Mr. Antrobus the Comptroller &
Searcher at that Port this Matter I laid before the Council
whose Opinions A Advice your Lordship will see by the
Extracts of the Minutes of Council of the 4th Inst.
I wrote Your Lordship in my Letter No. 51 that our Inlet
was Guarded by Boats with Many Arm'd Men from Carolina,
Since which several have gone down there from Savanah: all
waiting the Arrival of a Ship Expected from London with
Gun Powder, it is said to seize upon the Gun Powder, those
from Carolina to take the Gun Powder out belonging to the
Inhabitants of their Province and those from hence to take
out the Powder belonging to the inhabitants of this Province,
at least this is what is given out. And Capt. Grant in His
Majestys Armd Schooner having calld in here The Liberty
Gentlemen have fitted out a Schooner some say with 8 A
some with 10 Carriage Guns Many Swivels A 50 Men. Capt.
Grant is saild A no Vessel sent here yet by Admiral Graves
And when in Council on the 4 Inst. Mr. Baillie the Commis¬
sary (in whose Charge the Guns Ac. belonging to His Majesty
are) came there A Inform'd me that a Great Many People
were taking A Carrying away some of the Guns, Carriages,
Shot Ac. for the Particulars of which I begg leave to referr
to the Inclosd Copys of Affidavits and to the Inclosd Extract
of the Minute of Council Relative thereto.
* f, R, 0, Aw, d W, Iwd. vol, 236,
192
letters from sir james wright,
And My Lord I have Just been informd that Mr. Barnard
Elliott (a Capt. in the Troops Raising by South Carolina) is
in the back Parts of this Province Inlisting Men without
having made the least Application to me, or taking any
Notice at all. Am also Informd that the Committee in
Charles Town, or Council of Safety (as they call themselves)
it is not Certain which have, Appointed three Persons as
Superintendants or Managers of the Indian Affairs in the
Creek Country, and also three to Manage the Indian Affairs
in the Cherokee Country, which Matters I also Laid before
the Council and Your Lordship will see their Opinions &
Advice by the Inclos'd Extract of the Minutes And thus
Your Lordship, sees that the Powers' of Government are
wrested out of my Hands, that Law A Government are nearly
if not quite annihilated & a mere Nominal Governor can be
of little use A to me a most disagreeable Situation & its not
in my Power to Support either any Longer, the Principal
Reasons of this Great A sudden Change A falling off, I gave
Your Lordship in the above Letters referrd to, And Your
Lordship will best Judge what is Necessary or Proper to be
done. My Lord Pardon me, but the more I think of the
Present State of Affairs between Great Britain & the Colonies,
the more I am Convinced of the Propriety of what I men¬
tioned in my Letter of the 24 of August No. 26.
The Provincial Congress is now sitting here And Yesterday
I reed the Inclosd Application from them to wThich Your
Lordship will see my Answer and had I not done so, I Pre¬
sume they would (as in other Provinces) have Appointed one
themselves. I am Informd Delegates are chosen to Proceed
Immediately to Philadelphia and that our Ports A Courts
are to be shut up, which I believe, altho I Cannot Positively
assert it, as Nothing is yet Publishd or made Public.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most oblig'd A most obed1 Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 19th August,
letters from sir james wright.
193.
[In Sir James Wright's (No. 52) of 8th July 1775.]
Georgia,
To His Excellency Sir James Wright Bart Captain General
Governor and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesties
said Province Chancellor and Ordinary of the same
May it Please Your Excellency
The Provincial Congress deeply concerned at the Present
Alarming State of Affairs and distresses of America, humbly
reqeust that Your Excellency would Appoint a day of East¬
ing and Prayer to be Observed throughout this Province,
That a happy reconciliation may soon take Place between
America and the Parent State, And that under the Auspicious
Beign of His Majesty and his Descendants both Countrys
may remain United, Virtuous, Free and happy untill time
shall be no more.
By order of the Congress
Archd Bullock President.
Dated in Provincial Congress )
the 7th day of July 1775. j
My Answer, Gentn-
I have taken the Opinion of His Majtys Council relative to
the request made by the Gentn who have assembled together,
by the Name of a Provincial Congress, and must Premise
that I cannot Consider that Meeting as Constitutional, But
as the request is Expressed in such Loyal and Dutifull Terms,
and the Ends proposed being Such as Every Good Man must
most ardently wish for I will Certainly appoint a Day of
Easting and Prayer to be Observed throughout this Province.
Ja. Wright, Savh 7th July 1775.
To Stephen Drayton Junr and the other Gentlemen who
waited on the Governor.
13
194
letters from sir james wright.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
10 july 1775.
No. 53. Savanah in Georgia the 10th of July 1775.
My Lord,
Since Writing my Last of the 8th Inst. Capt. Maitland
Arrivd, the Warlike Schooner fitted out as Mentioned before
went to Sea and met with the Ship about 4 Leagues from the
Bar Conductd her in & then took out all the Gun Powder on
Board Amounting to about Six Tons as the Capt. tells me and
which is now in the Hands of the Liberty People here who
Forcibly Hold it against the Owners. The Capt. is going to
make a Protest against them which if done before the Vessel
(by which this is to go) Sails, I shall send Your Lordship a
Copy of it for your more Particular Information. I am also
to Acquaint Your Lordship that the Sandwich Packet Arrivd
at Charles Town on the second Inst. When Your Lordsnip's
Letters and those from Mr. Pownall & indeed every Letter
directed to me both Public & Private were seized upon &
opend in Charles Town it on the Evening of the 8tli Inst.
I reeeiv'd them seald up again by the Deputy Post Master
General in Charles Town and Indors'd thus "Opened by the
Committee of Inspection at Charles Town" G. Roupell.
I must also Acquaint Your Lordship that a Committee
from the Provincial Congress now sitting here, was sent to
the Post Office, Who Order'd the Deputy Post Master here,
not to send me any of my Letters, but after the Congress had
Deliberated on the Matter, a Message was sent to the Post
Master that he might deliver them, And I accordingly receivd
them after about an Hour's Detention so that Your Lordship
sees there is an End of all Correspondence And I cannot
Attempt to send any Answers to Your Lordships Letters in
Future from Hence by the Post to Charles Town in order to
go by the Packet, for were I to do it, they would Certainly
be intercepted. . The Letters now receivd from Your Lordship
* P, 11. O. Am. & W, lull, yoi, VtSti,
letters from sir james wright.
195
are only the Original and Duplicate of Your Lordships Cir¬
cular Letter of the 15th of April last, signifying His Majesty's
Pleasure that the orders of the Commander in Chief of the
King's Forces in N° America, And Under him of the Major
Generals & Brigadier Generals, Shall be Supreme in all Cases
relative to the Operation of the the said Troops & be Obeyed
Accordingly, Which will Certainly be duly Observed by me.
It being Impossible My Lord for me to submit to these
daily Insults, I must again request His Majesty will be
Graciously Pleasd to Give me Leave to return to England.
My Lord I Cannot write with Freedom or have Several
things to say. God Grant Conciliatory Measures may take
place, And I Conceive there is not an hour to be lost, the
State of Affairs will not Admit of the least delay.
I am this Moment Informd that the Congress intend to
Baise 300 Men. Mr. Habersham is gone to Philadelphia for
the recovery of his Health and I begin to think a King's
Governor has little or no business here.
I have the Honor to be with great Deference
My Lord Your Lordship's
most Obliged and Obedient Hble Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac Ac.
[Indorsed]
It 19th Aug1-
GOY. SIB JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOBD DAET-
MOUTH.*
11 july 1775.
Savanah in Georgia the 11 of July 1775.
My Lord,
Having Wrote Your Lordship very fully by the last Convey-
* p, R, O, Am. & W. Ind, vol. 236.
196
letters from sir james wright.
ance, I have little to add, but that the ship with the Gun
Powder being Arrived, the Liberty Polks have Seized upon
the whole amounting to about Six Tons.
Many Pretty Extraordinary things are Talkt of as intended
to be done by the Congress. Amongst others to Raise three
hundred Men and to Issue Money to Pay and Support them
Ac. of all which I shall (as it is my duty to do) take care to
give Your Lordship a True Account as soon as their Proceed¬
ings are made Public.
Pray God Grant a happy and speedy reconciliation.
I have the Honor to be with perfect Esteem, My Lord,
Your Lordship's
most obliged and obedient Serv*
J a. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 19th Aug*-
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
18 july 1775.
No. 54. Savannah in Georgia the 18th of July 1775.
My Lord,
On the 13th instant the Provincial Congress sent me an
Address of which the Inclosed is a Copy and which I con¬
ceive Contains two or three Charges against me Viz: that
I would not allow the Assembly to meet or sit in order to
take Measures for the Redress of Grievances.
And that I have Misrepresented the State of the Province
for that it appears from the Extracts of niy letters which
have been Published that I rather meant to favour the
* P. K. O. Am. & W. Iud. vol. 230.
letters erom sir .tames wight.
197
Designs of the Minister than to Give an Impartial Account
of the Real State of things.
And that I have Given Prejudicial Information against
many Persons in this Province.
This Address My Lord I laid before the Gentlemen of the
Council and the Extracts of my Letters which have been
Published were all read Yiz: 25 July 74,13 August 24 August
13 October the 13 of December 74 and they were all
Unanimous in opinion that there is not any Just or real
cause or Grounds for the said Accusations and that the
Several Matters mentioned in the said Letters are consistent
with Truth and that there is no Misrepresentation whatever,
and for Your Lordship's more particular Information I beg
leave to refer to the Inclosed Minutes of Council and to
Observe that the Reason of the Prorogation in Novr was
because the Situation of Affairs between Great Britain and
the Colonys were then in a very uncertain state. The Peti¬
tion of the Continental Congress to His Majesty was not
then got home, and a New Parliament to meet in Dec1- and
being hopefull that the Events of those very Material Cir¬
cumstances would be known towards the End of January it
was thought advisable to Postpone the Meeting of the
Assembly till that time, and it was Accordingly Prorogued to
the 17tli of January at which time it was most ardently
wished that the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly
should State their Grievances or supposed Grievances in
Decent and Proper Petitions to the Crown and Parliament,
and for which purpose some Petitions were given in to the
House of Assembly Signed by a great many very respectable
Persons which were treated with Contempt: And as Soon as
they met a Message was Sent from the Upper House desiring
a Conference with the Lower House on those matters, but
when they met to Confer the Lower House would not agree
to anything, and the Affair dropt and I soon discovered there
was a Petition from the Provincial Congress ready to Present
to the House and that a Member had it in his Pocket for that
purpose, and I was well Iniorm'd that they had got every
thing prepared ready, Motions and Resolves all in writing
approving of the Resolutions of the Continental Congress in
198
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Sept. and Octr and that they were to approve of the Proceed¬
ings of the Congress here in January and to send Delegates
to meet in May, all these things I had Information of, and
the Gentlemen of the Council well knew were mean't to be
proposd and no doubt but they would have been carried and
therefore by their Unanimous Opinions and advice I
Adjourned them from the 10th of February to the 9th of
May, by which time we Expected to know the Final Deter¬
mination of Parliament relative to American Affairs, and
After this Adjournment some of them gave out that tliey
would not meet or do any business in May, and as I really
wished them to meet and to do business at that time I with
the advice of the Council Issued a Proclamation calling them
to meet and do business, and when I meant to take some
notice of Your Lordship's Letter relative to the Resolutions
of the House of Commons Ac. Ac. and that they should dis¬
patch some of the most Material Provincial Business, and
on the 9th of May some of them met but made no House
and adjourned to the 10th and on the 10th some met but
made no House and adjourned to the 11th and on the 11th
some of them met but made no House and adjourned over
to Monday the 15th which was a thing they had no right to
do, and considered as an Insult: Especially after being Par¬
ticularly called by Proclamation and being Informed by
many that they did not intend to make a House at all, I met
the Council upon it, who were unanimously of Opinion from
what they had heard, and had actually passed that they did
not intend to make a House or do business and advised me
to Prorogue them, which I accordingly did, and Yet they
Pretend I would not allow the House to sit or take up their
Grievances as a Legislative Body, or the legal Representa¬
tives of the People, when the Fact is clearly otherwise or as
is here stated, and although I would not Condescend to take
any Notice of this Address Yet I think it my Duty to Lay
the whole before Your Lordship.
On the 13 instant at night two Gentlemen came here from
Charles Town sent as I was informed by the Council of
Safety there and they have Prevail'd on the Congress to let
them have 5000 weight of the Gun Powder and which they
letters from sir james wright.
109
carried away with them, and I am Informed that Some of the
Liberty People here, Assisted in Putting on board the Yessell
they came in a brass field Peice and Carriage belonging to
His Majesty, this I did not hear of till Afterwards, but if
I had I could not have Prevented it.
I understand the Congress have agreed to send 2000 weight
of Gun Powder into the Indian Country as a Present from
the People and it is Particularly Agreed that the Indians be
Acquainted that it is not from the Kiru/ or from Government
or from the Svperintewlant or from the Traders but from the
People of the Province and I am much Afraid this will raise
Strange Ideas amongst the Indians and be attended with very
bad consequences. They have appointed here what they call
a Council of Safety and very nearly followed the example of
the Carolinians Except as to liaising an Army, it was pro¬
posed to raise 350 men but after great debates that was
carried in the Negative and this Province having now Join'd
with the others, I am well Informed that the Gentlemen who
came from Carolina Assured the Congress here, that if they
should on any Account want Assistance they should Immedi¬
ately have it to the amount of 1000 men. I am Humbly to
request that His Majesty will be Graciously pleased to Give
me leave to return to England in order to Resign the Govern¬
ment.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most obliged and obedient Servant
Ja. Wright,
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 10th October.
200
letters prom sir james wright.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
29 july 1775.
No. 55. Savannah in Georgia tlie 29tli of July 1775.
My Lord,
Since my last of the 18tli instant No. 54 the Council of
Safety as they Call themselves, have in a Solemn Manner
forbid the Rector of the Parish to preach any more in the
Church, and he has been so much threatened that on the 25th
instant he left the town and went over into Carolina, the
reason given for this is, because he refused to Preach a Ser¬
mon and observe a Fast which had been directed by the
Continental Congress, to be observed throughout all the
Colonies, and has Reflected on the Conduct of the Americans.
And My Lord on the 24th instant about 9 OClock at Night
I heard a very great Huzzaing in the Streets and on Sending
out found they had seized upon one Hopkins a Pilot and
were Tarring and Feathering him, and Soon after they
brought him in a Cart along by pry House and such a Horrid
Spectacle I really never Saw, they made the Man Stand up
in a Cart with a. Candle in his Hand and a great many
Candles were Carried round the Cart and thus they went
through most of the Streets in town for upwards of three
Hours.
And on Inquiring what he had done, I was Informed
that he had behaved disrespectfully towards the Sons of
Liberty and Drank some Toasts which gave great offence,
but for Your Lordship's more Particular Information in both
these Matters I inclose a Copy of the Affidavits of the Partys
and the News Paper and I must at the same time observe
that I cannot believe this Conduct is Promoted or Approved
of by the People in General, but only by some very Violent
ones amongst them and the Mob. Your Lordship will be
the best Judge what is most Proper to be done, but I beg
leave again most heartily to wish that Conciliatory Measures
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Lid. vol. 236.
letters from sir james wright;
201
may Speedily take place or total Hum and Destruction will
soon follow, and America Lost and Gone.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordship's
most Obliged and most Obed* Servt
Ja. Weight.
P S. 1st of Augst The Delegates went away for Philadelphia
yesterday. I forgot to mention that the Committee here
take upon them to Order Ships and Vessells that arrive to
Depart again without suffering them to come up to the Town
and unload. Some they admit, some they Order away Just
as they please and exactly Copy after Carolina, and are
making a very Rapid Progress in the execution of their
Assumed Powers. <£10,000 Sterling is to be Issued in Notes
or Certificates and Your Lordship will see the Proceedings
of the Congress by the Inclosed News Paper, and beg I Leave
to Repeat that no Correspondence is safe, I dare not Venture
a Single Letter by the Post to Charles Town, for the Packet
or to send any to Your Lordship but under Cover as Private
Letters. No Sloop of War or Cruizer is come yet.
J. W.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac. Ac. &.
[Indorsed]
R 10th Octr-
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 55) of 29tli July 1775.]*
Georgia. The Deposition of John Hopkins of the Town of
Savannah Mariner taken on Oath the twenty fifth
Day of July one thousand seven hundred and
seventy five before the Honourable Anthony
Stokes Esqre> Chief Justice of the Province afore¬
said.
This Deponent being duly sworn on the Holy Evangelists
of Almighty God maketh Oath and saith That about nine of
the Clock in the Evening of the twenty fourth Instant as this
Deponent was sitting at supper with his family there came
* P. K. O. Am, & W. Ind. vol. 230.
202 LETTERS FROM SIR .TAMES WRIGHT.
to this Deponent's House a number of Persons (some were
in disguise) and opened the door. That Joseph Beynolds of
Savannah Bricklayer, Capt. McChter & Captu Bunner at
Present of Savannah Mariners laid hold of this Deponent,
without saying anything to him That as soon as the aforesaid
People laid hold of this Deponent a great number rushed in
& hurried this Deponent out of his house & led him to the
out side of the Town, That they Consulted to tar & feather
him but the Majority resolved to Carry him to a more public
place. Accordingly they led this Deponent into the middle
of the square near to the Dial in Savannah & striped this
Deponent of his Jacket & Shirt and with great reluctance
left the rest of his Apparrel on him And then they proceeded
to tar and feather this Deponent And immediately put this
Deponent into a Cart & Carted him up & down the Streets
of Savannah for upwards of three Hours in the Above Con¬
dition That during the aforesaid Time they Carted this De¬
ponent to the Liberty tree And there swore they would hang
him That the said Bunner said "he was rather fat But He
would go Tip the tree & hang this Deponent" That the said
Bunner further said " that miless he would drink " Damnation
to all Tories & Success to American Liberty" he should be
hung immediately, which request this Deponent was obliged
to Comply with, that they continued to abuse this Deponent,
gave him a great Deal of ill Language & upbraided him with
his Conduct That some one or other said That if they Could
lay hold of the Parson they would put him along side of this
Deponent in the Cart, That this Deponent also heard said in
the Mob that Mr. Smith should be next And that they
intended to Continue on untill they had Tarred & feathered
all the Tories or Words to That Effect, That this Deponent
saw in the Aforesaid Mob', together with the Persons afore¬
mentioned, Thomas Lee Carpenter John Spencer Carpenter,
Alexander Phoenix Merchant Ambrose Wright Planter
Samuel Wells Mariner Francis Arthur of Savannah Surveyor,
Oliver Bowen Merchant John McCluer & Capt. McCluer
Joseph Habersham & Francis Han-is Gentleman Quintin
Pooler Merchant Captn Hawkins Mariner & Thomas Hamil¬
ton Butcher & several others that this Deponent cannot
letters from sir james wright.
203
recollect That between the Hours of Twelve & One of the
Clock at Midnight they discharged this Deponent at the
Vendue House with orders to beg "all America pardon."
Sworn the Day & Year ) John Hopkins.
Aforesaid j
Anthony Stokes.
I desire that a Warrant may Issue against the abovenamed
Joseph Reynolds of Savannah Bricklayer & Captn George
Bunner Mariner & against none of the other persons.
John Hopkins.
A true Copy. Preston & Pryce.
[In Sir James Wright's (No. 55) of 29th July 1775.*]
Georgia ss.
The Reverend Haddon Smith Rector of the
Parish of Christ Church being duly sworn
saith,
That on Saturday the Twenty second Day of this Instant
July about nine of the Clock in the forenoon some Gentle¬
men came to this Deponent's House at the Parsonage. That
this Deponent being up Stairs in his Chambers sent down
word immediately to desire the Gentlemen to walk in & he
would wait upon them. That before this Deponent came
down Stairs he heard some one of them to say "We cannot
Walk in" or words to that purport. That this Deponent
then concluded who they were & went down directly to them.
That this Deponent saw standing in the Porch of the House
Peter Tarling of St. John's Parish, Jonathan Cochran of
Saint Andrews Parish Planters, Edward Teefair of Savannah
Merchant, George Walton of Savannah Esqre & Oliver Bowen
of Savannah Merchant & some others. That the aforesaid
Peter Tarling held a written Paper in his hand and read
from it to this Deponent the following words "Sir from Your
late Conduct in disobeying the Orders of the Congress, You
are deemed an Enemy to America & by Order of the Com¬
mittee We are to inform you that you are to be suffered no
longer to officiate in this Town" or Words to that Effect,
* P. E. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 236.
204
letters from sir .tames wright.
That the aforesaid Peter Tarling haveing read the paper
abovementd he together with the rest of the Persons imme¬
diately went away without giving this Deponent an oppor¬
tunity to reply or ask for the Paper since which this Deponent
hath not thought himself safe in doing his Duty as Rector.
Haddon Smith.
Sworn the 25th Day )
of July 1775. [
before
Anthony Stokes.
A True Copy
Preston & Pryce.
GOV. SIR JAMES WRIGHT TO SEC LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
7 August 1775.
No. 56.
Savannah in Georgia the 7tli of August 1775.
My Lord,
It Gives me great Concern that every letter I now write to
Your Lordship is to Give you accounts of the very illegal,
Insolent and Dangerous Transactions of the Liberty People
here. On the 2d Instant a Complaint was made to the Chief
Justice against Ebenezer McCarty, Florence Mahoney and
Wm. Davis, and on taking Affidavits against them, it appear¬
ed amongst other Matters that the said McCarty had been
Inlisting men in this Town for one of the Carolina Regiments,
and on a Warrant being Issued and the Partys being Appre¬
hended, the said McCarty was by the Chief Justice Com¬
mitted to Goal as not Bailable; and on the 3rd Instant a
Writ of Habeas Corpus was applied for in behalf of the said
McCarty, when on hearing he was remanded as not Bailable.
And that Evening a great Number of People Assembled
* P. R. O. Am, & W. Ind. vol. 230.
letters from sir james wright.
205
together and went to the Goal and forced it open and took
out the said McCarty who was Immediately Set at Large,
the Particulars of all which Matters will more clearly appear
to Your Lordship by the Inclosed Affidavits. And on the 5th
inst. he went through the town with a Drum Beating up for
men; and passed Close by the Chief Justices door, also came
very near my house, unparalled Insolence my Lord! and this
is the Situation his Majesty's Government is reduced to in
the Province of Georgia.
I Omitted to Mention before that they took Possession of
the Publick Magazine to put the Gun Powder in, and Ap¬
pointed a Guard to Protect it an Officer who they call
Captain, and I am told 20 men, and who still Continue to
Guard it Day and Night.
I must also Acquaint your Lordship that throughout the
Province every Method has been used to Compel! the People
to Sign the Association ; and those who Decline, they threaten
to Proscribe, and for fear of that, and losing their Property,
or having it Destroyed; Great Numbers have been Intimi¬
dated to Sign, and I Suppose by far the greater Part of the
Province have Signed it,, indeed it is said there are few in the
Country who have not. In the Parish of St. Philip I am
Informed the Committee have Proscribed one Doctor Traill
for Refusing to Sign the Association, he is a very Sensible
Clever Man and in very Good business, but they have ordered
him to Depart the Province in Eight days, and there is now
a plan Carrying on to Wrest the Command of the Militia out
of my Hands, but this Probably will be the Subject of my
next Letter.
I have the Honor to be with Great Deference
My Lord Your Lordship's
most obliged A obedient Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac, Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 10th Octr*
206
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LD- DARTMOUTH*
16 August 1775.
Savannah in Georgia the 16th of Aug4-1775.
Mr Lord,
I had the Honor to receive Yonr Lordship's Circular letter
of the 22nd of May With an Account of the Death of the
Queen of Denmark, and Inclosing the Gazette Containing the
Orders for Mourning, Which I have directed to be Observed
here—And the Account Your Lordship is pleased to Give of
the Health of His Majesty and the rest of the Royal Family,
must greatly Alleviate the affliction of that Event.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most obliged and
most obedient Hble Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac, Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 10th Octr-
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART-
MOUTH.f
17 Aitgust 1775.
No. 57. Savannah in Georgia the 17th of Aug4- 1775.
My Lord,
On the 13 instant I had the Honor to receive the Duplicate
of your Lordship's letter of the 3d of May No. 20, the Origi¬
nal of which must have been Stop't by the Committee in
Charles Town, when they open'd all the letters by the May
* {>. R. O. Am. A W. liul. vol, 230, t P, K, 0. Aw, A W, 1ml, vol, 236,
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT."
207
Packet, as all otliers will, if they can Lay their Hands upon
them.
If any further applications are 'made by Midshipmen who
may have Acted as Masters of any of the King's Ships, I
shall direct them to Apply first to the Lords of the Admiralty
for a Certificate, as Mentioned in Your Lordship's letter.
I Observe what your Lordship is pleased to Say with
respect to my Conduct in Endeavouring to prevent the Con¬
tagion from Spreading in this Province, and would to God it
had been in my Power to have done so, but it was not, as
Your Lordship will Perceive by my several letters Nos. 48,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 and 56, and to which I beg leave to
refer for the Particulars of what has happened here since
the 4th of June. And my Lord I am now again constrained
to write your Lordship a farther Disagreeable Account of the
Proceedings of the Congress and Liberty People here. The
Congress my Lord Determined that no Militia Officers should
remain but such as Signed the Association, and Directed
that the Captains of the Militia should order Musters
throughout the Province, and that any of the officers that
might refuse to Sign the Association, should not be suffered
to act any longer, but that the People should Elect others in
their Places. And on the 8tli instant I received an Applica¬
tion from the Committee of Safety as they Call themselves,
a Copy whereof is Inclosed, on which I ordered the Council
to be Summoned to meet on the 15tli instant when I laid the
said Application before them with some letters I had received
from several of tlie'Officers a Copy of which I nowT Inclose
your Lordship—these officers belong to the three Town or
Savannah Companys—and for Your Lordship's more Partic-
lar Information I also Inclose a Copy of the Proceedings in
Council on this occasion; and thus your Lordship sees how
they are going on here, and the Scheme and Attempt to
Wrest the Command of the Militia out of my Hands, and it
is said the Committee of Safety are to Give Commissions to
the People who are to Chose Officers in the Room of those
who refuse to Sign the Association, but this my Lord I can¬
not Yet Assert Although I believe it to be true.
We have received an Account here that an Armed Yessell
208
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
or two, fitted out. from Charles Town Proceeded to the Bar
of St. Augustine and there met with a Yessell Bound to that
Port, which had a great Quantity of Gun Powder and King's
Stores on Board, part of which had been sent on shore but
that they took out of her 15,000 weight of the Gun Powder
which they had Landed Safe at Beaufort Port Royal South
Carolina, the Conduct of the People here, is most Infamous,
one Sheftall a Jew is Chairman of the Parochial Committee
as they call themselves and this Fellow Issues Orders to
Captains of Vessells to depart the King's Port without Land¬
ing any of their Cargoes legally Imported. And fresh Insults
continue to .be offered every day, and no Sloop of War ar¬
rived yet.
My Lord I mentioned in my last some means used to com-
pell People to Sign the Association, and those, with Tarring
and Feathering and the Slu/Itt Punishment of Ordering any
that Refuse, to quit their Habitations on a few days Notice
are executed without any Hesitation; and one Mr. Brown a
Young Gentleman who appeared a little Active in opposing
the Liberty People, has been most Cruelly Treated in the
Town of Augusta, and he having threatened to get a party
and take satisfaction, the Offenders Raised a Number of Men
in the Country, and wrote to Savannah to the Council of-.
Safety for Assistance, and a Party of the Grenadier Com¬
pany, and some of the Light Infantry Company who Signed
the Association, set out from hence to Augusta the ninth
Instant, without any Application to, or Authority from me,
but I am well Informed were ordered to do so by the Council
of Safety, and its said they by Persuasions and threats, Pre¬
vail'd on a Great Number of People to Join them as they,
went through the Country, and what Outrages or Acts of
Violence they may Commit before they return, its difficult
to say, though as I am just Informed that Mr. Brown has
retired into Carolina, Probably nothing may happen, but
my Lord are these things to be suffered in a British Govern¬
ment? I am really tired my Lord of stating Criminal Facts
and could add more, but that I may not over Burden your
letters from sir james wright. 209
Lordships Patience I shall Conclude, and have the Honor to
subscribe myself
Your Lordship's
most obliged and obedient Servant
Ja. "Wright,
[Indorsed]
It 10th Oct1,
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
16 September 1775.
No. 58. Savannah in Georgia the 16th of Septr 1775.
My Lord,
Since my last Nos. 54, 55, 56 and 57 by way of Liverpool,
nothing very material has happened, but the Liberty People
are still going on in the same way, and in Consequence of
the Inclosed I am informed that Officers have been Chosen
^ by every Company of Militia in the Province, Some who had
Commissions have been Elected, and many new ones chosen,
so that these People having Signed the Association will now
be considered by the Provincial Congress and the other
Bodys as under their Authority and Direction and not the
Kings or mine, in short my Lord the whole Executive Power
is Assumed by them, and the King's Governor remains little
Else than Nominally so. I am well Informed that one Kirk-
land in South Carolina to whom Mr. Brown (mentioned in my
last) had applied for Protection, on hearing of the Cruel and
Inhuman treatment Brown met with at Augusta, Sent to the
People of that Place, and threatened to Resent that treat¬
ment unless Some of the Ringleaders were Delivered up to
Justice, on which its said near 200 men in that Neighbour¬
hood are gone into Carolina in Pursuit of Kirkland, and that
14
* p, R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 236.
210
LETTERS FROM .SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
these People are in the Pay of the Council of Safety here,
out of the £10,000 Sterling I wrote Your Lordship before
they had resolved to make and Issue, this my Lord is since
the affair I mentioned in my former relative to Mr. Brown,
so that Your Lordship sees the great and Criminal Strides
they are making in Subversion of Law and the King's Gov¬
ernment and Establishing one of their own, and this new
Government Seems to ine to be on the Following Plan, the
Provincial Congress, a kind of Legislature in the respective
Provinces, subject to the Controul and Direction of the Con¬
tinental Congress which is the Supreme Legislature and Gov¬
erning Power, over the whole Continent.
The Council of Safety Seems to be the Executive Branch
in each Colony, Subject to the Provincial Congress, and the
General and Parochial Committees Dispense Law, and Exer¬
cise the Powers of the Several Courts, just as it seems Rigid
in their own Eyes, for how far they have any Regard to the
true Principles of Either Law or Equity; your Lordship will
Judge from the following case, which was determined two or
three days ago only, Yiz, a Ship arrived here from Senegal,
with a Cargoe of 204 Slaves, the Captain was immediately
ordered not to proceed to Town, or to Attempt to land any
of the Negroes without leave of the Committee, and he was
then Directed to Petition the Parochial Committee which he
did, and Although he had not only Law, but many Equitable
and Substantial reasons on his side, yet he was Ordered to
depart the Port immediately on which he by Petition appealed
to the General Committee, and they Affirmed the Orders of
the Parochial Committee, and the Captain is Compelled to
proceed to Sea just at the Equinox, which may be the loss
of the lives of numbers of them as we often have very Tem¬
pestuous weather at this Season, and indeed the Yessell and
Cargoe may Probably be lost, and all Perish, and if not the
Poor Creatures are so dispirited at the thoughts of being
carried to sea again that they are growing sickly and many
of them will certainly dye before they can get into another
Port. The Captain intends for St. Augustine if the weather
permits and at best supposes the Loss to the owners will be
near if not quite 3000 Sterling. It seems Strange My Lord
letters from sir james wright.
211
and I cannot help lamenting that I can get no kind of Intel¬
ligence from General Gage, none since the 29th of April, and
many False Reports are Spread here respecting Engagements
or Pretended Engagements always to the dishonor and
Defeat of the King's Troops which have the worst Effect
Possible, with the People, and I remain wholly in the Dark.
I complained of this to General Gage and also Admiral
Graves by letters of the 27th of June, which went by His
Majesties Ship Scorpion, but I have received no answers yet,
nor have I heard any thing of the Sloop of War which Your
Lordship long ago mentioned to have been ordered here, and
which I also mentioned to the Admiral, in short my Lord I am
in a most disagreeable situation.
Since the Port has been shut up the People in the Back
Country declare that no Process shall be Executed, as your
Lordship will see by the Copys of Depositions now Trans¬
mitted and the General Committee sent for all the Attornies
last Saturday and Recommended it to them not to Issue any
more Writs or Process and told them if they did not comply,
that they would call the Provincial Congress to compell them
to do it, and the Attornies were to give their answer as this
day.
I have often wished for the Honor of a Conversation with
Your Lordship, I could have said much that there is no
writing and Possibly might have given some useful hints.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordship's
most Obliged and
most Obedient Servant
Ja. Wright,
The Earl of Dartmouth &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 22d Novr'
212
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
23 September 1775.
No. 59. Savannah in Georgia the 23rd of Septr 1775.
My Lord,
On the 17th instant a Vessell arrived here from London,
one Rainier on Board of which was 250 barrells of Gun
Powder, great part of it I am Informed is His Majestys,
being the Annual Present for the Indians sent out to Mr.
Stuart the Superintendant, and the rest is the Property of
Persons Concerned in the Indian Trade, the whole of which
Immediately on the Ships arrival at Tybee was seized upon
and taken out by the Liberty People here and brought up to
town in Great Triumph, and is Forcibly kept from Mr. Stuart
and the owners, who meant to send it into the Indian
Country—and from several Accounts I have lately received
I am very Apprehensive it will be Impossible to satisfy the
Creek Indians and keep tliem quiet if they are not speedily
supplied as usual. I am well informed that the Council of
Safety as they call themselves, give out that they have
received an Answer to their Talk sent to the Clierokees, by
which those Indians declare that they will have nothing to do
with the Dispute between Great Britain and the Colonys but
that if they do interfere at all, it shall be in behalf of the
People here, who they know and not for the White People
over the Great Water who they know nothing about, had the
Sloop of War Your Lordship mentioned so long ago, been
sent here then, it would not have been in their power to have
taken away any of the Gun Powder out of any of the Yes-
sells, but she is not yet come, and I dont hear of a Ship of
War on the whole Coast to the Southward of Yirginia, only
a Triffling Sloop or two.
I can only Inform Your Lordship of Facts, which I have
faithfully done and shall continue to do, as long as its in my
power. What Remedy these Evils may require, is for the
* p. r. o. am. & w. iud, yo\, 236,
letters from sir jamfis wright.
213
wisdom of my Superiors to determine, but I must beg leave
to add, that from the situation of Affairs here, no time should
be lost, it is really a Wretched State to be left in, and what
its impossible to submit to much longer, Government totally
Annihilated, and Assumed by Congresses, Councils and Com¬
mittees, and the greatest Acts of Tyranny, Oppression, Gross
Insults Ac. Ac. Ac. commited, and not the least means of
Protection, Support, or even Personal Safety, and these
almost Daily Occurences are too much my Lord.
And I must not Omit to Acquaint Your Lordship that we
have no Goal or Prison of any kind that will Confine a Man
an hour, unless loaded with Irons, had this Province (happily
for the People) Continued in a State of Duty and Obedience
to Government, I am Persuaded the Assembly would have
Provided for Building one, But since things have taken a
Reverse turn it is not now to be Expected, and therefore it
is submited to Your Lordship whether it may not be Proper
to Empower me to order one to be Built without Delay, a
Good and Effectual Goal will certainly be Necessary, let
things Terminate as they may, for even if a Conciliatory
Plan (which is much to be wished for) should finally take
place, I presume it will not be without Exceptions and that
it may be thought Expedient to make some Examples. If
one is Ordered to be Built, I think it would be better on
some Part of the Common than in the Town, but in that
case, I must Observe, that there is a Law which was Passed
the 9th of June 1761 by which the Common is appropriated
to Public uses, and it is declared that it shall not be aliened
or Granted away, and which Law is still in force, and if a
Fort is ordered to be Built, it must be on some Part of the
Common.
In the Town my Lord there is a Lot by that Law Appro¬
priated for Building a Goal upon.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Obliged and
most Obedient Servant
Ja. "Wright.
214
Letters from sir James wrigh! .
P. S. Inclosed are some Depositions
relative to the Taking away
the Gun Powder out of Maitland's
Ship, which Could not be got
Sooner, the Reason is Mentioned.
[.IndorsedJ
It 22nd November.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LD DARTMOUTH*
26 September 1775.
No. 60.
Savannah in Georgia the 26th of Septr 1775.
My Lord,
At the Request of Mr. Robert Smith I Transmit Your
Lordship the Inclosed Depositions of Mr. Smith and several
other Merchants. I have Perused the same, and many things
therein are consistent with my own knowledge, and those
that are not altogether so, I firmly believe to be True.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Obliged &
most Obedient Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 21st November.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 236.
letters eroM sir James wright.
215
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
14 October 1775.
No. 61. Savannah in Georgia the 14th of Octr 1775.
My Lord,
Since my last a Party of the Back Country People went
armed to a small Stockade Port on the Ceded Lands which
was Garrisoned by a Party of the Rangers, and Compelled
the Commanding Officer to deliver it np to them, and they
then Immediately Sent a Messenger Express to the Council
of Safety here, to acquaint them what they had done, and
receive their Directions, and those People Ordered them to
Deliver up the Fort again to the Officer and return to their
habitations, and it is this day reported that another Small
Fort on those Lands, has also been taken from the Rangers
who Garrisoned it, but this I have not yet received an
Authentic account of, altho' I suppose it is true.
and in short my Lord the Poison has Infected the whole
Province, and neither Law, Government, or Regular Au¬
thority, have any Weight or are at all attended to.
On the 25 instant my Lord an Inquiry was made whether
the Vessell wijfch the Negroes (mentioned in my letter No. 58)
was Sailed, and she having been Prevented from Sailing by
contrary winds and bad weather it was hinted by 2 of the
General Committee that if another Application was made,
Possibly they might be Suffered to land and an application
was accordingly made and the next day the 26th a Permit
was sent down by the General Committee, to their Officer to
let the Negroes be brought up, and on the 28th they were
landed. Several had Dyed in the mean time, and many Were
then unable to Stir, and the Cargo in General I Suppose one
third less in value than when the Vessell arrived, and thus
Your Lordship sees, how the Kings Port and mens Property
are in the Absolute power of these People, Whether this
proceeded from a Motive of Humanity or whether from an
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
216 LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHtf.
Apprehension of the Consequences of being hereafter Called
to an Account, or what other Reason, I cannot Say.
Whatever Letters Your Lordship may have thought Proper
to write to me by the July and August Packets, Still remain
with Lord Wm. .Campbell, on board his Majesty's Sloop
Tamer, and I Can't Say how much longer they may Continue
there, for his Lordship Cannot send them to me, nor have
I any method of Sending for them with Safety. I Presume
His Majesty's Cruizer which was ordered to this Province in
February last, has been Employed much more for His Majesty's
Service Elsewhere, than She could have been here in Prevent¬
ing the Gun Powder from being taken away in the manner
Your Lordship has been Informed of, and Giving other
Assistance which She might Probably have done. Inclosed
your Lordship will receive one of the Congress Bills as they
are Called, there are Many Denominations of them from
five Pounds Downwards and each Denomination is Signed by
Different Persons all Members of the Provincial Congress,
and who in this Instance Your Lordship Sees, Assume the
whole and Complete Legislative Power of the three Branches.
I am Informed that by the last Post from Charles Town a
letter came from the Continental Congress, Inclosing a Talk
from them to all the Indians upon the Continent, it is Called
a Peace Talk, Explaining the Nature of the Dispute between
Great Britain and the Colonies, and desiring the Indians to
remain quiet, that they want none of their assistance; and
directing the Council of Safety here, to appoint Persons to
go amongst the Indians, and to watch the Superintendant's
Deputys and if they find any of them Attempting to stir up
the Indians, to seize upon them and send them to Town, to
the Council of Safety for the Province, in which such Deputy
may be apprehended. I have not seen this Talk, but I know
the Council of Safety & People here, have already taken
upon them to send Several Messages and Talks to the
Indians, and in Short all Powers are assumed and taken from
the King's Governors and other Officers.
The General Court was held on the 10th instant when Ten
of the Jurors refused to be sworn, and some of them behaved
very Insolently and the next day three more of them also
letters from sir james wriget. 217
refused to be sworn, as Your Lordship will see by the
Inclosed Copys of the Orders of Court, and on which occasion
the Chief Justice I am Informed behaved extremely well and
spoke in a very Spirited and Proper manner, all the Assistant
Judges were absent as they frequently are, indeed Mr. Jones
is extremely ill, and had the others been present their Cast is
such that the Chief Justice could have expected no Assistance
from them.
There was Intention to have Prevented the Court from
sitting or doing any Business at all, but it did not take effect
then, and really my Lord there is hardly a shadow of Gov¬
ernment remaining. I wrote Your Lordship before in what
manner the Command of the Militia was Wrested from me,
they have not yet attempted to obstruct the Court of
Chancery, but Except that, I have scarce any Power left, but
Proving Wills and Granting Letters of Administration.
With Great Deference to Your Lordship surely its Impos¬
sible that these things can be Suffered to Continue, or that
any Gentleman can Submit to them, and I Presume full and
Clear Instructions will be sent what course to take in every
respect, to reduce this Province and People to Due Obediance
to the King's Authority, Law and Government.
I have the Honor to be
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Obliged and
most Obedient Humble Servant
Ja. Wright.
P. S. My Lord last week Mr. Clement Martin one of the
Council dyed, so that if Mr. Elliot's Seat is not vacant, there
is now a Vacancy for Mr. Tattnall if Your Lordship approves
of him.
[Indorsed]
II 8 February 1776.
letters from sir jamlls wright;
GOV. SIR JAS; WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART-
MOUTH*
1 November 1775.
No. 62. Savannah in Georgia the 1st of Novr 1775.
My Lord,
My last letter to Your Lordship No. 61, having been sent
by a Eriend by way of Charles Town, and it being Doubtfull
whether he may be able to get it safely put on board the
Packet or other Vessell, I now Inclose Your Lordship a Copy
of it. Since which things have remain'd tolerably quiet in
this Town, but the People in the Back Parts of the Province,
following the Example of others, are forming Cabals, and
setting up for themselves; they give out, that there is a new
Government now, and that no Application is to be made to
me, but to the Council of Safety, and I am Informed that a
Party of about 30 men, are gone out against an Indian Town
on the Oak-Mulgee River, they say that those Indians have
Stoln several Horses from them, and they are gone to obtain
restitution, or satisfaction, and that if the Indians do not
give it, or resist, they will kill them: and if any such thing
should happen, I apprehend that, with the Interruption given
to the Trade by the last Congress and Committees, will most
probably Involve us in a War with the Indians, so that Your
Lordship sees we are in a Wofull Plight every way.
I Inclose your Lordship a Copy of a Talk I lately received '
from the Creek Indians and had one much to the same Pur¬
pose from the Cherokees and my letters from Mr. Taitt and
others all agree that if the Indians are not Immediately sup¬
plied with Ammunition, and the Trade opened as usual, it
will be Impossible to restrain them, on which I Judged it
highly Expedient that the Committee People who are
Possessed of all the Powder and Ball in the Province should
know what Accounts I received and sent for 2 of them as
Private Persons and Acquainted them fully of all my Intelli¬
gence, in the presence of Messrs. Graham and Johnstone 2
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. '237.
LfcfTERS PROM SiR lAMES WRIGHT.
2i9
bf His Majty 8 Council, and they said they were very Clearly
of opinion with me, that the Indians ought to be Supplied
with Ammunition, and the Trade go on as usual, and that
there is a Necessity for it and I have heard, but Can't say
with Certainty that it will be so.
Ten days ago I had an account of the Death of Mr. Hab¬
ersham one of His Majty'8 Council and Secretary of this
Province and I have Appointed Mr. John Hume to be Secre¬
tary, he is a relation of mine, a firm friend to Government
and a Person that Mr. Knox has some knowledge of. I well
know my Lord that all Officers in this Province, have always
been appointed by the Crown, Except the Treasurer, but my
Lord I hope I may not be thought to mention it from selfish
views, when I say that I Conceive it will be found Necessary
to give the Governors more Influence than ever they had, and
I dont know any way it can be easier and more Effectually
done, than by permitting them to appoint or recommend
Gentlemen who are Friends to Government to fill up all
Offices, as they become Vacant, and I the rather hope your
Lordship will Consider this as Proceeding from a Zeal for his
Majesty's Service, when Your Lordship is Pleased to Recollect
that I have requested his Majty's leave to Resign the Govern¬
ment and therefore cannot Expect to continue much longer
here, and for the Vacancys in the Council, I would beg leave
to recommend Josiah Tattnall, Sir Patrick Houston (was it
not for the distance he lives from Savannah) Lachlan
McGillivray and Charles Wm. Mackinen, these are Gentlemen
who I think are all Proper Persons to be of the Council.
The Inclosed Copy of a Dissent I Transmit to your Lord¬
ship at the request of Several of the Gentlemen who have
Signed it, and who wish to be known to be Friends to Gov¬
ernment, and Good Order. My letters from your Lordship
by the July and August Packets, and also by the September
Packet, if she is arrived, still remain with Lord Wm. Camp¬
bell on Board the Sloop of War in Rebellion Road, near
Charles Town. The new Provincial Congress is to meet here
on the 16th inst. and whether any new or violent Resolutions
may be then Entered into, I cannot Judge, but whatever they
may be, I shall acquaint Your Lordship therewith as soon as
they are made Public.
220
letters from sir james wright.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most Obliged and
most Obedient Humble Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth &c. &e. &.
P. S. 3d of Nov. Last night Mr. Jones one of the Council
and Treasurer of this Province Dyed, and I intend to appoint
Lewis Johnston to Succeed him as Treasurer, and hope your
Lordship will have no Objection to his Continuing in that
Office, he is a worthy Man, a Staunch Friend to Government,
and has a very numerous Family. Mr. Knox knows him.
J. W.
[Indorsed]
E 29th February 1776.
GOV. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO THE LOEDS OF TEADE.
3 November 1775.
Savanah in Georgia the 3rd of Nov. 1775.
My Lords, •
Since I did my self the Honor to write to your Lordships
last, Mr. James Habersham, Mr. Clement Martin and Mr.
Noble Jones, three of His Majesty's Council of this Province,
have dyed, and Mr. Grey Elliott being in England on Leave
of absence, as mentioned in my last, there now remains here
only James Mackay, James Edward Powell, John Graham,
Lewis Johnson, James Eead, Henry Yonge, Anthony Stokes
and James Hume.
I have the Honor to be with great Truth and Eegard,
My Lords Your Lordships
most obliged and obed1 Serv*
Ja. Wright.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 33.
letters from sir james wright.
221
The Right Honorable
Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations.
[Indorsed]
I. 12.
Read March 5,1776.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
16 Nov. 1775.
No. 63. Savannah in Georgia the 16th of Novr-1775.
My Lord,
Your Lordship's letter of. the 5th of July No. 21,1 did not
receive till the 7th inst. Lord William Campbell sent it to a
Priend of mine in Charles Town who had no safe opportunity
of forwarding it before and it gives me great concern, that
Your Lordship would so soon after the date of that, receive
accounts that at length the People here had broke out, and
adopted many of the same measures that our Neighbours had
done before and that all my Letters to your Lordship from
the beginning of June, have been filled with accounts of
Criminal Facts and Offences, Committed from time to time
since then. This, My Lord, I saw Coming on Suddenly, and
Swiftly, from the Moment the Accounts came of the first
Skirmish near Boston on the 19th of April.
I observe what your Lordship is Pleas'd to Mention with
respect to His Majesty's firm Resolution that the most vigor¬
ous Efforts Should be made both by Sea and Land, to reduce
his Rebellious Subjects to Obedience, and of the Squadrons
to be Stationed at the Different Places Mentioned. But My
Lord its much to be lamented that these Operations did not
take Place Sooner, and that a more formidable Force, was
* P. R. O, Aw, & W, In<l. vol. 237.
222
letters from sir james wright.
not sent at first, for time has been Given to the Americans to
unite more firmly, and to take every advantage, and Prepare
to oppose His Majesty's Forces, and I do not yet hear of a
King's Ship to the Southward.—It is great Goodness in His
Majesty to order the Commanders of His Ships, to receive
on Board and Protect, any of his officers, who may be com¬
pelled by the Violence of the People, to seek for such an
Asylum. And which your Lordship knows long before this,
was much wanted, but alas, in Some of the Colonies its too
late, for all the King's Officers in Charles Town are Prisoners
Already, and no body knows how soon they may be so here,
and no Ship seen or heard of yet, although ordered last Feb¬
ruary, and the Officers and Friends of Government look upon
themselves as deserted and Given up, & they are daily falling
off, and taking that Course, which they think may afford
them a Temporary degree of quietude, whereas could they
have had Sufficient Protection and Support things would
never have gone the Lengths they have, and even still, if
Proper Succour came, Great Numbers would Face about, but
they now begin to Despair, as its not in my Power to give
them any Positive assurance that any such thing can be
depended upon, not having had the Honor of a line from
your Lordship since that of the 5th of July.
I omitted to mention in my last My Lord, that a Small
Vessell from New York was seized by the Custom House
Officers for Breach of the Laws of Trade, and Condemned
in the Court of Admiralty, the Register was Lodged in the
Custom House, and a great number of the Committee People
After demanding it and beeing refused, went to the Custom
House and Broke open Several Locks and after Searching a
good while for it and not finding it, the Officers for their own
Safety thought it most Prudent to deliver it up, and it was
given back to the Master, who Immediately went off with the
V essell, there beeing nothing here to Stop her. but for your
Lordship's more Particular Information I enclose two Affi¬
davits, and have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord
Your Lordships most Obliged
and obedient Servant
Ja, Wright,
letters from sir james wight.
223
P. S. In my last I acquainted Your Lordship with the
Death of Mr. Habersham, and that I had appointed Mr.
John Hume Secretary, also with the death of Mr. Jones, and
that I intended to Appoint Mr. Lewis Johnson Treasurer,
and which I have since done. I also recommended these
Gentlemen to your Lordships Favour, and Mentioned the
Necessity of more Influence being put into the Hands of
Governors than heretofore. Mr. Knox knows both these
Gentln and can Satisfy any Inquiries your Lordship may be
Pleased to make.
and for the Vacancys in the Council, I begged Leave to
recommend Josiah Tattnall, Sir P. Houston (were it not for
the distance he lives from Savannah) Lachlan McGillwray,
and Charles William MacKinen, as Proper Persons.
[Indorsed]
E 6th February.
GOV. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOED DAET-
MOUTH.*
9 December 1775.
No. 64. Savannah in Georgia the 9th of Decr-1775.
My Lord,
As I mentioned in a former letter the Provincial Congress
met here on the 16th ult & have Sat every day since.
The first Material thing that was Published was on the
30th of Nov1'- when with an intention to shut up the Courts
of Justice, a Eesolve of which the inclosed is a Copy was
sent round to all the Attornies at Law, and on Tuesday the
5th inst. an Edict a printed Copy of which is Inclosed, was
served on all the Attornies, and Mr. Hume the Attorney
General not Paying obedience to the said Mandate, was on
* P. R. O. Aau. & w. Ind. vol. 237,
224
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
the 6th Inst, served with an Order to attend the Congress, a
Copy whereof is also Inclosed, and on not attending a War¬
rant was Issued against him, and he was Apprehended and
Carried before them, when not acknowledging or submitting
to their Authority, he was dismissed, and it was some time
Debated whether he should not be delivered over to the Mob,
to be, I Presume, Torn to Peices. however at length as a
matter of Great Humanity and Tenderness, they condescend¬
ed to order him out of the Province within a Month, a Copy
of which order Your Lordship will also receive Inclosed.
And on the 5th inst. the Chief Justice having declared from
the Bench, that if any Client complained to the Court, that
his Attorney delayed his Cause, under Pretence of the Reso-
lution of the People who Call themselves a Congress, and
Proved such Complaint he would Strike such Delinquent
Attorney off the Roll, and Complaint being made to the
Congress against him, on the 6th inst. he was served with a
Resolve of the Congress a Copy of which your Lordship has
also Inclosed, with the Chief Justices letter to me on that
occasion, and thus your Lordship sees the Distress the Kings
Officers and friends of Government are drove to in this
Province, and no Ship of War or any Protection afforded as
yet, and I am really of opinion my Lord that if no Support
or Protection comes here very soon, that every officer and
friend of Government will either be forced out of the Prov¬
ince, or must submit to worse fate, and it is confidently
reported & I believe it to be truth, that the Continental Con¬
gress has ordered 3000 men to be Immediately Raised, 2000
to assist the Carolinians against any of his Majesty's Troops,
when any come there, and 1000 to be sent here; so that we
shall be in a fine situation, unless assistance should happily
come before.
Your Lordship will Probably have heard that about 5
weeks ago, a Party was sent by the Liberty People in Charles
Town, to seize on one Cunyngham-an Active Militia Officer
in the Back Parts of South Carolina, that they actually did
so, and took him out of his own House, and Carried him to
Charles Town, where he was by the Committee committed
to Close Confinement, without Pen? Ink, Paper, Arc. and on
letters from sir james wright.
225
this being known in the Country, a Brother of Cunyngham's
raised a Considerable Party of Men and Seized upon about
1000 weight of Gun Powder and 3000 weight of Bullets
which was carrying in some Waggons under an Escort, some
say as a Present to the Cherokee Indians & some say to be
distributed amongst the Back Country Liberty People, how¬
ever upon the Account of this Reaching Charles Town, a
Coll. Thompson with his Regiment of Rangers in the Caro¬
lina Pay, was sent out, and orders to the Militia Colonels to
Raise and Draft the Militia, and Proceed to take Cunyngham
and the leaders of his Party, and bring them to Charles
Town, but before Thompson got there Cunyngham who it is
said had raised at least 1200 & some say 2000 Men, who call
themselves Royalists, had Marched against and attacked a
Major Williamson of the Liberty Party in a Fort at Ninety
Six. It is said the Attack begun on Saturday Night the 25
Ult and Lasted till Tuesday Night following, when William¬
son was obliged to Surrender. I will not attempt to say on
what terms or Conditions, as the Reports ar Yarious. this
Circumstance were there any Kings Troops in Front, might
Prove very Fortunate, and be attended with the best Conse¬
quences. But my Lord as they can have no Effectual Sup¬
port, I fear they will at length be overpowered. What Great
Pity it is that none of his Majesty's Troops are yet arrived
in South Carolina, for I am clear that there would be a very
Powerfull Division in that Province, but I apprehend that
may be weakened and prevented, before any thing gets there
to support or cooperate, and here my Lord we are in the
Same Predicament, with respect to South Carolina, I doubt
not but your Lordship will be very circumstantially Informed
by Lord Wm. Campbell, but as I know the Situation his
Lordship is in, and that Probably he may not have an oppor¬
tunity of Writing or Conveying intelligence, I have Just
Mentioned the Accounts received here, which Possibly may
not be Exactly the Case. I have the Honor to be with Per¬
fect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and most obedient humble Servant
Ja. Wright.
15
226
letters erom sir james wright.
P. S. 11th December On Saturday Night the Provincial
Congress after settling a Council of Safety and General
Comee Broke up. The Parochial Comee was fixed before, and
thus the New Government is Again Established.
The most Material Transactions of the Provincial Congress,
were What I have Mentioned relative to the Courts, and some
Ttegulations of the Militia, but I Can't yet Learn the Partic¬
ulars, as they Endeavour to keep every thing as Secret as
Possible, and I am Informed the last Kesolve, is to Abide by,
and Enforce Whatever the Continental Congress may agree
upon or order. The Report of 1000 Men Coming here, Gains
Credit and its Said they are Expected in January.
J. W.
[Indorsed]
R 6th February.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
11 December 1775.
No. 65. Savannah in Georgia, the 11th of December 1775.
My Lord,
Having already wrote Your Lordship very fully by this
Conveyance in my letters No. 63 & 64, to which I begg leave
to refer, I have now only to Acquaint your Lordship that two
days ago, I had the Honor to receive the Duplicate of your
Lordships letter of the Second of August Covering the Leave
of Absence which His Majesty has been Most Graciously
Pleased to grant me, and of which I retain a Gratefull Sense,
and return Your Lordship my best thanks. I observe your
Lordship received my Letters of the 25th of May, 9th, 17th
<fc 20th of June, wrote Just at the beginning of our Trans¬
gressions. No Ship of War is yet arrived. The Contents of
* P. E. O. Am, k W. lud, vol. 237,
letters feom sir james weight.
227
your Lordships letter I have not as yet Communicated to any
Body but Mr. Graham and for Many Reasons we have Con¬
cluded to take no Notice of it, for some time, Especially as
the Originals are not yet come to Hand, but as I had
Mentioned my having Wrote for leave to return to England,
I find all the Kings Officers and Eriends to Government write
for my Continuance Amongst them, and I am well Informed
and have been told by Several of the Liberty People That
they in General Express great Concern and Uneasiness at
My Intention of Leaving the Province at Present, at the Same
time many on both sides think I might be of more Service in
England than here.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordship's
most obliged and Obedt Servant
Ja. Weight.
The Earl of Dartmouth &c. &e. &c.
R. 6th February.
GOT. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH.*
19 December 1775.
No. 66. Savannah in Georgia the 19th of December 1775.
My Lord,
Since my last two of the People who went from hence as
Delegates, are returned, and it is Said they have brought
Blank Commissions from the Continental Congress, to be
filled up by the Council of Safety here, to Officers for a Regi¬
ment of what they Call Provincials, which is to be Raised
for this Province, to Consist of Eight Companys of 75
Privates—Say 600 Rank and file in a Regiment, and if they
Cant find men Enough in this Province for those that are to
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
228
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
be here, then they are to be Completed from North Carolina
and Virginia, and three Regiments are to be Raised in the
Same way for S° Carolina, these are the Last Accounts and
I believe True.—and thus your Lordship Sees they are Pre¬
paring thougliout, to Support their Usurped Powers, and to
resist the Kings Troops, When any may be Sent.—and as
I apprehend that Lord Wm. Campbell may not have any
opportunity of Writing to your Lordship, I think it my Duty
to Mention this, and also to Acquaint Your Lordship that
I am well Informed from a Gentleman of undoubted Veracity
and a Friend to Government in S° Carolina, that when their
Provincial Congress Meets on the first of February next their
Principal business then will be to Form a Constitution and
to Elect a Governor and all other Officers, but whether this
is in Virtue of Orders from the Continental Congress or not,
he could not Learn, if it be, I Presume it may be General,
and even if it be not a General Regulation, Yet if Such a
thing be done in Carolina, What the Consequence of Such a
Precedent may be Elsewhere, I will not take upon me to Say.
In this Province my Lord we are more unhappily Circum¬
stanced, than in any other, for there are very few, Men of
real Abilities, Gentlemen or Men of Property hi their
Tribunals.
The Parochial Committee are a Parcel of the Lowest
People Chiefly Carpenters, Shoemakers, Blacksmiths &e with
a Few at their Head in the General Committee and Council
of Safety, there are Some better Sort of Men and Some Mer¬
chants and Planters but many of the Inferior Class, and it is
really Terrible my Lord that Such People Should be Suffered
to Overturn the Civil Government and most arbitrarily deter¬
mine upon, and Sport with Other Mens Lives Libertys and
Propertys.
I doubt not but your Lordship will most Sensibly feel the
Situation we are in, and that we Shall not remain much
Longer hi this Distressfull Condition.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged and Obed* Serv*
The Earl of Dartmouth &c. &c. &c, Ja. Wright
letters from sir james wright.
229
P. S. I must Humbly request that
this letter may not be published.
No King's Ship Arrived here yet.
[Indorsed]
R 6th February.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART-
MOUTH*
3 January 1776.
Savanah in Georgia the 3d of January 1775.
My Good Lord,
Mr. Hume the Attorney General will have the Honor to
deliver this to your Lordship, he is a Nephew of mine, and a
Young Man of Great Veracity, also one of His Majesty's
Council, has been Privy to every Transaction here, and on
whose Information in every Respect your Lordship may
intirely rely. Since the return of two of the Delegates it is
said as soon as their Regiment is raised, they will Levy a
Tax of <£50,000 Sterling on the Inhabitants of this Province,
it being their Quota of the General Continental Expence
already incurred, and that if any refuse to pay their Propor¬
tion they will seize on their Estate and sell them for any
thing they will fetch, this is Publickly Declared and if they are
Determined to do it, I dont see how it will be possible to
prevent them.
. They Say that now they have gone so far, that neither
Fortune or Lives are to be regarded, and that they will go
every Length, but still if we had Proper Support and Assist¬
ance, I think Numbers would Join the Kings Standard, but
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Iiid. vol. 237.
230
LETTERS EROM SiR JAMES WRIGHT.
no Troops, no Money, no Orders, or Instructions.. ancLa Wild
Multitude gathering fast, what can any Man do in such a
Situation? no Arms, no Ammunition, not so much as a Ship
of War of any kind and the Neighbouring Province at the
same time threatning Vengeance against the Friends of Gov¬
ernment and to Send 1000 Men to assist the Liberty People,
if they want Assistance, all these things My Lord are really
too much, they have also Publickly Declared that every Man
shall sign the Association or leave the Province, that is
private Persons, But that no Kings Officer shall be Suffer'd
to go, they will take care to Prevent any of them from stirring.
Surely My Lord His Majesty's Officers and Dutifull &
Loyal Subjects will not be Suffered to remain under such
Cruel Tyranny and Oppression. Altho' I write this as a
Private letter, I mean it for Your Lordships Public Informa¬
tion, tho' not to be Published; but made use of as Your
Lordship may see fit, and some things I have not Chose to
Commit to writing but have desired Mr. Hume to Communi¬
cate them.
I must not omit to Acquaint your Lordship that early in
July Lord Wm. Campbell sent a Messenger here, to let me
know he was going to dispatch the Scorpion Sloop of War to
Boston, and that if I had any letters, he would forward them
with his own, and I supposing it to be an intire safe oppor¬
tunity, wrote to the General and Admiral, Copys of which I
sent Your Lordship some time ago. But the Messenger
proved a Villain, and Carried my Packet to the Committee,
instead of Lord Wm. and they opened my letters and kept
them, and wrote others in my name, of a quite different
Import, this I have but very lately Discovered but is ^Cer¬
tainly fact. I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord
Your Lordships
most Obliged and
Obedient Servant
r™ t-, , Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
B 14th March.
LETTERS PROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
231
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD DART¬
MOUTH*
3 January 1776.
No. 67. Savannah in Georgia the 3d of January 1776.
My Lord,
I wrote your Lordship fully on the State of Affairs in this
, Province of the 9th 11th A 19tli Ult. Nos. 64, 65 & 66 by a
Yessell which saild from hence the 24th Ult. the Contents of
all which I now Confirm, the Americans my Lord Elate with
Success, and having met with what they call no Opposition,
tlio they have been Declared Rebels by Parliament 12
Months ago, now Say Great Rritain Cannot reduce them,
and that if their Towns Ac. are Destroyed A they Obliged to
retire Back, they will tyre out Great Britain; and She must
be Ruined with them, that they will be Safe in the Back
Country, being now sure of the Canadians and all the
Indians. I Inclose your Lordship some Papers in which you
will see something of the Proceedings and Spirit of the
People here, but as Mr. Hume the Attorney General mentioned
in my Letter No. 64 goes in the Yessell I now Write by,
I have less Occasion to be Particular, as he will be able to
give your Lordship a Circumstantial Account and to answer
any Inquiries your Lordship may think Proper to make.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem, My Lord, Your
Lordships
most Obliged and Obedient Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 29th February.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
232
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GEE-
MAIN.*
26 Makch 1776.
No. 8. On Board His Majesty's Ship Scarborogh
at CockspUR 26tli March 1776.
My Lord,
At the request of Mr. Graham, One of the Council of this
Province, I take the Liberty to acquaint your Lordship That
by the burning of the Ship Inverness by the Rebels (in order
as I aprehend to prevent the Ship & Cargo from falling into
the hands of the Kings Officers) he has suffered an exceed¬
ing great Loss, the particular causes A reasons of this
Mischief, Mr. Graham has got drawn up at large and authen¬
ticated before a Notary Publick, and also the Value of his
Effects on board—and has also got proper Certificates from
the Kings Officers who were upon the Service of getting the
Rice, from before the Town as mentioned in my last letter—
In Justice to Mr. Graham I cannot ommit assuring Your Lord¬
ship That he is a most firm friend to Government and has
suffered greatly from the Resentment of the Rebels besides
the above Loss, and has been under the necessity of leaving
his Family and taking refuge here for six weeks past and is
now in the greatest difficulty and distress imaginable, And I
hope for Your Lordships Pardon when I Presume to mention
Mr. Graham as a Person well deserving Countenance Protec¬
tion and Relief.
I have the Honor to be, with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obed* Hble Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 11th May.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
233
GOT. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOED DAET-
MOUTH*
10 March 1776.
On Board his Majesty's Ship Scarborough
No. 70. at cockspur in the rlver savannah in the
Province of Georgia the 10th of March 1776.
My Lord,
I did myself the Honor to write to Your Lordship of the
20th of January No. 68 & of the 27th of February No. 69
and in my last Inclosed your Lordship a Copy of a letter
I wrote from hence on the 13th of Febry to his Majesty's
Council at Savannah, to be Published to the Congress &
People in General, also an Answer sent by the Congress to
the Gentlemen of the Council, and Copys of letters wrote by
me to General Clinton on the 21st & 27th of February Con¬
taining as near as in my Power to do, a State of the Situation
of Affairs in this Province, and to which I beg leave to refer
your Lordship, and I am now to Acquaint your Lordship
that Capt. Barkley who Commands the King's Ships here
Yiz: the Scarborough of 20 Guns, Tamer of 16 Guns, Chero¬
kee of 10 Guns, and the Hinchinbrook Schooner of 8 Guns,
and Major Grant who Commands about Two Hundred of
Light Infantry & Marines on Board two Transport Ships,
one of which Mounts 16 Guns Determined to go up to the
Town, with such Vessells as could be Lightened so as to be
Carried up, in order to Endeavour to bring away Several
Merchant Ships which had Deer Skins & Rice on board, and
which had been detained a great while by the Rebels.—the
intention of this Manoeuvre Your Lordship will see by a
Copy of a letter which I wrote to three of the Gentlemen of
the Council who happened to be down here on the 1st instant;
which is now Inclosed with their Answer to it. this Expedi¬
tion My Lord is now over, and they are returned with 14 or
15 Merchant Ships and Vessells of one sort or other, and
on Board of which there is about 1600 Barrels of Rice, it
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
234
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Was attended with very little Loss, I think on the Side of the
Kings Troops none are hurt: only four Sailors wounded & 3
of them very Slightly, and on the part of the Rebels I believe
only 1 or 2 Wounded, the Rebels Burn't a Ship, a Brig & 2"
Small Vessels & have detained 3 or 4 more which were so
Situated that they could not be brought away,—and now my
Lord I find myself under the necessity of giving Your Lord¬
ship a Short Sketch of the distresses this Province has been
Precipitately forced into, by the arrival of the Kings Ships &
Troops—the first of which came on or about the 16th of
January, for till then my Lord, tlio' Labouring under the
Tyranny & oppression of Congresses &c. &c. cfec. Yet the
Lives of the Kings Officers & Friends to Government did not
appear to be in any Immediate Danger, & they Enjoyed the
Possession & use of their Property. Your Lordship will
Judge of the Cruel State & Situation we are reduced to, the
Rebels Encouraged & Exulting, their Numbers in & about
Town increased according to the best Information I can Get
to about 800 men in arms, about 200 of their Regiment or
Battalion already Inlisted and daily increasing, a Consider¬
able part of my Property seized upon and the Negroes Em¬
ployed in throwing up and making Military works in and
about the Town, the Kings Officers and friends to Govern:
ment Some seized upon and kept Prisoners and others hiding
and obliged to desert their familys & Property to Save then-
Lives & Liberties and Some threatened to be Shot whenever
met with, which distresses my Lord I humbly Conceive would
not have happened, had no Kings Ships or Troops come here,
untill their was sufficient to reduce the Rebels at once. Major
Grant is under the necessity of returning to Boston with the
Troops under his Command, but Capt. Barkley has agreed to
Stay here awhile for our Protection and to keep this Port
from falling into the Hands of the Rebels till we hear from
General Clinton, whether any assistance is like to be sent
here by him or not, and which I am Impatiently Expecting.
The Carolinians have sent 600 of their People to reinforce
and assist the People here, and who now are putting the
Town in the best State of Defence and resistance which they
Possibly can, and I am Persuaded will Oppose any Troops
lMters from sir James Weight.
235
which may be sent against, or Attempt to take Possession of
the Town, and force them from it, and the Carolina People
say that if they are attack't and Drove from Charles Town
they will come here, and join the People and make a Stand
in this Province. If General Clinton sends Troops I shall
think it my Duty to Continue here for some time, but if none
are to come I dont see how I can Possibly be of any Material
Service either to His "Majesty or the Province.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
Most obliged and Obedient Servant
J a. "Wright.
The Earl of Dartmouth Ac. &c. Ac.
Duplicate, the Original forwarded
to the Earl of Dartmouth. Ja. Wright 19th March 76.
R. 6th June.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
13 March 1776.
On Board His Majesty's Ship Scarborough
Duplicate. at Cockspur in the River Savanah in the
Province of Georgia the 13 of March 1776.
My Lord, ■
This Day I had the Honor to receive Your Lordships Cir¬
cular Letter of the 10th of Novemr last, Notifying that his
Majesty has been Graciously Pleased to Appoint your Lord¬
ship to be one of his Principal Secretaries of State & to
commit to your Lordships care the Dispatch of such business
as relates to his Majestys Colonies, and Directing me to
address My Dispatches in future to your Lordship.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind, vol. 237.
236
letters from sir james wright.
I beg your Lordship will be Pleased to permit me to offer
you my very Sincere Congratulations on this Most Dis¬
tinguished Mark of his Majesty's Royal Favor, and to assure
your Lordship that I shall Punctually obey, and to the
utmost of My Power Execute any Commands I may receive
& have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obedient Humble Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable
Lord George Germain Ac. Ac. Ac.
■[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
(Dup—Orig1 not reced.)
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
14 makch 1776.
On Board his Majesty's Ship Scarborough
Duplicate at Cockspur in the River of Savannah, in the
Province of Georgia the 14 of March 1776.
My Lord,
Yesterday I had the Honor to receive Your Lordships
Circular Letter of the 23 of Dec. Last, with the Act of Par¬
liament for Prohibiting all Trade A intercourse with the
Colonies therein Mentioned, and Your Lordship may have
the firmest relyance that I shall to the utmost of my Power
Promote the Execution of the Same, but alas, what can be
done in a Province in arms & Rebellion almost throughout,
and where they have Drove away their Governor and Many
Kings Officers, and have now Several others Confined Close
Prisoners,—and things have gone to such a Length, that
* p. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
237
I cannot now See any Probability, nor do I expect that any
acts of benevolence by his Majesty, or the Parliament, will
be Regarded or have any Effect, Untill Accompanied with a
Sufficient Force to Reduce the Rebels.
I shall Certainly Give every assistance & information I
Possibly can, to the Commissioner or Commissioners who
may be Appointed Pursuant to the said Act of Parliament:
But my Opinion is, that Force only can now Pave the way
for the Good ends Proposed by the Powers intended to be
Given to the Commissioners.
Your Lordship will see the Present State of affairs here
from the Inclosed Letters addressed to the Earl of Dart¬
mouth & which have remained by me some time for want of
an Opportunity of forwarding them.
This Ship Proceeds to Day by Way of North Carolina &
Virginia and I expect an Opportunity will offer by way of
Boston in 3 or 4 Days by which I shall do myself the
Pleasure to give your Lordship a Further Account of any
thing which may Occur.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem My Lord,
Your Lordships
most Obed* Hble Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain &c. &c. &c.
\Indorsed]
R 6th June.
(Duplicate—Orig1 not reced.)
238
letters from sir james wright.
GOT. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
14 March 1776.
No. 1. On Board his Majesty's Ship Scarborough
Duplicate. at Cockspur in the Riyer Savannah in the
Province of Georgia the 14th of March 1776.
My Lord,
Your Lordships Letter of the 23rd of Decr- No. 1,1 had
the honor to receive Yesterday by the Duke of Cumberland
Packet, That from Mr. Pownall of the 7th of November with
the Sundry Papers Transmitted, is not yet come to hand,
which gives me much Concern, as I remain Greatly in the
Dark with respect to the Operations intended and so abso¬
lutely Necessary in the Southern Provinces. Sir Peter Parker
with the Armament have not yet appeared on this Coast.
I Observe what your Lordship is Pleased to Mention with
respect to Mr. Green.
I had on hearing of Mr. Habersham's Death appointed Mr.
John Hume to be Secretary, and taken the Liberty to recom¬
mend him to the Earl of Dartmouth, and which Letter I pre¬
sume would come to Your Lordships Hand, but not having
the happiness to be personally known to your Lordship I
cannot Presume to Expect your Lordship may Condescend
to approve of my Recommendation, yet would hope the
reason mentioned in my letter to Lord Dartmouth might
have Some Weight with Your Lordship A I will be Answer¬
able for Mr. Humes Loyalty A Good Conduct A
I have the honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obedient Humble Servant
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 6th June. (Duplicate—Orig1 not reced.)
* p. R, O. Am. & W, Ind, vol, 237,
V
letters from sir james wright.
239
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO [SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.]*
20 March 1776.
On Board his Majesty's Ship Scarborough
No. 2. at cockspur in the rlver sayanah in the
Province of Georgia the 20th of March 1776.
My Lord,
I have now the honor to Transmit Your Lordship a Dupli¬
cate of a Letter of the 10 inst. the Original of which was
Address'd to the Earl of Dartmouth, Inclosing a Copy of a
letter I had Wrote to such of the Gentlemen of the Council
as had taken Shelter down here, and to Mr. Stuart the Super-
intendant, who happend to put into this port, in his way to
meet General Clinton at Cape Eear, and a Copy of which
with their Answer, and of a Letter I wrote to Capt. Barkley
& Major Grant, on that Subject.
I now also inclose Your Lordship Copys of My Letters of
the 13tli & 14th inst. I look upon this Province My Lord,
to be now totally under the Influence and Direction of the
Carolina People, who have had Possession of the Town of
Savanah for three Weeks past, and I am well Informed, that
the armed People in this Province have most of them left the
Town, and that Part of them have been throwing up Works
at a Town or Village calld Ebenezer Situated on Savanah
River about 26 Miles Above the Town of Savanah and the
Carolina People Give out that if they are drove from their
own Town they will retire into this Province & join the
People here in making a Stand of Defence.
We continue to be in the Greatest distress Possible and on
the 12th inst. the Council of Safety at Savanah Published an
Edict against all who had left the Town & retired on Board
any of the Ships for Protection I have not been able to get a
Copy of this but two Gentlemen of Veracity who Saw & Read
it, Informed me it declared that all such, and those who may
thereafter leave the Town & go on Board any of the Ships
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
240
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
shall be deemed Enemies to the Cause of American Liberty
& not under the Protection of the Council of Safety but Con¬
sidered as Out Lawed.
I must Acquaint your Lordship that while the Kings Ships
& Vessels were near the Town of Savanah three of the
Rebels were seized upon, Viz Ramond Demere, a Planter,
one Daniel Roberts dissinting Preacher and a Lieut, in one
of the Rebel Companys & Joseph Rice who was Employed
by the Rebels in a Boat kept on Sayanah River, in order to
obtain Intelligence & to Prevent any Private Communication
Between the Town & the Ships at Cockspur, in the night
time.—and Immediately on this being known the Rebels
seized upon James Edward Powell Anthony Stoks and
Josiah Tattnall three of the Council and upon John Mulloyne
Lachlan McGillwray & William McGillwray Esqrs- and
Wardell and Hugh Inglis Masters of Ships, and also Seized
,upon their Ships & Cargoes, and made Strict Search for Mr.
Graham and several others, who kept out of the way, and
threatened to send all these Prisoners to Cambridge in the
Massachusetts Government, if Demere, Roberts & Rice were
not set at Liberty, and I must beg leave also to acquaint
Your Lordship that several Merchants & other Eriends to
Government, who were become very obnoxious to the Rebels,
because they would not join them & take arms against their
King had been obliged to leave Savanah Privately & Seek
Refuge down here. And upon the Whole, on the request of
the Gentlemen who were in Confinement, it was thought ad¬
visable to agree to Liberate the three Rebels, who are none
of them men of any Consequence, on the following Terms
Viz that all the above named Gentlemen Should be Set at
liberty, and return to their own houses, if they Choose it, on
their Parole not to have any Connection with the Kings
Ships or Troops in this Province and that the Safety of their
Persons & Property should be secured, as far as the Present
Council of Safety (as they are called) or any Future Council
of Safety or Congress, may have it in their Power to Protect
them, with Liberty to such of them as may choose it, to go
on Board the Ships at Cockspur & take their Apparel Pro¬
visions & any thing Else that they may think Necessary for
letters from sir james wright.
241
their Voyage, if they are disposed to leave the Province, also
upon Condition that any of the Gentlemen now down here,
who are reputed to be Friends to Government & have not
taken up Arms, Shall be Intitled to the same Conditions as
are stipulated for the Gentlemen now in confinement, and
have full Liberty to return to their Respective homes if they
choose so to do.
The above terms were agreed to, Except as to Some part
of those who had Retired to Cockspur.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Tour Lordships
Most Obedient Humble Servant
Ja. Wright.
P. S. 26th March. Yesterday an Attempt was made on
Tybee Island, Where the Rebels Expected to find me on
Shore, with several Officers and Gentlemen, but happily none
were on Shore from the Ships, but four or five Gentlemen
belonging to the Town, who happened to be there, they took,
and carried away—Some Marines were also on Shore Cutting
wood & a Ship carpenter was there, one of which was killed
& three Wounded so, that its thought they cannot recover,
and they Burnt three Dwelling houses, the party is said to
have concisted of 100 Men well armed and mostly Riflemen,
Dressed and painted like Indians, and it is Positively assert¬
ed that some Indians were with them.
Things My Lord are growing worse every hour and I fear
assistance is at a great Distance yet. the man that was killed
they Scalp't.
J. W.
[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
16
242
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIK JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
27 March 1776.
On Board his Majesty's Ship Scarborough
No. 4. at Cockspur in Savanah Riyer in the Prov¬
ince of Georgia the 27th day of March 1776.
My Lord,
At the Earnest request of Messrs. Jackson & McLean, I
have taken the Liberty to inclose Your Lordship a Copy of
their Letter and Memorial to me, and in Common justice to
those Gentlemen, I can not Omit acquainting Your Lord Ship,
that they have always been & now are, firm Friends to Gov¬
ernment, that they have Certainly been very Great Sufferers,
and that I really believe the Contents of their Memorial; as
far as relates to themselves, to be strictly true, as to the
other persons, it may not be so proper for me to say.
I must also beg Leave to observe to Your Lordship, that I
Conceive it will be necessary, and for his Majesty's Service,
that some trade be Carried on with the Indians, for nothing
but that, and Presents, can Influence them, the Observation
in the Memorial with respect to which, is Certainly Just, and
whoever can do this, in the Greatest extent, I apprehend will
stand fairest to prevail on the Indians.
I have the Honor to be, with great deference
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obedient
Humble Servant
Ja. Weight.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol 237,
letters from sir james wright.
243
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
26 apkil 1776.
No. 5. Halifax the 26th of April 1776.
My Lord,
On the 21st Instant, I Arrived here in his Majesty's Ship
Scarborough where I had the honor to receive a Duplicate of
a Circular Letter from the Earl of Dartmouth of the 28th
of October 1775, also his Lordship's Circular Letter of the
8th of November 75, also a Duplicate of Mr. Pownall's Letter
of the 7th of November 75, inclosing Copys of Letters from
his Lordship to Major General Howe of the 22nd of October
and to Governor Martin of the 27th of October & 7th of
November and to Lord Wm. Campbell of the 7th of Novem¬
ber 75 which several Letters fully disclose to me the inten¬
tion of the Armament proposed against the four Southern
Colonies, but My Lord I am much afraid that Sir Peter
Parker & the Ships under his Command are not yet arrived
at North Carolina, at Least we have not heard that they are.
I have already Acquainted Your Lordship with the Occa¬
sion of My Leaving Savanah & Inclosed Copys of Several
Letters that passed between me & the Council & Captain
Barkley & Major Grant at Cockspur also of a Letter I wrote
to General Clinton, from which Your Lordship would see the
state and situation of affairs in Georgia & South Carolina—
When I left Savanah from many Accounts I had received my
full Expectation was that the Kings Ships & Troops which
were then arrived at Tybee, were come to our relief and
assistance, and that I should have returned to Savanah in 48
Hours after I left it, but I have already given your Lordship
an account of their Errand & my Grievous disappointment,
it was then Concluded that the Ships in their way to Boston
shoud call off the Entrance of Cape Fear River, that I might
have a Conversation with General Clinton & either stay there
or proceed to Boston according to the Plan he might have
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
244
lettees from sir james weight.
determined upon. But when we came near that Inlet, the
weather was not favourable & Difficultys arose. & I then
found my Self under the Necessity of writing a Letter to
General Clinton a Copy of which I now Inclose, and the St.
Lawrence Schooner was sent to cape fear with it, & with
orders from Captain Barkley to wait till Sir Peter Parker
Arrived, for an answer A then proceed to Boston with it.
And when we arrived off Cape Codd, the Entrance into Bos¬
ton Bay, we met with his Majesty's Ship Milford Capt. Burr,
who Informed us that General Howe had Evacuated Boston
A that the whole army A the Admiral Ac. were all gone for
Halifax, and to which place we were then under the Necessity
of Proceeding.
And as I now find from General Howe, that it is wholly
uncertain whether any Troops will go to Georgia or not, I
have determined to wait some time in hopes of hearing from
General Clinton, and if he should write me that he intends
any Operations against Georgia, I shall then return there,
but if any accident should prevent my hearing from him in a
Beasonable time or if he Acquaints me that no Operations
are meant to be carried on against that Province, I shall then
(under his Majtys leave of absence) Proceed to England as I
cannot in that case return to Georgia with safety, A if there
cou'd not be of any kind of use to his Maj. Service or the
Province A I am very happy to find General Howes A other
opinions coincide with my own in this Particular.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged and obedient Servant
Ja. Wright,
B 6th June.
letters from sir james wright.
245
SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO [SEC. LORD G. GERMAIN.]*
8 oCT. 1777.
Somerset Street Sth October 1777.
My Lord,
Having very lately received letters of the 26th July from
St. Augustine, I take the liberty of communicating to your
Lordship, such intelligence as they contain, which comes
from different hands, but the principal is from Mr. Wm.
Brown late acting Comptroller and Searcher at the Port of
Savannah in Georgia, a person whose veracity is unquestion¬
able, and is in substance as follows:—
" Soon after the Skirmish at Nassau, four hundred Recruits
for the Georgia Battallions arrived at Savannah from North
Carolina & Virginia, but a report prevailing there, that they
were soon to be employed in another attempt against East
Florida, one half of them deserted and the rest were sta-
tion'd at Fort Barrington, where the Small Pox & Measles
carried off a great many—
" On the appearance of some Cruizers off Tyby the Sun-
bury Galleys were ordered to Cockspur with all the Cannon
that could be spared from that Quarter—
"About a hundred of the Upper Creeks were lately at
Augusta, and enterd into a kind of Treaty with the Rebels,
and recovered back seven of their People who were Prisoners
at Savannah.
"All Communication between Florida & Georgia is entirely
cutt off, and some days ago a Gang of Indians came into
Augustine with a Scalp but not known whether Friend or
Foe.
" They hope something is intended against South Carolina
and Georgia next Winter and lament its not being done
sooner—
" Lachlan Mcintosh (the Rebel General in Georgia) is in
confinement for killing Gwinnett—George Mcintosh (a great
Rebel) being informed there was an intention to send him to
the Northward to be tried for selling Provisions for the use
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
246
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRlGHE.
of the Garrison at St. Augustine has absconded and a Party
of Soldiers are living at free Quarters on liis Plantation.
"William Mcintosh (a great Promoter of the Rebellion)
with his Negroes had got over the River Altamaha (supposed
on his way to Florida) but was pursued and overtaken and
his Negroes all carried back, he escaped himself, but has not
been heard of since, and its supposed was either in the
Woods or had fallen into the hands of the Indians.
" The Carolinians taking the advantage of the disputes in
Georgia, the Death of Gwinnett, and the disgrace of the
Mclntoshes, who all violently opposed the former Attempt to
unite Georgia to Carolina, mean to revive the matter, and to
send General Moultrie to enforce it, if they cant otherwise
accomplish it—
"Robert Baillie (a warm Friend of Government) is in con¬
finement at Savannah
"Advertisements are put up throughout Georgia requiring
all Absentees to return and Appear within six Months, and
ordering all Persons to take- the New State Oaths within that
time, and those who refuse it, are to depart the Province &
America, and in default in either case, their Property to be
confiscated, and one Gentleman writes, that he should not
be at all surprized to hear of a Revolt in Georgia.
"A Privateer supposed to be the Comet of Charles Town
lately chased a Vessell into St. Augustine & appear'd again
yesterday & accounts from Georgia mention that a Privateer
from Sunburry of Ten Guns, lately took five Prizes, two of
which were carried safe in—
" Sullivan's Island is now so strongly fortified that nothing
under a Seventy Gun ship can lye before it—
The above I believe to be in general true and thought it
necessary that Your Lordship should be acquainted there¬
with—and My Lord from the divisions and distracted State
of the People and Things in Georgia, it seems the most favor¬
able opportunity of reducing that Province to his Majty's
Obedience—Your Lordship will be pleased to remember that
when the Attempt was made in January last to prevail on the
Georgians to agree to an Union with Carolina, and that the
two Provinces should in future be considered as one State as
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
247
tliey call it Mr. Drayton threw out, that it was in the Power
of Carolina to compel Georgia to submit—on which if they
had not immediately decamped, he and his Colleagues would
have been Tarred & Feather'd—and many of the Principal
Inhabitants then declared that if force was used by Caro¬
lina—they would send to Gov. Tonyn for assistance & submit
to Great Britain rather than to the Province of Carolina—
and now your Lordship sees that the Carolinians taking the
advantage of the weakness of the Georgians occasioned by
their Divisions, are renewing that scheme and with an inten¬
tion to carry their Point by Force.
From all which there seems to be a Probability that the
People in general may be disposed to return to their Alle¬
giance, especially if they had any Assistance and a proper
person to apply to—and having had a full conversation with
Mr. Graham on this subject, he is very willing to return to
America in order to be in the way to obtain such intelligence
as can be depended upon of the true state of affairs in
Georgia, and if he goes first to Penzacola & from thence to
St. Augustine he will by that means have an Opportunity
of seeing Mr. Stuart and of having a full and clear state of
the disposition of the Indians and of knowing what assist¬
ance is to be expected from him and what number of them
or others he may have it in his Power to Lead or send into
Georgia or South Carolina if necessary.
And if it should unfortunately happen that Sir Wm. Howe
cannot send a sufficient force next Winter to reduce So. Car¬
olina and Georgia, yet if there should be a disposition in the
Inhabitants of Georgia in general to shake off the Tyranny
of the Rebel Powers and submit to His Maj. authority in
such case a small Force added to what may be spared from
the Garrison of St. Augustine' and raised within the Province
of Georgia—together with such Indians and others as Mr.
Stuart may be able to carry or send—there is great reason
to Conclude that the Province of Georgia might be recovered
from the Rebels—and reduced to His Maj^8 obedience—But
in order to hold it against So. Carolina—it will be necessary
that a Twenty Gun Ship or a Frigate be station'd at Cock-
spur near Tyby—Two Sloops of War in Savannah River and
248
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
one at Sunbury—And as some works must be constructed at
Savannah an Engineer and some Cannon A Ordnance Stores
Ac small arms, Ammunition Ac. for such of tlie Inhabitants
as may be willing to arm in support of Government and their
Liberties—and also such as may be raised there will be
necessary to be furnished—and if these Matters are approved
off, I would also propose to go out myself and join in the
Undertaking having proper Instructions and authorities given
me for that purpose.
I beg leave to congratulate Your Lordship on the very
agreeable accounts received yesterday which lay a foundation
for expecting great and decisive Events, and what I cannot
doubt but Your Lordship will very soon have a Confirma¬
tion of
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obedient Serv*
J a. Wright.
[Indorsed]
It same day.
SIR JAS. W7RIGHT TO SEC. LORD GEO. GERMAIN*
6 January 1779.
Somerset Street 6th of January 1779.
My Lord,
I have taken the Liberty to Inclose Your Lordship a
Memorial from myself and Some other Gentlemen who Hum¬
bly hope Your Lordship will be Pleased to Approve of it, and
to give the Necessary Orders for the Protection of their
Property, and Relief in the Premises.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged
and Obedient Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain Ac Ac Ac
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS EROM SlR JAMES WRIGHT.
[In Sir James Wright's of 6th January 1779.]
To the Bight Honorable Lord George Germain His
Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for North America, &c.
&c.
The Memorial of Sir James Wright, Bart. Governor of the
Province of Georgia and several other Gentlemen late In¬
habitants of that Province and others who have Property
therein
Sheweth,
That several of Your Memorialists who were Officers of
the Crown in the Province aforesaid on account of their Zeal
for the Support of His Majesty's Authority & Government
there, and for the aetive part they took in Opposition to the
Rebellion, when it first broke out, rendered themselves
obnoxious to the Rebels, and have since at different times
been under the Necessity of quitting that Province and
leaving their Property which is very Considerable behind
them at the Mercy of the Rebels.
That in March last the Rebel Powers there pass'd a Bill of
Attainder against Your Memorialists and many others by
which they are adjudged Guilty of High Treason against the
State of Georgia in adhering (as they call it) to and giving
Aid and Comfort to their Enemies His Majesty and His Loyal
Subjects.
That Your Memorialists are subjected to the Pains of
Death if they return to that Province and all their Lands
Negro's and Estates were by the said Law Confiscated and
declared forfeited to the use of the State of Georgia and
were Ordered to be sold in October last.
That Your Memorialists understand a Body of His Maj-
estys Troops are sent to the Province of Georgia aforesaid
in Order to reduce the Rebels there to His Majesty's Obedi¬
ence which gives them the greatest satisfaction, as they have
not the least doubt of the success of His Majesty's Arms
against that Province; nor but that the same being subdued
and held will prove an Asylum for such of His Majesty's
Subjects in the Adjacent Provinces as still retain their
Loyalty, and that when it is clearly known Georgia is to be
250
LETTERS PROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
held, Such Numbers will resort thereto and join His Majesty's
Standard as will greatly Facilitate the Reduction of the
Province of South Carolina, a matter it is Humbly Conceived
of the utmost importance to Great Britain and towards
Crushing the Spirit of the Rebellion in General in America.
That Your Memorialists Apprehend on His Majesty's
Troops taking Possession of Georgia, great Numbers of
Negro's, as well belonging to Your Memorialists as to the
Rebels, will endeavour to join the King's Troops in Expecta¬
tion of being declared and made free and of getting off the
Province in the Shipping; this Your Memoriahsts have the
greatest reason to believe will be the case, because in March
1776 when Your Memorialist Sir James Wright and some
other of Your Memorialists, had taken refuge on board his
Majesty's Ship Scarbro' at Cockspur in Georgia there came
there at different times betwixt two and three hundred
Negroes who sayd "they were come for the King" and that
when the King's Ship Transports and several Merchant Ships
which were then there sail'd from thence all the said Negroes
dispersed themselves on board the Transports and Merchant
Ships and were carryd away in the same and totally lost to
their Owners.
Wherefore Your Memorialists (being very great Sufferers
as Your Lordship well knows) Humbly pray that directions
may be sent to the Officers commanding His Majesty's Troops
and Navy in the Province of Georgia that all such Negroes
as belong to any of them or to other known Friends to Gov¬
ernment, which may go over to the Army or on Board any of
the Ships; may be taken care of for the use and benefit of the
several Owners, and that they may on request be delivered
back to their Lawful Attorneys, and that Orders may be
given to the Masters of Transport Ships if any such Negroes
should go on Board their Yessells, that they shall not con¬
ceal, detain or attempt to carry them away but deliver them
up to the Attorneys of the Owners of the said Negroes And
Your Memorialsts further hope, as they have already suffered
extremely by the Rebels that directions may also be given to
the Commanding Officer, to prevent as farr as possible, any
injury or damage being done by the Army to any of their
Property.
Letters erom sir james Wright.
251
All which is Humbly Submitted to Your Lordship's Con»
sideration.
Ja. Wright,
Josiah Tattnall, John Graham,
Anthony Stokes,
James Hume,
Jam. E. Powell.
A LIST OF THE OFFICERS OF HIS MAJESTY'S
PROVINCE OF GEORGIA AND THEIR PRESENT
PLACES OF RESIDENCE* [Feb. 1779.]
Governor—Sir James Wright Baronet—London.
Lieutenant Governor—John Graham Esqr—London.
James Mackay Esq. South Carolina.
James Edward Powell Esq. London.
Grey Elliot Esq London,
p ., j Lewis Johnson Esq. Georgia,
ounci. gtuart Esq. (Superintendant) East Florida.
Anthony Stokes Esq. London.
James Hume Esq. London.
^Josiah Tattnall Esq. London.
Secretary & Register of Grants—James Thompson Esq.
London.
Receiver General—Sir Patrick Houston—Georgia.
King's Treasurer, Lewis Johnson Esq. Georgia.
Treasurer for the Ceded Lands—John Graham Esq.
London.
Clerk of the Council—Alexander Wylly Esq, St. Augustine.
Messenger—Robert Botten, Georgia.
Door Keeper Grey, Georgia.
Clerk of the Commons House of Assembly—William
Stephens, South Carolina, a Rebel.
Surveyor General, Phillip Yonge Esqr Supposed to be in
St. Augustine.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
252
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Deputy Auditor—Grey Elliot Esq. London.
Chief Justice—Anthony Stokes, London.
Assistant Judges—All dead except James Deveaux who is
in Georgia and I believe a Rebel.
Attorney General—Charles Pryce Senior Esq. Parsons
Green near London.
Protempore J ames Hume Esq. London.
Senr Joint Clerk of the Crown and Pleas—Dead.
Junr Joint Clerk of the Crown and Pleas—Charles Pryce
Junr Esq. Went to Georgia last year.
Master in Chancery vacant.
Register in Chancery—Charles Pryce junr-
Judge of the Court of Vice Admiralty—James Edward
Powell Esq. London.
Register vacant.
Marshal—James Whitfield in Georgia a Rebel.
Collector of Savanah—Alexander Thompson Esq—Edin¬
burgh.
Comptroller and Searcher—William Browne Esq. St.
Augustine.
Collector of Sunbury—James Kitcliing Esq. Haverfordwest
Pembroke str.
Naval Officer—Stephen Haven a youth supposed to be in
Georgia.
Comptroller of Sunbury—Isaac Antrobus—Residence un¬
known.
Commissary—George Baillie Esq. trading between Georgia
and the Bahamas.
Indian Interpreter—Moses Nunes—Georgia.
Governor's Secretary for making out Licences to Indian
Traders—George Spencer—a Rebel.
Harbour Master for Savanah—George Finch—lately at
Jamaica.
Captain of the Scout Boat—Capt. Liglitenstone, Pilot to
Commodore Parker.
Captain of the Fort at Cockspur—James Edward Powell
Esq. London.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
253
ATTORNIES AT LAW.
I apprehend all of them, except Mr. Hume, Mr. Henry
Yonge and Mr. Robinson have taken the Oaths to the Con¬
gress.
The Names of several who have been driven from Georgia
and do not hold any Office there.
John Mullryne Esqre Providence in the Bahamas.
George Barry Esqre Do
Henry Yonge junr Esqr Saint Augustine.
Phillip Moore Esqr do
Mr. Panton do
Mr. Moss do
Mr. Wood do
Mr. Jenkins—London.
William McGillivray Esq, a Captain in the Army on half
Pay—London.
Mr. Kincard—London.
Mr. Clark, London.
Mr. Inglis, Scotland.
Mr. James Johnston—West Indies.
Mr. Joseph Parley Antigua.
John Simpson Esq—London.
Captain Lyford (formerly Pilot at Tybee) St. Augustine.
Names of some Gentlemen in Georgia who are supposed to
be Fast Friends to Government
Doctor John Irwin
Doctor Trail
Mr. William Telfair
Mr. James Mossman
Mr. George Jamieson
Mr. Robert Ried.
254
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
31 July 1779.
Duplicate.
No. 1. Savanah in Georgia the 31st of July 1779.
My Lord,
I arriv'd here the 14thHjagt but Lieut. Col. Prevost who
had an Appointment from the Kings Commissioners as Lieut.
Goyr being out of Town Establishing a Post near Pryans
Cow Pen about 20 Miles from Savanah Lomitted to Resume
the Government till Monday the 20 after his return^to town,
and altho I did not find the Province by any means in that
State of Security( which I expected yet as an Opinion Pre-
vail'd that on the Establishment of that kind of Civil Gov¬
ernment which was done by Col. Campbell in March last,
The Province and People had been restord to the Kings
Peace & Considered themselves to be so in every respect,
that the restraining Act was totally set aside and disregarded
—I say My- Lord finding things thus Circumstanced I judgd
it Proper to Publish the Kings. Commissioners Proclamation
which I had been intrusted with, in Confirmation of what
had been done before, & in order to prevent any disputes or
inconveniences.
But My Lord I am sorry to be under the Necessity of
delaying to Issue Writs of Election for some time for by the
Expedition into S° Carolina the Possession & hold of this
Province has been very much interruptd weaken'd & reduc'd
& I am inform'd by several sensible & Good Men here was in
great danger of being totally lost, but on the Propriety of
the Expedition & the Consequences attending it I shall not
Presume to give any Opinion & as a Considerable Part of the
Army is now Return'd here I hope we are in a State of
Safety and shall seize the very first Moment that offers for
Issuing Writs of Election with any degree of Propriety, as
untill that is done our Efforts to re-establish Solid Govern-
* P. E. O. Am, A w, lud. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
255
ment & good order I Conceive can be but Fable. I found a
Body of about 70 Creek Indians here, who had been with
the Army in Carolina, they did not seem to be well Pleas'd
but I think they will now go away Pretty well satisfied and
have told me that if they are wanted at any other time, they
will Come on notice, but as I understand the Indians are
Considerd as in the Military Line or department I shall not
Presume to say more than that I think those People might
be Employ'd to great advantage.
Inclosd is a Memorial of the Inhabitants on the Exposd
State of Sav. River, with Gen. Prevosts & Sir James Wallaces
Letters to me thereon also an Address from a No. of the
Principal Inhabitants of Sav. with my Answer to it, but Not¬
withstanding which I find several of the Leading Rebels are
very busy in keeping up the Expiring Flame of Rebellion &
that there are yet Many here who if they had an Opportunity
would adhere to the Independant Scheme. I shall look with
the "utmost Anxiety and Impatience for the Troops from New
York and hope they will be in our Neighborhood early in
October, for till then, as the Troops that were here are so
much Scatterd about, I shall not Consider this Province as
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Maj. Principal Secretary of State for N° America &c.
safe.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obedt ServTt
Ja. Wright.
&c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R. Sept. 23d. By Col. Prevost.
Duplicate. Orig1 not recd-
256
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
31 july 1779.
Duplicate.
No. 2. Sav. in Georgia the 31st of July 1779.
My Lord,
Your Lordship may Possibly Remember that J had the
Honor of a Short Conversation with you Relative to the
Negroes who might Come into this Province or be brought in
and my Lord on my Arrival I found vast numbers of Negroes
here, I am Informd & believe I may venture to say some or
several Thousands. I found a great number had been Captur'cl
by the King's Army and brought in^that the Indians had
Captur'd in Carolina & brought here upwards' of 140. That
several People had been_Commissiond or Authorisd to Act as
Volunteers without any pay or Emolument but that ojLPlnn-
der, who had taken up great Numbers & that a vast Many
had Come over of themselves and I was Continually haz'd &
Perplexd with Complaints & Claims for Negroes, at length
I recd a Petition in behalf of some Merchants in London on
which I determined to endeavour to put the Matter on the
best footing I could think of, for His. Majesty's- service & the
Benefit of all Parties Concernd and after two Meetings &
Consultations with the Council on this very Confusd & Per¬
plexd business it was resolved as Your Lordship will see by
the Inclosd Copy of the Minutes & resolutions of myself in
Council & to which I have the Honor to refer. How far
these Volunteer Plundering Partys may have been really
usefull for Intelligence or otherwise I will not take upon me
to say but Clear I am that nothing but the Utmost Necessity
& Utility will justify a Measure which Subjects all People
indiscriminately to the Rapine of a set of Banditti.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Oblig'd & Obed4 Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain,
Sec. of State for N° America &c &c.
* P. R, O. Am. & W, Jnd. vol, 237.
lettebs fkom sir james weight. 257
[Indorsed]
R. Sept. 23d.
By Col. Prevost.
Duplicate Orig1 not reca'
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
1 August 1779.
Duplicate.
No. 3. Sayanah in Geoegia 1st of August 1779.
My Lobd,
Yesterday a Party of Indians Amounting to 120 with 35
White Men under the direction of Mr. David Holmes Ap¬
pointed by Governor Chester a Commissioner on the death
of Mr. Stuart came to Town & as things are Circumstanced
here at Present I think some Part of those People may be
very usefully Employed till the Arrival of the Troops from
the Northward, <fc intend to have a conversation with the
General upon the subject.
If they were under my Command or direction I should not
hesitate a moment, but what the Generals Opinion may be I
cant tell, as I know from what he has told me, that he don't
like Indians.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed* Serv*
Ja. Weight.
P. S. 3d August. The General has agreed to keep & Em-
17
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
258 letters erom sir james wright.
ploy sucli of the Indians as are willing to stay & be Em¬
ployed.
The Eight Honorable Lord George Germain—
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for North America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
E Sept. 23d.
Duplicate Orig1 not recd-
GOY. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOED G. GEE-
MAIN*
9 August 1779.
No. 4. Savanah in Georgia, the 9th of August 1779.
Mr Lord,
The more I am able to See into the True State of Affairs
here, the more I am Convinced of the Wretched Situation
the Province is in & how nearly it was being totally lost,
while the Army was carrying on their operations in South
Carolina & now my Lord the Eebels who went from hence
into Carolina on the arrival of Colonel Campbell, with other
Eebels of Carolina & this Province, are Possess'd of the
Country at & about Augusta & all above it, and I have the
Honor to Inclose your Lordship the Information I received
from three Back Country People by which it appears that
almost the whole Settlements down to Briar Creek are Broke
up or the Inhabitants skulking about to avoid the Bebel
Partys—and that the Eebels have Collected upwards of 600
men & are going to Establish a Post with them Some where
in St. Georges Parish.
I doubt not My Lord however but this Province will Soon
Eaise it's head & become more Populous & Opulent than
ever—I have ordered an Exact Beturn of the whole Militia,
but have not yet received it, altlio' from the best Information
I have been able to come at, I really believe they will not
* P. R. O. Am. k W. Iml. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
259
Exceed 400 men in the Whole Province & Probably 800
would not Appear under Arms.
On the 4th inst came to me Thomas Moore lately belong¬
ing to a Privateer from St. Augustine but who had been
taken & carried to Charles Town & made his Escape from
thence, and of him I got the Inclosed Information.
also at the same time John & Alexander Henry from S°
Carolina were brought to me & I now Inclose the Informa¬
tion I got from them, all which I sent to Major General
Prevost with a letter to him on the subject.
and with Respect to the Indians My Lord, the General
on a Conversation -I had with him very readily agreed to
Employ them. & on the 3d Instant I had a Talk with them
at the Generals House, When they'all agreed to Stay & go
on any Duty or Service that might be required of them, and
I think they have given in the Names of the Indians & the
Towns they belong to. of about 100 who will Stay & Join the
Army in Such. Way as the General may think Proper, but I
am Sorry to say that after the Immence Expence to Gov-
ernm* on Account of the Indians, they do not Seem to me to
be so hearty in the Cause & so Warmly attached as I Ex¬
pected. altho' Possibly I may be Mistaken. I also Inclose a
Copy of Dooley's Proclamation as he Calls it. I Presume
Another Consequence of the Expedition to Carolina, and My
Lord the State &' Condition of that Province appears to me
to be such that its only Necessary to send from 4 to 5000
Troops and a few Ships to reduce it & Si1' I. Wallace who is
fully Possessed of the Situation of Affairs here & in Carolina
is Just Saikl for New York where I believe he Means to State
every thing Clearly & to Forward the Movement, to which
Purpose I have also Wrote to Sir H. Clinton by him.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obed* Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majtys Principal Secretary of State
for N° America &c. <fcc. &c.
[Indorsed\ R Sept. 23d.
Duplicate Orig1 not rec'1'
260
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER-
MAIN*
5 Nov. 1779.
No. 8. Savannah in Georgia the 5 of Nov. 1779.
My Lord,
Since I had the honor of writing to Your Lordship last by
the Cork Victuallers we have met with a very unexpected
alarming and serious scene, Especially in this part of the
word, for no Man could have thought or believed that a
Erench Fleet of 25 Sail of the Line with at least 9 Frigates
and a number of other Vessells would have come on the
Coast of Georgia in the month of September and Landed
from 4 to 5000 Troops to besiege the Town of Savannah, but
My Lord amazing as this is, it is certainly Fact, for on the
3d of September an account came to Savanna that 5 Large
ships were in the offing & the next morning advice came that
they were French Ships, and I concluded that they had been
drove here by distress, however on the 7tli a letter was wrote
by Captain Henry Commander of His Majesty's Ship Fowey
that 42 sail of French Ships appeared off Tybee Bar and on
the 8tli 5 of them very Large Ships came in over the Bar, on
which the Fowey and Rose Ships of War were obliged to
retreat come up the River, and on the 12tli several of the
French Fleet went in at Ossabaw and at Night began to land
their Troops at Bewlie and on the 15tli the Count D'Estaing
sent a Summons to General Prevost to Surrender the Town
and Province to the King of France on which some Messages
& Letters passed, and on the 17th the Truce ended in De¬
claring that it was the Unanimous opinion & Resolution of
the Civil and Military that the Town should be Defended,
this my Lord made me very happy as I had some strong
Reasons to apprehend & fear the Contrary. The particulars
of the Negotiation Your Lordship will receive from General
Prevost, and from this time Hostilities began and both sides
were very active in raising Redoubts and Batteries A Open-
* P. K. O. Am, & W, Iud, vol, 237.
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
261
ing Trendies <fcc. &c. and now my Lord give me leave to
mention tlie great ability and Exertions of Captain Moncrief
the Chief Engineer who was Indefatigable day & Night and
whose Eminent Services contributed vastly to our defence
and safety, and on the 3d of October at half after 11 at
Night the Freiich began to Bombard the Town and at the
Firing of the Morning Gun on Monday the 4tli they began a
most Furious Cannonade, which continued more or less till
Saturday the 9th when just before Break of day an attack
was made by the united Armys of the French & Rebels, and
we have it from very good authority that the flower of both
armys to the amount of 2500 French and 1500 Rebels, came
against us. The Conflict was sharp, and lasted for about an
hour & a half and we were well informed by French Officers
who were wounded and taken, and also by some who came
with Flags & by deserters and others, that they lost 700
killed and wounded, and some accounts mentioned 1000
among which are 63 officers—D'Estaing wounded in the
thigh and arm Polaski on the Hip with a grape shot and
since dead and the Rebels its said had killed and wounded
500, amongst them Charles Price, astonishing to think we
had only 7 killed & 14 wounded but for a more Circumstan¬
tial Account of the Siege, Attack &c. &c. I beg leave to refer
Tour Lordship to the Inclosed diary, and which altho not in
the Military Language or Style, I will be answerable is as
Just & True an account of the whole matter as will be trans¬
mitted from any hand whatever, and I have it my Lord from
some of my Friends who had an opportunity of knowing the
condition of the French Fleet when they were ready to de¬
part from our Coast, that the Ships were much out of repair
& the Men exceedingly sickly on Board the Sagittaire the
Crew of which amounted to 500, they Buried with the Scurvy
and other disorders but chiefly the Scurvy at least 2, 3, & 4
every day one day with another, and this for a month, and
several officers who came there from the other ships said it
was the same throughout and I was Informed from the same
Authority that D'Estaing was return to Brest immediately
with 11 ships. 4 to go to Cheasapeak for provision and from
thence to the Cape, 2 Frigates and the Cape Troops, say 1200
262
LETTERS EROM SiR JAMES WRIGHE.
Men to go to Charles Town & the rest with La Motte Piquet
to Martinique, this Destination was learnt yet possibly may
not be the fact,
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & Obedt Serv1
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Maj. Principal Secretary of State Ac. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R Decr- 21. By Capt. Shaw.
Duplicate—Orig1 not received.
[Inclosed in Gov. Sir Jas. Wright's Letter of 5 Nov. 1779.]
On Friday the 3d Sept. Capt. Henry of His Majtys Ship
Fowey call'd on me and told me he had -heard from Tybee,
that they were 5 large ships in the Offing which were imagin'd
might be the Roebuck with some Cork Victuallers.
On Saturday the 4th he call'd on me again & Shew'd a
letter from Capt. Brown of the Rose, who wrote that he had
sent a Lieut, to reconnoitre the Ships, who reported them to
be French & we then suppos'd they might have been drove
this way by a Gale of Wind—which seem'd in some measure
to be confirm'd—because on Monday the 6th Accounts were
bro1 up that the Ships had disappear'd.
But at day break on Wednesday the 8th I received a letter
from Gen1 Prevost acquainting me that at 4 O'Clock that
Morning he had received a letter from Capt. Henry inform¬
ing him that there were 42 Sail of French Ships of War in
Sight, most of which appeared to be large Ships, on which
we concluded that a serious Attack was intended against this
Province; We had been repairing the.Old Redoubts and
raising New Works—Expecting an Attack, by the Rebels, but
on these Accounts of a French Fleet being on the Coast, the
greatest Exertions were made by Capt. Moncrief Chief En¬
gineer and 400 to 500 Negroes were immediately ordered in
by the Govr and Council and set to work—And in the whole
Liters Erom sir JamEs wrighE.
263
there wese 13_good redoubts raised round the Town in differ¬
ent places and 15 Gun Batteries were raised also in different
places between the Redoubts—the whole of these Batteries
contain'd 80 Pieces of Canon, 18, 9 & 6 pounders—The Bat¬
teries were mann'd by the Sailors of the Fowey, Rose and
Keppel & by Sailors & Volunteers belonging to Transports
and other Ships in the River.
Besides which there were several 6 and 4 Pounders prop-
erly placed without Batteries, also five field pieces.
We soon received an Account from Capt. Henry that the
French Fleet consisted of 25 sail of the Line and 9 Frigates,
besides other Vessels.
On the 8th Sept. Five Frigates got over Tybee Bar, and
soon after the Fowey, Rose, Keppel, Savannah & the Galleys
were obliged to retire up the River.
On Sunday the 12th at night the French began to land
Troops at Bewley 14 miles from Town And on Wednesday
the 15th a letter came from Count De Estaing containing a
General Summons to surrender the Town & Province to the
King of France, he boasted in this letter of his formidable
Armament by Sea and Land What he had done with them
at Granada Ac. mentioned how much Ld Macartney had
suffered by not Capitulating, and that it was totally in vain
to think of opposing or resisting his Force—And warn'd
General Prevost of the Consequences attending a Storm,
hinting that he shou'd consider him as personally answerable
for the lives of the people &c.
The Answer to this was that the General he had a better
opinion of him & of the British Army which he had the
honour to command, than to expect they wou'd surrender the
Town &c. on a General Summons, without knowing on what
terms or conditions—That he had communicated the above
letter to the Civil Governor—And if the Count had any terms
to offer, desired they might be made.
To which the Count replied, that it was the part of the
Besieged to propose Terms and not that of the Besiegers.
The Answer to this was that it was a matter of great Con¬
sequence and there were many different Interests to be
adjusted and settled, and therefore desired 24 hours to con¬
sider of it.
264
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Tliis Avent 011 Thursday the 16th and the Count agreed to
AA7ait for an Answer till the firing of the Evening Gun on
Friday the 17th.
In the Afternoon a Council of War was held in the General
Tent, consisting of the field Officers (the Gov1' and Lieut.
Gov. being present) to consider of an Answer to be sent to
the Count De Estaing when it was the unanimous opinion of
the whole that the Town should be defended & that this
Answer or Notice should be returned to Count De Estaing.
On which Hostilities commenced—
On the 17th 18th & 19th Col. Maitland and all the Troops
from Beaufort got here but with the greatest difficulty and
risque, Excepting the Artillery Men of the Hessian Corps,
Hessian Convalescents and about 170 of the 71st. The
Vigilant Man of War, three Galleys and 3 Transports, with
all the Artillery Stores Baggage &c. were left at Callibogie.
The whole of the Troops which arrived with Col. Maitland
amounted to about 800 Men.
Two of the French Frigates with two Galleys advanced up
the River to 4 Mile Point and on the 29th Sept. one of them
got up to & Anchored at the Mouth of the Back River and
the two Galleys at the point of Yonges Iseland of March
and at different times they fired many Shot into the Town 24
& 12 Pounders.
The French were employed in bringing Canon &c. &c. &c.
from Bewley till the 24th, In the night of which, they began
to break ground, near our fines and next day we saw 2 pieces
of Canon mounted.
A party of fight Infantry were Order'd out under the Com¬
mand of Major Graham consisting of about 90 men in Order
to draw the French out of their Lines, who to the number of
300 came out & were drove from their Works but were then
Supported by a Column of French Troops from 500 to 600
from the Woods behind their Works, which Obliged the fight
Infantry to return. The french were much Galled by our
Canon and the fire of the Musquetry & lost as we were in¬
formed 84 Killed & about 100 Wounded.
The fight Infantry lost Lieut. McPherson & 7 private Kill'd
& 13 wounded.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
265
From the 24th the french were extending their lines &
Woiks & raised three large Batteries and were bringing
Canon & Mortars Ac. from Bewley, Thunderbolt & Castons
Bluff.
On the 2d of Octr- The Frigate & Bebel Galleys kept a
constant fire on the Town & Camp from 11 a m to 1 P M—
many shot reach'd thro' the Town to Zubley's Meeting from
the Galleys & from the Frigate went quite across the Camp
to the Barracks.
Sunday 3d Octr- At half after 11 at Night the French
open'd a Bomb Battery of 9 Mortars & continued throwing
Shells till One OClock in the Morning—123 Shells were
thrown into every part of the Town, but without doing any
' Material Damage.
Monday 4th Octr- Just as the Morning Gun was fired—the
Enemy began a most furious and incessade Canonade from
three Batteries mounting in the whole 32 Guns of 18, 12, 9 &
6 Pounders,, besides a Constant fire from the Frigate of 14
Guns 12 pounders, And of 2 Guns 24 Pounders from the
two Bebel Galleys—as also a Bombardment of Shells—how-
ever only_the Daur of a. Mrs._Thomson, and a- Mr. Pollard
Assist11 Barrack Master were killed, during which a constant
Fire was kept up, by our Batteries, on the Enemy's works &,
Shells thrown from 5 small Cohorns.
Tuesday 5th Canonading & Bombardment continued—Day
& Night.
Wednesday 6th the same—This night a Woman her
Mother & Child & a Niece were kill'd by a Shell in the
Middle of the Town, also three Negroes—Mrs. Lloyds house
was set on~fire"by a Carcase which they now began to throw.
Thursday 7th The Canonade & Bombardment continued—
several Carcases were thrown—Another House was burnt,
most of the' Houses in Town were much damaged by the
Shot, but no body, kill'd either in Town or Camp.
Friday 8th Bombardment & Canonade continued much
dainage continued to be done to the Houses—Capt. Simpson
kill'd by a Grape Shot in Major Wrights Kedoubt at the
Trustees Gardens—In the Course of this Night a very heavy
Canonade from the Enemy.
266
UTTERS EROM SiR JAMES WRI&fiE.
Saturday 9tli Especially from 12 at night also a Bombard¬
ment which continued till the firing of the Morning Gun at
Day break & immediately an Attack was made by the French
& Rebels on the Ebenezer redoubt & Battery by the Spring
and on the redoubt by Col. Maitlands Tent, on the Right of
our line, Commanded by Col. Maitland; the Enemy that
made the Attack were the flower of the French Troops Vir¬
ginia & So. Carolina Continentals & So. Carolina Militia—
Supposed to be 2500 french & 1500 Rebels.
Count De Estaing Commanded himself and Gen1 Lincoln
as second in Command.
The Attack was made with great Spirit on the part of the
French—the Morning was favourable for them being Dark &
Foggy. The Attack continued 1^ hour when the Enemy were
beat back & retreated with great precipitation Our Troops
who alone opposed them were
64 |rCgarZa Loyalists } In the EWzer Eedoubt"
Commanded by Tawes of the Dragoons who bravely fell in
defending it.
90 of Col. Hamilton's N° Carolina Loyalists & \ T +1
56 Georgia Militia j n e
Redoubt where Col. Maitland was &
70 Granadiers of the Royal Americans who were Ordered to
support the Redoubts, and bravely charg'd the Enemy with
their Bayonets.
Exclusive of the above the Spring Battery of 6 Guns mann'd
by 31 Sailers Commanded by Mr. Manly & Steel did very
great execution & much contributed to the repulse of the
Enemy—None of the other Troops on the right of our line
were at all engaged, or had occasion to fire a single musquet—
these consisted of the 1st Battalion of 71st the Hessian reg4
Wezenbeckens & Browns Rangers.
On the left of our Line a Feint was made by the Rebel
Troops—500 under Command of Gen1 Williamson—on Major
Wrights redoubt by the Trustees Gardens & 700 under Com¬
mand of Col. Sleyer on Col. Crugers Redoubt in Tatnels
Road—The Rebels were beat off & lost 50 kill'd & wounded
at this end of our line—Amongst the first- Charles Pryce.
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT. 26?
After the retreat of the French & Rebels on the right of
our line 270 men chiefly French were found dead—31 of
whom were in the Ditch and on the parapet of the Ebenezer
Redoubt & 93 more within the Abattis—A French & Rebel
Standard were once fixed on the parapet of this redoubt, the
French carried off theirs, but the Rebel Standard was taken
by us. Since the Attack we find by Deserters, French
Officers and others that the French lost in kill'd & wounded
not less than 700 some say 1000 & of the first 63 Officers by
their own Acco1 Amongst the Wounded Count De Estaing
Received a Musquet Shot in his Arm & another in his Thigh,
Count Polaski a Wound in the Hip by a Grape Shot & since
dead—And the Rebels by the best information we cou'd get
had kill'd & wounded about 500 & it is astonishing to think
that in this Attack We had only Capt. Tawes & 7 private
Kill'd and 14 Wounded. .
N B. Our whole force^JEtegulars, Militia, Sailers & Volun¬
teers did not amount to above 2350 men fit for Duty.
A Flag was soon sent by the French & Rebels desiring a
Truce for the Burial of the Dead, & receiving the Wounded,
which was agreed to till 2 o'clock & then extended till Dark.
During this Night a slight Canonading on both sides &
many french & Rebel Deserters came in.
Sunday 10th Several Flags passed and Truces agreed to,
for the above and other purposes, a Slight Canonading during
the night & many Deserters come in.
Monday 11th No Canonading or Bombardment on the part
of the Enemy. Deserters coming in who Inform'd that they
were sending their Sick & Wounded & heavy Canon on board
their Ships—The Rebel Militia were daily going off in
Numbers.
Tuesday 12th Slight Canonading on each side in the night,
but not a Gun fired in the day—the Enemy seem'd now to
fire from two pieces of Canon only.
Wednesday 13th The same.
Thursday 14th The same.
Friday 15th The same and We were now Inform'd that all
the Carolina Militia were gone.
Saturday 16th The same The Enemy had removed all their
Cannon but two.
268
letters from sir james wrldh'f.
Sunday 17tli The same and We were Inform'd that the
french black & Mullatoe Brigade had March'd to Col. Mull-
rynes—to Embark.
Monday 18th This Evening Night all the French &
Bebel Troops left their Camps & lines which were next day
& a few days following all destroyed.
Tuesday 19th Were inform'd the French had taken post 2
miles from Town at the Cross Road leading to Brewtons &
that the Rebels were crossing the River with all Expedition,
at the two Sisters and Zubly's Ferry.
20th & 21st Learn'd that all the French had Embark'd at
Caston's Bluff in about 100 Boats & had gone to Tybee to
embark in their Men of War lying there.
From the 21st the Winds hanging to the Eastward, the
French Frigate cou'd not move from five fathom hole Cartels
during this time coming up with prisoners.
Ja. Wright.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
6. Nov. 1779.
No. 9. Savannah in Georgia the 6th of Novr 1779.
My Lord,
I wish it were in my Power to give your Lordship an
agreeable or satisfactory account of the Situation of affairs
in General in this Province & that any Progress was made
towards carrying the Measures Recommended to me on my
Departure from England into Execution. But in my former
letters I very particularly mentioned the Reason why it was
Impossible to call an Assembly at that time and how far this
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
269
Province had been Sufferd to Relapse into Rebellion again,
and those who were well affected to be Harassed and Ruined
by Rebels from Carolina and Villains in the Back Country
here, who Joined them for the sake of Plunder. I also wrote
your Lordship how Nearly this Province was being lost again
and the very great Distress that the King's Loyal Subjects
were reduced to, and all this I conceive owing to or
Occasioned by the Expedition into South Carolina, which
left this Province Naked and Defenceless. Whereas had a
Post been Established at Augusta I have every Reason to
Think that the Whole Province would have been in Peace
and quietness and that good and Loyal Inhabitants would
have flocked in from other Provinces, this My Lord is a Short
Sketch of the State and Condition I found it in, and which
I Repeat least my former letters might not get safe, and Since
that your Lordship knows things have been Growing worse,
for as I wrote before the Rebels were Collecting their whole
force from South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, and
also the Rebels from and in this Province in order to attack
Savannah before any reinforcements should come from New
York of all which I acquainted your Lordship, and this
brought it down to the Invasion by the French and of that
and the Issue I have now given your Lordship a full account
in my letter No. 8. I am now My Lord taking every Step in
the Power of the Civil Department to Check the Spirit of
Rebellion by Compelling all those who I think might or ought
toHiave come in and Joined in the defence of the Town, but
did not, to give a very Circumstantial Account of their Con¬
duct During the Siege, and have Directed that those of the
Lower Class who do not appear Materially Culpable shall be
obliged to give Security for their good behaviour for 12
months themselves in <£100 Sterlg and 2 Sureties in £50
each, also to take the Oaths of Allegiance Ac. Ac. and to
Subscribe the Test a Copy whereof is Inclosed, and any who
appear to have offended Capitally, I have ordered to be Com¬
mitted^ and if sufficient evidence can be had against them
I anfdetermined they shall be prosecuted for High Treason,
but my Lord in the situation we are now, the Civil Govern¬
ment Your Lordship will see must be very Feeble and will
270 letters from sir james wright.
remain so, till I can call an assembly, this is a Point I have
Considered and hope it may be done, and that the time is not
very distant when I may Issue writs for that Purpose.
I Transmit your Lordship herewith the Minutes of the Pro¬
ceedings of the Governor in Council. Since the Siege, a
Body of 150 Horse wou'd I think give full Protection to the
Settlements in General and be Sufficient to Bout any Party
of Bebels that may Attempt to Disturb us, for those who do
the Mischief are Generally on Horseback, and before any
Detachment of Foot can get near them are gone off. 150
Horse wou'd be more serviceable than 500 Foot. There is
not above 50 who are called Light Dragoons and I dont hear
that any more are intended to be Baised. Your Lordship
may rely on it that every thing in my Power shall be done to
Promote His Majesty's Service and that I have most anxiously
in view the Several matters recommended to me.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & Obedient Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Bight Honble Lord George Germain
His Maj. Principal Secretary of America for America <fcc
&c &c.
[Indorsed]
B 21st Dec1"-
By Capt. Shaw.
GOY. SIB JAS. WBIGHT TO SEC. LOBD G. GEE-
MAIN*
9 November 1779.
No. 10. Savanah in Georgia the 9th of Novr 1779.
My Lord,
The Ship not Sailing so soon as was Expected I have the
Honor of writing another Line to Your Lordship and the
more I think of our very great Success, the more I see it as
* P. R, O, Am. & W. Intl. YoJ. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
271
a Providential tiling, and a matter of the utmost Importance,
the Southern Parts of N° America I conceive are now in
Your Lordships Power whereas had the French got Footing
here, I fear they wou'd have been lost, the Stroke is Severely
Felt by the Rebels & their Distress Immense, and if Repeated
accounts are to be Credited I think the Spirit of Rebellion is
on the decline in South Carolina Since the Late Defeat here
And I doubt not but the Country will be* an Easy Conquest.
But we hear they are Strengthening their Works at Charles
Town, and Laying in 9 months Provision. Since my Last my
Lord I have Carefully Examined Several People who have
come in from the Back Country within a few Miles of Augusta,
who tell me there are not Many Rebels there, or anywhere
Else together, but only a few Straggling Partys who still go
about Plundering what they can find and distressing the
Loyal Inhabitants, and those at Augusta are Fortifying them1
selves, but as I have every Reason to Expect some Creek
Indians will soon be down amongst them, I hope they will be
Routed 'ere long, a Party of Horse wou'd Effectually Scour
the Province, Drive away the Remainder of the Rebels, and
with a few Established Posts Give Peace and Security to all
the well affected here, and Such as may Choose to come in
and Settle, either this or the Reduction of Carolina will do,
And when I can Call an Assembly which I hope will be as
soon as the Reinforcement comes to enter Carolina, then
Government will Soon Strengthen and Raise its Head; I have
mentioned many things my Lord with Respect to the State of
the Province, and some which I think Necessary, to Mr.
Knox which wou'd have Spun out my Letter to Your Lord¬
ship to too Great a Length and trust that he will Lay before
Your Lordship all such Matters as he may Judge Material or
Worth Your Lordships notice.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed* Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty8 Principal Secretary of State Ac. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 22nd Dec1"-
272
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
20 January 1780.
No. 11. Savannah in Georgia the 20th of Jany 1780.
My Lord,
The last time I had the Honor to write to Your Lordship
was on the 9th of Novr by Captain Shaw who was Sent
Express with the Account of the defeat of the French and
Rebel Forces before the Town of Savannah, Copies of which
I also Sent by way of New York and not having anything
more, or very Material, or any good Conveyance, I have not
wrote Your Lordship Since. But on the 29th of December
I wrote to Mr. Knox in which I mentioned Several Matters,
and desired him to Communicate Such of them to Your Lord¬
ship as he might think proper or Worth your Notice, and
I have now the very great Pleasure to acquaint Your Lordship
that on the 17th Instant a Transcript Ship arrived, one of the
Fleet from New York, and by which we have an Account that
upwards of 7000 Troops are coming. The Winds have been
very unfavourable for several days Past, and only a Horse
Sloop has got in Since, and some Gentlemen who are come
to Town say that they Parted with the Fleet in a Hard Gale
of Wind 4 days after they left New York, which was I think
the 20 of December, but I hope as the Wind is now Northerly
and getting to the Eastward, 2 or 3 days more will bring them
all safe in.
The Court of Sessions my Lord Ended to day, three
persons were Tried and found Guilty of Misdemeanours for
Treasonable Practices, Yiz—William Carey, Israel Bird and
William Maxwell and 2 others withdrew their Pleas and Con¬
fessed the Indictments, Viz. James Davis and Thomas
Netherclift, and 3 more Indictments for Misdemeanours stand
over to be Tried at the next Court, and I hope Such Examples
will be made by the Judgments and Sentences which may be
Passed against those People who are Found Guilty, and those
* P. R. O. Am. A W. Jud. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
273
who have Confessed the Indictments, and who are Lyable to
Fine and Imprisonment &c. as will have a good Effect, and
tend much to Strengthen and Snpport Government, which I
assure your Lordship at Present Stands in Great Need of it.
Peter Henry Morel was Tried for High Treason and Acquitted
and Robert Mauls Trial for High Treason, Stands over, till
June Court and as soon as the Troops begin their Operations,
I shall Issue Writs of Election and hope when I get an
Assembly I shall be able to Execute, His Majesty's Com¬
mands, and my Instructions to accomplish which, and every
matter that I may Judge to be for His Majesty's Service,
I Shall Exert to the Utmost of my Power. There are now a
Party of Cherokee Indians here 230 Men and 18 or 20
Women and Children, I have been Present at 2 of their
Talks, Copy's of which General Prevost tells me he Shall
Transmit to your Lordship, those People Express the
Strongest Resentment against the Rebels, and say they never
will be reconciled to them, and if they are Properly Treated
and Managed I think may be very usefull on the Expedition
into Carolina, but Indians Seem to be despised and thought
of no Consequence. I have not had the Honor to receive a
Line from your Lordship Since I left England and am most
anxiously wishing to hear of the Success of His Majesty's
Pleet against the Combined Fleets of France and Spain,
which Pray God Grant.
I have the Honor to be with the most Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obedt Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State for America &c
&c Ac.
[Indorsed]
R May 13.
By the Lord Hyde Packet.
Duplicate Orig1 not recd-
18
274
letters from sir james wright.
GOY. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LD G. GEEMAIN *
10 February 1780.
No. 12. Savannah in Georgia the 10th of Feby 1780.
My Lord,
Your Lordships Letter of the 9th of July last No. 3 I had
the Honor to receive on the 2d Instant, and which is the first
that has conle to Hand Since my Arrival. I am afraid Your
Lordships Information of the Eebel Force in South Carolina
being much Diminished was not well Founded. It gave me
Concern to find that Spain has thrown her Weight into the
Scale of our Enemies, but my Lord I am very hopefull this
Event may be Productive of Unanimity and Eouse the True
English Spirit, and that Great Britain will Soon Eise
Triumphant over all her Enemies, Foreign and Domestic. I
have Great Satisfaction in hearing that the War in America
is an object not lost Sight of, and that None of the Troops
are to be withdrawn, and I Trust I shall Soon have it in
my Power to Congratulate your Lordship on the Success of
His Majesty's Arms in South Carolina, and which I am Still
of Opinion Altlio' late, will Give a Sickening Stab to the
Eebellion, and encourage Great Numbers to Stand forth in
Support of His Majesty's Measures, and in the defence of
their Liberties and Property's. But my Lord a Eeinforce-
ment of the Naval Force on the Continent of North America
Seems absolutely Necessary or these Provinces will be held
by a Weak, Doubtfull Tenure. With Eespect to the deserted
Property, it Certainly was at first of Considerable Value, that
is, the Lands, Stock and Produce, upon the Plantations. The
Negroes were in General carried away by the Eebel Owners
into South Carolina, and by one means or other I fear the
Stock and Produce will not amount to much, and my Lord
where there are no Negroes to Cultivate and Plant there is
no Occasion for Managers. I have hitherto taken every Step
and done every thing I could, to take care of that kind of
Property, as Soon as the Siege was over, General Prey est
* P. K. O. Am. & W. I lid, vol, 21)7.
letters from sir james wright.
275
Ordered the Barrack Master to take Possession of all the
Houses in Savanna which were Deemed Rebel Property and
get them^ Repaired for Winter Quarters for the Officers and
Soldiers, who Still Occupy them and most of them have been
Since Attached for English and other debts, and so were
many of the Plantations. Immediately on the receipt of
Your Lordship letter I renewed an order I had before made,
for the board of Claims to lay before me a full and very Par¬
ticular account of all their Proceedings Relative to the
deserted Estates and Property and as soon as I receive it
will Transmit it to Your Lordship, from which I presume the
State of those Matters will Clearly Appear, and in the mean¬
time I shall Certainly do every thing in my Power and Give
every Possible assistance to His Majty's Loyal and Persecuted
Subjects. Colonel Brown who has been Honoured with the
Appointment of Superintendant of the Creeke and Cherokee
Indians, is now in Savanna, and I have had Several Conver¬
sations with him about those People.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed1 Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State for America &c
&c &c.
[Indorsed]
R May 13.
By the Lord Hyde Packet.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
■18 February 1780.
No. 13. Savannah in Georgia the 18th of February 1780.
My Lord,
I have now the Honor to acquaint Your Lordship that Sir
* P. R. O. Am. b W. Ind. vol. 237.
27G
letters from sir james wright.
Henry Clinton and I believe all tlie Fleet Except 2 or 3 liave
at Length got Safe here. Sir Henry left Savanna on Tues¬
day the 8th and on the 14 Instant we had an Account that he
had Landed most of the Troops at North Edisto in South
Carolina, on Friday the 11th that is about 35 Miles from
Charles Town but they have 2 Rivers to Cross viz Stono, and
at Ashley Ferry, he has a Noble Army with him and the
Greatest Harmony Prevails between them and the Navy
throughout the Whole, so that we have every thing to Expect
from them but the Carolinians having had so long Notice (as
the Fleet left New York the 26th of December) they have
Greatly increased and Strengthened their Works at Charles
Town and have got 8 or 10 French and Rebel Frigates there,
and it is Reported that Generals Lee and Waine have got
there with a Reinforcement from the Northward of 1500, if
so, I fear Many Brave Men May Fall Notwithstanding which
I doubt not but Your Lordship will receive very Agreeable
Accounts of the Success of that Expedition. Some Troops
were Landed here, and I belive about the Same Number
Carried Away, so that I Suppose Sir Henry has as many with
him, as he brought from New York, and General Paterson is
now Preparing and on the Point of Marching up this Country
towards Augusta, with a very Good Army for the Purpose in
Yiew, and I think next week to Issue Writs of Election here.
William Maxwell was Fined £300 Sterling, Israel Bird £200,
James Davis £100 and Thomas Netherclift £20, and they all
Found Security to Keep the Peace and be of Good behaviour
for 3 years, and I am in Great hopes that these Proceedings
will have a very Good Effect.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged(and Obed4 Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State for Ameriqa &c.
&c. &c.
' [Indorsed]
R May 13.
By the Lord Hyde Packet
via Jamaica.
letters from sir james wright.
277
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
13 March 1780.
No. 14. Savannah in Georgia the 13th of March 1780.
My Lord,
On the 8th Instant and not before, I had the Honor to
receive the Triplicate of Your Lordships Circular Letter of
the 17th of June last, With the Several Inclosures, neither
the Original, or Duplicate, came to Hand. I also Received
by the Same Conveyance, your Lordships Circular letter of
the 8th of July Inclosing a Printed Copy of His Majesty's
Most Gracious Speech to His Parliament at the Conclusion
of the Session on the 3rd of July last.
But I have not yet received from the Lords Commissioners
of the Admiralty, any Authorities for Granting letters of
Marque against the Ships Ac. of the King of Spain and His
Subjects. Your Lordship may depend that I have Given all
the Encouragement I could to Promote those Services, and
to that End have assured the Owners of Such Ships as bear
letters of Marque against the French King and His Subjects,
that His Majesty will consider them as having a Just Claim
to the King's Share of all Spanish Ships and Property which
they may make Prize of.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged and Obed4 Ser4
Ja. Wright.
[Indorsed]
R 18th June.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for America Ac. Ac. Ac.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. '237.
278
letters prom sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
13 makch 1780.
No. 15. Savannah in Georgia the 13th of March 1780.
My Lord,
The Original of your Lordships letter No. .3, I had the
Honor to receive on the 8th Instant, The duplicate of which
I had received on the 2d of Febry and Answered on the 10th
of that Month, and to which I beg leave to refer. On Com¬
paring those letters my Lord, I Observe the following in the
Original which is not in the Duplicate Viz "And that upon
no Pretence any Fresh Charge is brought upon the Revenue
of this Country" and whatever other Governors may have
done, I don't Recollect that I ever drew on Government for
one ,shilling. we have no Gaol and there are Some other
Matters which seem very Expedient and which I had thought
of Venturing to Undertake, and draw for. but as I have re¬
ceived such a Peremtory Injunction to the Contrary, they
must not be done, and I Certainly shall not attempt to Lay-
any Fresh Charge on the Revenue of Great Britain, unless
from the most Urgent Necessity. The Commissioners have
not yet Finished the State of their Accounts and Transac¬
tions and made their Report Relative to the deserted Planta¬
tions &c. which I shall Transmit to your Lordship the first
Opportunity after I get them, but I understand very little of
the Produce <fcc. Remains.
I have the honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged and Obed1 Servant
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for America <fcc. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 18th June.
* P. K. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
279
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SE'C. LORD G. GER-
MAIN*
24 March 1780.
No. 16. Savannah in Georgia the 24th of March 1780.
My Lord,
Since I had the Honor of writing to your Lordship last, I
have Received a Proclamation Issued by His Excellency Sir
Henry Clinton a Printed Copy of which I now Inclose—a
Proclamation my Lord which I am much afraid will not be
Attended with any Good Consequences to His Majesty's
Service or this Province. I think I have well known the
Spirit of the Leaders in Rebellion in South Carolina, as I
have frequently had the Honor of Acquainting Your Lord¬
ship whilst I was in England, and Your Lordship has too'
often Experienced the Contempt with which the Truly Great
and Generous overtures of His Most Gracious Majesty have
been received and Treated by the Rebel Powers, What then
my Lord is to be Expected from a Repetition of Such offers ?
I hope my Lord, it will .not be thought Officious in me to
Trouble your Lordship with a letter on this Subject—For
Whilst His Majesty is Graciously Pleased to Intrust me with
the Charge of His Province of Georgia I shall Exert to the
Utmost of my Power to Promote the King's Service and the
Welfare of the People, to restore Good Order and Govern¬
ment here (if it be or as far as may be Possible) and of
Course to take Notice of Such Measures as are most like to
Obstruct or Prevent it. I have always my Lord from time
to time Since my Arrival Given your Lordship a Faithful
Account of the State of affairs here, the Distresses of the
People from the General Plunder of Foes and Friends has
been Great, has been Intollerable. We had happily and
most Providentially Escaped a danger and Force almost
Sufficient to have Swallowed us up. and on the Arrival of
His Majty's Troops from New York, I then Look't upon
Peace and Good order and Government in this Province as
* P. U. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237,
280
letters prom sir james wrlght*.
Certain and at Hand—but how was I mistaken, the first
damp was the Alteration of the Route of the Army, which
had been Clearly Settled here, Should be from hence to
Augusta, but the Change left the Province so much Exposed
and Disconserted me to that Degree, that with the Advice of
His Majesty's Council, I Postponed Issuing the Writs of
Election for some time. I do not mean to Censure the Meas¬
ure of altering the Route for it might be very Proper and
Right. I will not say otherwise—But Immediately on the
Back of this comes the Proclamation without any Restriction
or Limitation and without any Exception of any Persons
Whatever, and under which it is my fear that every Rebel
who has Fled this Province and Committed Crimes of the
Blackest dye may come Back and Claim Pardon and Protec¬
tion, and if that is the Case my Lord, it will be Scarce
Possible for any Kings Officer to Remain here with any
tolerable Satisfaction—the Moment I Received it I ordered
the Council to be Summoned and Laid the Proclamation
before them, and my Lord it was then Determined to Issue
the Writs of Election, for if these People Return, Many of
them will have Influence Enough to get themselves Elected
Members of Assembly. And what then my Lord is to be
Expected. So that I have at all Events, and at all Hazards
ordered the Writs to be Prepared and shall Sign them to
morrow. And as I see the Consequences of this Proclama¬
tion may be of the Utmost Importance. I mean to write
Sir Henry Clinton a letter upon it, and for that Purpose
Shall State my Ideas to the Council on Monday next.
I have the Honor to be, with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged4 & obed Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State
for America &c. <fcc. &c.
P. S. 28th March,
Yesterday I again Laid Sir Henry Clinton's
Proclamation before the Council and made my Remarks
letters erom sir James wight. 281
thereon, when it was the Unanimous Opinion that I should
Write a Letter to His Excellency on the Subject, and which
I have done, and now have the Honor to inclose Your Lord¬
ship a Copy thereof.
[Indorsed]
R 16th July.
GOV. SIR. JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LD G. GERMAIN.*
4 April 1780.
No. 17. Savannah in Georgia the 4th April 1780.
My Lord,
On the 29th Ultimo I had the Honor to receive Your Lord¬
ships letter of the 29th of October No. 4. the Representa¬
tions I formerly made Your Lordship with respect to the
distressed situation of His Majestys Loyal Subjects in this
Province by a Series of Unfortunate Circumstances and
Events has Encreased instead of Lessened, and at this day
we are in a Truly Grievous Situation, and Continually_Har-
assed and Plundered by Partys of Rebels, and all this I
ConceivUfor want of "a Post at Augusta, on the 29th ultimo
a Party of Rebel Horse to the Amount of (its said) 300 Col¬
lected at and about Augusta and in the adjacent Parts in
South Carolina, came to my Plantations at Ogechee and
Burn't and Destroyed 7 of my Barns Ac. Ac. with Rice, and
did me other Damage to the Amount of at Least 8000T
Sterling, they also Burn't and destroyed Mr. James Buttlers
Barn Ac. Ac. at about 2 miles distance from mine, they shot
4 of my Negroes Dead and wounded 3 more, one of which
its thought will dye. and how many they have carried off
with them, its not yet in my power to say with Certainty,
these Plantations my Lord are on the South Side of Ogechee
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. voL 237.
282
letters prom sir .tames wright.
Biver, begin about 15 miles from Savannah, and Extend
about 3 miles further. And I must own I cannot help Im¬
puting all the Losses, Distresses and Deplorable Situation
this Province is at Present in, to the Expedition into South
Carolina this time twelvemonths, and now my Lord we can
Get no assistance from the Military as Your Lordship will in
Part see by the Inclosed Minute of Council.
most Fortunately Count DEstaings Expedition has only
Occasioned a Delay in the Arrival of Sir Henry Clinton with
His Majestys Troops here, he is now before Charles Town,
and we are very Anxiously Expecting to hear of his Success
there. I am very Glad the Plan formed with Bespect to the
care and Management of the Befugee Negroes and Deserted
Property, has been Approved by His Majesty. But by the
Conduct of the Army, Invasion, and Siege, those intentions
have been almost Wholly Frustrated, but for the Particulars
I must beg leave to Befer Your Lordship to the Beport of
the Commissioners.
Your Lordship may Bely on it that every Means in my
Power shall be used to Promote His Majestys Boyal inten¬
tions and to Comply with His Commands—we are now in a
very Disagreeable Situation and I don't know any thing that
can Give us Peace and Security but a Post at Augusta, and
a Body of at least 150 well Appointed Horse.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obed1 Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Bight Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State
for America Ac. Ac. Ac.
[ Indorsed]
B 16th July.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
283
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
6 April 1780.
No. 18. Savannah in Georgia tlie 6th of April 1780.
My Lord,
Yesterday I had the Honor & very Great Satisfaction to
Receive the Duplicate of your Lordships letter of the 19th
of January Number 5 and it makes me Perfectly Happy, to
find my Conduct Approved of by His Majesty.
I did on the Occasion of the Siege, as I hope I shall on
every other, Endeavour to Discharge my Duty to the King,
as a Truly Loyal & affectionate Subject. & the Trust Reposed
in me, with Proper Firmness & integrity. I have Acquainted
the Lieutenant Governor that His Majesty is fully Satisfied
with his Zeal & Services.
Sir Henry Clinton is now before Charles Town and Admiral
Arbuthnot with I think 12 Ships is within the Bar & I Trust
we Shall Soon have good Account from them. When I hope
Peace & Good Government will be Restored to this Province
to Accomplish which, I shall Exert myself to the Utmost in
every way Possible.
The Election for the Town of Savanah begun yesterday &
I believe will End Agreeably, & that the four Members will
be Mr~_Rebertson~the Attorney General, Mr. Simpson the
Clerk of the Court, Mr. Mossman a Planter & Mr. Farley an
Attorney.
And when we can Meet, I am very hopefull to be able to
Accomplish Several things for His Majesty's Service, and
Shall Particularly Attend to the Several Objects Pointed out
in your Lordships letter of the 31st of March 1779, and to
all those Mentioned in the Letter I have now had the Honor
to Receive, and I assure Your Lordship we have Great
Occasion for the Interposition of the legislature. I have
already Given your Lordship an Account of our Proceedings
on the Criminal Prosecutions.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
284 letters erom sir James wright.
Your Lordships Opinion & directions with Respect to the
Captured & Refugee Negroes is Exactly the same with my
own, but that Property which was at first very Considerable,
I understand is now Dwindled away to very little. The Com¬
missioners have not yet made their Report, but Promise me
it to day if Possible, & which I shall Immediately Transmit.
I thank your Lordship for being Pleased to Point out the
Method which the Kings Loyal Subjects Should Pursue with
respect to the Damage they have Sustained by the Execution
of the Measures Judged Necessary for the defence of the
Province & I shall Acquaint the Partys with it, & which I
Presume will be Duely Attended to.
Your Lordships Reasons against Allowing the Militia any
Pay are Forcible, and I hope we Shall not have Occasion to
Call upon them again for Services of that kind.
Sir Henry Clinton has lately Authorised Mr. Graham the
Lieutenant Governor to Act as a kind of Commissary for the
Loyal Refugees & by that Means I hope such Persons as
may Appear to me to be Proper Objects will be_ allowed
Rations.
Your Lordships Goodness in Proposing to Recommend it
to Parliament to add the sume of ,£5000 to the Estimate of
this year for Defraying the very Necessary Extraordinary &
unavoidable Expences in the Support & Carrying on the
affairs of Government, and for Building a Goal &c. is I
assure you most Acceptable to us, for we were in the Greatest
Difficulty with Respect to those matters, and on a Supposi¬
tion that the Dutys Arising & Payable to the Crown hi
America, were Given up by His Majesty & to be Appropri¬
ated to Public uses, we had already Expended to the amount
of about £450 Sterl. and should have been obliged to Apply
those & the Fines to Such uses as Could not Possibly have
been Avoided. & receiving your Lordships Information on
this Point has Relieved us from the Greatest Perplexity.
Your Lordships Approbation of the Utility of a Corps of
Horse for Scouring the Woods & Covering the Frontiers of
the Province Gives me great Pleasure, as we Certainly have
the most Pressing Occasion for that kind of assistance, as
your Lordship will See by Some of my letters. I shall Im-
letters from sir james wright.
285
mediately Write to Sir Henry Clinton upon the subject, but
I am much afraid when he made his Requisition, he did not
mean them for the Protection of this Province, which I am
Extremely Sorry to Say, I think has not been Sufficiently
attended to. being much hurried in Point of time, as I am
anxious to Dispatch the Packet to Sir H. Clinton, I Rely
on Your Lordships Goodness to Excuse any Errors or Omis¬
sions which may appear.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged and
Obed* Hble Serv*
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 16th July.
SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GERMAIN.*
17 may 1780.
No. 19. Savannah in Georgia the 17tli of May 1780.
My Lord,
Many Articles of Expence Unavoidably Attending the
Execution of the Civil Government we had Recourse to the
Money Arising by Duties Payable to His Majesty in this
Province, on a Supposition that His Majesty has been Gra¬
ciously Pleased to Give them up for the use of the Respective
Colonys Wherein they are Paid. But having some doubt
therein, I laid the Matter before the Council and I have now
the Honor to Inclose your Lordship a Copy of their Report
thereupon.
* P. R. 0, Aia. h W. Jnd. vol. 237,
286 letters erom sir james wright.
And my Lord I must beg leave to Observe that tbis Prov¬
ince lias been so much Distressed by the Rebellion, by
Plundering Party's and otherwise, and all the Back Country
being broke up, and most of the Inhabitants dispersed and
Gone and the Number of Negroes Greatly diminished, so that
our Produce at Present is little or nothing and cannot be
increased for some time to come, therefore my Lord, If the
Construction Contended for or Supposed by the Council can
be admitted it will encourage the Distressed Inhabitants and
Enable us to Carry into Execution many Necessary Public
Matters but my Lord if we are Mistaken and have Appro¬
priated Part of the duty Money without Bight or Authority,
I Presume it can easily be Replaced out of the <£5000.-
I have the Honor to be with the most Perfect Esteem, My
Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed* Ser*
Ja. "Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty'8 Principal Secretary of State &c. Ac. &c.
R 16th July.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
6 aPKIL 1780.
Savanah in Georgia the 6th of April 1780.
My Lord,
Yesterday I had the Honor to Receive your Lordships
letter of the 21st of January. With Respect to the Office of
Clerk of the Council being Annexed to that of Secretary,
Which your Lordship was Pleased to mention to me the last
time I had the Honour to See you in London and assure
* R, R. O, Am, & W. lud. vol. 2a7,
letters from sir james wright.
287
your Lordship I did not forget it, but on the 4th of Novr
wrote your Lordship as Follows.—
Savh- in Georgia 4th Novr 1779.
My Lord,
Your Lordship Desired I would Give you Some Account
of the Office of Clerk of the Council in this Province. This
Office my Lord was Originally included in the Secretarys
Patent, but how that came to be done, or how far it is Proper
it should be so, is submitted to your Lordship. Mr. Wylly
is Clerk of the Council by my Appointment in 1770.
There is a Great Deal of Writing & Attendance required A
Mr. Wylly Assures me, it is not now Worth £50 Sterl p ann
which is something to a Man on the Spot who does the
Business himself but Nothing to a Gent in England, who is
to Pay a Deputy for Executing it. But I must Acquaint
your Lordship he Says when Lands were Petitioned for A
Granted once in every month as usual, the Office was then
worth about £250 ^ ann. but Exclusive of that, which was
forbid in 1773 or 4, it is not worth above £50 at most A there
is no Sallary—and if the Land Office was open again there
is very little Land to Grant, unless it be the Ceded Lands.
I once took the Liberty to Mention to Your Lordship how
Necessary it is to Strengthen the Hands of Government
Especially at this time, for my Lord how is it to be Expected
that Gentlemen in the House of Assembly or Elsewhere will
spend their time A take Pains A Trouble to serve Govern¬
ment without Some Encouragement or Views of Advantage,
and if the Governor is Stript of the Power of giving little
Offices which fall Vacant, to usefull People, he will have very
little Influence A get very little Assistance, and my Lord I
can with Great Truth say, that the King's authority and
Powers of Government are very Weak at present A require
every degree of Influence A all Possible Exertions. I have
the Honor to be Ac.
Ja. Wright. Copy how
this Miscarried I Can't Conceive.
Your Lordship may be assured I shall as your desire put Mr.
Thompson in Possession of that Office A thank I our Lord¬
ship for the Mark of Bespect Shewn me on that occasion.
288
letters from sir james wright.
His Majestys Great Goodness in expressing His Royal
Approbation of my Conduct in tbe manner your Lordship is
Pleased to Mention & the Honorable Testimony your Lord¬
ship is Pleased to give of. yours likewise, are very Flattering.
My King & Country my Lord have every Right to my best
Services & shall have them to the utmost of my Power &
Abilities and I thought myself happy in being here at the
time of the Siege, For I Clearly Saw that if this Province
then fell, America was Lost and this I declared on every
occasion & urged the Necessity of every Exertion Possible to
Defend the Place.
Your Lordship may confide that I shall endeavour to dis¬
charge the Trust Reposed in me with Firmness, Vigilance &
integrity.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Oblig'd & Obed* Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain &c. &c. &c.
R 16th July.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
20 may 1780.
No. 20. Savannah in Georgia the 20th of May 1780.
My Lord,
Inclosed are Copys of the Letters and Reports made to me
by the Board of Police, and by the Commissioners of Claims,
from which Your Lordship will See how the affairs of the
Deserted Estates and Refugee Negroes have been Managed
and Conducted from time to time, and to which I must beg
* P. R, O. Ma. & W. Ind. vol. 237,
letters from sir james wright. 289
leave to refer Your Lordship, as an Answer to Part of Your
Lordships letter No. 3—there are Many Negroes Still Strag¬
gling about the Country Some of which I Presume may be
Apprehended and the Lands and Plantations and Houses in
Town, will be taken care of A Secured, the Latter Still
remain in the Possession of the Army, and many of them
being much Shattered during the Siege and Attached for
Debts Due, I dont Imagine the Net Produce will amount to
any thing Considerable.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged A Obed* Serv4
Ja, Wright.
[Indorsed]
R 16th July.
(4 Inclosures.)
The Right Honourable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for America Ac. Ac. Ac.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF POLICE TO GOY.
WRIGHT*
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 20) of 20 May 1780.]
Sir,
The Commissioners of the Board of Claims having signified
to us, that Your Excellency had Given them Orders to lay
before you a State of their Proceedings respecting the Estates
of Absentees A that it would be necessary that we should
also furnish you with a State of the transactions of the board
of Police relative to those Estates, that came under their
charge, we now take the liberty to inform Your Excellency of
the steps taken by that Board to carry into execution the
important trust committed to them-.
19
* P. R. O, Am. & W. lud, vol. 237.
290
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
On the 13th of January 1779 & soon after the reduction of
this Place by the Army under Lieut. Colonel Archd Campbell,
He thought proper to appoint a Board of Police under the
direction of Lewis Johnston as Superintendant & James
Mossman & "William Telfair as Assistants. Amongst many
other Instructions, well calculated for conducting the business
of that Board, One (& the most important) was to take under
their care & management the Plantations & other Effects of
all Absentees, whether Loyal Subjects or Rebells, who had
not lawfull Attorneys in the Province which was at that time
an object of great importance from the number of valuable
Plantations under that Predicament & from the Great Yalue
of Negroes, Crops & Stocks upon many of them, which in
times of such confusion & licentiousness, were in Great
danger of being Plunder'd & destroyed—In consequence of
this Instruction, the Board immediately published an Order
for all Persons having under their care the Plantations of
Absentees, or that were in Possession of any of their Effects,
forthwith to a make a Return of the same upon oath. The
Board then proceeded to appoint Overseers for those Planta¬
tions who were directed to employ the Negroes Belonging to
them hi planting provisions, to take care of the Stock & Crop
on them & not to permit any thing under their charge to be
removed or taken aWay, without an Order from the Board,
Except such Stock & Provisions as might be wanted for the
Army in that case to prevent delay, they were directed, that
upon application being made to them by any Person having
authority from the General or Commander in Chief, to deliver
immediately what was wanted j& to take a receipt for the
same—This Precaution was intended, not only as a Check on
such People as might be employed to collect Provisions for
the Army but also to ascertain the value of what should be
supplied from the Estates of loyal subjects, as the Board
conceived they had a right to expect payment especially as
many of the owners of such Plantations had been Banished
from this Country by the late Rebel Rulers & all of them
had been sufferers on account of their Loyalty.
Lieut. Colonel Campbell also directed the Board to employ
some men of Character & Abilities to visit the Plantations of
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
291
Absentees that were in Rebellion in Order Carefully to
examine into the state of improvement they were in, the
quantity of Land they contained the number of Negroes &
the Stock Rice and other Provisions upon them & to return
an exact account of the same to the Board. Such Gentle¬
men were accordingly & the report they made (as far as they
proceeded in this business) is now before Your Excellency.
Such were the Steps taken by the Board of Police to carry
their Instructions into execution relative to this business &
which if the directions they gave had been complied with, or
had they been supported in inforcing them, they presume to
say that one of the Principal Views in instituting that Board
would have been answered & thereby Property to a very con¬
siderable amount preserved which was soon irrecoverably
lost. It is proper to observe that as the Board of Police was
appointed by the Commander in Chief of the Military De¬
partment (there being no Civil Government) & consequently
derived all .their powers from him, it was not Practicable for
them to execute the Trust committed to them, further than
they met with his concurrence & support. Whilst Lieut.
Colonel Campbell had the Chief Command (which was for a
very short time) they had every assistance they could expect,
but when he was superceded, in place of meeting with that
countenance & support without which: they could not carry
on the business of the Office effectually, they experienced
nothing but discouragement & neglect.
Soon after General Prevost's arrival one Benjamin Springer
a man of a very indifferent Character was employed to Collect
Provisions for the Army. The Board soon had many Com¬
plaints lodg'd with them against this man, by the Overseers
they had employed to take care of the Plantations under
their direction, as well as by many of the Inhabitants. As
the Board did not then know, under what authority he acted,
they summoned him before them, when he attended, he
showed very ample powers from the General, to collect Pro¬
visions for the use of the Army. He was told that the Board
not not mean in the least to Obstruct him in this business,
but as it was necessary in order to ascertain the property he
might take into his Possession, that Receipts should be given
292
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
for it, they therefore expected & required him to give such
receipts for the Stock or Provisions he had from any Planta¬
tion under their charge & that as to the Cattle collected in
the Woods, the marks & brands were to be taken & returned
to them that the Owners might be ascertained. These
directions of the Board Springer promised punctually to
comply with, Notwithstanding this, many complaints were
made against this man & the People employed under him of
their Plundering the Plantations of Stock, Provisions & many
Articles of Household Furniture & of their* refusing to give
receipts for what they carried away—Those Complaints most
of them were upon oath, were from time to time laid before
the General, but so far were the unhappy sufferers by those
depredations from receiving redress, that in place of proper
steps being taken for putting a stop to them, that either no
notice were taken of -them, or if any answer was vouchsafed,
the Complaints were stiled Malicious Persecutions of a very
usefull man and tending to obstruct his Majesties Service.
Besides the Depredations committed by Springer & his
Accomplices, a number of loose disorderly Peoply were em¬
ployed by the Commissary to hunt.up CattleApx_whicla_they
were allowed five shillings per head. In consequence of
which they drove off indiscriminately all the Cattle that came
in their way, without regarding marks or brands or whether
they were the property of Bebells or Loyal Sybjents,_by
which means many of the Inhabitants were illegally deprived
of their Property & the Stock of Cattle at that—time -very
numerous, almost totally destroyed.
Grievous as those proceedings were, had every thing col¬
lected in this irregular manner been really appropriated to
the use of the Army, it would have been less blameable, But
as it is certain that many of the Articles taken by those
People could not come under the head of Provisions for the
Army & that Great quantities of Stock and Provisions were
carried into East Florida, so there is no doubt it was done by
those men & converted to their own private use & benefit.
Thy Plunder & Destruction of Property by those shamefull
Proceedings was very great nor was it confined to stock A
provisions as a considerable number of Negroes were from
letters from sir James Wright.
293
time to time clandestinely sliipp'd or carried off. For the
reasons before given it was out of the power of the Board to
put a stop to those cruel and oppressive practices, had they
been properly supported it is beyond a doubt that Property
to a very large Amount would have been preserved which is
now totally lost.
Things were in this State when the Board of Police was
dissolved on the Establishment of Civil Government the 4th
March 1779. We have the Honor to be with much respect
Your Excellencies most obed4 & Humble Servts
Lewis Johnston,
Signed James Mossman,
Wm. Telfair.
Returns made to the Board of Police soon after its Estab¬
lishment, of the Negroes, Stock & Provisions on the Estates
under the care of that Board. N B. This is not included in
the Report made by the Gentlemen who were employed to
examine into the State of the Plantations to the South of
Great Ogechee
925 Negroes
1337 Head of Stock of all
kinds upon the Plantations
1178 Barrels of Clean Rice
14489 Bushells rough Rice
5730 Bushells Corn & Potatoes
105 Stacks Rice in straw.
His Excellency
Sir James Wright Bart.
294
letters from sir james wright.
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF CLAIMS*
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 20) of 20th May 1780.]
Commissioners of Claims Office
Savannah 24 April 1780.
Sir,
In Obedience to Your Excellency's Commands requiring us
as Commissioners of Claims to report to you the state of
such Property whether real or Personal in this Province,
which belonged to refugees or Absentees from Georgia &
which was intended to have been put under our directions &
management, We begg leave to represent as follows—
That so early as the 15 March last year being soon after
we had received our Powers and Instructions, We Embraced
the opportunity of meeting together in order to regulate our
Board & Proceed on the business of Our Office. That we
had just formed some resolutions towards carrying on the
business with Effect when Complaints were lodged with us,
of a Person of bad fame of the Name of Springer, who had
committed very great waste & destruction on many well
settled Estates & Plantations in this Country & in Particular
that this Man with his Associates had Pillaged, Plunder'd &
Carried off a Considerable Property in Rice, Cattle & other
moveable Effects all under the Cloak and Pretext of furnish¬
ing supplies for the Army, but which there was every reason
to believe a very considerable part had been made away with
& appropriated in another and to uses of which the Army
had had no advantage whatever. That having carefully
examined into these complaints & finding they were but too
well founded & that besides the Rice, Cattle Ac. as above set
forth there had been a number of Negroes, Plate, Household
furniture & other valuable Effects all carried off in like man¬
ner under the description of Rebell property, We Conceived
it to be our indispensable duty to prevent such abuses for the
future. That in order to remedy these unwarrantable Pro¬
ceedings as much as we were able, in the then weak state of
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
295
the Civil Government, We desired Springer's attendance at
our Board and having read to him the Complaints A Deposi¬
tions that had been lodged against him, We represented the
danger he had already brought himself into by his Past
transactions, but as he produced to us an authority in writing
from the Acting Quarter Master General, we thought it best
to avoid any altercations and prevent disputes with the Army
to caution him Springer as well as others of whom we had
like Complaints to be exceedingly circumspect & carefull in
future, for that matters were now put on a more regular
footing than they had been. That all the deserted Property
of the Province, Negroes, Cattle, Stock of all kinds A whether
belonging to Persons in Rebellion against the King or to His
Majesties Loyal Subjects absent from the Province were put
under our charge and direction and that We were determined
to punish Delinquents A Prevent in future that wanton waste
A destruction which had but too generally Prevailed.
That altho we had been at the utmost pains to avoid A
prevent the most distant appearance of a misunderstanding
between the Civil and Military Line, Yet the Precautions that
we recommended to the above named Springer were disre¬
garded by him and the matter taken up in our Opinion, in a
most improper and injudicious manner by Lieut. Colonel
Prevost, who had before acted as Quarter Master General of
the Army and at this time had the appointment of Lieut.
Governor of the Province, for instead of checking this man
from acting in the unruly A unwarrantable manner he had
done and which we apprehend would most effectually have
put a stop to an evil so justly A so generally complained of,
he openly A warmly Espoused his Cause A that in defiance
of the Civil Government newly established A the authority
vested in us for executing the Office A Trust of Commis¬
sioners of Claims. That several attempts were very early
made to discountenance A even to supersede this Appoint¬
ment, We were threatened with the denunciation of Martial
Law if we persisted in the execution of our duty, which We
were told would Obstruct A Counter Act the Opperations of
the Army, this was done by the Lieut. Governor himself sig-
nified by a letter said to be from the General and which was
296
letters erom sir james wright1.
read to us by the Lieut. Governor in a very unusual manner.
Allarmed at this menace We desired to know in what manner
we were to act for if Jealousy had taken place before we had
even began upon any effectual business, We apprehended it
would not be in our power to do justice to the appointment,
to this we were answered that with respect to the Property to
the King's Loyal Subjects, Absentees from the Province,
there would be no interruption to our Acting, but as to Bebell
Property it was thought it could not be better taken_care of
than by the Army who had the best right to it, That it- was
in vain for us to represent as we did from time to time, the
Great Injury to Individuals as well as the immense waste
and Destruction brought upon the Province at large while
such men as Springer, McGirth, and a Great number of that
stamp were suffered and we fear encouraged to enter Houses
and Plantations at their discretion, to live at free quarter
wherever they pleased and carry off Negroes, Cattle, Horses
and Property of all kinds under the Idea that «?Z was free
Plunder. In a word instead of being able to lay before
Your Excellency an account of Property recovered from the
Estates that were intended to have been put under our care
& management or saved from the General & Universal Waste
every where committed, We shall not when our accounts are
made up be able to defray the Common Expences of the
Persons necessarily employed as Overseers & others acting
in different Parts of the Province.
Signed Martin Jollie,
K. Kelsall.
His Excellency
Sir James Wright Bart.
Letters from sir james Wright.
297
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OE CLAIMS.*
[In Sir James Wright's (No. 20) of 20th May 1780.]
Commissioners of Claims Office
Savannah 29th April 1780.
Sir,
When we received Yonr Excellencys orders to lay before
you the proceedings of our Board, we should have immedi¬
ately paid obedience thereto, but as by much the greatest
part of the property, the care of which was the object of our
Commission, had been made away with, wasted and destroyed
before we had entered into Office, we Judged it necessary
previous to laying our Transactions before Your Excellency,
that the Board of Police and former Board of Claims should
state to you what they had respectively done for securing the
property of Rebells and others absent from the Province, so
that Your Excellency might have at one view, the proceedings
of the three Boards and from thence be better able to judge
of the Causes that have in a great measure rendered all
attempts to save that property abortive. By the first Com¬
mission we had the Honor to receive from Your Excellency,
we were impowred to take under our care and management
all Rebell Property in the Province, as well as that of other
Absentees not having lawfull Attorneys here, and we were
directed to Rent the Houses, Plantations and Negroes coming
under the above description. The first step we took after
entering upon the business of the Office, was to notify to the
Publick, by an advertizement in the Gazette, our Appoint¬
ment and the several matters that came under our Charge
and Management, requiring all persons haveing in their
possession or under their care any of the Property above
described to make a return of the same to our Board: we
allso appointed men of character to inspect the state and
condition of the Plantations to the Southward of Great
Ogeechee River and to endeavour by every means in their
power to secure the Property that remained in that part of
the Province from being totally plundered and destroyed.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
298
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Your Excellency having agreed with us in opinion that no
effectual method could be taken for retaining the Negroes
that might be collected which come under our management
and who were dispersed all over the Country, untill a Work¬
house could be built for securing them in till they could he
otherwise disposed of, we accordingly engaged a person and
agreed with him to build a proper House for the purpose.
The Season of the year being too far advanced we found it
impracticable to rent out the Vacant Plantations for that year
for the purpose of planting but as many of His Majesty's.
Loyal Subjects and Refugees from other Provinces were
possessed with Negroes they wished to employ, we granted
Licenses to such persons to make Staves and Naval Stores
upon Lands that were deemed Eebell Property on condition
of their paying 1\ ^ Cent on the value of their commodities,
at the markett price of Savannah.
As there were a great number of Houses in the Town of
Savannah that were deemed Rebell property, the renting out
of these Houses would have constituted a fund of considera¬
ble value. We therefore proceeded to take an Account of
them in order to rent out such as was not in the immediate
possession of~the Officers of the Army Commissaries and
others, for although from the tenour of our first Commission
it appeared to be Your Excellencys intention that all the
Houses in Savannah that were Rebell property should be
rented out by us, and the moneys ariseing from them to be
appropriated for the Publick use of the Province untill His
Majesty's pleasure could be known yet such has been the
Spirit of Jealousy, amongst some of the Military against the
civil establishment "and such has been the Rep a city for
Plunder that we plainly foresaw, few or none of the many
Houses in Savannah could be rented out by us, without
comeing to an open Rupture with the Army anVEvent we
have ever most studiously endeavoured to. avoid—Some
doubts haveing arose soon after our appointment, respecting
the extent of our powers & the mode of carrying them into
execution we stated them in Queries to Your Excellency
which you were pleased to refer to the Attorney General a
Copy of these Queries together with his Answers to them,
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
299
we now beg leave to lay before your Excellency, as it appears
clearly fronj his opinion that without a legislative sanction
such difficulties may and must occurr, as will reduce our
Powers & authority to a mere shadow and render fruitless
every good purpose of the appointment: As this opinion was
soon verefyed by Facts, we think ourselves sufficiently war-
rented in stating this want of proper authority as one of the
principal causes of our haveing failed in Carrying the benifi-
cial purposes of our Commission into execution to the extent
that was intended and expected from it.
Such was the steps taken by us on our entering into Office
and which we flattered ourselves would have answered the
ends of our Appointment as far as our limited & defective
powers would admitt; but unhappily for this Country, the
ariival of the french and rebell forces, the Siege of Savannah
and the Enemy being so long in possession of every thing
without our Lines, amongst many other ruinous consequences
very materially affected that property which was the object
of our Commission a great part of it haveing been carried off,
at that time, by the Enemy and since by the dayly incursions
of_plundering parties of the Rebells whose Rage & Mallice is
become so grea't as to commit the most wdcked and wanton
depredations, almost within sight of the Lines. "When to
this melancholy detail we add the very great number of
Attachments that have been laid upon the Estates of persons
now in Rebellion—the rebell Houses in Savannah being
entirely given up to the use of the Army: and the greatest
partTof the Negroes that fled or were brought into this
Province, as well as many of those belonging to persons
formerly of this Country, but now in Rebellion being
employed & embodied as Pioneers of the Army and in the
publick Works, besides a very considerable number taken
possession of, by the Commissaries, Quarter Master General,
their Deputies and other Military Departments as also many
Officers and even Soldiers of the Army: we say when all
these matters are considered, it must evidently appear that
we have nothing now remaining under our charge or manage¬
ment"except the Lands and the very few improvements on
300
letters from sir james wright?.
them that has escaped the general waste and devastation that
has overspread this whole Country.
Lewis Johnston,
(Signed) Martin Jollie,
R. Kelsall.
His Excellency
Sir James Wright Bart.
ADDRESS OF THE JUDGES <fc INHABITANTS OP
GEORGIA.*
[In Sir James Wright's (No. 20) of 20 May 1780.]
Seal of ) To the King's Most Excellent Majesty The
Courts of Georgia. I Humble Address of the Judges Grand
Jury, and several other Inhabitants of
the Province of Georgia.
May it please Your Majesty,
We Your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the
Judges, Grand Jury and several other inhabitants of this your
Province of Georgia met at Your Majesty's Court of Oyer and
Terminer and General Goal Delivery holden for this Province
embrace this Opportunity to testify our attachment to Your
Majesty's Person and Government, and to return you our most
grateful Thanks for sending a Body of Your Forces here, which
relieved this Colony from such a Scene of Tyranny, Fraud
and Cruelty; as would have disgraced any Asiatic Country.
We also beg leave to make our most dutiful Acknowledge¬
ments to Your Majesty for declaring this Province to be at
Your Peace and for Re-establishing a Civil Government here,
by which Means we enjoy the Blessings of Law and Liberty,
whilst the Colonies in Rebellion against Your Majesty groan
under Tyranny and Oppression.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
301
We cannot pass over in silence the Deliverance afforded
this Province by the interposition of Almighty God, when it
was invaded by a Force of French and Rebels mnch superior
to that which the Garrison consisted of, We attribute this
Deliverance under God, to the bravery of the Troops and
Seamen in Your Majesty's Service, and of the Militia, the
Sailors in the Merchants Service and others who voluntarily
went into the Lines and manifested by their conduct how well
Men will fight, when engaged in a good cause.
We forbear to enumerate to a Prince of Your Majesty's
Humanity, the many Instances of Oppression that were
exercised by the French and Rebels towards such of Your
Majesty's Subjects that fell into their Hands, as they knew to
be well affected to Your Government, many of whom were
stripped of their Cloathing and Sustenance, nay even of the
Beds they lay on, and are now pining under Distress and
Poverty, nor sljall we repeat the Bloody Menaces that were
uttered by the Enemy, as well French as Rebels, when they
thought themselves sure of taking the Town of Savannah,
least it should excite a spirit of Resentment in our Fellow
Subjects, contrary to the Dictates of that Blessed Religion
which we profess.
We beg Leave to assure Your Majesty that we shall
always use our utmost Endeavours to promote an Attachment
to Your Person and Government and the Welfare of the
British Empire: And we shall not fail to put up our Prayers
to Almighty God that He will pour down His Blessings upon
Your Majesty, Your Royal Consort and Your numerous
Offspring that He will give You a long and hapjjy Reign and
that Your Posterity may sway the Sceptre of the British
Empire till Time is no more.
Anthony Stokes, Martin Jollie,
Chief Justice; Assistant Judge;
James Robertson, John.Simpson,
Attorney General; Prothonotary and Clerk
of the Crown;
John Murray, Alexr Wylly,
Foreman of the Jury; R, W, Powell,
302
letters from sir james wright.
Patk Crookshanks,
Thomas Tallemache,
John Henderson,
Alexr McGown,
John Milner,
Ja. Buchanan,
John Oates,
Dennis Myhony,
Sinclair Walters,
D. Zubly, Junior,
Jas. Herriot,
Isaac Baillon,
Smith Clarendon,
Wm. Watt,
Wm. Jones,
Attorney at Law;
Wm. Stewart,
Attorney at Law;
Th. Gibbons,
Attorney at Law;
Saml Farley,
Attorney at Law;
Davd Montaigut,
J. P.;
Henry Shoolbred,
Joseph Farley,
Provost Marshal;
plnkethman hawkins,
Acting Provost Marshal;
George Cuthbert,
Prothonotary's Clerk;
Nathl Polhill,
Justice of Peace for.St.
Matthew's Parish;
Charles McDonald,
Justice of Peace for St.
Andrew's Parish;
Matthew Lyle,
Owen Owens,
John Daniel Hammerer,
William Duguid,
James Stevens,
James Butler,
Grand Jurors;
Frederick Fahm,
John Better,
Herman Herson,
Nicholas Hanner,
John Heisler,
Jacob Theiss,
Philip Snider,
Petty Jurors;
James Humphreys,
Sexton;
Jas. Dowie,
Peter Blythe,
Planter;
Bod. McIntosh,
David McCredee,
John McIver,
Charles Shaw,
Bobt. Porteous,
John Irvine,
Practitioner in Physic
and Surgery;
Peter Dean,
Geo. Jollie,
Bazel Cowper,
Christopher Frederic Treib-
ner,
Minister of the Lutheran
Congregation at Ebene-
zer;
Geo. D'erbage,
Deputy Secretary of the
letters from sir james wright.
303
Major Militia Parish St. Province;
George; B. Kelsall,
I. T. Zubly, D. D., • Bichard Davis,
and Minister of a Con- Clerk to the Judges and
gregation of English & Cryer.
German Protestants at
Savannah;
A true Copy
Attest,
Geo. D'erbage,
Depy Secy-
GOY. SIB JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOBD G. GEB
MAIN*
20 mAY 1780.
No. 21. Savannah in Georgia the 20th of May 1780.
My Lord,
I have the satisfaction to acquaint Your Lordship that
Notwithstanding the wretched State the Province is Just now
in, and Partys of Bebels Coming from Carolina and Plunder¬
ing, and Carrying off the Inhabitants within 5 or 6 Miles of
the Town. Yet we managedscTas" to_get~ all the Writs of
Election Executed in every Parishjrnd District Except in St.
Paul's where Augusta is, and on the 9th instant we met and
opened the Session, and now Inclose your Lordship Copys
of what Passed on that Occasion and which I hope may be
Approved of.
I think my Lord there is a good Assembly, and I hope I
may be able to Carry into Execution Some Matters which I
Presume it is wished may be done. But my Lord much still
Depends on the Deduction of South Carolina after which all
Proper Exertions will be used.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Iud- vol, 237,
304
letters from sir james wright.
We are now waiting with the utmost anxiety to hear of
that Event. 3 months and an half Since the Troops left
Savana and Charles Town (for ought we know) still in the
Hands of the Rebels.
But to Repeat Neglects and distresses &c. Occasioned
thereby is Irksome, therefore I shall only add that Your
Lordship may Rely on it, every thing in my Power shall be
done for His Majesty's Service.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed4 Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majtys Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. Ac.
R 16th June.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
25 Mat 1780.
No. 22. Savannah in Georgia the 25th of May 1780.
My Lord,
Yesterday Colonel Clarke Arrived here from Charles Town
to take the Command of the Troops on the Departure of
General Prevost, which is fixt for the 28th instant And I have
now the Honor to congratulate Your Lordship on the Sur¬
render of Charles Town to the Commander in Chief of His
Majestys Forces. The Terms I will not Presume to say any
thing about. I have had a very full Conversation with
Colonel Clark and he seems disposed to do every thing in his
Power for His Majestys Service and the Protection of this
Province.
* P. R. O. Am. & W- Ind. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright. 305
I find by hi in that two Considerable Bodys of Troops are
Cone up the Country in Carolina, which I thing its very
Probable will bring the matter to a Point there, as I am
firmly Persuaded Great Numbers are disposed to Return to
their Allegiance but they have still doubts, Fears and appre¬
hensions, that the army will soon go to the Northward, and
without sufficient Protection they may Fall a Sacrifice.
I have Advised Colonel Clark, and he has determined to
Send up a Body of Men to Augusta, he thinks 300 Sufficient,
but I much wish it was twice the Number, but as the Trom-
back Regiment of Hessians is ordered to Charles Town, more
can't be spared, and let me entreat Your Lordship to Enforce
the Establishing a Corps of at least 150 Horse for the Partic¬
ular Services and Protection of this Province, it is the only
thing that can give us Peace and Security here, while there
is any Remains of Rebellion and such a Corps of Horse will
be of more Service than 600 Foot. Last Sunday Night a
Party of Rebel Plunderers came within seven miles of the
Town and Carried off some Prisoners and about 20 Negroes.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed* Serv1
Ja. "Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State &c. &c &c.
[Indorsed]
R 16th July.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
9 June 1780.
No. 23. Savanah in Georgia the 9th of June 1780.
My Lord,
I have now the Honor and very Great Satisfaction to
20
* p. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
306
LETTERS FROM Sill JAMES WIIIGHT.
acquaint your Lordship, that I have received Letters from
Some Gentlemen at Augusta Giving me an Account that
General Williamson with the Rebel Forces had all left that
Place on the 29th Ult° and that the Inhabitants at and above
Augusta who have Stood out and remained in Rebellion, have
had Several Meetings to Consult what was most Proper for
them to do, and in what Manner to Apply to me, to Solicit
Peace, or obtain Some kind of Pardon or Terms—and that
after they have Settled and agreed upon this amongst them¬
selves three Persons will be deputed and sent to me with
their Submission and request, this my Lord I give full
Credit to, but as they are not yet come, I can't say in what
Light it may appear. However when I receive it, I shall
Endeavour to do that which I think best for His Majesty's
service, and the General Good of the Province and People,
my Accounts also mention that the Inhabitants in the Back
Country in South Carolina, are Preparing Petitions to Sir
Henry Clinton with the Same Views, so that I am very hope-
full my Lord Peace will soon be Re-established in these
Provinces and Doubt not but (as I have always said) the
Reduction of them will Give a Mortal Stab to the Rebellion.
For an Account of the Attack at Cambden, I have Inclosed
one of our Gazettes which Contains the Commander in Chiefs
Orders Notifying that affair, this Stroke I think will have a
Prodigious Good Effect, and if once the Country People have
Spirit Enough to Seize on their Late Leaders and deliver
them up, Rebellion will soon take its Flight.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged and obedient Servant
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majtys Principal Secretary of State
for America &c. &c. <fcc.
[Indorsed]
R 17th Octr-
letters from sir james wright.
307
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
17 jULY 1780.
No. 24. Savanah in Georgia 17th July 1780.
My Lord,
On the 1st Instant, I assented to a Bill Intitled an Act to
disqualify A render incapable the several Persons therein
after named, from holding or exercising any Office of Trust,
Honor or Profit in the Province of Georgia for a certain time
A for other purposes therein mention'd. This Bill my Lord
I judged very necessary for His Majesty's Service as some
kind of punishment to Delinquents A check to Rebellion and
indeed for the support of Government A the peace & quiet
of the Inhabitants—For by it They were not only disabled
as in the Title, but they are disqualified from serving on Jurys
from setting as Members of the Assembly & are disarm'd &
oblig'd to take the State Oaths A a new Test, also to find
security for their good behaviour Ac. and I am hopefull it
will answer many good purposes A when such a strong dis¬
position appear'd to general pardon, forgiveness A oblivion, I
thought it the more necessary that something of this kind
should be done A doubt not but His Majesty will be graci¬
ously pleas'd to approve it.
At the time I assented to a Bill Intitled an Act for the
Relief of such of His Majesty's Loyal Subjects as are Inhab¬
itants of the Province of Georgia or have any Property or
intercourse therein. It was thought very necessary my Lord
to pass a Law of this kind for altho' all the pretended Laws
A Proceedings of the Rebels were absolutely null and void
yet it will very much quiet A satisfy the minds of the People
to declare them by Law to be so, A we had an exceeding good
Precedent A Example in the Statute of the 1st Will A Mary
Session 2d Chap. 9 after the Rebellion in Ireland.
And on the 10th Instant I assented to the following Bills,
Viz: An Act for the Limitation of Actions A for avoiding
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
308
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Suits at Law and to repeal an Act heretofore made for that
purpose A for other purposes thereinafter mentioned.
An Act to explain, amend A reduce into one Act of Assem¬
bly the several Laws now in being relating to the ascertaining
the Qualifications of Jurors & for establishing the Method of
Balloting A Summoning of Jurors in the Province of Georgia.
An Act to explain 'A amend A make the more effectual an
Act pass'd the 9th day of June 1761 Intitled an Act for sub¬
jecting A making liable to attachment the Estate Real & Per¬
sonal of absent Debtors in the Custody A power of any
Person or Persons within this Province A for other purposes
therein mentioned. These three Acts my Lord were propos'd
to me by the Chief Justice & on a conversation with him &
looking into the former Laws I saw that the alterations and
amendments propos'd would be very usefull A really seem'd
necessary A they were accordingly framed by the Attorney
General A Lawyers in the House of Assembly.
An Act for the regulation of Auctions—Laying a duty on
Goods, Wares A Merchandize Sold at Auction & for empow¬
ering the Governor or Commander in Chief for the time
being to Licence the Auctioneers.
Selling Goods by Public Auction my Lord became so
general that it was found to be attended with many incon¬
veniences both Public and Private. The Inhabitants who
are Shopkeepers oomplain'd that every thing was sold at
Auction, that they got little or no custom A could not sup¬
port their Families that they were liable to all Personal
Dutys & Taxes Ac. Ac. whereas Transient Persons A others
who were not liable to Personal Public Service or to pay any
Taxes Ac. undersold them without contributing any thing
towards the support of Government Ac. wherefore for the
reasons set forth in the Act, it was thought advisable A pro¬
per to prevent such frequent Sales by Auction, by compelling
the Auctioneers to take out a License A by laying a duty on
the Goods sold.
\ An Act for the relief of such of His Majesty's Loyal Sub¬
jects as have any Real or Personal Property in the Province
of Georgia and whose Title Deeds, Bonds, Notes, Grants of
Lands and other Evidences, Touchers A Writings have been
letters from sir james wright.
300
either lost, destroyed or earned off during the time herein¬
after mentioned.
As many Loyal Subjects have lost their Title Deeds or had
them destroyed one way or another during the Rebellion, it
was thought very necessary A proper to give them all possi¬
ble relief A assistance with respect to the same A in this we
had the Example of the British Parliament by the Statute of
the 20th of George the 2d after the Rebellion in Scotland.
An Act to explain, amend A reduce into one Act the several
Laws now in being relative to the Town A Common of Sa-
vanali A for other purposes therein mention'd.
This my Lord was look'd upon as a very necessary Law
for keeping clean A in good order the Town A Common, A
some defects having been discover'd in the former Laws, this
was fram'd from the most material parts of the former Laws.
An Act to continue the several Laws therein mentioned. A
Continuation Law was absolutely necessary as a great many
very good and usefull Laws would have expired with the
Sessions of Assembly.
Upon the whole my Lord these Laws were consider'd as
usefull and necessary A I have order'd Copies to be made
out to transmit to your Lordship A hope on examination
none of them will be found exceptionable.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged A obed* Servrt
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 11th OcU 1780.
310
LfiTTERR EroM sir .tamEs wrighE.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC, LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
19 JUI-Y 1780.
No. 25. Savanah in Georgia, the 19th of July 1780.
My Lord,
In my letter of the 17th instant No. 24 I have Given your
Lordship an Account of the Several Bills assented to by me
during the Session of Assembly, there was one or two more,
which I had in View, but the Weather was Excessively hot &
the Gentlemen grew tired of Attending .to business^ cYJ
thought it most Prudent to let 'em alone till our., next .meet¬
ing. I have received Petitions from Several Districts in the
Back Country to be received & Restored to His Majty's Peace
& Protection and have now the Honour to Inclose your
Lordship a Copy of one of them & of the written answer
Given thereto, but the Inhabitants on the Ceded Lands
where I am well Informed there is now at least from 7 to
800 Effective Men, altho' willing to Submit have kept back a
little on a Report that the King's Troops were to quit Au¬
gusta, which made them not Choose to Deliver up their
Arms and I was once Apprehensive that a Body of Troops
must have been sent there to Reduce them to Obedience <fc
disarm them, Yet by my last Accounts from thence I am very
liopefull they will give up their arms quietly. But however
the People in this Province & Carolina may seem to be
Sincere in their Return to their Allegiance, they must be
watched wdtli great attention for some time.
I have wrote very fully to Lord Comwallis with Respect to
the Situation of Affairs in this Province & given his Lordship
my humble Opinion what Posts & Eorce I apprehend will be
necessary to Establish here, at least for some time, viz: at
Augusta 250, at Dartmouth in the Ceded Lands 100, at Sun-
bury 50, a Corps of Horse to scour the Country & as a
Moving Army 150. at Savanah I did not Mention any Num¬
ber but Submitted the whole to his Lordships Superior Judg¬
ment, tho' I presume at Savannah not less than 400, In the
whole 800 Foot & 150 Horse and with this Force I think
* P. E. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
letters from sir james wright.
311
Rebellion cannot Rear its Head again in Georgia and the
Inhabitants will begin to turn their thoughts to Industry &
the Province will Soon Resettle A Flourish again, when the
Number may be Reduced.
I Trust your Lordship Will be of Opinion that this Force
is or will be Necessary at least till the Rebellion is Subdued
in the Northern Colonies or until Peace Takes place, for my
Lord where Rebellion has taken such deep root as it has
been Suffered to do here, I fear Nothing but Punishment
or Force can Secure Government against it for some time.
Punishment Seems quite out of the Question as your Lord¬
ship Sees by the Capitulation A Proclamations A all our most
Violent Rebels I am Well Informed are Preparing to Return
here, indeed Several are come already, and the Nest of
Oliverians in St. John's Parish will most of them be here as
Soon as their Crops are Reapt in S°- Carolina, Judge then my
Lord what a Situation things will be in here, if we have not
the Force I have Mentioned.—no Examples made—no Suf¬
ferings or losses, as to Property by the Rebels, but a kind of
Small Temporary loss, and now Sitting down again with all
their Property Lands A Negroes, and Seeing those who had
Integrity A Spirit Enough to Adhere to their Loyalty Mostly
Ruined, For your Lordship may Give me full Credit when I
assert that the Friends of Government as they are Called, the
Good, True and Faithfull Subjects, are the only People who
have Suffered & lost their Property, and what Effect this may
have is Submitted to your Lordship.
Your Lordship may rest assured that every thing which it
is Possible for me to do, for His Majesty's Service, Will be
done, and when I have the Honor to Receive Lord Corn-
wallis's Determination on my letter Relative to the Support
A Military assistance Which I Conceive may be Necessary in
this most Valuable Province, I shall acquaint your Lordship
therewith.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obed* Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honb,e Lord George Germain
' His Majty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed} R 11th Oct1'.
312
letters from sir james wright.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
17 aug. 1780.
No. 26. Savanah in Georgia the 17tli of Aug4 1780.
My Lord,
As I think it my Duty to Acquaint Your Lordship with
every Transaction here, in which His Majesty's Service is, or
may be Concerned or Affected, I therefore beg leave to Men¬
tion that on the 9th of June last, Mr. John Glen the late
Rebel Chief Justice of this Province, Mr. James Houstown
a Surgeon or Doctor in the Rebel Continental Service & Mr.
John Sutcliffe all Noted Rebels came to Savanah, which I
was Immediately Acquainted with & that they were going
about the Town, as if they had Never committed any the
least Offence whatever, and Without Calling upon me or
Col1 Clarke the Commanding Officer of the Kings Troops
here, this my Lord I thought rather too much to Suffer or
Submit to—Wherefore I directed the Gentlemen of the
Council to be Summoned & laid the matter before them, who
advised that it Should be Stated & Sent to the Attorney
General to Report his Opinion thereupon, and which he
Accordingly did on the lOtli of June a Copy of which is now
Inclosed.
And on that Report being laid before the Council, it was
their Advice that the Attorney General Should be directed to
do what is Necessary & Proper to be done in Such Cases, and
he Applied to the Chief Justice for a Warrant against Mr.
Glen A the others for High Treason & they were Appre¬
hended, on which Mr. Glen Gave in a Petition a Copy
whereof is Inclosed & on that being Laid before the Council
on the 14th they were of Opinion that he Should be Per¬
mitted to take the Oaths & return to his Allegiance, but that
the matter of Pardon did not Lye with me & the Clerk of the
Council was Ordered to write to Mr. Glen a Copy of which
is also Inclosed.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. I]id. vol. *237.
letters from sir .tames wright.
318
The other Person Sutcliffe also Petitioned & he & Mr. Glen
were Admitted to Bail &■ afterwards took the State Oaths &c.
But Mr. Houstown being Haughty & Obstinate Continued in
Confinement & on the 21st of June wrote a letter to Col.
Clarke the Military Commanding Officer here, a Copy where¬
of is also Inclosed & on Col. Clarke's Sending that letter to
me, I Immediately Referred it to the Attorney General to
Answer the Allegations & make his Report to me which he
did on the 22d a Copy whereof is also Inclosed, and thus
my Lord the matter rested till the 14th of July when Mr.
Houstown Consented to Give me Bail for his Appearance, on
the Attorney General agreeing that no Advantage Should be
taken of Mr. Houstowns not Appearing in Case of being
under any Military Restraint or Difficulty on account of his
Parole &c and my Lord Lieut. Col1 Clarke having Trans¬
mitted me Houstown's letter & the Attorney General's Re¬
port thereon to Lord Cornwallis, his Lordship Referred the
Same to Mr. James Simpson (I Presume as Attorney General)
who on the 6th of July wrote me a letter a Copy of which is
Inclosed. This letter altho' wrote the 6th I did not Receive
'till the 22d at Night and Soon after Sent it to the Attorney
General Mr. Robertson to Answer, a Copy of which Your
Lordship has also Inclosed, and thus I have Stated the whole
Proceedings Relative to Mr. Glen & the Others, for your
Lordships Information and will not Doubt that the Steps
taken in Support of His Majesty's Civil Government here &
to Check & Punish Treason & Rebellion will be Approved of.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most Obliged and Obed1 Ser1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty'K Principal Secretary of State &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R lltli October.
314
LETTERS ERO'M SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
20 August 1780.
No. 27. Savanah in Georgia the 20th of August 1780.
My Lord,
On the 19th of July in my letter Number 25, I mentioned
to your Lordship what I had wrote to Lord Cornwallis with
Respect to the Number of His Majesty's Troops which I
judged might be Necessary to Post or Station in this Province
for its Defence & Security against Rebellion & I then wrote
that when I had the Honor to Receive his Lordships Answer
I should Acquaint your Lordship therewith, and now Inclose
a Copy or Extract of Lord Cornwallis's letter to me of the
18tli of July in Answer to Mine of the 3d: also a Copy of
my Reply to that letter and in a letter I wrote his Lordship
on the 9th of July I took Occasion to say "I Trust Your
Lordship will not weaken the Military Force here too soon,
or too much. For altho the Flame of Rebellion is Pretty
well Extinguished at Present, yet it may Revive and break
out again if we are not very Circumspect."
His Lordship also wrote me of the 24th of July "That the
Propriety of a Post at Sunbury will of Course be Refer'd to
Lieut. Colonel Clarke to whom his Lordship had given the
Command of the Troops in Georgia & East Florida, and the
care of the Ceded Lands & Dartmouth to that of the Com¬
manding Officer at Ninety Six."
And my Lord I don't Expect that even the Fifty Horse
men will be Established, altho' my Self & the Council are
Clearly of Opinion that it is Extremely Necessary, because
the Posts between Savanah and Augusta are at 140 Miles
distance, and Nothing to Protect the Loyal Inhabitants or to
Check any Party of Rebels, who may get in between and
* I*. R. O. Am. it W. Ind. vol. 237.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
3is
because this Country is now Infested with Partys of Robbers
on Horse back, there is one McKay who has a Party Some
say of 12 & others Say twenty, with which he Robs on the
Highway between this & Augusta & goes Frequently .to the
Banks of Savanah River and has Stop't Robbed and "Plun¬
dered Several Boats.—and my Lord there is another Set of
Villains, the Remains of McGirt & his Gang, who go armed
on Horse back about the Country, Twenty of them or
upwards together and Steal & Carry off Great Numbers of
Cattle into East Florida. I have Several Informations lodged
that within three Months Past they have Carried away
upwards of a Thousand Head of Cattle, and this they do at
Noon day, and the Poor Inhabitants Can't help themselves
or Prevent it, and the Civil Power cannot come at them, for
what can the Provost Marshall & a few Constables do against
upwards of Twenty Horse men well Mounted & Armed, And
as things are now Circumstanced and the Country almost
broke up there is no Possibility of Raising the Posse Comi-
tatus. The Chief Justices . Warrants have been long out
against McGirt & his Gang, but they Stand in Contempt &
Defiance of that & all Law & Government.
The Troops at Savanah my Lord I think are in all about
500 and at Augusta now, only about 240 and which I believe
are the whole of His Majesty's Forces at Present in the
Province of Georgia. But your Lordship will be Precisely
Informed by the Returns,—and when any of these or any
others may be sent either to Sunbury or Dartmouth I Can't
Say but I understand that if there should be Reason to
Apprehend an Attack upon East Florida, in Such Case the
Garrison at St. Augustine is to be Reinforced from hence and
I must say that I think this Province is already too soon &
too much weakened.
I find we have only 15 Nine Pounders, 4 Six Pounders and
1 four Pounder all Mounted on Ship Carriages late the Guns
of His Majesty's Ship Rose—2 Pieces of Brass Six Pound
Ordnance 5 four Pounders & 2 three Pounders, two of which
are only fit to take the Field—and 3 Twenty four Pounders
not mounted.
316
letters from sir .tames wrktktf.
I think it my duty to let Your Lordship know as near as I
can the whole Strength of this Province.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged A Obed* Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Arc. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 15th November.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
18 sept. 1780.
No. 28. Savanah in Georgia 18th Septr 1780.
My Lord,
Yesterday I Receiv'd Advice from Augusta acquainting me
that a great Number of the Inhabitants on the Ceded Lands
together with some from South Carolina had come to Augusta
on the 14th Inst. & attack'd Col. Brown & that they had
defeated him & He was oblig'd to retire into a Small Stockade
Fort there—There was at Augusta about 450 Creek Indians
& I believe Col. Brown has about 200 of his own Corps. It
appears to me that the Attack was so sudden that Col. Brown
had not time to send off an Express & no Accounts are as
yet come from him—and it is fear'd and not doubted that
Augusta has fallen into the hands of the Rebels. The
Temptation was certainly too great unless there had been a
stronger force there. I am well inform'd that the Goods
Intended as Presents to the Indians was at least of £4000
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 237.
letters from sir james "wright.
317
Sterl" value—Prime Cost, which it is suppos'd must have
fallen into the Hands of the Rebels A the whole such sort
of Goods as the Back Country People esteem most—It is
impossible to say as yet what the consequences of this
unfortunate Affair may be I inclose for your Lordships
further information a Copy of a Letter I have this day wrote
to Colonel Balfour on the subject A have the Honor to be
with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged A obed1 Servfc
Ja. Wright.
The Right IIonble Lord Geo. Germain,
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 14th Decr-
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
18 September 1780.
No. 29. Savanah in Georgia the 18tli of Sepr 1780.
My Lord,
I had the Honor to Receive the Duplicate of your Lord¬
ships letter of the 7th of June No. 6. The Suspence your
Lordship was in with Respect to the Operations at Charles
Town would Soon be relieved after that letter was wrote.
I was made Acquainted with the Armament which %left
Brest the 2d of May and its now Said they got safe into
Boston, but of this your Lordship will have been Certainly
Advised. We have had no Accounts from the West Indies
for Some time. What was clone during the Sessions of
Assembly, I have fully Acquainted Your Lordship with, in
my letter of the 17th of July No. 24 and to which fbeg leave
* p, if, 0. Am. & W, Iud. vol. 237.
318
letters from sir james wrjght.
to Refer. I also Acquainted your Lordship fully of the Pro¬
ceedings at the Court of Sessions & who were Found Guilty,
of what Offences A what Fines had been Let on them by the
Court.
I much with my Lord that it was in my Power to Encour¬
age & Reward the Loyalists, but I wrote your Lordship Long
Since that nothing would Arise from the Deserted Estates A
Sent Your Lordship Three Copys of the Report of the Com¬
missioners of Claims as the best & only Answer in my Power
to give your Lordship to your letter on that Subject.
Your Lordship may rely on my utmost Endeavours to
Promote everything which I think may tend to His Majesty's
Service and to Reestablish Government & Harmony.
I beg your Lordship will be So Good as to Excuse the hast
in Avhich this Letter is wrote having only Part of a day to
Answer all your Lordships letters which J recd yesterday and
if not Dispatched to day the Opportunity will be lost.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged A obed* Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R. 14th Decr-
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GEE-
MAIN.*
18 Sept. 1780.
No. 30. Savanah in Georgia the 18th of Septr 1780.
My Lord,
I had the honor to receive your Lordship's letter the 7tli of
July No. 7 yesterday. The Event my Lord of the surrender
* P. R. O. AW. k W. Iiid, vol. 237,
letters from sir james wright.
319
of Charles Town A its Dependancies, also of the Naval Force
there was certainly glorious & important. I had before that
issued the Writs of Election as your Lordship would see by
my Letters on that subject. The reduction of S° Carolina
my Lord certainly afforded us great security but we had
danger again at our doors which my Lord Cornwallis's defeat
of General Gates & his Army & Col. Tarleton's defeat of
Sumpter a few days afterwards warded off from us—And
your Lordship will see by my Letter of this day No. 28, that
Ave are not even.JiQW in a state of security A I must again
repeat that I think we have been too soon A too much
weaken'd. Your Lordship will be the best Judge how far it
may be sound policy, to leave a Conquer'd or in part Con-
quer'd Country without sufficient strength to support the
lung s AuthoritA7 A Government, ior_ these People have been
so long in Rebellion & are so greatly alienated from His
Majesty's Governm* that they Avill not for some time return
cordially to their former obedience A strange as this may
seem to be, it is too much the case. I observe what your
Lordship is pleased to mention with respect to the =£5000 A
shall follow the mode prescribed.
I am glad to hear that a regular Monthly Packet is estab-
lish'd between Falmouth & Charles Town A that the Com¬
munication will be restor'd between Charles Town A St.
Augustine through Savanah, for at present I have no oppor¬
tunity of corresponding with Your Lordship but by chance
conveyances A that which Your Lordship is pleased to men¬
tion from Charles Town when Lord Lincoln or the packet
went I had not the least notice or intimation of, till after they
Avere gone for the Military give little attention to any thing
but what is in their own department.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged A obed1 Serv*
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majty s Principal Secretary of State Ac, Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 14th Decr-
320
letters from sir .tames weight.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
22 sept. 1780.
No. 31. Savanah in Georgia 22cl Sept1' 1780.
My Lord,
I am very liappy to have it in my power to acquaint Your
Lordship that Col. Brown at Augusta with the Assistance of
the Indians (who behav'd extremely well) held out against
the Rebels from Thursday Morn- till Monday Morn- A the
two last days without any Water—And on Monday Morns the
Rebels hearing that Col. Cruger was marching to the relief of
Col. Brown, they immediately made off. Many Rebels have
been kill'd wounded A taken A one hang'd A I hope several
others will, as they have now forfeited every kind of Claim
to favor A protection. I cannot yet give your Lordship any
more particular Account being determin'd to send off a Mes¬
senger Express to Charles Town with this Letter immediately
least I should miss the opportunity by His Hajesty's Ship
Hydra. This my Lord is a very fortunate Event, for had
they succeeded, I am affraid, nay certain, they soon would
have become formidable & I shall now endeavour that such
Steps be taken against them as may put it out of their poAver
to do more mischief.
Some of the Indian presents fell into their hands during
the time they were there which Avere carried off, but the prin¬
cipal part Avere deposited where Col. BroAvn took shelter.
No Letter is yet come from Him. The Account I have Avas
sent me by a Messenger Express from Mr. Grierson a Gentle¬
man of Augusta.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most oblig'd A obed1 Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord G. Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 11th Deer-
* P. R. O. Am, & W, lud,, vol. 2it7.
letters from sir james wright.
321
GOY. SIR JAS. AVRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
27 October 1780.
No. 32. Savanah in Georgia the 27th of Octr 1780.
My Lord,
I have now the Honor to Inclose Your Lordship a Copy of
my Last Giving an Account of the Retreat of the Rebels
from Augusta and from the best Information I have been
able to Collect I don't find that the Rebel Force Exceeded
from 4 to 450 Men, I believe Clarke who commanded Carried
Back into Carolina 200 to 250 of them, the rest, its said 100
killed, wounded & taken, and from 70 to 100 Surrendered
themselves afterwards to Colonel Cruger on the Ceded Lands.
13 Indians were killed but for the Particulars of Colonel
Browns loss I must beg leave to refer your Lordship to the
Military Return. The above I think is Pretty Just.
Thirteen of the Prisoners who broke their Paroles & came
against Augusta have been hang'd which I hope will have a
very Good Effect.
We are Doing every thing Possible to Root out Rebellion
in this Province & for our Defence here. Several Plantations
or Settlements on the Ceded Lands belonging to those who
were at Augusta have been Burnt & Laid Waste. I think
about 100 and Mr. Graham is now at Augusta with Directions
to see the Disqualifying Law Carried into Execution in its
Utmost Extent, so that I hope when the Generality of them
are Disarmed & have been Compelled to give Security for
their Good Behaviour they must be convinced that Examples
will be made both as to Life & Property and I Trust they
will not Venture to behave in the Villainous manner they
have hitherto done. However seeing haw much the Military
Force here is weakened & that we are Strip't of every thing
almost I Judged it Necessary to call the Assembly to frame
a Law to Vest Further Powers in me with Respect to the
Militia & to Enable me to order out Negroes to Construct
21
* P. R, 0. Am. & W. Iud. vol, 298.
322
letters from sir james wright.
Such Fortifications & Works as may be thought Necessary
for the Security of the Town or in any other Parts of the
Province, also in Case of Necessity to Arm & Employ
Negroes for our Defence. I Acquainted your Lordship in my
Letter No. 27 with the Amount of the Military Force here
and as I Expected we have Nothing at Sunbury, Nothing at
Dartmouth—too weak at Augusta & too weak at Savanah.
These I well know and am much afraid that the Posts at
Ninety Six & Camden are also too weak, and we have no
Ship or Vessell whatever, not even so much as a Galley,
how far these things are Eight or Proper your Lordship will
be the best Judge and I can only Kepresent.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & most obed4 Ser4
Ja. Wright.
The Eight Honble Lord George Germain
His Maj4y's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
E 9 January 1781.
GOV. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOED G. GER¬
MAIN*
1 Dec. 1780.
No. 33. Savanah in Georgia 1st Dec. 1780.
My Lord,
Inclos'd Your Lordship has the Triplicate of my Letter
No. 32 A in consequence of the power vested in me, by the
Bill which I assented to on the 30th of October last, I order'd
out upwards of 400 Negroes, who have been at work fortify¬
ing the Town of Savanah ever since that Day.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol, '298,
letters from sir james wright.
323
We are making five Bedoubts & Batterys & there is to be
a Parapet made of Fascines & Earth from the Biver at Each
End & on the Back of the Town. This Parapet is 10 foot
wide & 7 foot high with a Ditch on the Outside 15 foot wide
at Top 10 foot Deep & sloping to the Bottom 3 foot. I think
the Bedoubts will be finished & Each Parapet about half
done, or say the whole 4 foot high by Christmas & I expect
the works will be entirely finish'd in all January. This my
Lord is a most inconvenient thing & a heavy Tax on the
People, being one fourth part of all their Male Slaves for near
or quite 3 Months, & when the work is complete I shall send
Y1' Lordship a Plan of the whole.
The present state of our strength will appear to Yr Lord¬
ship from my former Letters & from the Inclosed Address of
tile Members of His Majesty's Council.
The late Law also enables me to call out & arm Negroes
in defence of the Province & to exercise further power over
the Militia, but this only in time of Alarms actually fired &
there are several things provided for which we thought neces¬
sary in these yet very perilous times.
I have the honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serri
Ja. Wright.
The B* Hoble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
B 17th February 1781,
324
letters from sir james wright.
ADDRESS OF THE COUNCIL OF GEORGIA*
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 33) of 1st Dec. 1780.]
To His Excellency Sir James Wright, Bart. Captain General
ancl Governour in Chief in and over His Majesty's
Province of Georgia <fcc. Ac. <fcc.
The Address of His Majesty's Council
May it please Your Excellency,
We His Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects the
Council of Georgia having taken into our most serious con¬
sideration the present defenceless State of this Province ancl
the many cruel Murders & Depredations which are clayjy
committed on His Majesty's peaceable and loyal Subjects by
Parties of Rebell Plunderers, do think ourselves bound in
duty to His Majesty and this Country to lay before Your
Excellency an impartial State of its present situation and to
point out what appears to us absolutely necessary to prevent
the ruin with which it is threatened.
Sir Henry Clinton having found it necessary to order from
this Province, upon the Expedition against Charlestown, not
only the greatest part of the Infantry but also all the Cavalry
that had been raised for the Defence of this Country the
forces left in the Province were reduced to a number barely
Sufficient to garrison Savannah and even part of these were
Soon order'd away to take possession of Augusta and the
Post at Ninety Six in South Carolina, in consequence of
which every other part of this Province was left open to the
inroads of the Rebels, as the small Garrisons at Savannah &
Augusta (the only Military Posts in the Province) could
afford no kind of protection to the rest of this Country.
We are well aware that Your Excellency did frequently
order out the Militia, but the Rebels being well mounted ancl
their Incursions sudden and repeated, it was found impracti¬
cable for foot to come up with them and prevent their depre¬
dations.
* p. r, 0. am, & w. ind. vol. 298.
letters erom sir James Wright.
825
The Sea Coast hath, if possible, been left still more
exposed to the_ Ravages of the Enemy, as every Vessell of
forSS; even to a Galley and Gun Boat hath been removed into
&5uEE Carolina, by reason whereof many Enemys Vessells
ancPalso open Rebel Galleys and boats have, down to the
present time repeatedly infested the Coasts of this Province
and~captured several Vessels even in the Creeks & Rivers
thereof; landing from time to time and carrying off both
Whites and Negroes, notwithstanding your Excellency has
on every occasion exerted yourself in endeavouring to obtain
effectual Assistance by applying to the Commanders in Chief
drills Majesty's Forces by Sea and Land for the purpose of
procuring aid, but unhappily without Effect.
Having thus Stated to your Excellency the very exposed
and defenceless condition of the Province we beg leave to
observe that it appears to us absolutely necessary, in order to
render the Militia of any real and permanent utility that they
be allowed Pay and Subsistance, whilst on actual Service, as
they and their family's cannot live without it, when they are
taken from their dayly labour.
We are clearly of opinion that there is an immediate
necessity for raising one or more Troops of Horse for the
defence of this Country, and there can be no doubt but that
the late Attack on Augusta and the many Murders and De¬
vastations frequently committed by the Rebels will induce
LorcT Cornwallis to comply with Your Excellencys late Requi¬
sition for that purpose and if that fails the necessity of
raising Horse appears to us so very indispensable that we
think our selves bound in duty to His Majesty and this
Country to recommend to Your Excellency the taking the
measure of raising them upon yourself, trusting that His
Majesty in his goodness will approve of the same and that
the Expence thereof, as well as the Pay and Subsistence of
the Militia whilst on duty will be defrayed by the Mother
Country as from the distressed and almost ruined state of
this Province, it is impossible to raise a fund for those pur¬
poses by taxes on men who are already impoveiished.
In order to defend the Coast from the Mischiefs already
stated, it appears to us necessary that a proper armed Vessell
326
letters erom slr james wright.
under Your Excellency's direction would be the most effectual
remedy to prevent such daring outrages in future; And as
His Majesty did for many Years generously support an armed
Vessel here, even in time of profound Peace, we humbly hope
that should Your Excellency think proper to equip an armed
Vessell in lieu of that we had before the present unnatural
Rebellion broke out, the Measure will be approved of by His
Majesty and the Expence thereof defrayed as usual.
Upon the whole it appears to us that if the Measures now
recommended are not speedily pursued, the loyal Inhabitants
here will in all probability be ruined and the Province lost
after so much Blood and Treasure has been spent on it.
By order of the Council
John Grahame
Presid1*
Council Chamber )
Savannah 21st Novr 1780. j
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
20 dEC. 1780.
Ho. 34. Savannah in Georgia the 20tli Decr 1780.
My Lord,
On the 14th Instant I had the Honor to receive the Dupli¬
cate of Your Lordship's letter of the 3rd of August No. 8
and on the 16th I received the Original, Wherein your Lord¬
ship is pleas'd to acknowledge the receipt of my Letters to
No. 22 Inclusive.
It gives me great satisfaction to find that the Letter I
wrote to Sr Henry Clinton on the Subject of His first Procla-
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 29S.
letters from sir james Wright.
327
mationj is approv'd of by yr Lordship. I know it gave great
umbrage & was canvas'd Pretty freely in the British Camp &
some things said by a man near Sr Henry Clinton, who I
once thought knew more Law & better, than to have asserted
what I was well inform'd he did on that occasion & another
which happen'd afterwards the proceedings on which I some¬
time ago transmitted to Yr Lordship—I could not know my
Lord that this Province was not included in the last Com¬
mission & Sr H. Clinton either did not observe that, or
omitted to acknowledge it. I observe Yr Lordship's remark
with respect to the pardoning Crimes committed in this
Province which do not fall within the Power vested in me by
His Majesty's Commission and which will be duely attended
to.
The Parties of Militia which were employed under the
authority given by Sr Henry Clinton as mention'd in one of
my former letters were very soon at an End I being given to
understand that they could not be paid and subsisted any
longer & I have no Power to oblige the Militia to do Military
duty without Pay & Subsistence. For my Lord how is it to
be Expected or indeed Possible for a Poor Man, who has a
family who in a great measure depend on his daily labour, to
leave that family to starve while He go's out on duty & How
is he to subsist even Himself? These are matters I have
wrote to Lord Cornwallis about, but to no purpose hitherto
<fc so with respect to a Troop of Horse, not a Man has been
sent here and all my applications hitherto taken very little
Notice of & this Province too much weakened & left almost
destitute & also Our Sea Coast we have been stript of every
thing & Rebel Galleys have frequently come into the Inlets &
carried off many Negroes & some of the Inhabitants & this
notwithstanding the repeated Applications to Admiral Ar-
huthnot downwards—I am told Capt. Barclay, who at present
commands at Charles Town, is sending a Galley here, but I
presume if she comes she will be Soon order'd away again—
& what is a single Galley, My Lord, to protect four or five
different Inlets? With respect to the Troops stationed at
Augusta & Savannah I have already wrote Yr Lordship fully
on that head—I have acquainted the Chief Justice of the
328
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WEIGH!?.
reception tlieir Address met with, which has made Him very
happy. The Other, which Yonr Lordship mentions, as if
omitted to be done, was not & I doubt not has since come to
hand. The Legislature did not meet, till the 9tli of May &
on the 8th of June they made their Joint Address which
I enclosed to Your Lordship on the 10th & sent two Cojiies
to Charles Town to be forwarded as soon as any opportunity
offer'd.
Both Houses are now adjourn'd to the 15th of next Month
but whether they may pass such Acts as are expected of
Them, it is not possible for me to say; We have had a great
Many New Members since the first Election & when I came
to do business with them I found several of them savour'd of
the Old Leaven. I am extremely sorry we have been mis¬
taken with respect to the duties & should now send a memo¬
rial to the Lords of the Treasury, praying that the X500 may
be deposited in the hands of the Agent & also draw upon
Him in favor of Mr. Bowe to replace the X450 agreeable to
Yr Lordships directions, but I have notice only one day to
write all my Letters & therefore cannot possibly do it by this
opportunity.
With respect to the Deserted Estates, I don't see that
there is any thing at all to be had or expected. The whole
of the movables were totally destroyed & gone chiefly^ before
the siege & what remain'd were made away with by McGirt
& his Gang of Villains who were always a Pest to this
Province & swallowed up & carried off the whole deserted
Property & many of the Owners have come back since &
taken possession of their Land & Houses—& we have now
too many Secret Kebels & Enemies amongst us—The Expence
already incurr'd my Lord is very considerable & I am really
at a loss to know what the Assembly can do to put in my
power to make any Compensation to the Loyal Refugees for
their losses.
The matter of the Property of Notorious Rebels has been
.under consideration already & it is alledg'd that the Delin¬
quents are as much & more indebted than their property will
sell for & I have again recommended it to several of the
Members to consider of, against they meet on the 15tli of
letters erom sir james wright.
829
next Month but must confess I am not very sanguine in my
expectations.
I have the Honor to be With Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed* Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The It1 Honble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State &c.
[Indorsed]
It 17th February 1781.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
21 dec. 1780.
No. 35. Sayanah in Georgia the 21st of Deer 1780.
Triplicate.
My Lord,
I am Humbly to Request that His Majesty will be
graciously"Pleased to Grant me His Royal leave of Absence
fronT~tIns Government and that I may be at 'Liberty to
Return to Great Britain as Circumstances may happen or
appear in the Course of next Summer & to Remain there for
Sucirtime as His Majesty in His Great Wisdom may think
Proper. Possibly my Lord, I might, be usefull for a while.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed* Serv1
J a. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 25 April 1781.
(Orig1 & Dup. not reced.)
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
330
LETTERS PROM SlR JAMES WRIGHT.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
23 January 1781.
Savanah in Georgia the 23rd of January 1781.
My Lord,
I had the Honor to Receive Your Lordships Letter of the
9th of November Inclosing Printed Copys of His Majestys
most Gracious Speech at the Meeting of the New Parliament
and the Addresses of both Houses to Majty thereupon, and
my Lord it makes me Perfectly happy to find that those
Addresses Contain Such Noble Sentiments & Expressions of
Loyalty & affection to the King, & Such Feelings of the Base
Combinations to Distress Great Britain & their Spirited Reso¬
lutions to Exert in the Support of her Just Rights & Dignity
must have the best Effect.—
and my Lord if Harmony & unanimity Prevail in the Par¬
liament & Councils of Great Britain, I have not the least
Doubt but She will Still Rise Superior to all her Enemies.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
my Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 31st March.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ixid. vol. 298.
letters erom sir james wright.
33i
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
23 January 1781.
Savanah in Georgia the 23rd of January 1781.
My Lord,
Your Lordships Letter of the 4tli of October with the
Additional Instruction for the Masters of Ships Bearing
Letters of Marque & Reprisals Declaring what were to be
Deemed Contraband Goods & what not, on Board Danish
Ships I have received & which shall be Duely Attended to.
But give me Leave my Lord to Observe that no Powers
have yet been Received from the Lords of the Admiralty to
Issue Letters of Marque &c against the King of Spain & his
Subjects, which is much Complained of, as Several applica¬
tions have been made and I cannot Authorise the Issuing
any.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed* Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America <fcc. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 31st March.
* P. R. 0. Aiu. A W. Iud. vol. 298.
332 letters erom sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
2t> January 1781.
No. 3G. Savanah in Georgia 26th Jan1'? 1781.
My Lord,
I had the honor to receive Your Lordship's Letter of the
9th Novr No. 10 & both Houses of Assembly being now sit¬
ting have acquainted Them with the gracious reception their
dutifull & Loyall Address met with & the assurance His
Majesty has been pleas'd to give of the Continuance of his
Royal favour & protection to all his faithfull Subjects in
Georgia.
The Successes Your Lordship is pleas'd to mention, gain'd
over the Rebels in S° Carolina by Lord Cornwallis & Col.
Tarleton were certainly great & complete—but I am sorry
to say the Consequences have fallen far short of the just ex¬
pectations of your Lordship & many others here, as I have
already acquainted Your Lordship in former Letters. Nor
do I see that the punishment so deservedly inflicted on those
who had taken Arms again, against His Majesty in breach of
their Paroles, or any other Measures yet pursued, have
quell'd the Spirit of Rebellion & they have retaliated freely.
I cannot think this Province & S° Carolina in a State of Se¬
curity & if Lord Cornwallis Penetrates far into N° Carolina
I shall expect a Rebel Army will come in behind him &
throw us into the utmost confusion & danger—For this Prov¬
ince is still left in a Defenceless State. For a more particu¬
lar account of which I beg leave to refer Yor Lordship to my
Letter of the 20th Decr No. 34.
But I must observe that some Hessian Recruits came here
last week I am told one hundred & five and we have now one
Gaily & for the present His Majesty's arm'd Ship the Loyal¬
ist is come to Tybee a Capt. Ardesoif who Commands her
tells me he is order'd I think by Capt. Gayton to cruize on
this Coast and rendezvous at Tybee till further Orders. But
* P. E. O. Am. k W. Iml. vol. 298.
letters from sir james wright.
333
my Lord the misfortune is, that the next Senior Captain in
the Navy, who happens to go to Charles Town may & most
probably ivill order this Ship A Galley elsewhere. I say my
Lord probably tvill because it has happened so more than
once already A without a positive order from the Admiralty
I am certain this Province will not be attended to & Captain
Barclay who sent the Galley here writes me expressly that it
is without Orders for the Province of Georgia has not been
mention'd to him or taken the least notice of in his Instruc¬
tions.
Your Lordship's Letter relative to the Jurisdiction of the
Commissioners is perfectly clear and satisfactory & will be
made the rule of our Conduct here. The disqualifying Law
we 1m.vp. fVmnd_ta answer many good purposes, but does not
go far enough A I am so well con vine'd that we still have
many thorough Rebels and Villainous Incendiaries amongst
us even in the Town of Savanah that I have propos'd more
effectual measures—And there is now a Bill before the Legis¬
lature for that purpose. I have also some expectation that
the Bill Yr Lordship alludes to will be brought in. And I
have the great satisfaction to acquaint Yr Lordship that Yes¬
terday a Motion was made in the Assembly for leave to bring
in a Bill "For Granting to His Majesty certain Duties upon
all Goods, Wares & Merchandizes whatsoever, which may be
Exported from this Province, of the Growth or Production
thereof as the Ratio for the Contribution of Georgia to the
General Charge of the Empire" A which was agreed to Nern:
Con: & a Committee appointed to prepare & bring in the
same A which I hope we shall be able to get carried through.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged A Obed* Serv1
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord G. Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 31st March,
334
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
25 Feb. 1781.
Savanah in Georgia the 25tli of Feby 1781.
My Lord,
Yesterday I had the Honor to receive Your Lordship's let¬
ter Relative to Lady Huntingdon's Property at the Orphan
House & I have Inquired about it & find Mr. Baillie had
Charge of it, I believe from Col. Campbell, and that Mr.
Piercy before he left Carolina gave some Power to Mr. Tatt¬
nall & Mr. Hall, who have now the Management of it. I shall
Acquaint Mr. Baillie with her Ladyships Desire as also the
other Gentlemen but would Recommend it to her, to send a
full Power of Attorney to Messrs. Tattnall & Hall (both very
Good Men) to call Mr. Baillie to an account for his Transac¬
tions Ac. in Case he Should Refuse to do so.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged A obed* Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
Eor America Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed J
R 10th May.
* P. R, 0, A-m. & W. Ipd, vol. 298,
letters from sir james wright.
335
GOV. sn^ JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
5 makoh 1781.
No. 37. Savannah in Georgia the 5th of March, 1781.
My Lord, Duplicate.
On the 24th of last Month I received letters from Col.
Greirson who Commands the Militia at & about Augusta &
from Col. Waters who Commands the Militia on the Ceded
Lands Acquainting me that some small Partys of Rebels had
come over from S° Carolina had gone about this Province,
on the Ceded Lands, & between Augusta & Little River &
had assassinated Eleven People, some of them in their
Beds, & that the People Murdered were such as had
very early shewn their Loyalty and attachment to Governm*
& who had been most active & useful in Reducing the
Rebellion & who were Principally to be depended upon for
Magistrates & Militia officers & for keeping the back Parts
of the Province in Subjection & Order—also acquainting me
that Seven armed Rebels went to the House of Mr. Moore,
Major of the Augusta Regiment of Militia & who lives within
Five Miles of Col. Brown's Post at Augusta and first de¬
manded his arms & his Horses & then shot him with a Pistol
which had a brace of Bullets in it, but fortunately on seeing
the Pistol presented at him, he instantly Turned or Twisted
his Body so that the Bullets only grazed on his Breast &
broke his Arm between his Wrist & his Elbow. Two Partys
of Militia Immediately went out, as soon as the first Murders
were known to have been Committed, but my Lord the Vil¬
lains being on Horse back & the Militia on Foot there is very
little Chance of their Coming up with them or taking any of
them.
This Base Conduct of the Rebels, I consider my Lord, as
the strongest Proof of the Rebellious Spirit which still con¬
tinues amongst many of the People and that as they are not
Strong enough to retake the Province they will endeavour to
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind, vol, 298,
336
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
Murder & Harass & Distress His Majesty's good and loyal
Subjects—and these letters my Lord were followed by Peti¬
tions from several of the Inhabitants in the back Country,
Setting Forth their Distressed Situation & Praying for Pro¬
tection and on the 27th of last Month I received the Joint
Addresses of both Houses of Assembly, Representing the
alarming Situation of the Province and the inability of the
Country & People to Provide for the Charge of Supporting a
Troop of Horse and Requesting that I would Raise one and
Draw on Government for the Expence a Copy of which I
have now the Honor to Inclose. In my letters No. 25 & 27
I inclosed Your Lordship Copys of some letters which passed
between Earl Cornwallis & myself Relative to the then State
of the Province & and the Establishment of Some other
Posts here, and also a Troop of Horse on which I have only
to observe that no other Post whatever has been Established
in this Province, but at Savannah & Augusta, and I now take
the Liberty to Transmit to your Lordship an Extract of my
last Letter to Lord Cornwallis on the subject of a Troop of
Horse dated the 20th of Novr last, and to which I received
no answer from his Lordship. But Colonel Balfour the Com¬
mandant of Charles Town on the 23rd of Janry wrote to me
by direction of Lord Cornwallis on that head, an Extract
whereof is underneath my Letter and thus Your Lordship
sees Clearly that the Commander in Chief has wholly declined
to give us any assistance in that way—and I must beg leave
to observe that altho' Col. Balfour mentions a Strong Post at
06 & it was intended to be so, when he wrote, yet that is not
the Case for the 7tli Regiment which was to have Reinforced
it, was unfortunately disabled & Prevented from going there,
being almost the whole of them either killed or taken by the
Rebels, and I have this day received accounts from Augusta
that Sumpter, Pickens, Clarke A others are Collecting a For¬
midable Force in order to Break up the Back Settlements in
S° Carolina & this Province & which I am very apprehensive
they may do, if not more as I well know all the Informations
A Complaints A Distress Ac. to be real Facts A as it is clearly
my own Opinion as well as that of the other Branches of the
Legislature, that Nothing can possibly Protect His Majesty's
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
337
Loyal Subjects & prevent the back Parts of this Province
from being broke up, but a Troop of Horse, which may do
so if any thing can, and as I also well know, that if the Loyal
Inhabitants are drove from the Back Country, it will soon be
filled with Rebels from the Carolinas &c. and that they will
become Formidable & Endanger the Safety of the whole
Province, Therefore in every point of view it appears to me
to be absolutely necessary & for His Majesty's Service & the
Safety of the Province, that some thing should be immedi¬
ately done for the Protection of the People. But as the Ex-
pence of a Troop of Horse will be very great, & as it will
take a considerable time before one can be Raised & we
have no Saddles or Accoutrements to Furnish them with
(those which your Lordship Sent out in the Crown Galley
being ordered to Charles Town & I have applied for some
without effect.) Therefore I have with the Unanimous ad¬
vice of the Council, determined upon as the only Step which
can be taken without much delay to choose out of the Militia,
some of the,]most active and best Men, and to Mount them
on their own Horses & with their own Arms. Three
Partys of Twenty in each with a Captain, a Lieutenant & a
Serjeant, one of them to Range or Seout on the Ceded
Lands, one in St. Paul's Parish the other in St.
George's Parish, and to join, occasionally, and we expect to
get them to do this duty on the following Terms,-—the Captain
7-6 p day, the Lieut. 4-6 the Serjeant 2 and the Private Men
1-6, they finding their own Horses, Arms & Provisions & for
the Expence of. which I shall be under the necessity of
Drawing. This my Lord is Meant & intended only as a
Succedaneum to keep the People together & the Back
Country from being broke up, untill His Majesty's Pleasure
be known on this matter & whether a Troop of Horse is to
he Established or the Partys of the Militia to be continued
or not, and in the mean time If things prove more Favorable
than at Present we have Reason to Expect, the Militia will
be Discharged and I Trust for the Reasons given and others
that may occur to Your Lordship, His Majesty will be
graciously pleased to approve of what I have done & to Es¬
tablish a Troop of Horse in this Province, but if unfortunately
22
338
letters from sir james wright.
it should happen otherwise, there can be no very great Ex-
pence incurred by the Pay of the Militia before His Majesty's
Orders can be Sent & received by me.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obedient Serv*
Ja. "Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 19th May.
(Dup—Orig1 not recd)
ADDRESS TO THE UPPER & COMMONS HOUSES
OF ASSEMBLY.
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 37) of 5th March 1781.]
Georgia.
To His Excellency Sir James Wright Bart Captain General
& Governor in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of
Georgia, Chancellor Yice Admiral & Ordinary of the Same.
The Humble Address of the Upper and Commons Houses of
Assembly.
May it Please your Excellency
We His Majesty's most Dutifull & Loyal Subjects, the
Members of both Houses of Legislature in General Assembly
Met, think it our Duty to Lay before Your Excellency the
Present alarming Situation of this Province, in which Small
Partys of Rebels Secrete themselves & from time to time,
Murder Such of His Majesty's Subjects as have been most
Loyal & active in Supporting his Government & authority.
It is with the Utmost Concern we acquaint your Excel-
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 29a.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
339
lency that within a few days last Past, Eleven Men of Char¬
acter and Loyalty have been Separately assassinated, when
they apprehended themselves to be in Perfect Security, and
we are thoroughly Convinced that None of His Majesty's
Subjects in this Province will be safe for a Moment unless a
Troop of Horse is raised to Scour the Country & break up
those Partys of Rebels who skulk about in the Woods &
Swamps & avail themselves of the opportunity of attacking
Men Separately & at their own Homes.
We beg leave to Represent to Your Excellency that this
Province is so much Impoverished by the Devastations Com¬
mitted by the French & Rebels during the late Siege & also
by the Constant Incursions of Plundering Partys that the
Legislature hath not even to this Hour been able to Fall on
tlieTVIeans of Providing for the Common Current Expences
of this Country much less is it in the Power of the Province
to defray the Charges of a Body of Horse to Prevent the
Rebels from entirely Breaking up the Country & Murdering
every Loyalist one after another. And therefore we do most
earnestly Request Your Excellency forthwith to Raise a Troop
of Horse Consisting of at least Sixty Privates and to draw on
the Mother Country for the Support of it more Especially as
Earl Cornwallis hath Declined to Give any assistance of that
Sort Notwithstanding the Frequent applications you have
made to his Lordship for that Purpose.
By order of the Upper House
JOHN GRAHAM, President.
Feby 27th, 1781.
By order of the Commons
House of Assembly
Samuel Forley Speaker.
340
letters from sir james wright.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
9 March 1781.
No. 38. Savannah in Georgia the 9th of March 1781.
My Lord, Duplicate.
On the 6th Inst. I did myself the Honor of writing to your
Lordship in which I gave your Lordship Some Account of
the Situation of affairs in this Province & that I found myself
under an absolute Necessity of Mounting Some Party's of
the Militia, Officers & all to the Number of Sixty Nine & I
much wish I may be able to stop here, for the great Distance
Lord Cornwallis is from this Province & the weakness of our
Posts here, Say at Savannah & Augusta & also the weakness
of the Posts in S° Carolina, give great Encouragement to all
Rebels & disaffected Persons to Collect & attempt to Dis¬
turb & Break up the Settlements & if there should be a
necessity to turn out the Militia, they will certainly Expect
Pay &, Subsistence whilst on actual duty & we have it not to
give them.
On the 6th Inst, my Lord I assented to five Bills and have
the Satisfaction to Acquaint your Lordship that one of them
is Intitled "An Act for Granting to His Majesty Certain
Duty's upon all Goods, Wares & Merchandise of the Growth
or Production of this Province which may be Exported from
hence, as the Contribution of Georgia to the General Charge
of the British Empire," these Duties my Lord His Majesty's
Loyal Subjects in this Province have Freely & Cheerfully
Given & Granted & Humbly beg that His Majesty will be
Graciously Pleased to Condescend to accept of the same as a
small Token of their Gratitude to His Majesty & Affection to
the Mother Country—a duty of 5 per Cent was proposed but
the greatly distressed reduced & exhausted State of the
Province it was thought would not admit of laying on so
large a Duty at Present, and therefore it is only two and a
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. In<l. vol. 298.
LETTERS PROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
341
half p. Cent. Another is entitled "An Act for securing His
Majesty s Government and the Peace of this Province & for
the more Effectual Protection of the King's Loyal Subjects
here against the wicked Attempts & designs of the Rebels &
other Disaffected Persons & for other Purposes hereinafter
mentioned." From the great number of Sculking Rebels &
Disaffected Persons remaining in this Province I saw my
Lord that it was impossible for His Majesty's Loyal Subjects
to remain in any tolerable degree of Peace or Security and
therefore proposed this Law to Enable the Inhabitants to
take up and secure all Rebels & Persons guilty of Harbour¬
ing, Concealing, aiding or assisting Rebels & Plunderers or
giving them Intelligence & to compell them to remove out of
the Province—I judged it also Necessary to prevent the Jews
who formerly resided here from Returning* or others from
Coming to Settle here. For these People my Lord were
found to a Man to have been violent Rebels & Persecutors
of the King's Loyal Subjects & however this Law may appear
at first Sight, be assured my Lord that the times require these
Exertions & without which the Loyal Subjects can have no
Peace or Security in this Province.
"An Act for supplying the Loss of such of the Bonds &
Mortgages that were executed by the Debtors of the Public
to the Commissioners of the General loan office of the
Province of Georgia, as are now unsatisfied & for making the
Ledger or Account Book of the said Commissioners, begin¬
ning the 17th day of February 1769 & Ending the 17th day
of September 1775 Evidence in all Courts of Law & Equity
in this Province for the purpose of Recovering the Moneys
due to the Public & for other Purposes hereinafter mentioned."
By an Act of Assembly passed in 1760 and Confirmed by
His Majesty <£7410 Stg was allowed to be issued & to be Sent
out on Bonds & Mortgages on an Interest of Six per Cent to
such Persons as applied to the Commissioners to Borrow the
same, but not more than £80 Stg to one Person and wch Bonds
& Security's Fell into the Hands of the Rebels and being
Lost or carried away & destroyed the Party's Refused Pay¬
ment unless their Bonds & Security's were delivered up to
them & the Ledger or Book mentioned, having been Preserved
342
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
by a Gentleman who is a Friend to Government, lie lias
delivered up the same A we thought it very Necessary A Just
A.Equitable that a Law should be passed for the Purpose
afsd.
"An Act for the Relief of the People called Quakers." The
Quakers in this Province in general my Lord have behaved
very well & shewn their Loyalty A attachment to Government,
for which reason some of them Suffered a long Imprisonment
in Charles Town A many have been Plundered & almost
Ruined by the Rebels of this Province A as several of them
have ability's & are sufficiently qualified for Public Employ¬
ments we thought it an Act of common Justice to them A for
His Majesty's Service to Pass the above Law in their favour.
"An Act to Explain Amend A reduce into one Act of
Assembly the several Laws A Parts of Laws now in being,
relating to the Erecting A Keeping in Repair Fortifications
& other works of Defence in this Province & for other
purposes herein after mentioned."
The Several Laws relative to these Matters were not
altogether Clear A some Clauses were intermixed in the
Militia Laws & when the New -Works round the Town were
finished it became Necessary that proper Powers should be
given A an officer appointed to see that no Damage is done
to them by ill disposed Persons and for these Reasons my
Lord this Law was Framed. I shall order Copys to be
prepared and transmitted to your Lordship as soon as may
be A hope when they come to be examined and duly con-
sider'd they will appear to be such as will meet with His
Majesty's Royal approbation.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged and obed* Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 19th May.
(Dup. Orig^ot reced.)
letters from sir james wright.
343
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
I have the very Great Pleasure to Congratulate your Lord¬
ship on the Signal Victory obtained by Earl Cornwallis over
the Rebel Army under the Command of General Green near
Guildford in North Carolina, on the 15th of last month, your
Lordship sees by the Victories lately obtained what True
Zeal &c. will do.
Nothing very Material has happened in this Province Since
my last only that a Plundering Rebel Party from S° Carolina
of about Eorty five Mem well Mounted came over Savannah
River & Burnt the Houses of Major Dell (a very active Militia
Officer & Eriend to Government) & three or four Other
Houses in the Same Neighbourhood, about Fifty Miles from
Savanah, having first Plundered them of every thing they
Could Carry off—these things my Lord are very Distressing
& Discouraging to the Kings Loyal Subjects, who seem to be
Singled out and I hope your Lordship will be convinced of
the Necessity of having a Troop of Horse.
A Spanish Fleet of thirty Eight Sail was Discovered the
beginning of last Month, supposed to be that with Don
Galvez going against Pensacola, which Occasions Col. Clarke
who Commands the Military here to go to St. Augustine &
Carry"aTTart"of our Troops with him, & I think he is to leave
us in two or three days, this Gentleman my Lord has Con-
ductecl_Matters so well, that we have been very happy
together & what makes his Departure the more to be regetted
is, thatthe Command of the Military now Devolves on a
Gentleman who is a Foreigner. Surely My Lord this is
wrong, and when it is with Great Difficulty that things can be
kept in a Tolerable Way, where the Principal officers on Both
No. 39.
My Lord,
2 April 1781.
Savanah in Georgia the 2d of April 1781.
Triplicate.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
344
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
sides the lines of authority, A are on the best Terms A
Desirous A Take Pains to Avoid Altercation, what is it to he
Expected Now ? and I have been Informed that the Foreigners
in General have an Idea that they are totally Exempt from
all Civil Power or Authority whatever, and I much fear Disa¬
greeable things may happen which may affect the Peace of
the Province, A His Majesty's Service. I Inclose your Lord¬
ship a Copy of what I have wrote Lord Cornwallis on the
Occasion, A submit the same to your Lordship's Superior
Judgment.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged A obed* Serv1
Ja. Weight.
The Eight Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
E 7th June.
GOY. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LOED G. GER¬
MAIN.*
9 April 1781.
No. 40. Savanah in Georgia, the 9th of April 1781.
My Lord, Duplicate.
I have now the Honor to Transmit to Your Lordship a
Copy of the Act "For Granting to His Majesty Certain duties
upon, all Goods, Wares A Merchandizes of the Growth or
Production of this Province which may be Exported from
hence as the Contribution of Georgia to the General Charge
of the British Empire." These Duties my Lord His Majesty's
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
letters from sir james weight.
345
Loyal Subjects in this Province have most Freely & Cheerfully
Given & Granted & Humbly hope his Majesty will be
Graciously Pleased to Condescend to Accept of the Same, as
a Small Token of their Gratitude to His Majesty & Affection
for the Mother Country, a Duty of five p Cent was Proposed
but the greatly Distressed Reduced & Exhausted State of
the Province, it was thought would not admit of Laying on
so large a Duty at Present and therefore it is only two & an
half p Cent. But my Lord the Example, the Precedent I
look't upon as the Principal object and which was opposed
by some for a while but at length the Measure was unani-
mondy agreed to, and as the Foundation is now laid I Pre¬
sume it will be no difficult matter to Raise the Duty when
the Province is at Full Peace & begins to People again &
Recover its Produce & Trade.
On my Coming out to this Province, your Lordship was
Pleased to Authorize me to declare to the Legislature That the
Net Produce of Duties Imposed by Parliament for the Regula¬
tion of Commerce would be applied to the use of the Province.
and that His Majesty in Order to Ease his Loyal Subjects
here, graciously intended to Remit all arrears of Quit rents &
Proposed that all Such as may become due hereafter, shall
also be appropriated to the use of the Province.
And that all Fines and Forfeitures which shall happen,
arise or become due to His Majesty, shall likewise be Applied
in the Same Manner.
all which I Represented to them as Matters of Special
Grace & Favour of the Crown, and which deserved their
Warmest Acknowledgments.
Wherefore I must beg leave to Remind Your Lordship of
these things and that I have not yet Received any authority
from His Majesty for carrying His most Gracious intentions
into Execution.
I take the Liberty to Inclose Your Lordship an abstract of
a Memorial of Lewis Johnson Esq. Public Treasurer by
which your Lordship will see his Claim to have all the iVlonies
arising from the above Funds Paid into his office. But the
Receiver of the King's Casual Revenue Claims to Receive
them in the first Instance. I am therefore to Request Your
346
letters prom sir james wright.
Lordsliip's Directions whetlier the Money arising by the
Duties, Fines &c. are first to be Paid to the King's Receiver
of His Casual Revenue, and then by him to be Paid over to
the Treasurer, as I Presume this will Occasion a Deduction
of Double Commissions, Viz: Five p Cent will be stopt by
the Casual Receiver & and then five p Cent more by the
Treasurer, and so of the Quit Rents.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed* Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majtys Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 5tli June.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
24 April 1781.
No. 41. Savanah in Georgia the 24th Api'il 1781.
My Lord,
Since my Last of the ninth Instant I have received some
very Alarming Accounts from Augusta, A other Parts of the
Province, and have Reason to believe that there are a Great
Many Rebels in arms in different Parts of S° Carolina, A in
this Province. The very great Distance Lord Cornwallis and
his Army are at Gives every opportunity to the Disaffected to
Collect & Murder, Plunder Ac. in a most cruel A shocking
manner, and those Chiefly the Loyal Inhabitants, and I am
afraid our Several Posts are too weak to afford a Detachment
to go against them, and upon the whole my Lord, this
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
letters erom sir james wright.
847
Province is Reduced to a Most Distressed & I may say Pre¬
carious Situation, and all this for want of a Little assistance,
had the Method I Proposed at first after the Siege been
attended here, that is a Corps of one Hundred & Fifty
Horse been Established—Georgia would by this time have
been entirely at Peace & in Security & Great Numbers of
Good & Loyal Subjects would have Flock't in to Settle here,
& the Troops might now have beem Employed Elsewhere.
But for want of that, your Lordship Sees what Distresses
the Loyal Inhabitants have Suffered & now daily do & we
can get no assistance or support, and which Compels me to
Endeavour to Raise some Horse or the Province will be
totally broke up & Lost.
I cannot better Describe our Present Situation than by
Transmitting to your Lordship the Inclosed Copy of a letter
I wrote yesterday to Earl Cornwallis and to Which I beg
leave to Refer your lordship.
I am afraid of Missing the opportunity therefore obliged to
conclude, and
have the Honor to be, with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obedt Serv4
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majtys Principal Secretary of State
for America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 5th June.
348
Letters from sir james wrIght.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
1 MAY 1781.
No. 42. Savannah in Georgia the 1st of May 1781.
My Lord,
I had the Honor to receive your Lordship's letter of the
3d of January N°. 11 and am extremely sorry to acquaint
Your Lordship that Things are by no means in that Peaceable
& Secure State that your Lordship Supposes and Expects,
indeed I may say quite the Reverse & I momently expect to
thear that Augusta is attacked again & have too much reason
to believe the Post at Ninety six cannot now assist them. We
^ have done all we could both by Laws & such Exertions as the
.Militia could make, but they are now Fatigued & worn out
|by continual Alarms &c. & so many good men have been
lately & are daily Assassinated that People begin to be afraid
to stand Forth.
For our Numbers, I dare Venture to say that the King has
a large Proportion of Loyal Subjects here, and who have
Exerted beyond what could have been Expected & this
without Pay or Subsistence & they are still willing to do it
from Principles of Loyalty as well as their own Interest &
begin to think they have not had that Assistance Necessary
and deserved, and believe me my Lord this Province is in
great Danger. I have frequently given your Lordship &
Lord Cornwallis the best & Clearest Information I possibly
could of the Situation of affairs here & it gives me great
concern to find my Representations have had so little weight
& most heartily wish the Consequences of it may not be of
the most serious Nature.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv*
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 4th August.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
letters from sir james wright.
349
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
5 mAY 1781.
No. 43. Savannah in Georgia the 5th of May 1781.
Mr Lord,
Your Lordship's Letter of the 7th of February No. 12 I
have had the Honor to receive—Certainly the Progress of
the King's Army in N°. Carolina has been Rapid & the
Advantages over the Rebels very great & Lord Cornwallis &
his Army have acquired Laurels & much Honor but my Lord
the Consequences have not been such as were wished &
expected. With respect to the particular Circumstances of
Affairs there, they do not lye with me to touch upon, where¬
fore I shall confine myself to my own Department & such
Matters as more immediately affect it.
Your Lordship may rest assured that the Relellion is not
intirely Quelled in S° Carolina far, very far from it, on the
Contrary I am informed & believe that the Country People
in General are in Arms again & Ripe for a Revolt & the
Communication between this & Chas Town is intirely cut off
by Land & also the Inland Passage by Water & Nothing can
pass but round by Sea.
The King my Lord has many good & Faithful Subjects
here who have & will do every thing in their Power to Support
His Majesty's Govern1. Your Lordship seems to suppose this
Province well Settled & full of Inhabitants,—-it was so here¬
tofore, but is not so at present, they are greatly reduced &
the Country is now very thinly settled and in the Back Parts
there are many Rebels still.
Strong Partys of Rebels are Continually coming over from
Carolina, Murdering by Assassination whom they Please or
can come at & disarming & laying others under Parole &
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. Iud. vol, 298.
350
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
it's impossible to prevent them without Horse men, and thus
this Province is weakened & in danger of being lost, my
Information is, and I believe it that five hundred Rebels have
been sometime Encampt about seven miles on this side of
Augusta waiting for a Reinforcement & that Two Hundred
well mounted & appointed are in St. George's Parish about
80 miles from hence in the way towards Augusta, Murdering
Plundering, Laying Waste & doing all the Mischief they
Possibly can particularly to the Wheat Fields <fc Provisions
& as I have frequently wrote & lamented we have no assist¬
ance or protection but a small Force here and at Augusta &
the latter I expect is now invested and we cannot from either
of the Posts spare any men to go out against them.
The Assembly my Lord have come into all the Measures
Proposed for His Majesty's Service and which it was judg'd
might be conducive to the security & tranquillity of the
Province but alass my Lord that will not do without Troops
without an armed Force.
It gives me great Pain my Lord to write unpleasant Things,
but my Duty to the King & to the Truly Loyal & Suffering
People here oblige me to represent the Situation of Affairs
once more Fairly & without Disguise I am no Soldier my Lord
but I always thought & still do that it would have been more
for His Majesty's Service to have secured Effectually what
was Reduced & to have made these Provinces usefull &
serviceable to the Mother Country by Trade & Agriculture
and if S° Carolina and this Province had been irell Protected
the Distressed Loyal Subjects would have Flocked into them
from all Parts of America and they would soon have been
capable of Protecting them and Contributed towards the
General Expence of the British Empire and the Example I
humbly conceive would have had the best Effect on the
Rebellious Colonies. If I have Presumed too far in giving
my Sentiments my Plea is, and which I doubt not but His
Majesty (if he condescends .to read this Letter) will be
graciously pleased to admit of, that it proceeds from an Honest
Zeal for His Majesty's Service and a Consciencious Discharge
of my Duty, and it appears to me that Nothing can save this
letters from sir james wright. 351
Province bnt the greatest Exertions in onr Power to make &
for the Expence of which X must Draw on Government.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Servt
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed]
R 4th August.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER-
* MAIN.*
25 may 1781.
No. 44. Savanah in Georgia the 25th of May 1781.
My Lord,
Inclosed your Lordship will receive a Copy of a Minute of
Council of the 8th instant with my letter to Colonel Porbeck
& his Answer to me from which your Lordship will See that
every Effort was used to Raise or Collect a Force to Drive the
Rebels out of the Province, and Relieve Augusta, but that it
was not Possible to do it, the Garrison having been so much
Reduced & Weakened.
and Militia if we had had a Sufficient Number & Arms &c.
to Give them (which we have not) are not to be Trusted or
Depended upon without Regulars to Countenance & Support
them.
I Immediately Sent off an Express to Col1 Balfour in Charles
Town and also to Col Clarke at St. Augustine, acquainting
them of these Particulars, and all I can yet say is, that I am
Itopefull they will See the Necessity of Sending Succours.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W, Ind, vol. 298.
352
letters fbom sik james wright.
Last week two Rebel Galleys came on tlie Coast & went in
over Ossabaw Bar, where tliey Captured a Fine large Ship
Loading with Lumber for the West Indies. The Arbutlmot
Galley which had been there for some time, was about a
Fortnight before ordered away to Port Royal. But the other
Sloop which arrived three or four days after, is gone out in
search of them, it is very Uncertain whether the Ship was
carried off or not, there being different Reports, if not Slie
may be Probably Retaken.
The Assassinating Partys still continue going about the
Country—my Lord it Gives me Great Pain, that I have it not
in my Power to write any thing Pleasant, and I know it must
hurt your Lordship to Receive Continual Disagreeable
Accounts, and I Assure you it hurts me much more to Write
them, but it is my Duty to State Facts & Give a True Account
of all Occurrences, I must not, I will not, I never did Deviate
from the Truth, and I am Certain your Lordship's Candour
will approve of it.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv*
Ja. Weight.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 30th Novr.
letters prom sir james wright.
353
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
30 may 1781.
No. 45. Savanah in Georgia the 21th of May 1781.
My Lord,
Liclosed your Lordship will receive a Copy of Colonel
Balfour's letter to me of the 21st of May in Answer to Mine
requesting he would Send assistance to Galphins Fort to Col.
Brown at Augusta, A it is with great Concern I now acquaint
your Lordship that the Officer Commanding at Galphins Fort,
where the Provisions Stores Indian Goods Ac. Ac. were
deposited Surrendered to the Rebels on Capitulation on
Monday the 21st of May, and a Man from Browns* Fort at
Augusta found, means to get thro' the Rebel Camp of friday
Night the 25th of May A came to Savanah the 29th by whom
we learn that Brown was in the greatest distress A the Troops
were then at an allowance of a Pint of Corn a day & had
only 21 days left at that Rate & it is not Possible for us to
give him any Relief I have Sent two Expresses by Land to
Col. Clarke at St. Augustine & Prevailed on Capt. Creigk of
the Otter Sloop to go there & hope he will Return by her with
the Troops he Carried from hence, altho I much fear it will
be too late to Relieve Brown Especially as the- Rebels are
increasing every day Some Say 1000 to 1200 A others say
1500.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged A Obedfc Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right HonbIe Lord George Germain
His Majty s Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac Ac.
• R 30th Novr.
23
+ p. k, 0. am- & w. ind. vol. 298.
354
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER-
MAIN*
12 June 1781.
No. 46. Savanah in Georgia the 12th June 1781.
My Lord,
Colonel Clarke arrived here on the 7th hist, and his Men
Landed the 8th and Col. Balfour Sent a Detachment of Fen-
nings Corps here amounting to about 160 Rank A File and
Col. Clarke was making Preparations to march to the Relief
of Col. Brown but on the 10th inst. we received the very-
Disagreeable Account that he had been Reduced to the
Necessity of Capitulating, and that after they had Capitulated
and Laid down their Arms, Some of the Rebels shot Col.
Grierson who dyed Instantly—we do not yet know the
Particulars of the Terms, nor have I received any Authentic
Account of this unfortunate affair, but it comes by different
Hands so that no one doubts of the Truth of the Report. I
met the Council yesterday A have the Honor to inclose your
Lordship a Copy of the Resolutions on the State of Affairs
here and of my letters to Col. Balfour which I have this day
sent to Charles Town by an Express Boat. The very oppor¬
tune arrival of the Cork Fleet with the Troops I hope will
once more rescue these Provinces from the Hands of the
Rebels.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed4 Serv4
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
R 30th Novr.
* P. R. 0. Am. & W. I Lid. vol. 298.
letters from sir james wright.
355
SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO LIEUT. COL. BALFOUR.*
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 46) of 12th June 1781.]
Savanah the 11th of June 1781. Triplicate.
Sir,
It gives me the greatest Concern to Acquaint you of the
loss of Augusta by Colonel Brown being reduced to the
Necessity of Capitulating, and as you well know the Conse¬
quences that must be attendant on this, I Need say little, but
must observe that if this Province is not Recovered from the
Rebels without the least Delay, I conceive it may be too late
to Prevent the whole from being laid waste & totally destroyed
& the People Ruined, we are now in a Most wretched situa¬
tion. I shall not reflect on the Causes, but the Grand Point
is to recover back what we lost if it be Possible & to Prevent
further Misfortunes & injury to His Majesty's Service—and
on receiving the very Disagreeable intelligence from Augusta,
I took the Earliest Opportunity to Convene His Majty'8 Council
& have their Opinions on the Present very Critical State of
affairs here—a Copy of which I have the Honor to Inclose
you—and will not Suffer my Self to Entertain the least doubt
but that every Exertion will be made & every Necessary
assistance given to Enable me to Hold this Province Subject
to His Majesty's Authority I can only Represent Facts which
it is my Indispensable Duty to do and which I have hitherto
from time to time done.
our Distresses are many & how to Furnish the Militia on
actual Duty with Rations I can't tell, for there is not a single
Barrel of Beef or Pork to be Purchased here, even if I hacl,
the Monty to buy it. I trust therefore Sir that Circumstanced |
as we are, you will think it for His Majesty's Service A really
Necessary to order Some of the Kings Provisions here, for
the Support of the Militia on actual Service. The Number
of which I think will be at least what is mentioned in the
Minute of Council, besides those in & about the Town, which
I Suppose amount to 300.
* P. K. 0. Am. & W. Intl. vol, 298.
356
letters from sir james wright.
Poor Grierson was Basely Murdered after the Capitulation
& laying Down his arms it is to be hoped this worthy Man's
Death will not Pass without due Notice & I shall not think
Brown Safe till I See him.
I have the Honor to be &c.
Signed
J a. Wright.
Lieut. Colonel Balfour &c. &c. &c.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
14 june 1781.
No. 47. Savanah in Georgia the 14tli of June 1781.
My Lord,
Having herewith Inclosed my Memorial to the Lords of
Treasury & the Estimate of the Expence of the two
Troops of Horse, I am Humbly to request that your
Lordship will be Pleased to approve of the Same and Recom¬
mend it to their Lordships. This Step was delayed to the
very last, indeed much too Long, in hopes of getting assistance
some other way, but all applications were in vain.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & Obed1 Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
Eor America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 30th Novr-
* P. R. O. Am, & W. Ind. vol. 298.
letters erom sir james wright.
357
MEMORIAL OF GOV. SIR JAMES WRIGHT *
[In Sir Jas. Wright's (No. 47.) of 14 June 1781.]
To the Right Honorable the Lords
Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury.
The Memorial of Sir James Wright
Baronet, Governor in Chief of His
Majesty's Province of Georgia
Humbly Sheweth,
That for some time Past great Part of the Inhabitants in
theProvince of S° Carolina have been in arms and Ripe for a
General Revolt from their Allegiance & Obedience to His
Majesty's Government, and^ which Revolt hath Since taken
Place. That Great Numbers of them came over Savanah
River into the Province of Georgia, where they Committed
the most Savage like & Inhuman Murders on Many of His
Majty's Loyal Subjects, in the whole within two months Past,
to the amount of very near one Hundred. That they Stir
up all such as are not well affected to Government to take
arms & Join them, and Force Several Good & Loyal Subjects
for fear of being Murdered also to Join them. That they
have for some time Past & are now Laying close Siege to the
Fort at Augusta. That they have already Laid Waste &
Destroyed the greatest Part of this Province, and if not
Speedily Check't will Ruin the whole.
That His Majesty's Troops left here have Proved wholly
inadequate to the Protection of this Province, against the
Depredations of the Rebels. That your Memorialist Received
addresses from the Upper & Lower Houses of Assembly of
this Province Requesting him to Embody some Troops of
Horse for the Protection of the Inhabitants Copys of which
are herewith Transmitted to your Lordship, That Your
Memorialist avoided and Delayed putting Government to
this Expence as long as Possible, But Seeing that Nothing
can Save this Province from being again wrested out of His
Majesty's Hands but Raising a Corps of Horse, he hath with
* P. E. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
358
letters erom sir james wright.
the Unanimous Advice of His Majesty's Council determined
so to do, as the only Chance there is of Holding thisJProvince
& Keeping it in Subjection to His Majesty's Authority—And
if being absolutely Necessary for His Majesty's Service to
Carry this Measure into Immediate Execution and as there
is not time to Represent the Matter to His Majesty's Secretary
of State Previous thereto.
Your Memorialist therefore takes this Method of Laying
the Same before your Lordships and herewith Transmits an
Estimate of the Expence of Two Troops of Horse for Twelve
Months and for which he is Laid under the Necessity of
Drawing upon your Lordships.
Your Memorialist has the Honor to be with the Utmost
Respect,
Your Lordships
most obed* Hble Serv*
Ja. Wright.
Savanah in Georgia
the 15th of May 1781.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
14 june 1781.
No. 48. Triplicate.
Savanah in Georgia the 14th of June 1781.
My Lord,
The Necessity of Purchasing Provisions for the Refugees
& Militia on Duty was so Pressing that it could not be
avoided, the Rebels were possessed of the whole Country
between Ebenezer & Augusta, and the Generality of the
Inhabitants either taken to the Swamps to hide themselves
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
letters from sir james wright.
359
for a time, in hopes of being soon relieved, or come here for
Protection, and those who came here, were armed as well as
we could A put on duty with some Regulars to Garrison the
Redoubts at Ebenezer A keep the Rebels from Destroying A
Laying Waste, quite to the Town. Pretty Large Partys on
Horse Back (for they are now mostly Mounted) have been
Seen within 5 or 6 miles of Ebenezer.
I Say thus Circumstanced my Lord there was an absolute
Necessity to Purchase Provisions- to Eeed these People, for
they had not a Shilling in their Pockets A Could not be
allowed to Perish and the Kings Provisions in the Stores here
grew Short, the Militia on Duty had Rations for a Short time,
when it was Notified to me, that they Could have no more,
and I was obliged to buy Rice, Elour & what Beef A Pork
could be got, and all these Articles being very Scare & Dear,
they cost a Great Deal of Money already to the Amount of
£2652-0-0 Sterlg & for which I am Drawing on the £5000 in
Mr. West's hands, not knowing what else to do, but hope
your Lordship will Order these Provision Bills to be Paid or
the Money Replaced out of Some other Fund—altho' my
Lord a Tax Bill is ready for the assent, we cannot go on, the
People are Ruined & can pay no Taxes.
In Short my Lord our Prospect is wretched, A if we are
not Relieved in a few days, so that the People may Return
Home A see what may be left, or they can save or Pick up, a
Famine will Ensue. /The Causes of all this Distress A
Misery are most Evident, but I shall Say no more but Pray
God Grant us Peace.
I have the honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Pd Hoble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State Ac. Ac. Ac.
[Indorsed,']
R 10th August
(Trip6 Orig1 A Dup. not recd )
360
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WEIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
18 dEO. 1781.
No. 56. Savanah in Georgia the 18th Decr 1781.
My Lord,
We are at this Moment in the Utmost Danger-& Distress
& Expect every day to have a Formidable Force against us,
for a few days ago we received Accounts from General Leslie
who now Commands in Charles Town that General Green is
on his way to the Southward & had crossed Edisto River,
that Generals St. Clair & Wayne were at Santee River with
2500 Continentals Mounted_ & were to Join General Green,
who was said to have about the Same Number, and we have
also Intelligence that the Marquess De la Fayette is on his
way here (but this is Rebel Intelligence) and we have received
Accounts many different ways of a very Serious & Formidable
Attack being Preparing & intending against us, and by a
Gentleman of undoubted Credit who is come to Savanah a
few days ago, from the Creek Nation we are Informed that
Letters Passed through that Country, Some time ago from
General Green to the Spanish Officer Commanding at Pensa-
cola, Acquainting him that they should be ready to act
against this Province by the middle of this Month, and we
have many Rebel Accounts that they Expect a French &
Spanish Fleet here every day. this Gentleman (Mr. Taitt)
was a Prisoner in West Florida for some time & Says they
avowed an Intention to take East Florida & Georgia,—and
the Garrison in Charles Town being Dwindled away one half,
we cannot Depend on much Assistance if any from hence.
and thus your Lordship Sees the Consequences of not
Protecting & Holding these two Provinces, I always Dreaded
it, from the Moment Lord Cornwallis went into Virginia,, and
the Cruel 10th Article in his Lordships Capitulation I fear
has Ruined the King's Cause in America, & I Need not
Comment upon it, God knows what will become of us, but
without Immediate assistance, I think we shall not be able to
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES "WRIGHT.
861
Stand it, and if we fall, I much fear tliat St. Augustine &
Charles Town will Soon Follow.
I send this by way of New York where I have Dispatched
a Schooner Express to Acquaint Sir Henry Clinton & the
Admiral with our Situation.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv1
J a. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 28th Febry.
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN.*
18 Dec. 1781.
No. 57.
Savanah in Georgia the 18th of Decr 1781.
My Lord,
I have the Honor to Inclose your Lordship a Copy of my
Account of the Expenditure of the £5000 from the 24th of
January 1781 to the 5th of November, which I Trust will be
approved of.
I also Inclose your Lordship a Copy of the Accounts for
Supporting the Troops of Horse, Refugees, Militia &c. which
I also Trust will be approved of,
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem,
my Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed* Servt
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 28th Febry-
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
362
levtebs ebom sib james weight.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN *
18 January 1782.
No. 58. • Savanah in Geobgia tlie 18tli January 1782.
My Lobd,
Yesterday I Received Advice from Charles Town that
Wayne & St. Clair have Joined Green & that the last, Pavty
with their Artillery Ac. are not far off A that they are
advancing towards us, but with what Force, we cannot Cer-
tainly Learn, tho' it is Said about 3000 Continen,tala__Horse
& Foot together, & I Presume the South Carolina Militia
will Join them in great Numbers, A many here, some from
Principle & Some from Necessity, seeing they can get no
Protection from Government. Surely, Surely, my Lord the
Commanders of the King's Forces in America, ought to have
Supported these Southern Provinces, and Happy would it
have been for the Kings Cause A Friends and a most Valu¬
able Footing Secured in America, if they had, or may yet be,
For if they Fall I fear New York will be of Little Consequence.
I have frequently Wrote Humbly requesting His Majesty
would be Graciously Pleased to Grant me leave of Absence
to Return to Great Britain for such time as His Majesty in
His Royal Goodoess may see fit—where Possibly 1 might
have been more useful], than by being kept here. I have
been very unfortunate in so many of your Lordships letters
Miscarrying (as I Presume they must have done) not having
Received a Letter since that of the 4th.of June last.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most Obliged & Obed4 Serv4
Ja. Weight.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State
For America Ac. Ac. Ac.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind.. vol. 298.
letters from sir james wright.
363
P. S. 23d Jany a Party of Continental Horse have Shewed
themselves at Different times & Places for 2 or 3 days past
within 8 or 10 miles of Savanah & now all our out Posts are
Broke up & Called in & we Expect every Day to hear of the
Main Body of the Bebel Army &c. haying Crossed the
Savanah Biver, the Horse come are Said to be about 200
which we Presume'are an Advanced Party. I begin now to
Expect the Return of the Schooner I Sent Express to New
York—with Letters to Sir Henry Clinton & the Admiral.
[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
GOV. SIR J^S. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
22 January 1782.
No. 59. Savanah in Georgia the 22d of Janry- 1782.
My Lord
Three Days ago Mr. Philip Yonge His Majesty's Surveyor
General Dyed, he has left a Widow & four Small Children in
Narrow Circumstances, he was a very Good young Man and
as he was in a Declining State for some time & had appointed
his Wifes Brother Mr. George McKenzie to Act for him, I
think therefore for the benefit of the Family to Appoint him
for the Present.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord, Your Lordships
most obliged & obed* Sep
Ja. Wright.
[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
864
letters from sir james wright.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO LORDS OF TRADE.*
23 January 1782.
Savanah in Georgia the 23d of January 1782.
My Lords,
I have now the Honor to Transmit Your Lordships by the
Ship Georgia Packet Copys of 33 Laws assented to by me
at different times from July 1780 to August 1781 and Several
others have been Passed Since but the distresses of the times
have Prevented the due Course of Proceedings from being
observed, which I hope will Plead an Excuse for the Officers.
I also Transmit Copys of the Journals of the Lower House
of Assembly from the 5th of May 1780 to the 19th of
December 1781.
I wish it were in my Power to give your Lordships any
Agreeable Accounts of our Situation here, but that from a
variety of unfortunate Events I cannot do. We are now
Confined almost to our Lines round the Town, & are Expecting
a Powerfull attack every day & Probably a Siege and thus is
this most Valuable Province Ruined & I fear lost, for Want
of that Protection & attention, whichJL Conceive the Loyalty^
of the Inhabitants Intitled them to.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lords Your Lordships
most obliged and obecb Serv*
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honorable
Lords Comrs for Trade & Plantations &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R June
I. 20.
* P. R. O. Georgia. B. T. vol. 33.
letters from sir james wright.
365
GOV. SIR J AS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
12 February 1782.
No. 61. Savannah in Georgia 12th Febry. 1782.
My Lord, Triplicate.
After an Interval from the 4th of June I had the honor to
receive Your Lordships Letters of the 2d of Aug*1 & 1st Sep¬
tember—which I acknowledged the receipt of, an Opportunity
just then offering for Charles town.
I immediately acquainted the Council & the Speaker that
His Majesty had been pleased to declare His Royal appro¬
bation of the Duty Law & to signify the great Satisfaction
their Zeal & affection for His Person & firm Attachment to
the British Constitution, manifested by passing that Act, had
given His Majesty & that I was directed to assure them that
His Loyal & faithfull Subjects of Georgia may always rely
on His Majesty's Protection & Constant attention to their
prosperity <fe happiness & this I shall do in a Public way the
first opportunity that offers.
I well know the Multiplicity of Business which the Treasury
Board always have before them & thank your Lordship for
saying you will Continue your Instances till the matter I
Wrote about is Compleated.
I shall without delay (if we can see the time for doing
Business endeavour to get a proper Law framed for Collecting
the Quit Rents &c. but we have been so neglected here, that
things are in a very Critical Situation just now, all our
Victories & Defeats of the Rebels end in nothing material, or
at all Decisive in favor of Government—and Your Lordship
will have seen by my Several Letters from time to time that
in this Province we have been Suffered to be Continually
Harassed, Murdered, Plundered & Ruined.
I did not receive a Single Gun from Lord Rawdon, all that
I have had was from Col. Brown s Indian Department. The
200 Sets of Horse Accoutrements &c. are Safe arrived in
* P. E. O. Am. & W. Ina, vol. 298.
366
letters from sir james wright-
Charles Town, but not come round here yet. Your Lordships
directions with respect to a proper portion of the Indian
Goods for East Florida will be fully observed, and We are
very much obliged to your Lordship for this further mark of
your attention.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed1 Serv1
J a. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majty'B Principal Secretary of State <fcc. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 29th May
(Tripe Orig1 & Dup. not reced)
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO UNDER SECRETARY
KNOX.*
12 febkuaky 1782.
Savanah the 12th of Febry 1782.
Db Sir,
I am so Continually hurried that I have not time to write
to Lord George Germain. The Yessell I Sent to New York
arrived there the 5th of January & is not yet returned, nor
any Letter from Sir H. C. altho Yessells have arrived at Cli.
Town which N. Y. since. General Leslie after Promising a
Reinforcement altered his Mind, & Countermanded iU—and
this Province will be totally Lost, unless very Soon Relieved.
I Know what I wrote long ago, tho not Regarded, and as I
find its in Yain to write, I believe I shall Trouble None of
your Generals any more,—a Strange kind of Conduct or
Infatuation Seems to have lost every thing. We have a
* P. R. O. Am. & \V. Ind. vol. 2D8. >
letters from sir james wright. 367
V
Great Many Truly Loyal Inhabitants here, Subsisted &c. at
a Yast Exjyence, but if we are to be Shut up within the Lines,
and they Cannot get any where to Plant, they must See
"Famine before their Eyes & shall not be Surprized if they go
off & make the best Terms they can. Remember this, and
the Army will Say they are & always were Rebels.
Its, said Green Recommends it Strongly to the People here,
to Pass an Act of Oblivion & to receive all with open arms,
who "will Join them & they are doing all they can to Cajole
the Negrps & get them over. John Martin a Northward Man
who used to go-by the Name of Black Jack, is now Chosen
Governor. But I will Stop, for as I can tell you. Nothing
Pleasant, I shall Say no more. I beg to be Remembered to
Mrs. K. & all yors & am Dr Sir
.with Great Truth
Affectly Yours
Ja. Wright.
Wm. Knox Esqre-
P.S. at Night I have this moment reced a Letter from
General Sir H. C. a Trifling Ansr that a Man Might be
ashamed to write & thus do the King's Generals Conduct
everything. I will write Lord G. Germain if Possible to
Morrow, no assistance coming from N. York.
[Indorsed]
R 6th June.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
15 febkuaky 1782.
No. 62. Savannah in Georgia the 15th of Feby 1782.
Triplicate.
My Lord, - <
Your Lordships remarks in your Letter of the 7th of
Septr on the Cruelty, Perfidy &c. of the Rebel Partys & the
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Iud, vol. 298.
368
LETTERS FROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
great abuse of the Lenity shewn them on all Occasions are
certainly very just. Had 150 Horse been established here at
first as I pressed both Sir Hy Clinton & Lord Cornwallis (but
to no purpose) the assassinations, Murders Plundering &c.
Ac. in this Province would in a great measure have been
prevented, for at first & for some time, all the beginnings of
these Villanous Practices were by Small partys, which
increased according to their Success & as they found they
met with little or no Opposition.
I truly thank for Your Lordship for signifying the King's
Commands, with respect to the Two Troops of Horse I raised
on the Joint Address of both Houses of Assembly in June
last but have not to this Day receiv'd a Line from the
Commander in Chief on that Subject, & having been under
the Necessity of drawing on the Lords of the Treasury on
that Occasion—Your Lordships laying my Memorial before
them & recommending it to the Board to Accept my Bills is
a Singular Mark of your Attention, for which we are all
much Indebted to your Lordship, as well as for what you are
pleased to mention with respect to Mr. Wests applying to
the Lords of the Treasury for payment of the Bills drawn
for the Purchase of Provisions for the Loyal Refugees.
The Support of these People My Lord is Certainly a great
Expence to Government, but what could we possibly do?
when Men, Women & Children who had Comfortable Houses
of their Own & lived in plenty, came Crowding in upon us,
Stript of every thing and almost Naked, merely on account
of their Loyalty, there was an absolute necessity to receive
them & they could not go naked & perish for hunger in our
Streets & Common—and had they not been received &c. the
whole Families must have gone back to the Rebels & made
their Peace on any terms, whereas could they yet be sup¬
ported, I am Convinced beyond a doubt that the generality
of them would behave as good & Loyal Subjects, but as we
are not assisted from any Quarter, its impossible to say what
they may not be drove or forced to do.
I cannot ansr for your Lordships intelligence from other
Gentlemen, but I have not either seen or heard any thing like
Peace or Tranquility here or in S° Carolina since last Febru-
letters from sir james wright.
369
arj We might have had both if the Troops had not gone
into Virginia, but that Movement put an end to all Peace &
Quietude this way, as I Plainly Saw & wrote your Lordship
full 12 Mos ago—& S° Carolina has been from that time &
still is quite the reverse of being our Friend & Protector, as
Your Lordship wishes & Expected. We have really & Truly
need of every kind of assistance we can possibly get & that
without any delay.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lord Your Lordships
most obliged & obed4 Serv1
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord Geo. Germain
His Majty's Principal Secretary of State &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 29th May.
Trip6 Orig1 & Dup. not reced.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER-
MAIN*
16 February 1782.
No. 63. Savanah in Georgia the 16th of Febry 1782.
Triplicate.
My Lord,
In my Letter No. 56, by way of New York, I wrote your
Lordship the Situation we were then in & the advice we had
Just received from Lieutenant General Leslie of Charles
Town the Substance of which I at that time wrote to Sir
Henry Clinton & Pressed him earnestly to send us a Rein¬
forcement for our Immediate Relief & assistance &c. and have
now the Honor to Inclose* you his Answer to my Letter, a
Transcript of the first Part I have Sent to Charles Town to
General Leslie & Pressed him for the Reinforcement he had
once ordered to come here, but afterwards Counteimanded.
24
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
370 letters from sir james wright.
The Latter Part of Sir H. C's letter is really so Extraordinary
that it requires no Comment & thus your Lordship Sees how
all Applications for His Majesty's Service are regarded, and
when Officers here assert that Sir H. C. has 20,000 Troops
with him. I also Inclose Your Lordship an Extract of a
letter from Sir H. C. to General Leslie, by which your Lord¬
ship will see the Idea those Generals have with Respect to
this Province.
our Present Situation at Savanah Continues as it has been
for some time, the Rebels dare not yet attack us here and
Col. Clarke the Commander of the King's Troops, does not
think it Prudent or Advisable to go out against them, so that
they have the Command of the whole Country & some times
come within a mile or two of the Town & Small Partys much
nearer.
Its Impossible to Say when or how this matter will be
brought to a Point. I am Persuaded they Certainly Expect
a Eleet on the Coast and Give out that they also Expect the
Pensylvania Line or a Body of French Troops from the
Northward and if these things are so, I Conclude they wait
their arrival.
Yesterday my Lord I Received Intelligence that two Partys
of about 140 in the whole were gone over Ogechee Perry
towards the Alatamaha River, & had been in St. Andrews
Parish (a Scotch Settlement) & there Murdered 12 or 13
Loyal Subjects, these things are Cruel beyond Measure & we
can get no Relief or assistance, how happy would it make me
to have it in my Power to write your Lordship a Pleasing
letter, but that time is yet to Come & out of Sight.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem
My Lords Your Lordships
most obliged & obed4 Serv*
J a, Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
For America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 29th May.
(Tripe Orig1 & Dupe not reced.)
letters from sir james wright.
371
GOY. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO UNDER SECRETARY
KNOX*
16 February 1782.
Sayanah the 16th of Feb. 1782.
DR Sir,
You. will See the Present State of affairs here by my Letter
to Lord George Germain No. 63 The Generals &c. &c. have
always Set their faces against this Province, as I have
frequently Wrote you, and I Can't tell why, unless it is
because the King has thought Proper to Re-establish_his
Civil Government here—which the Military Cannot bear—
and I have long Seen they will do Nothing for us, without a
Positive order from Home & which may now be too late. I
write things to you, that may not be Proper to Write to Lord
George Germain & for the King to See. but yet you may
think he ought to know them, as in some measure Necessary
for him to Judge of & Regulate himself by—had not the
Civil Government been Re-established here, I have not a
Doubt lrat_ this Province would have been Evacuated long
ago.
and I am Persuaded there was a time, when I was very
Instrumental in Saving it, and their Present Ideas, you will
See by the Extract of Sir H. C's letter to General Leslie, and
which Appears to be in Answer to a Letter he must have
Received from him and this I think Accounts for his Count¬
ermanding & Stopping the Reinforcement he had Ordered
for this Place, but be it as it may, you See I can get Nothing
from them.
God knows what our Fate will be, Neglected as we are.
But this I know, that the Military at N. Y. and I believe
every where give the matter up & I have Reason to believe
are so Imprudent as to have Said so ever Since the Unfor¬
tunate affair of Lord C.
Whose Fault that was, does not Lye with me to give any
opinion upon, but it is what I always Dreaded & indeed
Expected from the first. I am vastly impatient to know the
* P, R. 0. An). & W. Ind. vol. 298.
372 letters from sir james wright.
Plan which may have been adopted Since the above Event,
but Something New & very different Seems NecessaTy and I
am Convinced Nothing will be attempted any where but just
to Hold the Towns or Garrisons, every Insult & every Depre¬
dation the Rebels Choose to offer or Commit will be Suffered
with Impunity till orders are Rec'd from Home after Lord
C's arrival. What do you think of 20,000 Men at New York
& its Dependancies & yet to Send None here & his letter is a
curious Jumble, also near 6,000 at Charles Town where he
Says 3,000 are SufD but None Can be Spared to come here.
I could Say much, very much but I am not sure you may
receive this letter. I intend to Answer Sir H. C's absurd
letter & shew him the weakness folly & danger of that
umiecessary Delay, w'ch I think is only a Shuffling Pretence.
I am Dr Sir
very truly & affectly Yours
J a. Wright.
William Knox, Esq.
P. S. the Yessell with the Accoutrements is just come round
& I am told General Leslie has taken out 100, by what
Eight I know not but Force of Arms & Prejudice agst
this Province.
[Indorsed]
E 6th June.
GOV. SIE JAS. WEIGHT TO UNDER SECRETARY
KNOX.
23 February 1782.
Savanah 23 Feb. 1782.
DR Sir,
I have this Moment Reced a letter from General Leslie, by
which I find we are not to Expect any Reinforcement from
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
LETTERS EROM SIR JAMES WRIGHT.
373
him, (I think)—unless a Foreign Force comes, and all that
we have had, is the Remains of the 7th Regiment Say about
130 Rank A file, & also Some Hessian Recruits, Sent from
New York to Charles Town and from thence here, amounting
to 95 A from 40 to 50 British Say in the whole about 270
Rank A file, the Recruits must have come at any Rate to
Join their Corps.
about 170 Chactaw Indians are come here, 122 Men and
the Rest Women & Children A Mr. Graham has Applied to
me for Part of the Indian Presents to Give them A also to
Send to the Chactaw Nation. These People came across the
Country to the Alatamaha River, and hearing that Some
Partys of Rebels were gone to intercept them, Messengers
were Sent to Stop 'em, and Boats Dispatched to bring them
by water A they got safe here, all but about 15, who Rambled
away by Land, 3 of which we hear the Rebels killed A the
other 12 we don't yet Certainly know what is become of, be
Pleased to Acquaint Lord George Germain with these
Matters, altho' I Presume Mr. Graham will write his Lord¬
ship fully about the Indian affairs.
Appearances are very gloomy—Sir P. Houstown & his
Brother William, Lately come from England A Mr. David
Douglass formerly a Rebel but one who had taken the Oaths,
had a Commission from me & who we all had a Great opinion
of, Joined the Rebels in our Neighbourhood a day or 2 ago
and I am Informed beyond a doubt, that my life is Threatened
A that offers have been made to General Wayne, to assassi¬
nate me, or Carry me off, which he Chooses. A in this Situ¬
ation I am at Present. A ought to have been in England long
ago, A Sure I am it would have been for the King's Service.
The Hessians Desert fast, 26 have gone off within less than
a Month, A I wish they may be sound at the bottom, if we
Should be Pushed.
I have answered Sir H. Clintons absurd letter and shewn
him the Danger of that Unnecessary delay. The Vessel with
the Accoutrements Ac. Ac. is just come round and I find
General Leslie has taken out 100 by what Right I know not,
but Force of arms A Possibly Prejudice agst this Province.
a Grand Error to Re-establish Ciyi^Governnff A not Sup-
374
letters prom sir james wright.
port &JProtect that Province against all Attempts whatever,
this ought Certainly to have been done, as I Presume the
intention was to be an Example to the other Colonies & to
Sliew the Difference between the Blessings„of. the Kings
Peace & Civil Government &c. and Rebel Tyranny &c. but
God knows we have had Little Peace here.
I am Dr Sir
Very Truly & Affectly Yours
Ja. Wright.
P. S. 4th March The Hessians Continue to Desert & it
becomes a most Serious & Dangerous matter, and I See but
one thing to be taken, but I Suppose the Person who may do
it, will not & I fear we have Nothing to Expect. I am
Momently Looking for Letters from England, Subsequent to
the Account of Lord C's Defeat Ac. and I think I See Clearly
that it is not intended to do any thing till then, in Short Sir
we are all wrong & doing wrong, or Nothing. I refer you to
my Several late Letters & Shall only add that we are a
Neglected People Struggling Hard, a Party of Rebels came
here last Tuesday Night A Burn't me another Barn, almost
within Musket Shot of the Town, this is the Tenth Barn
they have Burn't of Mine. Fine ample Protection to Civil
Government, even within Musket Shot of our Lines! the
Party Consisted of about 50 Horse our Expences & my Bills
on the Lords of the Treasury Run high, but Loyal Refugees
must not Perish with Hunger in our Streets.
5th March. The Rebel Governor Martin now at Ebenezer
has Issued 3 Proclamations, one to the Kings Troops, one to
the Hessians and another to the Militia, Inviting them all to
Revolt & Join the Virtuous Americans against the Tyranny
of the British Government and for which each man is to
have 200 Acres of Land & a Cow <fcc. and Excepting all those
who are included in the former Rebel Bill of Attainder & a
Number of others Named in the Proclamation—and 3000
French Troops are on their way from Virginia & yet we can
get no assistance, & all my letters are disregarded. Pray
Mind that I mean this so far as a Public letter, thatit.be
shewn to Lord George Germain, & altlio' I don't write to him
letters from sir james wright. 375
now, yet I think it for His Majesty's Service that he should
know what I write or at least the substance of it. I have
Sent Copys of the Rebel Proclns to General Leslie & Inclose
you a Copy of my Letter to him with the Address of the
Assembly & the Proclamations.
[Indorsed]
R 6tli June.
GOV. SIR JAS. WRIGHT TO SEC. LORD G. GER¬
MAIN*
27 mARCH 1782.
No. 64. Savanah in Georgia the 27th of March 1782.
My Lord,
I have the Honor to Inclose your Lordship a Copy of my
Account of the Expenditure of the £5000 from the 5th of
November 1781 to the 21st of January 1782, which I Trust
will be approved of. the Vouchers which were Produced in
Council, I Dare not Venture to Send, but by a Ship of War.
I also Inclose your Lordship a Copy of the Accounts for
Supporting the Troops of Horse, The Refugees, Militia &c.
which I Likewise Trust will be Approved of.
I have the Honor to be with Perfect Esteem my Lord,
Your Lordships
most obliged and obed* Sep
Ja. Wright.
The Right Honble Lord George Germain
His Majesty's Principal Secretary of State
for America &c. &c. &c.
[Indorsed]
R 29th May.
* P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind. vol. 298.
376
memorial oe lieut. gov. grahams.
MEMORIAL OF LIEUT. GOVERNOR GRAHAME *
[Read Jan. 1777.]
To the Right Honble Lord George Germain His Majesty's
Principal Secretary of State for America.
The humble Memorial of John Graliame, Esq.
Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Georgia,
Sheweth,
That your Memorialist has had the honor of being one of
His Majesty's Council in Georgia since the year 1763, and
has with Zeal for the King's Service, ever faithfully dis¬
charged his Duty in that Station, and humbly hopes his
Services were acceptable to his Majesty, having been lately
honored with his Commission of Lieutenant Governor of the
said Province.
That Your Memorialist having from his steady and uniform
Opposition to the Measures pursued for involving the Prov¬
ince of Georgia in the present unnatural Rebellion, rendered
himself particularly obnoxious to the Leaders of that Party,
he was pointed out by them as an Object for the resentment
of the People—and on the 19th of Januy last was made a
Prisoner by the Rebels with Sir James Wright his Majesty's
Governor in Chief, and tho' he was with him released, yet in
a few days afterwards, he received private information that it
was again determined to confine him, upon which he was
obliged to conceal himself night and day in Swamps for a
considerable time, exposed to all the inclemencies of the
weather, untill he fortunately made his escape on board the
Kings Ships, where he remained till they were ready to sail
* P. R. O. Georgia, B. T. vol. 33.
memorial or lieUt. gov. grahame. 377
for Boston during which time Capt. Barkley of His Majesty's
Ship Scarbrough and Major Grant Commanding a Detach¬
ment of the King's Troops, having in the Course of their
Operations taken three Prisoners who were deemed by the
Rebels of Consequence to their Party, a Negotiation was set
on foot for their Release, which on certain conditions was
agreed to, and amongst other things, it was an express stipu¬
lation made that Your Memorialist should on giving seven
days Notice to their Committees be allowed to bring away
his Family, and was at a great expence obliged to freight a
Vessel for that purpose, And on the 13th of May last, he
was in consequence of the Stipulation before mentioned, per¬
mitted to leave the Province with his Family, being Twelve
in number (exclusive of Servants) but was absolutely pre¬
vented from bringing any part of his property.
That before your Memorialist left the Province the Rebels
had wantonly burnt four Hundred Barrels of Rice, part of
his last Year's Crop, had also in a great measure destroyed
a valuable Dwelling House in the Town of Savannah, and
otherwise greatly injured his Property.
Your Lordship's Memorialist having from Principle and
Attachment to His Majesty's Person and Government, ever
approved himself a loyal Subject and faithful Servant of the
Crown, claims no Merit from his having done, what he thinks
was no more than his indispensible Duty, but nevertheless,
humbly hopes such his Conduct, may be the more favorably
received, when it is considered that it was at a Period, when
he well knew, he was thereby risquing his all, and has in
consequence thereof been actually obliged to leave at the
Mercy of the Rebels a Fortune of Fifty thousand pounds
Sterling value, which consisting chiefly in Negroe Slaves, will
in all probability be disposed off by the Rebels, so as to be
for ever lost to him & his Family.
Your Memorialist being thus cut off, from all prospect of
Supplies from his own Estates and being necessarily sub¬
jected to a great expence, for the support of his Family here
(hitherto accustomed to live in the greatest affluence) is laid
under the very disagreeable necessity of making this Appli-
378
memorial op lieut. gov. grahame.
cation, and linmbly hopes your Lordship, from a considera¬
tion of the heavy Losses which he has already sustained, his
present embarrassed Situation, and the peculiar circum¬
stances attending his case, be released to recommend that a
Sallary be allowed him as Lieutenant Governor of Georgia
from the time of his appointment, as some Relief and Assist¬
ance.
And Your Memorialist as in duty bound Shall ever Pray
&c. &G.
John Grahame
Lieut. Governor of Georgia.
[Indorsed]
J. 13.
Read January 17th 1777.
APPENDIX.
OASIMIR PULASKI.
ADDRESS
DELIVERED BEFORE THE
GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
BY
Gil A RLE S C. JONES, JR.
UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS
THIRTY-SECOND ANNIVERSARY,
FEBRUARY 13TH, 1871.
A D D R E S S.
"There is a band of far-shining men for whom the whole
world is the tomb." As if anticipating his own immortality,
so spake that splendid Athenian who, living, gave to his
country an age which has never been eclipsed, and dying,
bequeathed monuments of art, virtuous memories and mag¬
nificent trophies which remain to this day the wonder and
the admiration of the civilized world. But it is not to the
Olympian memories of Pericles that we consecrate this hour.
Come we nearer home, and from out that band of far-shining
men whose fame is intimately associated with our own shores,
whose great deeds have imparted dignity to our peculiar an¬
nals, select we one—a stranger by birth, a brother by adop¬
tion—a goodly knight, hardy in battle, ever ready to put
sternest spear in the rest when the oppressed needed a
champion and the cause of Freedom a defender. Him will
we follow through the nobler scenes of his valiant life to that
supreme moment when, within the confines of this beautiful
city of Oglethorpe, he encountered his mortal hurt in the
brave and generous effort to liberate our beloved home from
British rule. Meet it is, on this our anniversary, that we
revive such recollections in a spirit full of gratitude and loyal
appreciation. As we gather around the grave of Pulaski,
catching the inspirations which are born of his example and
hallowed by his death, we will cherish more nearly our obli¬
gations to the past, fortify ourselves against the demoralizing
tendencies of the present, and gird up our loins to meet with
renewed confidence the issues of the future.
The dismemberment of Poland will be always regarded as
a surprising illustration of the "flagitious wickedness of Rus¬
sia, the unprincipled accesion of Austria, the foul treachery
25
386
CASIMIR TULASKI.
of Prussia, an J the short-sighted as well as tlie mean spirited
acquiescence of all the other nations of Europe." To Hussia
belongs an odious preeminence in that career of oppression
which, characterized by a disregard of the laws of nations
and a palpable violation of all that was just and honorable,
compassed the overthrow of a people once the predominating
power of the North, constituting a part of the vanguard of
civilization, contributing in no small degree to the progress
of science, and maintaining an important influence in the
European system. The only representative of the Sarmatian
race in the assembly of civilized nations, there was much in
the past history and heroic traditions of Poland, in the pecu¬
liarity of her language and institutions, in the freedom of
political sentiment and the toleration of religious liberty en¬
joyed within her borders, which rendered her people fond and
proud of their country and fostered that spirit of national
attachment which, in peace, is the surest guaranty of the
general welfare—the truest pledge of success in the stormy
hour of battle.
An essential member of tli6 federative system of France,
by her vicinity to Turkey and influence on the commerce of
the Baltic affecting the general interests of Europe, and by
her physical position,—independent of all political consider¬
ations,—in a gieat measure preventing a collision between
the three leading military Powers of the continent, it appeared
highly necessary that the integrity of Poland should have
been jealously preserved and vigorously defended by her
sister States. Under existing circumstances, a dismember¬
ment seemed an event not much more probable than that the
physical outlines of this country should have been suddenly
obliterated by a convulsion of nature. Nevertheless, the
territory of this ancient and patriotic people, without color
of right or pretext of defense, in absolute defiance of the
principles of common humanity, in derogation of all political
rights, and in direct violation of plighted faith and sealed
compact, was sundered, divided and parceled out among
neighboring nations, whose only excuse for the perpetration
of this outrage was an alleged preservation of the balance of
power. Balance of power! A horrid phantom which time
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
387
and again has reared its hideous front, frightening peace and
happiness from their legitimate abodes!—a modern Moloch,
upon whose altars ambitious, designing kings and potentates
have sacrificed more innocent blood than the repentant tears
of Europe can for centuries blot out.
This annihilation of the political existence of Poland was
not the work of a moment, or the quiet consummation of in¬
trigues conducted in the privy councils of royalty. It was
accomplished only when the strong hand of oppression,—
rendered triply powerful by an unholy alliance,—had again
and again beaten into the dust brave arms uplifted in that
most righteous cause, the defense of a nation's honor and
liberty; only when thousands had yielded up their fives in
that holy behalf, leaving to their sons and to men of all ages
examples of the glorious martyrdom of those who prefer
poverty, expatriation, aye, death itself; to a fife and citizenship
subjected to the outrages of an unfeeling and inhuman des¬
potism.
The sole right invoked in justification of the partition, was
one which only tyrants and freebooters dare to claim—"the
right of superior physical force."
To the shame of men and government be it spoken, this
brutal right has found, and is still finding fearful assertion
even in these latter days of boasted civilization, and against
men conservative in their views, observant of compacts,
honest in their efforts to maintain the rights of personal
liberty and private property, pure in honor, inferior to none
in valor, and unsurpassed in their devotion to the changeless
principles of truth and justice. I mean the peoples recently
composing the Southern Confederacy.
By Russia the war was conducted with a treachery, rapa¬
city, falsehood and cruelty not unworthy the suggestions of a
Caligula, while on the part of the Poles it constituted one of
the noblest struggles for independence the world has ever
witnessed,—an effort prompted not by blind despair, but
born of a firm resolution, sustained by a well-founded hope,
and characterized by high-toned sentiment—the love of
country and freedom, humanity and justice."
*See Pulaski's address to his little army stationed at Barr.
388
CASIMIR PULASKI.
Any attempt to overthrow the independence of a people once
invested with the privileges of liberty, can never be success¬
ful unless there be a total annihilation of those intellectual
and moral qualities forming the commonwealth and dis¬
tinguishing it from other communities. The devastating
sword may lay bare the fairest homes, and the iron heel of
war trample fertile fields into desert wastes. The schemes of
the oppressor and the armies of the tyrant may for a time
paralyze the impulses and check an expression of the nobler
feelings, but the national spirit will five. It will five in the
silent caves of the mountains, in the shadows of the forests,
in valleys baptized by the blood of heroes, in holy memories
of a heroic past, in the glorious recollections transmitted by
patriots and martyrs who gave their lives for its support,—
above all, in the sacred recesses of unconquered hearts, and,
upon the first occasion, like the returning fire of a slumber¬
ing volcano, it will kindle into renewed animation and vigor.
As of old, in mythical times, those who held sway over the
elements were giants born of night and chaos, so amid polit¬
ical changes which convulse nations, and in perilous epochs
pregnant with unusual issues, from out the very vortex of
general apprehension, irresolution, uncertainty and dismay,
arise master spirts, who, lifting themselves above the com¬
mon level and gaining the ascendency over their weaker fel¬
lows, seem constituted for the emergency and ordained for the
crisis.
We are accustomed to regard with emotions near akin to
veneration, the men and great deeds of the past. When the
actor in person no longer participates in the scenes of his
triumphs, when time has cast its forgetful shadows over that
historic group in which the outlines of the central figure are
alone clearly discernable, it not unfrequently happens that
the rough-hewn image of former days rises before the imagi¬
native eyes of succeeding generations into all the dignity,
beauty and proportion of a finished masterpiece. The elo¬
quence of the orator falls upon the ear in more commanding
tones as it comes repeated by the echoes of centuries, and
the gleam of the warrior's sword seems brightest when its
flashes leap from out the darkness of the long ago. The
AbDBESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
S89
strong fortress of to-day, with its heavy bastions and bur¬
nished batteries, is in many respects far less attractive than
the old castle bending beneath the weight of years, its towers
overshadowed by the clustering ivy, its deserted halls tapes¬
tried with the moss of unrecorded summers. Age does in¬
deed impart a dignity to and impress a seal of consecration
upon men and matter. While we admire the virtues and the
achievements of former times, it does not become us, how¬
ever, to regard lightly the capabilities of the present, or,
through false comparisons, to disparage the future. Human
nature, human intellect and human impulses,—although in
their essentials nearly alike im every age,—are still progres¬
sive and expanding, and we are encouraged in the belief
that right and justice must eventually prevail.
But two years since Polish exiles—assembled from various
countries in Europe—inaugurated upon Swiss soil a monu¬
ment commemorative of their nation's long and unsuccessful
struggle for independence. It consists of a column of black
marble surmounted by the white eagle of Poland. Upon the
four sides of its pedestal, in Polish, French, German and
Latin, is engraved this moving appeal: " The immortal genius
of Poland, unsubdued after a struggle of a hundred years, on
free Helvetian soil appeals to the justice of God and man."
Scarce a month ago, this city rendered the profoundest
tribute ever paid within her limits to the memory of man.
Prom hoary age to lisping infancy, with one heart did we
unite in extending the highest posthumous honors to our
great and beloved captain, Bobert Edward Lee. That day
witnessed the power of Confederate memories, the pathos of
Confederate emotions and the devotion of Confederate
hearts. Most tenderly sympathizing in the kindred sorrows
which befel the Sarmatians in their struggle for indepen¬
dence, and sharing with them those hopes for the future,
which, despite the disappointments, the injuries and the in¬
justice of the present, we cherish so sacredly in our own
behalf, we can but trust that the time will come in the good
providence of Him who can bring light out of darkness and
break all bands in sunder, when even dismembered Poland,
gathering her expatriated sons from the east and west, the
390
CASIMIR PULASKI.
north and south, and arising from her vassalage, shall stand
again in the sisterhood of nations in all the freshness and
vigor of a regenerated political existence.
Among the names which in the eighteenth century lent a
lustre to romance and a dignity to history, few have descend¬
ed to us invested with greater attractions than that of
Kasimir Pulaski. Born with rank and fortune—his father
an able jurist*—his family ancient and influential—his early
years were spent in careful study, in the acquisition of a
thorough military education, and in the cultivation of those
elevated principles which so signally distinguished him in
after life.t Inwrought in the very constitution of his soul
were an affection for free institutions and a genuine devotion
to the best interests of his country. Surveying with anxious
eye the political and social condition of Poland, it was with
the liveliest regret he observed the seeds of discord thickly
sown where should have flourished only unity of purpose
and generous affiliation. He beheld the nobility of the land,
powerful in wealth, rank, and in the number of adherents,
destitute of high resolves and enfeebled by dissensions. The
humiliating condition into which his country had been pre¬
cipitated by the imbecility of Stanislaus Augustus and the
interference of Russian intrigue, awakened his profound sor¬
row and undisguised indignation. Turning to the constitu¬
tion of Poland, venerable for its antiquity, he became per¬
suaded that it was "ill contrived, without central vigor and
wholly unsuited to the present crisis." And yet he could
not resist the impression that the great heart of the nation;—
once aroused to an intelligent appreciation of the threatened
dangers—would beat in unison with his own. He saw the
genius of Liberty enthroned upon the hills which reared their
everlasting heads about him, recognized her influence in the
free air which floated over forest and valley, and -heard her
voice alike in the manly traditions of his race and in the im¬
petuous torrents leaping so fearlessly through their rock-worn
*He belonged to the class of the nobility, was the Starmte, or Chief Magistrate of Warecli,
and stood high in public esteem as a man of abilitity and integrity. His associations were
with the first families, particularly with the princely house of Czartoriusky.
tRee "Histoire de l'Anarchie de Pologne et du Demembrement de cette Republique, par
cl Rulhieve." Tome troisieme pp 39-40. Paris, 1807.
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JOKES, JR.
391
channels. He knew that the inhabitants of such a land—the
people of such descent—must love freedom and hate oppres¬
sion, that only a rallying-point was wanted to evoke the
national spirit of the Poles and unite them in an earnest vin¬
dication of their claims to personal and political liberty.
Scarcely had his youthful form attained the strength and
proportions of manhood, when we find him, with his father
and brothers, drafting and signing a secret compact where¬
by they solemnly pledged their time, fortunes, energies and
lives to the glorious mission of accomplishing the redemption
of Poland. This became the noted confederation of Barr—
the model of all others which, during the four subsequent
years, sprang up at various points.* Nor does this step ap¬
pear to have been taken without due deliberation. There
was nothing in it of careless endeavor or passing amusement.
It involved present abnegation and coming peril. iElius
PiEtus with his own teeth tore in pieces a woodpecker be¬
cause the augur, when consulted, replied if the bird lived the
house of iElius would flourish, but if it died the prosperity
of the State would prevail. So Pulaski, repudiating the
honors and emoluments which would certainly have been his
had he courted Russian influence, or sympathized with the
schemes of the dominant party, sacrificing all interests of a
personal and selfish character, laying aside every claim to
promotion by virtue of acknowledged rank and family posi¬
tion, and devoting his patrimony to the furtherance of the
cause of the Revolutionists, entered the lists of the friends
of freedom without pretensions, but with a strong arm and a
determination to consecrate his every ability to the liberation
of a land endeared to him by holiest ties. Such was the
vigor of his intellect, such the wisdom of his plans, so fear¬
less his counsels, and so intrepid his action, that in a few
months he became one of the acknowledged and favorite
leaders of the Patriots. In the bosoms of the brothers Pu¬
laski, the votive spirit of their honored father awakened
a kindred response. In fervid language did they portray the
glory of accomplishing the regeneration of their country, as
♦See Sparks'a Life ofPulaski. Library of American Biography, vol. xiv, p. 337. Boston.
1847.
302
CASIMIR PULASKI.
from point to point they journeyed, awakening the public
mind to a realizing sense of the true political condition of
Poland and to an appreciation of the humiliating results
which would inevitably flow from a quiet acquiesence in the
policy prescribed by Russia and her minions. Such was the
enthusiasm engendered by their presence and manly exhorta¬
tions, that young and old caught the inspiration. Like the
mothers and daughters of our own revolution, the women of
Poland enthusiastically pledged their aid, their jewels and
their prayers in furtherance of the grand enterprise. Monks
and devotees acknowledged the patriotic contagion, and,
quitting their altars, marched about the country with crosses
and flying banners, investing the crusade against tyranny
with the sanction of their countenance and their benedic¬
tions.
Confederations were multiplied, and thus it came to pass
that the ground-work of resistance was fully laid. These
movements, secretly inaugurated, soon became too conspicu¬
ous not to attract the attention of the Royalists. Orders
issued by the King to quell these growing disturbances but
added fuel to the flame. Force was repelled by force, and
soon throughout the length and breadth of the land, the sub¬
dued murmur of resistance was succeeded by the shout and
tumult of contending armies. "The name which soon eclipsed
all others and which became one of the surest hopes of the
nation, when the multiplied faults of the Turks no longer permit¬
ted them to lend succor to the Poles, was that of young Casimir
Pulaski, always full of resources in misfortune and of activity
in success."* His vigilance left no opportunity for surprise,
"and, so terrible was he in battle, that his soldiers regarded
him at times as almost too fond of danger.
Never was there a warrior, says Rulhiere,t who possessed
greater dexterity in every kind of service. Endowed by a
peculiar gift of nature, strengthened by exercise, he was al¬
ways the first to charge, in person, with an intrepidity which
inspired his followers to imitate his example. By a natural
*Ruhliere.
tHistoire de l'Anarchic de Pologne et du Demembrement de cette Republique. Tome
quatrieme pp. 100,107. Paris, 1807.
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
393-
ascendancy, Pulaski was the chief among equals. At one
time he had scarcely an officer whom he had not rescued
either from the hands of the enemy or from some danger,
and who might not say that he owed his life and liberty to
his commander. Intrepid in combat, he was gentle, obliging,
sociable, never distrustful where he had once placed his con¬
fidence, and never meddling in the intrigues which embroiled
the confederations. With him,
"The love of liberty with life was given,
And life itself the inferior gift of Heaven."
Such being the distinguishing traits and aims of this noble
man, it excites no wonder when we are told that his name
became a watchword of heroic action, his arm a tower of con¬
fidence and pride. His was the banner to which old and
young clung with especial favor ; for they were persuaded,
one and all, that he who bore it was
"A friend to truth, of soul sincere,
In action faithful and in honor clear."
At the outset, the Poles hoped by petition and argument to
compass a peaceable assertion of their right to retain the
quiet enjoyment of their homes, their ancient freedom and
their nationality; but, as day after day they saw their soil
desecrated by the tread of usurpation, their high stations
filled by strangers, and found many of their own nobles, to
whom they had looked for support and protection, deserting
the cause of liberty, yielding to the influences of Russian
bribes, and busying themselves with petty jealousies and
unmanly rivalries to the utter disregard of the public weal,
the minds of the common people became fully roused to a
sense of impending dangers, and their answering shouts of
defiant indignation rose as the whirlwinds in their wrath.
We may not now enumerate those examples of stern resist¬
ance, those acts of daring, of self-denial, of manly virtue
which will render this one of the most remarkable struggles
in the annals of the world. The hill-side streams ran red
with the blood of the Confederates. More than one pass
was converted into a Thermopylae. Time and again were
prodigies of valor performed which carry us back to the brave
days of Leonidas and Horatius, and remind us of the devo¬
tion of the Decii.
.394
CASIMIB PULASKI.
For four long years did Pulaski and his gallant companions
in arms stem the horrid tide of invasion and domestic dis¬
sensions, often causing its waves, as they dashed against the
ramparts which honor and patriotism had reared, to recoil in
dismay and wild confusion.
Even now the Russian trembles as he hears or reads of the
death-struggle at Okope. Mention the name of Pulaski within
the gray old walls of the fortress of Czenstokow, and each
moss-covered stone, every silent gun-chamber, becomes vocal
with heroic praise. Ask the rugged mountains—crowned
with ancient forests—and they will tell you how, like an eagle
from an impregnable eyrie, he there brooded over the ruth¬
less war, thence again and again with unerring swoop hurling
his death-dealing squadrons into the thickest of the enemy's
ranks; and, when the combat was over, seeking friendly
shelter in these inaccessible retreats where he could gather
fresh strength for the ceaseless strife.
Speaking for himself and of himself he says: "I regarded
every moment as lost which was not employed in repelling
the enemies of my country. I have endeavored to mark my
course by an invincible fortitude. Neither the blood of one
of my brothers, which was shed by the enemy before my
eyes, nor the cruel servitude of another, nor the sad fate
of so many of my relations and compatriots has shaken my
patriotism. I declare before God, before the Republic of
Poland, and before all the powers of Europe, that my heart
is an utter stranger to crime. My thoughts and actions have
had no other end than the good of my country."*
In the struggle of the few with the many,—how gallant and
prolonged soever it may be,—the end must come. The best
hopes of the Confederates were doomed to disappointment.
"The conspiracy of the three sovereigns which had been
seething in the caldron of secret treachery," was at length
triumphant, stamping upon its authors the seal of eternal in¬
famy. Neither the counsels of wisdom, nor the warrior's
sword could longer avert the impending sorrows of this once
happy people. Her sons overpowered, scattered, slain, Po¬
land lay prostrate at the feet of her relentless pursuers.
* See Pulaski's Manifest, published in January, 1772.
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
395
"In vain, alas ! in vain ye gallant few I
From rank to rank your volley'd thunder flew;
Oh ! bloodiest picture in the book of Time
Samartia fell unwept, without a crime;
Found not a generous friend, a pitying foe,
Strength in her arms, nor mercy in her woe!
Dropp'd from her nerveless grasp the sliatter'd spear,
Clos'd her bright eye and curb'd her high career.
* * * *
Oh ! righteous Heav'n ere Freedom found a grave,
Why slept the sword omnipotent to save ?
Where was thine arm O ! Vengeance, where thy rod
That smote the foes of Zion and of God ?"
Pulaski, the noble, the valiant,—who had sacrificed his all,
braved every danger and suffered every privation,—whose
name had become in his own nation, and wherever honor,
justice and freedom found a votary, a synonym for all that
was pure in principle, heroic in action, knightly in bearing
and undying in devotion,—was, without evidence and without
a trial, declared an outlaw by judicial decision.
Imagine, if you can, the emotions of that great man as he
profoundly realized the gathering miseries of the beautiful
land for which he had battled so bravely, but in vain,—as he
looked for the last time upon forest, mountain and river,—
the theatres of his patriotic endeavor,—upon plains incarna¬
dine with the life-blood of his fallen companions in arms,—
upon blackened homes once the abodes of peace and plenty,
and then appreciate the anguish which must have possessed
his soul, the dark desolation which overshadowed his heart,
as turning from the mournful retrospect, he, worse than an
exile, and yet in all that constitutes glorious manhood far
above the power which decfeed his outlawry,—went to meet
what seemed to be a hopeless, rayless future in the land of
strangers.
No wonder that warrior's heart grew faint,—no marvel that
the stalwart right arm which had so often wielded brightest
blade where combat waxed warmest, fell nerveless at his side
as he contemplated the terrors of this remorseless banish¬
ment.
Rank, wealth, residence, citizenship, all were lost, but the
396
CASIMIR PULASKI.
liero lived. He lived in his own untarnished honor, in the
grateful remembrance of his brave but unfortunate country¬
men, in the sincere esteem of every lover of freedom, in the
respect which his chivalrous, patriotic acts wrested as a re¬
luctant tribute even from a faithless foe. He will thus live
while records endure. Time will but hallow the memories
which his own great deeds have consecrated.
His was no voluntary expatriation, no abandonment of cause
and country. His departure savored neither of fear nor of a
retraction of those exalted promises he had made in freedom's
behalf. On the contrary, it was the logical sequence of a
dreaded consummation which he had employed every effort
to postpone and utterly prevent. Further resistence was
madness. Most gladly, think we, would he have sealed the
independence of Poland with his blood, or mingled his bones
with those of his slain compatriots, could such a martyrdom
have proved of any avail. The hope still cheered his heart
that amid the changes of empires a favorable opportunity
would present itself for again lifting the standard of liberty
upon the hill-tops of Poland. This hope, unrealized, he car¬
ried with him to his grave. DuPortail* says the last words
uttered by Pulaski, when expiring, were, "You owe to the
Russians an eternal hatred. You owe to Poland the last
drop of your blood."
For the succeeding five years, the life of our hero was passed
in sadness, poverty and comparative silence. The pledges of
assistance given by Turkey were at first tardily, and at length
never fulfilled. During his sojourn in the land of the Mussel-
minn, time and again did he urge the claims of his fallen
country upon the consideration of neighboring humanity;
but they were unacknowledged, and he awoke to the sad con¬
viction that the hot-beds of despotism would not cause a
single bud to blossom on that tree of liberty which he had
planted with his own hands and watered daily with his patriot
tears.
Failing to enlist the sympathies of Turkey, he abandoned
that country for France. Just then the ear of Paris was
caught by the clarion notes of our Declaration of Independ-
*"Love and Patriotism, &c„ p. 119. Philadelphia, 1797.
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
397
encG, and. the lie art of tlio French nation was warming to¬
wards us in generous appreciation of the impulses which led
to the separation of the United Colonies from the mother
country.
Pulaski, perceiving a new field for vindicating with his
sword the same principles, the same rights, the same immu¬
table laws in whose behalf he had wielded it "with such sin¬
gleness of purpose in his own country, resolved immediately
to tender his military services to the infant republic.
There is something peculiarly attractive and impressive in
the impulse which, in that trying hour, brought to our assist¬
ance heroes unallied to us by association or blood—soldiers
who came not to secure individual preferment or promote
private interests—daring men upon whose services we could
of right urge no claims save such as are recognized by the
brave and generous of every land when the cause of freedom
demands assistance, and the principles of justice protection.
"They whom their trust should grow to were not here.
They were, as all their other comforts, far hence
In their own country."
"The abstract love of Liberty," a desire to setup a standard
of revolt where hearts, panting beneath burthens which op¬
pression imposed, yearned for deliverance, that inborn sym¬
pathy which prompts the disinterested and the courageous
to lend a helping hand wheresoever the feeble and the inno¬
cent are seeking to assert their inalienable rights, these
brought them then to our shores. So long as memory holds
her seat, until manly breasts prove insensible to grateful
emotions, will we cherish the names, acknowledge the servi¬
ces, and emulate the virtues of such gallant foreigners as
Pulaski, LaFayette, Steuben, DeKalb and Kosciuszko.
Heaven rest their souls! they did valiant service in the Spar¬
tan days of our forefathers.
Pulaski saw from afar" the "fair temple of American inde¬
pendence rising like an exhalation from the soil,
"Not in the sunshine and the smile of Heaven,
But wrapt in whirlwinds and begirt with woes,"
and as he looked a holy enthusiasm was kindled in his breast
which made him yearn for a place in the war-council of the
398
CASIMIR TULASKL
Bevolution. Learning liis clesire, Dr. Franklin, then in Paris,
favored him with the following introductory letter to General
Washington: "Count Pulaski, of Poland, an officer famous
throughout Europe for his bravery and conduct in defense of
the liberties of his country against the three great invading
powers of Eussia, Austria and Prussia, will have the honor
of delivering this into your hands. The court here have
encouraged and promoted his voyage from an opinion that
he may be highly useful in our service."
Fortified with such commendation from the accredited rep¬
resentative of the united colonies, then scarcely admitted into
the sisterhood of nations, carrying with him a goodly reputa¬
tion acknowledged and admired alike by friend and foe*—his
brilliant record at once a' passport and a pledge of future
action—he could not fail of a joyful welcome from the com¬
mander-in-chief of the army, from the American Congress,
and from the people at large.
Arriving in Philadelphia during the summer of 1777, he
joined the army as a volunteer, and we find him with Wash¬
ington, Greene, Wayne, Sullivan and LaFayette, at the battle
of Brandywine, striking his first blow in behalf of American
independence. In reconnoitering, he rode within pistol shot
of the enemy, and such was the confidence which his gallant
bearing, intrepidity and military skill won even from the
cautious and ever watchful "Father of his Country," that
towards the close of the engagement he was entrusted with
the command of Washington's body-guard. Four days after¬
wards he was commissioned by Congress as a Brigadier Gen¬
eral and assigned to the command of the cavalry. In recom¬
mending Count Pulaski for this position, General Washing¬
ton, in his letter to Congress, says: " This gentleman has
been, like us, engaged in defending the liberty and indepen¬
dence of his country, and has sacrificed his fortune to his zeal
for these objects. He derives from hence a title to our res¬
pect that ought to operate in his favor as far as the good of
the service will permit."
Thus, to the young and gallant Pole was early and honor-
*In another letter Dr. Frankjin says, "Count Pulaski is esteemed one of the greatest
officers in Europe."
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
399
able companionship accorded among the great captains of
the army of liberation.
It is worthy of remark that prior to the arrival of Pulaski,
cavalry, as an arm of service, had received comparatively
little attention in our army. Until his appointment there was
no officer in this branch of higher rank than that of Colonel.
Light Horse Harry Lee, Sumter, Marion and William
Washington, had not then fully demonstrated the value of
mounted men and the power of the keen-edged sabre.
With Pulaski, cavalry was the favorite arm. A true Sar-
matian, he was bred to the saddle.* He loved the broad
blade, the bugle-call, the pawing steed—his neck clothed with
thunder—and the charging squadrons. With these was all
his past military reputation most closely allied. An experi¬
enced officer, he knew and appreciated the excellencies of
this branch of the service, and entered upon the duties of his
position resolved, as far as in him lay, to remedy all defects
and supply every existing deficiency. Unfortunately our
resources were limited, our revenues small, and our soldiers
few. As a natural consequence, despite his earnest efforts,
seconded as they were by his brother officers and by the
general government, Pulaski failed in securing as large a
body of horse as he desired or the exigencies of the service
seemed to demand. Concentrating his squadrons, as far as
practicable, and placing himself at their head, he inaugurated
a system of exercise and discipline, which in a short time,
developed such precision in drill and dexterity of movement
that his troops of horse became the admiration of the army.
We may not now pause to mark him well as at Warren Tavern,
at Germantown, at Haddonfield, Little Egg-harbor and else¬
where, he displayed his accustomed zeal and intrepidity,
transferring to the battle fields of America the same devo¬
tion, alacrity and heroism which had rendered his name so
illustrious upon Sarmatian soil.
*It is related that among other feats, this daring horseman would sometimes, while his
steed was under full gallop, discharge his pistol, throw it in the air, catch it by the barrel,
and then hurl it in front as if at an enemy. Without checking the speed.of his horse, he
would take one foot from the stirrup and, bending over toward the ground, recover his pistol
and wheel into line with as much precision as if he had been engaged in nothing but the
management of the animal, Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the Revolution, p. 310. Note.
New York, 1859.
400
casimir pulaski.
Perceiving that his expectations of usefulness at the head of
the cavalry, from the very nature of things, could not be fully
realized—that the character of the service was such that his
troopers were frequently required in detachments as scouting
parties or as escorts, thus—because of the paucity of their
numbers—often preventing united action upon a general
system—having an intimation that some of the officers of the
regiments, which had heretofore been acting as independent
organizations, could not easily become reconciled to the
orders of a superior, and he a foreigner, with ideas of drill
and discipline much more exact than those to which they and
their men had been accustomed—and believing that a remedy
could not readily be applied without a resort to measures
which, although at command, he was at this juncture un¬
willing to invoke, of his own accord Pulaski resigned his
command, and about the middle of March, 1778, returned to
the main army at Yalley Forge.
This act proves the disinterested disposition of this good
man. Entrusted with high position, he returned his commis¬
sion so soon as his conduct and services in that capacity, in
his judgment, did not promote perfect harmony and entire
good will among the advocates of the cause of his adoption—
so soon as he believed there were other circumstances
under which his knowledge, experience and influence might
be more efficiently and acceptably employed.
At his own suggestion, adopted by Washington and sanc¬
tioned by Congress, Pulaski applied himself with great
activity to enlisting, equipping and disciplining an organization
of three companies of Horse and three of Infantry, placed to
a great extent upon an independent footing. This constituted
the celebrated "Pulaski's Legion," which rendered important
service during the subsequent operations of the war, espe¬
cially in the Southern campaigns. It was recruited mainly
in Baltimore, and its organization was perfected in that city.
While at Bethlehem, in the spring of 1778, the presence
and conduct of Count Pulaski produced such a favorable im¬
pression upon the community, that the Moravian single sis¬
ters, as a testimonial of their grateful appreciation of his ser¬
vices, with their own hands worked for him a banner of
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
401
eiimson silk, of appropriate device, and with patriotic wishes
and fervent blessings committed it to his heroic keeping. The
poet, Longfellow, has embalmed in verse this episode in the
life of our hero. Receiving that banner with graceful ac¬
knowledgments, Pulaski bore it proudly and in honor at the
head of his Legion until that day, when, before the lines at
Savannah, it became
"His martial cloak and shroud."
That banner, battle-scarred and faded, hangs in the hall of
the Maryland Historical Society. It seems to me, Mr. Presi¬
dent, that we Georgians have, perhaps, a better right to it's
sacred custody.
In February, 1779, the Count was ordered to South Caro¬
lina. The very day Prevost crossed the Ashley river to com¬
plete his investment of Charleston, Pulaski crossed the
Cooper river, with his Legion, to assist in the defense of that
city. In order to check the rapid advance of the British
' forces, and afford the American army time to complete its
defensive preparations, an expedition against the enemy
was immediately resolved upon. Although his horses were
sadly jaded by their long marches, there was no opportunity
for rest, and Pulaski at once hurled every available trooper
against the head of the British column. The charge was in
keeping with the character of the Count who led it—des¬
perately brave—and, during its continuance, upon the
authority of Br. Ramsay,* Pulaski had several personal en¬
counters with members of the enemy's cavalry, and every¬
where displayed the greatest intrepidity. Coin: Kowatch,
second in command—a gallant and experienced officer—was
slain. The shock was so unexpected and vehement, that the
British column staggered, and then deployed, thus losing the
golden opportunity of anticipated surprise, while Pulaski
sullenly retired with his little command within the lines of
Charleston. When the haughty Prevost, displaying his
forces, summoned the city to an immediate and unconditional
surrender, the inhabitants and civil authorities, fearing the
calamities of a siege and the probable storming of the town,
*Historv of tlie Revolution of South Carolina," &c„ vol. IX, p, 26.
Trenton. MDCCLXXXV.
26
402
CASIMIR PULASKI.
urged upon the military the expediency of a capitulation.
"While the general suspense was intense, and there appeared
to be a growing inclination to accede to the demand of the
English commander, General Moultrie, Count Pulaski and
Colonel John Laurens went before the Council and advised
resistance with such confidence and inspiring eloquence that
Charleston was spared the mortification of a surrender, and
Prevost soon compelled precipitately to abandon his enter-
prize.
From the moment the attack upon Charleston was frus¬
trated and until the arrival of the retreating British forces in
Savannah, Pulaski—although suffering from frequent attacks
of climate fever, induced by constant exposure in a malarial
region—pursued the enemy, hovering near him with his
legion, and dealing a blow wherever and whenever even a
forced opportunity presented itself.
After Prevost had evacuated Carolina, Pulaski—to whom
had been entrusted the command of the cavalry in the de¬
partment—retired to a ridge about fifty miles northeast of
Augusta,* where he might secure forage and be within sup¬
porting distance of both Charleston and Augusta. Here he
received orders to join General Mcintosh at Augusta, and to
move with him toward Savannah in advance of the army
under General Lincoln. He was directed to attack the Brit¬
ish outposts and open communication with the French fleet
under Count D'Estaing, then upon the coast. Before the
enemy was aware of his presence, Pulaski captured an out¬
post; and, after several skirmishes, established permanent
communication with the French at Beaulieu. Gen. Mcintosh
moved up with his command and halted at Millen's planta¬
tion, three miles from Savannah, where he awaited the arrival
of General Lincoln.
And now we turn to the closing chapter in the history of
this goodly knight. He who had hitherto borne a charmed
life upon the battle field and in dangers oft, was now to tes¬
tify, even by self-sacrifice, his supreme devotion to the noble
cause of his adoption. It is a proud, although melancholy
satisfaction, that ours is the soil hallowed by his precious
*McCall's History of Georgia, vol, ii, p. 217, Savannah, 1816,
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
403
blood Savannah, the city for whose liberation he perished.
The record of his death is brief, but it is sacred. We adopt
the account of Colonel Paul Bentalou, who—an old man in
1824 described himself as one of Pulaski's surviving of¬
ficers one whose pride it was to have served his country
under that celebrated commander, indisputably the most
active and the greatest partisan leader of his time—one who
was by his side when he received his mortal wound, and who
attended him until that moment when his noble soul depart¬
ed from the gangrened body to re-ascend to its native
Heaven.
"On the first of September, 1779, Count D'Estaing ap¬
peared on the coast of Georgia with a large fleet and about
six thousand troops. While cruizing in the West Indies he
had been informed of the situation-of the Southern States;
and he now visited this part of the American coast for the
purpose of co-operating with Lincoln in some signal and
decisive enterprise. An attack upon Savannah was quickly
concerted between them.
"Savannah was neither a fortress nor a walled city. It was
merely a town fortified with batteries, redoubts and abattis.
When summoned by D'Estaing to surrender the place, Pre-
vost requested time to deliberate, and this was inconsider¬
ately granted. The interval was employed in introducing
into the town a considerable reinforcement and in strength¬
ening its defenses. Resistance was then resolved upon. A
storm or a siege, therefore, became inevitable. The latter
was preferred. After the necessary preparations, a heavy
cannonade was opened upon the enemy's works and briskly
kept up for several days, but without the desired effect.
"D'Estaing's marine officers remonstrated against his con¬
tinuing to expose so. valuable a fleet to the fury of the
elements at this tempestuous season, or to the possible arrival
of a superior British naval force, and loudly urged his de¬
parture. An assault was consequently resolved upon. This
assault was to be made on the right of the British lines.
Two columns—one French and the other American—were to
attack at the same time, each a particular redoubt. In the
rear of the columns the whole cavalry—American and
401
CASIMIR rULASKI.
French—was to be stationed under the command of Count
Pulaski. Should, as was confidently expected, the redoubts
be carried and the way opened, that intrepid leader was, with
these united troops of horse, to enter the place, sword in
hand, and carry confusion and dismay among the garrison.
D'Estaing led in person the French corps of attack. Wish¬
ing to avoid a circuitous advance round a swamp, and sup¬
posing the ground at the bottom to be sufficiently firm, he
marched directly through it. The enemy had been informed
of his plan by spies. They knew the intended point of attack,
and the direction in which the approach of the assailants was
to be made. Accordingly they collected all their force where
it would be required, and, at the first alarm opened a tre¬
mendous and deadly fire. Pulaski, impatient to know when
he was to act, determined, after securing his cavalry under
cover as well as the ground would admit, to go forward him¬
self, and called upon Captain Bentalou to accompany him.
They had proceeded only a small distance when they heard
of the havoc produced in the swamp by the hostile batteries.
D'Estaing himself was grievously wounded. Aware of the
fatal effects which such a disaster was likely to produce on
the spirits of French soldiers, and hoping that his presence
would reanimate them, Pulaski rushed on to the scene of dis¬
order and bloodshed. In his attempt to penetrate to the
murderous spot, he received a swivel shot in the upper part
of his right thigh,* and the officer who had accompanied him
was, while on.his way back, wounded by a musket ball.
"The enterprise upon Savannah was abandoned by the allied
armies. The Americans and the French, having witnessed
each other's zeal and courage, and acquitting each other of
any intentional share in this disastrous result, separated in
perfect harmony. Count D'Estaing reimbarked his troops
and artillery, and Pulaski with his wounded officer, was con¬
veyed on board the United States brig, the Wasp, to go
round to Charleston. They remained some days in the Sa¬
vannah river; and, during that time, the most skillful sur-
* "Follow my Lancers to whom I have given my order of attack," were the final injunctions
of Pulaski as he was borne from the field. They were addressed to Col. Horry.
Gardens' Anecdotes, vol, iii, p. 23. Field's reprint.
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
405
geons in the French fleet attended on Count Pulaski. It was
found impossible to establish suppuration, and gangrene was
the consequence. Just as the Wasp got out of the river,
Pulaski breathed his last, and the corpse immediately became
so offensive that his officer was compelled, though reluctantly,
to consign to a watery grave all that was now left upon earth
of his beloved and honored commander.*
"The Wasp entered the harbor of Clarleston with her flag
half hoisted. The mournful signal was repeated by all the
shipping in the port, and all the forts and batteries responded
to it in the manner usual on occasions of deep and universal
sorrow. The Governor and Council of South Carolina, and
the municipal authorities of Charleston, jointly adopted reso¬
lutions to pay to the memory of General Pulaski the most
respectful and the most splendid funeral honors. A day was
set apart for the celebration of the obsequies, and the Quar¬
termaster General of the United States at Charleston directed
to make and to defray all the preparations necessary for that
melancholy solemnity. The procession was grand, magnifi¬
cent, suited to the occasion. The pall was carried by three
American and three French officers of the highest grade, fol¬
lowed by the beautiful horse which Pulaski rode when he re¬
ceived his mortal wound, with all the accoutrements, armor
and dress which he then wore. So immensely large was the
mournful procession, that it was found necessary to make a
circuit round the whole city to the Church, where an eloquent
and impressive discourse was delivered by the Chaplain of
the army."t
This narrative of the heroic death and burial of the gal¬
lant Pole, prepared by a revolutionary officer who shared in
the dangers of the assault, and was an eye witness of the
memorable events which then transpired, who—a Captain in
the Legion—was by his side when he received his mortal
hurt, and, although himself wounded, never left him until in
death his honored commander found relief from physical
♦Compare "Letter from a Gentleman of the General Hospital at Savannah," &e„ under date
November 24, 177t». in which the writer says, "Pulaski is dead of his Wounds and was thrown
overboard on their Passage to Charles Town." ^ gavannah„ p 81 Albany; 18<;6.
f"Pulaski vindicated from an unsupported charge," kc. pp. 28—31. Baltimore, 1824.
406
CASIMIR PULASKI.
suffering—who, with his own eye, beheld the triumph of the
last enemy and then saw the sad rites performed which con¬
signed that precious body to the deep, settles forever in the
mind of every candid inquirer all doubts respecting the burial
place of Pulaski.*
He sleeps where the ebbing tide of our own Savannah
meets and commingles with the waters of the broad Atlantic.
Fit resting place for a man of such expansive soul! He
sleeps where the praises in honor of his great deeds sung by
the waves of the Savannah as they kiss the shore consecrated
by his memories, are caught up by the billows of ocean and
joyfully repeated in wider circles in more heroic strains. He
sleeps where the ambient air—fragrant with the perfumes of
a land whose freedom he died to achieve—tells to Atlantic
breezes the story of his fame, that they too, in glad acclaim,
may answer back to the farthest coast the greatness of his
name. By a strange coincidence, the beloved of Mars rests
in the embrace of Neptune.
' 'Sleep on, sleep on ! Above thy corse
The winds their Sabbath keep ;
The waves are round thee and thy breast
Heaves with the heaving deep.
* * " * *
Sleep on, sleep on ; the glittering depths
Of ocean's coral caves
Are thy bright urn;—thy requiem
The music of its waves."
If it be true that
"We live in deeds, not years—in thoughts, not breaths,
In feelings, not in figures on a dial;"
if
"He most lives
Who thinks most—feels the noblest, acts the best,"
if not hoary hairs, but a bright record of ennobling acts is the
true index of a well spent existence, and a sure pledge that sped
moments have not passed without leaving their proper mark,
then indeed did Pulaski—although yielding up his brave
spirit in the noontide of his age—accomplish his earthly mis¬
sion nobly and in honor. His superior endowments, his zeal,
*The assertion that he was interred at Greenwich is historically incorrect. The "hal¬
lowed ground1' marked by the "majestic palmetto and glossy-leaved holly," and traditionally
known as "Pulaski's Grave," never constituted the temporary resting place of our hero. His
bones do not lie beneath the beautiful monument in Monterey square.
ADDRESS 1A CHARLES C. JONES, JR. 407
his military skill and intrepidity, his generosity, his manly
virtues and his sublime devotion to the cause of liberty, both
in his own. country and in the land of his adoption, constitute
him a beau-ideal of the patriot, the philanthropist and the
soldier.* His access to the temple of fame was obtained
through the temple of virtue—consequently his reputation is
imperishable.
When the Polish King heard of his death, he exclaimed, "Pu¬
laski has died as he lived—a hero, but an enemy of Kings."
While that king and his associates are sleeping in tombs
whose every memory is suggestive of unholy acts of violence
and oppression, the muse of history tearfully, yet with proud
satisfaction, inscribes upon a bright page in that book where¬
in are treasured in living characters the achievements of the
good and great, the name of him—the countryman of Kos-
ciuszko, the companion of LaFay.ette and the friend of
Washington—who will be honored for all time as a brave but
unfortunate defender of Sarmatian liberty, as a martyr in the
cause of American independence. "The triumphs of might are
transient, they pass away and are forgotten; the sufferings
of right are graven deepest on the chronicles of nations."
It matters little where the virtuous dead may lie entombed,
their names belong to history, their bright examples are the
emulation of men of every age, and their good deeds the
heritage of succeeding generations. And yet, it is most
seemly that impressive monuments should be erected, in
suitable places, in commemoration of their virtues by those
who are the special recipients of the legacies bequeathed by
their priceless exertions. Not that we would have the recol¬
lection of dead heroes simply
"To exist in stone and be but pyramidally extant,"
but it is eminently proper that communities should embody
their respect and admiration for departed greatness in visible
shape, thereby imparting to the nobility of other days
"A local habitation and a name."
♦"Those who knew him intimately spoke highly of the sublimity of his virtue, and the
constancy of his friendship." Lee's Memoirs, vol. i, p. 109, note. Philadelphia, 1812.
Gen'l Lincoln in his letter to Congress under date of October 22, 1779, alludes to him as
the late intrepid Count PulasJa."
"The Count's valor and active zeal on all occasions have done him great honor." Gen'l
Washington.
408
CASIMIR PULASKI.
Monuments are connecting links between the present
the past. They denote a "just and grateful appreciatioi
the virtues and services they are designed to commemoi
and stand as silent yet impressive teachers of the "nol
lessons." Around them gather the memories of for
achievements, and in them dwells a consciousness of
glories of the nation whose history has been dignified
such exhibitions of worth and excellence. They stimu
children to a generous emulation of the brave deeds of t]
fathers, and incite to action. They foster martial spirit ;
engender ennobling thought. Among brethren of a comr
country they form, in times of peace, bonds of union; in \
the pledges of heroic conduct.
Peoples, whose exploits have been famous, acknowledg
the value and the influence of these national tributes, h
invoked the aid of enduring marble in perpetuating the re(
lections of memorable men and events. When the Athen
statesman sought to arouse the slumbering energies of
countrymen, he portrayed the manhood of their ancest
and pointed to the majestic Acropolis rendered immortal
the trophies of their valor and art. For five hundred ye
after the establishment of their independence, did Sv
peasants assemble on the fields of Morgarten and Laup
spreading garlands over the graves of their fallen warric
praying for the souls of those who had died for their count
and taking fresh courage for the future. Yes! monume.
are, except in arbitrary governments, the physical embo
ments of the purest memories and proudest traditions o:
people. They are at once the exponents of national gi'£
tude and the pledges of public devotion to the great princip
illustrated by the lives of those in whose honor they i
erected. Blessed is that people whose land is filled w:
noble monuments and precious graves. In them a nati
lives, and that holily. A country without them is a pk
without names, and a home devoid of moral grande
Think you, my countrymen, no matter how dark the prese
or how unsatisfactory the tokens of the future, that Conft
erate memories can ever die so long as we carry in our hea
and teach our children to venerate the sublime charact<
ADDRESS BY CHARLES C. JONES, JR.
409
and acts of Robert E. Lee, Albert Sidney Johnston, Stone¬
wall Jackson, Joseph E. Johnston, and the noble compatriots
who united with them in the leadership of our armies?
Time which
* "lays his hand
On pyramids of brass and ruins quite
What all the fond artificers did think
Immortal workmanship,"
can bring neither shadow nor oblivion to these illustrious
names. Their graves will be the consecrated places of our
land, and around the monuments which will arise in their
honor, shall bloom sweetest flowers planted and tenderly
nurtured by our noble women—flowers redolent, of the sanc¬
tity of their tears and hopes and pure devotion. Thither
will manly hearts repair most solemnly to renew their alle¬
giance, and there will unborn generations learn the truth of
history and reverence the cause which enlisted such exalted
sympathies.
By a vote of Congress it was resolved that a monument
should be erected to the memory of Brigadier Count Pulaski.
That monument has never been built, and the vote still stands
a public recognition of the services and deserts of this brave
man, and an illustration of a Republic's forgetfulness and in¬
gratitude. It was reserved for Georgia—the youngest of the
original thirteen Confederated States, for Savannah—the
city for whose liberation he shed his blood—to redeem the
pledge given by the general Government and bear honorable
testimony to her appreciation of the services and character
of Pulaski.
Invoking the aid of an eminent sculptor to embody their
gratitude and respect in a permanent, artistic memorial, the
citizens of Savannah, with imposing ceremonies,* dedicated to
the memory of this distinguished Pole, in Monterey square, a
monument which in purity of conception, symmetry of form,
and varied attractions, rises a gem of art.
Often in the pale moonlight, when the hum of the city was
hushed and the great heart of human life lay almost pulseless
* See "Address delivered on laying the corner stone of a Monument to Pulaski in the City
of Savannah October 11, 1853, by Henry Williams, Esq., with an account of the ceremonies
upon that occasion, and at the completion of the monument, January 8th, 1855," etc. Savan¬
nah, 1855.
410
CaSiMir rULASKf.
in the embrace of the twin sister of death—have we lingered
near this stately shaft pointing upward to the beautiful stars
as amid the limitless regions of far-off space like so many
vestal virgins they kept each its eternal flame brightly burning
this side the mansions of the Blest, and felt our souls enno¬
bled by the silent eloquence and the lessons of immortality
which were born of the solemn hour and inculcated by the
teachings of this sacred monument. In the glare of day we
have never passed beneath .its shadow without pausing to
give expression to those brave thoughts which its presence
inspires. The morning sun beams kindly upon its fair pro¬
portions, infusing into every sculptured line new life and
beauty. His evening rays linger in soft radiance about its
summit. The storm in its wild career ruffles not a single
plume of that puissant eagle—the symbolic bird of Poland
and America—as he sedulously guards the united emblems
of Poland and Georgia. The lightning in its erratic course
harms not the Goddess of Liberty, as from her lofty pedestal
she keeps her serene and sleepless vigils. This monument
lifts its pure form within rifle shot of the spot where fell the
illustrious Captain whose virtues it commemorates.
Ever repeating the story of departed greatness, ever re¬
minding us of the glorious recollections of our revolutionary
period, ever inspiring the men of our. times with veneration
for the past and hope for the future—by its presence en¬
kindling a generous emulation of that disinterested devotion
to, and that glorious love of truth and right and freedom
which glowed in the breast and distinguished the career of
the illustrious Pulaski, it will stand, amid the mutations of
years and the revolutions of States, a noble expression of a
people's gratitude, more vocal in the deathless memories
which cluster about it than the far-famed statue of Memnon.
"So, when the good and great go down,
Their statues shall arise,
To crowd those temples.of our own,
Our fadeless memories.
And when the sculptured marble falls
And Art goes in to die,
Our forms shall live in holier halls,
The Pantheon of the sky."
ADDRESS
BEFORE THE
GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY,
BY
RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.,
MONDAY EVENING,
JULY 24, 1871.
ADDRESS.
Gentlemen of the Georgia Historical and Savannah Library
Societies, noiv consolidated as the Georgia Historical Society:
As the intellect is developed by advanced civilization, and
consequent larger culture of it, it begins to expand the sphere
of its observation. Man, in his savage state, uses his brain
for little besides observing and noting the ordinary phenomena
of life which are occurring immediately around him. From
that point at which the external senses are almost alone the
media by which the grey cells of the brain are called upon
to act, to that art which, through growth and development
by letters, by study, by that incomprehensible function,
thought, man, emerged from a savage state, has become a
civilized, educated being, more fit to claim having been made
in the image of his Maker—what a vast interval! Between
two such intellectual extremes, between a Bushman and a
Cuvier, the difference is greater as to mind than is the differ¬
ence materially between a Chimpanzee and the lowest grade
of the genus homo.
Among the longings of an intellectually developed people,
is that of learning the past as well as the present. Advancing
civilization brought into action a mode of preserving the
memories of the past with greater capacity and more accuracy,
viz: the aid of letters; which, however rude and incomplete,
constituted the first step towards the development of the
human mind. The art of printing formed a proper apex to
such a base.
But even with all the profusion of material afforded by the
multiplication of documents,and its wide spread dissemination,
it is almost wonderful how this material is allowed to go to
waste, and become as lost and unavailable as the precious
416
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
Sibylline leaves refused by Numa. To avoid this waste, to
preserve this material, libraries, public and private, were
formed ages before the invention of printing. But their
formation and collection were both more difficult and more
expensive than has been the case since the art of printing has
been practised. Since that, as communities have become
stably established, a library has always been deemed a
desideratum amongst them.
A public library combines economy with usefulness. Hence
enlightened and public minded men have generally turned
their attention to building up and fostering such an institution
in their respective communities.
Georgia is the youngest of the Old Thirteen States. While
her jurisdiction (confirmed by the treaty of peace between
England and the United States, of which she was one after
the Revolutionary war), extended to the Mississippi river, at
that time her actual settlements did not pass west of the
Altamaha and its western tributary the Ocmulgee. In short,
Georgia was literally a frontier State, with a sparse population
between the Savannah river and the Altamaha. But Savannah
and Augusta were established towns, and a flood of emigration
set in on the then thinly inhabited State, mostly from Vir¬
ginia, North Carolina and South Carolina, in the vicinity of
Augusta; but from more northern sources, about Savannah,
attracted, no doubt, as the latter were by the commercial
advantages of this city from its favored situation.
Our late lamented President, Bishop Elliott, in an address
before you but a short time prior to his death, sketched a
picture of the literary society of Savannah in the first quarter
of this century, and paid a merited tribute to the great intel¬
ligence and high culture of the individuals composing it.
In an address delivered by me before the Georgia Medical
Society three years ago, I endeavored to pay a tribute to the
exertions of my medical predecessors in the cause of medical
science and public hygiene.
In my present hasty effort to bring to mind and to fix
in your recollections, the names of those who some sixty
years since associated themselves together to found a public
library for the city of Savannah, I am confined to no
. ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
417
class, for X find amongst them men of all professions and
callings -the clergyman, the lawyer, the physician, the mer¬
chant, the plain citizen.
Among the seventy-one gentlemen who met at the Exchange
on the 6th of January, 1809, I find the names of the Rev.
Henry Kollock, Dr. Lemuel Kollock, John M. Berrien, Dr. J.
Bond Read, Charles Harris, Dr. John Cumming, Dr. John
Grimes, George Woodruff, James M. Wayne, Wm. T. Williams,
Alex. Telfair, Jas. Bilbo, Dr. J. E. White, Wm. B. Bulloch,
George Jones, A. G. Oemler, D. T. Bartow, Alfred Cuthbert,
John Bolton, William Gaston, A. Low, J. P. Williamson, Dr.
Wm. Parker, Hugh McCall, Thos. Young. They and the
remainder of the seventy-one have all passed from the world,
but their work remains for our benefit. And may I not remark
here that the assemblage of seventy-one prominent citizens,
out of so small a population as Savannah then possessed, is
a proof of an interest in literary matters at that period, which
has not grown with our growth and strengthened with our
strength ?
On the 6th March, 1809, a Constitution and By-Laws were
adopted, and Dr. John Cumming was elected Chairman and
A. G. Oemler, Librarian, and here my connection with the
Georgia Medical Society as Secretary, some thirty-four years
since, enables me to fill a gap in the recorded history of the
Savannah Library Society, as I then learned the facts from
. Dr. Bartow, Mr. Oemler and others.
At the time of the organization of the Savannah Library
. Society, the Georgia Medical Society had already been
incorporated. The eastern portion of the Chatham Academy
building, built on the three eastern lots on the northwest
• corner of South Broad and Drayton, was only partially
finished. The Library Society and the Georgia Medical
Society agreed to furnish the second story room in the centre
of the building just under the cupola, at their joint expense,
on condition of their occupying it as joint tenants, free of all
charges.
I recollect the room distinctly, as it was in the winter of
1819, before I left Savannah for the North, to be put to
, school.
27
418
ADDRESS OE RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
The Chapel and Exhibition room of the Academy was on
the story above the Library. The second story, on which
the Library was situated, was reached by stairs on the south
side, and exterior to the main building.
The stairs to reach the chapel (where all the schools used
to unite for prayer), were in the southwestern portion of this
second story, as was also a door communicating with the
room immediately west, then occupied as a school room.
The rooms to the east and west of the chapel were also occu¬
pied as school rooms. Boys and girls were then mixed in
the same school.
Where then, you will ask, was the library ? I answer, on
the second floor mentioned before, enclosed by a partition,
the lower part of which was solid, and the upper part com¬
posed of rounded slats, through the interstices of which
light and air were admitted from the southern door and
windows, and a passageway was left between this partition
and the southern wall of the building, to reach, as indicated
before, the chapel aud the western school room.
The distinguished Henry Kollock, D. D., for so many years
the idolized pastor of the Independent Presbyterian Church,
was then President of the Society, which had been regularly
incorporated in the year 1815.
The Hon. John Macpherson Berrien succeeded Dr. John
Cumming, Chairman, in 1810, by the title of President, and
continued in that oflice until 1818, when he was succeeded
by the Rev. Dr. Kollock.
Dr. Henry Kollock was no ordinary man. He was, I
believe, a native of New Jersey. He was a ripe scholar, a
learned divine, a most eloquent preacher. His manners were
of the most refined character. His influence over his congre¬
gation, while absolute, from his rare combination of talents
and attainments with exquisite social polish, was beneficent
and healthy. I have it from good authority that he was the
first to originate the library.
His personal appearance was everything that was elegant
and dignified. It is stereotyped on my remembrance. The
massive head, as can be seen in his engraved portraits extant
amongst us, set -on a muscular frame of medium height,
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
419
clothed with a black coat of no peculiar clerical cut, but with
the white cravat; knee breeches, with a buckle at the side,
black silk stockings clothing a symmetrical leg, and the pedal
extremities resting in shoes, on the top of which shone a
bright buckle.
As he used to walk into the school room, in his capacity as
trustee of the Chatham Academy, every little heart was
stirred tumultuously, but was soon reassured by his kind,
benignant an,d paternal manner.
Mr. Oemler was then the librarian. Many now in this city
will recollect him personally. He was a German, a man of
intelligence and education, (although very eccentric in many
particulars,) one of the originators of the Library Society, and
always its warm friend and supporter. After the death of
Dr. Kollock, the Presidents were in succession, Alexander
Telfair, John C. Nicoll, It. "W. Habersham, A. Telfair, W. W.
Gordon, Cosmo P. Richardsone, M. H. McAllister.
When I returned from Philadelphia as a young doctor, in
1830, I found the library transferred to the ground floor of
the centre building, immediately under the old Library Room.
This was also occupied jointly by the Georgia Medical
Society, and from this time I speak by the card.
The Society languished. In 1337, nearly collapsed. In
1838 a new impetus was given it, principally through the
exertions of Captain Wm. Crabtree, Jr., and Homes Tupper,
Esq.
In 1838 the following officers were elected, none having
been elected in 1837:
President—M. H. McAllister.
Vice President—Win. Crabtree, Jr.
Secretary and Treasurer—W. Morel.
Managers—Rev. George White, R. W. Pooler, A. G. Oemler, R. D.
Arnold, Homes Tupper.
The life and soul of this Board was the late Homes Tup¬
per, Esq., a Northerner by birth, but for many years a resi¬
dent here, and a successful merchant. He was ably assisted
by Capt. Crabtree, also a Northerner, an old resident and a
successful merchant. Both had retired from active business,
420
ADDRESS OF RiCHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
and they devoted tlieir leisure con amove to the rehabilitation
of the Library.
It was determined to remove it from the Academy to a
more business part of the city, and to attach a reading room
to it, and to keep it open all day. It was moved to the upper
story of the tenement on the northwest corner of Whitaker
street and Bay lane.
In April, 1838, Mr. Wm. Morel resigned as Secretary,
Treasurer and Librarian, and the late Capt. Wm. Bee was
elected in his place.
In 1839, the same officers were elected, except that Mr. J.
Wray was substituted as Manager, in place of Rev. George
White.
It was in the Spring of this year that a new movement was
inaugurated to establish another Society, for the purpose of
rescuing from oblivion the records of the past, and furnishing
authentic data for the History of Georgia. The origin of this
Society is given so accurately and fairly by Dr., now the Rt.
Rev. Bishop Stevens, of Philadelphia, that I shall quote it as
given by him in the appendix to the 2d vol. of the Georgia
Historical Collection:
"The necessity of some historical institution had long been felt by
literary men, but no regular effort had ever been made for its establish¬
ment.
"The splendid autograpliieal collection of I. K. Tefft, Esq., together
with the many valuable documents in his possession pertaining to the colo¬
nial and revolutionary history of Georgia, suggested the importance of such
a Society, and it was immediately determined by Mr. Tefft and Mr. Wm. B.
Stevens to proceed without delay to its formation. This measure was first
decided on towards the close of April, 1839, and at the suggestion of Mr.
Tefft the latter endeavored to prepare the way and awaken attention to the
subject by two articles on this topic, which appeared in the Savannah
Georgian of May following. These individuals were now joined by a third,
Richard D. Arnold, M. D., and after many conferences as to the best
method of proceedure, they resolved to address the following circular to
those whom they thought would be interested in their design, [p. 326 2d vol.]
On the 24th May, 1839, a meeting was held at the Savan¬
nah Library Society's room, in pursuance of a call made
through that circular, which was signed by I. K. Tefft, R. D.
ApDIUESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. I).
421
Arnold and "W. B. Stevens, for the purpose of organizing an
Historical Society for the State of Georgia.
There were present Judge Charles S. Henry, Hon. John
McPherson Berrien, Hon. Jas. M. Wayne, M. H. McAllister,
George Jones, Dr. Wm. Bacon Stevens, Wm. Neyle Haber¬
sham, Dr. J. F. Posey, Wm. Crabtree, Jr., Dr. William A.
Carutliers, A. A. Smets, Solomon Cohen, A. G. Oemler, C.
McArdell, John E. Ward, Dr. R. D. Arnold, Judge John C.
Nicoll, Dr. Edward Coppee, Dr. P. M. Kollock, Hon. Robert
M. Charlton, Charles Stephens, M. Meyes, H. K. Preston, I.
Tefft, George Jones Kollock.
To this list were added the names of twenty-seven gentle¬
men who were not able to be present, but who had signified
their desire to co-operate and become members of the
Society.
A constitution was submitted to the meeting, which was
read and referred to a Committee for revisal and to report at
an adjourned meeting.
The adjourned meeting took place on the 4th of June, 1839,
and the Society was fully organized by the adoption of a
constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following
officers:
President—Hon. John McPherson Berrien.
Vice Presidents,—Hon. Jas. M. Wayne, Hon. Wm. B. Bulloch.
Corresponding Secretary—I. K. Tefft.
Recording Secretary—Wm. Bacon Stevens.
Treasurer—George W. Hunter.
Librarian—Henry Kirk Preston.
Curators—Wm. Thorne Williams, Chas. S. Henry, John C. Nicoll, Wm.
Law, Richard D. Arnold, Robt. M. Charlton, Matthew Hall McAllister.
Thus was the Georgia Historical Society fairly launched
on the stream of time.
The Society immediately set to work to collect from every
available source every document, MSS or printed, which could
illustrate the history of Georgia. At the session of the Georgia
Legislature of 1839, the Society was duly incorporated, and
it was made the custodian of the copies of the 1V1SS in the
State paper office at London, relating to the early history of
Georgia, which had been transcribed by the Rev. C. "W.
Howard, as agent of the State.
422
ADDRESS OE RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
On the 12th of February, 1840, the first anniversary was
celebrated with great enthusiasm.
The oration was delivered by the Hon. ¥m. Law, a worthy
scion of the liberty loving people of Liberty county. It was
exhaustive of the subject, and may claim to be the first
historical offering from the Georgia Historical Society.
It was delivered at the Baptist Church on Chippewa square,
at that time ministered to by the Rev. J. G. Binney.
It would be tedious to trace minutely the progress of the
Society in its historical publications. So far it has issued
but two volumes, but through its intercourse with other his¬
torical societies, it has accumulated a vast fund of historical
lore, for future reference and study. Dr. Wm. Bacon Stevens
was made the historiographer of the Society, and all the
materials in its possession were placed at his disposal, to
enable him to write a history of Georgia.
It is principally in relation to the union of the two Societies
that I have consented to address you to-night, for that union
was the salvation of both Societies.
The removal of the books to the present situation was
deemed a proper time to review the history of the two
Societies, the union of which has been productive of so much
benefit to our community, and which, I trust, is destined to
extend still wider its sphere of usefulness.
From my long connection with both Societies, you have
selected me to deliver, not an oration, but a compilation of
facts, in relation to them, which may be made a matter of
reference and of permanent record, "footprints in the sands
of Time," for those who are to succeed us in the future.
From the time of its organization in 1839, up to 1841, the
Georgia Historical Society continued to hold its meetings in
the room of the Savannah Library Society, on the northwest
corner of Bay lane and Whitaker street. It was the reading
room of the Library Society. This was done free of rent up
to the first of February, 1843, when the Georgia Historical
Society rented the room for its exclusive use.
In November, 1842, it was determined to petition the City
Council for the grant of a lot on which to erect a hall for the
Society. I may state here, that this petition was granted,
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
423
and a lot in LaFayette ward, on Liberty street, was set apart
for the Society, and afterwards deeded in fee simple for
purposes hereafter to be detailed.
In the spring of the year 1845, the attention of the Society
was called by the President, the Hon. James M. Wayne, to
the eligibility of what was known as the Custom House lot,
which was owned by the United States Government, and was
then covered by the debris of the brick building which had
been burned in the great fire of 1820.
During his judicial sojourn at Washington, Judge Wayne
had opened the subject of a purchase to the authorities there,
and he was formally authorized by the Society to act in the
premises.
The Society continued to meet at the room of the Savannah
Library Society. In January, 1846, Dr. Arnold offered a
resolution as to the expediency of obtaining new rooms. At
the same time Mr. Hodgson offered a resolution as to "the
practicability of purchasing the shares of the Savannah
Library Society for the use of the Georgia Historical Society."
On the 11th of May, 1846, further action was taken in
relation to the purchase of the Custom House lot, and
Council was petitioned to make the lot granted the Society a
fee simple one, in order that the Society might dispose of it
and apply the proceeds to the payment for the lot proposed
to be bought. The City Council did so, and the proceeds of
the sale of that lot was the nucleus from which eventually was
developed the hall of the Georgia Historical Society, now
standing on Bryan street, opposite the Bank of the State of
Georgia.
On the next anniversary, the 12th of February, 1847, the
Society met at their new rooms in Owens' building, on John-
son's (better known as monument) square'. It had been under
the same roof with the Savannah Library Society for nearly
eight years, and certainly had but a pecarious pecuniary
foothold. What was wanting in funds was made up by energy
and perseverance.
On June 14th, 1847, it was determined to purchase the
Custom House lot, and means were ordered to be taken to
raise the money.
424:
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
Iii tlie mean time the union of the two Societies had not
been lost sight of. The ground was ready for the seed. The
Library Society had literally sheltered the Georgia Historical
Society for nearly eight years. Most of the shareholders in
the former were also members of the Georgia Historical
Society. It was the predominant feeling that the sphere of
action of both societies would be widely extended thereby,
and their usefulness consequently increased.
The following extract from the minutes of June 14, 1847,
will explain itself:
"The President (Hon. Jas. M. Wayne) stated that, acting on a suggestion
formerly made, he had proposed to the Savannah Library Society to form a
onion with this. A committee,, consisting of Messrs. Wm. Crabtree, Homes
Topper and Sol. Cohen, had been appointed by that Society to ccnfer with
any which might be appointed by this."
Dr. Arnold offered the following, which was adopted :
Eexolved, That the President appoint a committee of three, himself to he
one, to confer with the Committee of the Savannah Library Society, with
full powers to negotiate a union of the two Societies, and that they report
at an ensuing meeting.
The Chair appointed Messrs. Smets and Harden.
The two committees met and agreed upon a plan of union,
which was ratified by the Savannah Library Society at a
meeting held on the 17th June, 1847, and by the Georgia
Historical Society at a called meeting held July 12, 1847.
Certain rights were reserved by the Library Society in case
of the non-fulfilment by the Georgia Historical Society of
certain conditions ; but all the conditions imposed, and all
the obligations entered into, have been fulfilled, and as the
union has lasted without a ripple for twenty-four years, it
may be fairly considered indissoluble.
The Georgia Historical Society had the bird, but it had no
cage to put in it; it had a library, but no room to put it in.
The lot had been purchased for fifteen, hundred dollars.
Private subscriptions for the purpose of erecting a hall were
set on foot, and liberally filled up. A plan submitted by Mr.
Norris was adopted, and the building, as it now stands, was
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
425
erected by him. The Society took possession of it in June,
1849.
The books of the Savannah Library Society were moved
thither, and with those of the Georgia Historical Society,
placed in the lower room as a library room, where they
remained for over two years, when the upper room was chosen
for a library room, and it has remained so until this "new
departure" which we commemorate to-night.
In the fall of 1849 the outstanding debts amounted to
$1,400. The late Dr. Jas. P. Screven generously advanced
the sum at the rate of seven per cent., to be repaid at the
convenience of the Society.
In May 1850, six hundred dollars were paid on this note.
The Society now began to prosper. The lower room was
rented out, and there was no pressure for the payment of the
debt due Dr. Screven.
The library was thrown open to subscribers, and it also
continued to be increased by new purchases. The contribu¬
tion of the Savannah Library Society was no mean one,
amounting to upwards of 2,500 volumes, including a great
many standard works, whose value time will never destroy.
Matters proceeded along smoothly, without anything
particular to note, until the anniversary meeting of February
12, 1852, at which time they were diversified by the following
episode, when the then Recording Secretary read to the
meeting the following letter, addressed to the Hon. James M.
Wayne, President:
Savannah, February 12, 1852.
Bear SirI propose, with the permission of the Society over which
you preside, to cancel the mortgage held by me on its lot and improvements
on Bryan street.
This day being the anniversary of the Society, presents an appropriate
occasion for the performance of an act which will free it from debt and
enable it to extend the sphere of its usefulness. I have the honor to be,
very respectfully, yours, James P. Screven.
The sincere thanks of the Society were returned to Dr.
Screven for his generous gift, (amounting to $800 00), and he
was unanimously elected an honorary life member. Dr.
Screven had originally subscribed $200 00.
426
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
From that day, the Society has been entirely free from
debt, with a handsome property in real estate and books.
There is but little worthy of any particular attention until
the close of the war and after the city had passed from under
military rule, except the deaths of three distinguished mem¬
bers: A. A. Smets, Esq., known for his literary taste and
splendid private library, which ranked him as a bibliopholist
of the first class; I. K. Tefft, Esq., the original point
from which our Society started, its real "fons et origo" and
the Hon. Chas. S. Henry, for many years a Judge of the
Superior Court of Georgia, and an original member of the
Society, for some years its President, and always active in its
cause.
Suitable tributes to their respective memories will be found
on the records of the Society, but it is not in the province of
this address to dilate on such themes.
During the war many new members joined the Society, a
majority of whom, in spite of the ravages of war, still remain
on our list.
On the 12th of February, 1865, the great and good Bishop
Elliott was elected President.
The city remained under military rule until November,
1865, and every business, every calling, felt, more or less, the
tender grip of the iron hand kept on a prostrate and con¬
quered people, long after peace had been officially proclaimed.
Civil government was then established, municipally, and
most fortunately for the prosperity of Savannah, has continued
up to the present time.
The influence of Bishop Elliott soon began to be felt in the
action of the Society. A new literary impulse was given to
the Society. He recognized the fact that our joint Societies
had a high duty to perform in selecting a good library.
While it was, and is, our duty to collect material for the
history of the late great contest between the Northern States
and the cotton growing States, this is not the time for pub¬
lication.
The torrent of ignorance, falsehood, and malignancy which
still—after more than six years, of peace, of absolute sub¬
mission to events, of unqualified submission to defeat on the
ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
427
part of the cotton States—continues to pour forth from the
accredited organs of those who rule over this country, proves
that the time has not yet, at this date, arrived for us to do
anything more than accumulate authentic materials for trust¬
worthy histories of that eventful war, and the causes which
led to it.
Those who come after us have a high and holy historic
task before them. May they worthily fulfill it.
The extensive reading, the exquisite taste, the fine judg¬
ment of Bishop Elliott, rendered him peculiarly fit to give an
impulse to the Society after our common disasters. And he
succeeded, and the impetus given it by him is still felt. His
sudden death is too recent not to be recollected by most of
you. He was a loss bewailed by a whole community, for in
the ordinary course of nature it might well have been hoped
that he would have been spared for many years to guide us
by his precepts—to enlighten us by the rays of his intellect.
Let us endeavor to emulate his example in all the walks of
life which he so signally adorned.
I will not detain you by reciting recent events, which are,
or ought to be, known to all of you.
It has been determined to change the location of the library
to a more central portion of the city, in order to afford a
more easy access to its rich stores, and thereby invite an
extended patronage from the public. In time, it is hoped that
the funds of the Society will be increased so as to permit the
erection of a large hall in the central portion of our city.
In the mean time, this Society offers to the public a choice
and well selected library for its use. "Within the last five
years it has received a large accession of books of the first
character in arts, science, literature, history. All the leading
periodicals of both continents are taken, and afford in them¬
selves an inducement to join the Society, even if one is
disinclined to severer studies.
This city is too small for divided efforts in a library line.
All the efforts within our limits should be concentrated on
one point. It has long been a cherished plan with many
members to join a reading room to our library and to keep
open at night. But the limited number of our members
428 ADDRESS OF RICHARD D. ARNOLD, M. D.
forbids tliis, as we cannot accomplish this and also the great
object of accumulating a fine library with our comparatively
slender means, and of the two I am free to say that, if I must
choose, I prefer the permanent, easily preserved book to the
perishable newspaper. Any one who has attempted to file
newspapers will comprehend me.
Not that I do not value them highly, and I know of nothing
more instructive and more amusing than a regular file of old
newspapers, particularly those of one's residence. But even
when bound, they are difficult for reference, diffuse, mixed
with advertisements whose time for utility has passed; in
short, excellent for the historiographer, but not alluring to the
general reader.
Gentlemen of the Georgia Historical and Savannah Library
Societies: Although many years have elapsed since the labors
of your respective Societies commenced, and you have had
many obstacles to encounter, although each at certain periods
languished almost to entire inaction, you have recuperated,
you have had new blood infused into your circulation, you
have girded up your loins for renewed action. Go on; fulfil
your double duty, gather materials for history and publish
them at the proper time; fill your shelves with the choicest
and most select books on all subjects. Spread out a full
literaiy feast and invite the public, young and old, to coine
and partake of it.