y^ A GENEALOGICAL CHART of the DIRECT ASCENDING LINE, and Portion of the DESCENDING LINE of GOV. JAMES JACKSON. OF MORETON HAMPSTEAD, CLEMENT AND HONOR JACKSON. DEVON, ENGLAND. 1 ABRAHAM, B. 8 Aug., 1678. Married REBECCA. JABEZ, B. Oct. 2, 1700. Buried at Moreton. SARAH WALDRON. JAMES, B. Sept. 1, 1730, D. May 15, 1782. Aug. 30, 1755, to MARY WEBBER. B. Apr. 2, 1734, D. July 5, 1785. .-It Teignm. 1 1 1 . JAMES, Gen'l, and Gov. of Georgia. U. S. Senator. B. at Moretnn, England, Sept. 21, 1757. To Amer- ica April 13, 1772 U. Mar. 19, 1806, at Washington, D. C. 30 Jan., 1785, to MARY C. YOING. D. 5 July, 1795. WILLIAM HENRY, B. 3 June, 1786, 0. 8 Aug., 1875. First Alumnus University of Ga. and Trustee 40 jrts. State Senator, MILDRED LEWIS COBB, B. - - . 1790. D. Mar. 3, 1853. Married October, 1808. JAMES, B. 20 Dec, 1787. Professor University of Georgia. MARTHA COBB JACKSON, B. Jan. 29, 1816, D. Sep. 26, 1893. Married Dec. 23, 1834. JOHN T. GRANT, B. Dec. 13, 1813, D. Jan. 18, 1887. State Senator. JABEZ YOUNG, B. July, 1790. Member U. S. Con. In London, 1816. JAMES, LL. D., B. Oct. 18, 1820, Judge of Superior i Court, Member U. S. Congress, Chief Justice ot Georgia. D.Jan. 13, 1887. JOSEPH WEBBER, B. 6 Dec, 1796. Member Congress, U.S. '^f^. THE LIFE OF Major General James Jackson. BY THOMAS U. PrCHARI.TON, A CITIZEN OF SAVANNAH. HIC VIR, HIC EST, TIBI QUEM PROMITTI SOEPIUS AUDI8. ViRG. Ms: 6. VER. 791. PART I. OFPiMEBXQ^ AUGUSTA, GEORGIA: PRINTED BY GEO: F. RANDOLPH, & CO. ....1809.... O' ^K^ ...vr^o^-^^iV" Of this Charlton's Life of Major General James Jackson only 250 copies have been reprinted from type and the type distributed. (Signed.) Publisher, Atlanta, Ga. No ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ % District of Georgia, to wit: BE IT REiMEMBERED, That on the fou7'teeyith day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and nine, and in the thirty third year of the independence of the United States of America, Thomas U. P. Chaelton, of said district. Esquire, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book, the right tvhereof he claims as proprietor and author, in the icords following, to unt : "THE LIFE OF "MAJOR GENERAL JAMES JACKSON, by " THOMAS u. P. CHARLTON, « citizen of Savmmah . . . " "■ Hie vir, hie est, tibi quern promitti soepius " audis." 1 Virg. ^u : 6. ver. 791 Part 1 "AUGUSTA, GEORGIA." In conformity to the act of the congress of the United States, entitled, "An act for the encouragement of learn- " ing, by securing the copies of maps, charts and books " to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the times therein mentioned.^' RICHARD M. STITES, Clerh Georgia District. DEDICATION TO My Friends, COL: GEO: TROUP, MAJOR GEN : DAVID B. MITCHELL, CHARLES HARRIS, ESQ. MAJOR O'BRIEN SMITH, and WILLIAM B. BULLOCH, ESQ. I beg leave to dedicate the following pages : THEY contain the revolutionary services of the late General James Jackson, than whom this country never did produce a more useful citizen, or incor- ruptible statesman. The friends, whom I now request, to take this portion of his life under their protection, are distin- guished by their devotion to republican principles ; they will therefore I presume, pardon me for affixing their names to a narrative, which attempts (as far as I am able) to perpetuate the fame of a patriot, whose whole life was spent in exertions for the support of these principles, and the good of the republic. THOS: U. P. CHARLTON. Savannah, December 8th, 1808. INTRODUCTION. I HERE oflPer to the Public the First Part of the Life of Major General James Jackson. Agreea- bly to the plan I suggested iu one of my advertise- ments, I have separated the Revolutionary, from the Civil pursuits of that distinguished citizen ; and I have endeavored to associate with his, the names and services of every Georgian, who was in any manner connected with him in the perils and trials of the war with Britain. I feel convinced, that names are omitted whose patriotism, or valor, covered them with glory : but as I was not writing a history of the revolution, I could not with any kind of consist- ency, advert to men, whose actions could not be brought within the circle of General Jackson's ser- vices. My heart is influenced by a very sincere affec- tion for Georgia and her people, and if sufficient encouragement was given me, I would immediately undertake an history of the revolution in this State, in which I could expose the injustice done to our VI. INTRODUCTION. heroes and patriots by all the historians ; and in doing so, place the character of Georgia upon a basis of respectability, which has hitherto been withheld from her, by writers on the revolution ; and such a work, would at the same time enable me to rescue from forgetfulness, the names of many warriors, who have descended the grave, or who have survived the dangers of the revolution, only to encounter the in- gratitude of their country. When a revolutionary hero passes me, I feel an irresistible inclination to pull oif my hat to him, and to give him my blessing, for the invaluable rights which his courage and his virtue have bestowed upon myself, and my children. If he has lost a leg or an arm, I execrate the poverty which prevents me from rendering the residue of his life comfortable, and even affluent; and in such moments, I feel an indig- nation at the governmental parsimony of his country, which withholds from him a liberal compensation for his toils and his wounds. Indeed, if the gratitude, or pecuniary compensation of the nation were to be a criteria of the poor soldier's revolutionary merits, it would be better, that he had never participated in the dangers of the contest with the British king. The penury and distress, which that contest surrounded our veterans with, were made the intruments of the most unprincipled speculation, upon their public secu- rities. Their extreme poverty obliged them to sell their certificates, at two shillings and six pence in the pound, for which the government under the benign and equitable influence of a funding system, have agreed to pay the speculators (a majority of whom were perhaps enemies of the revolution) twenty shil- INTRODUCTION. vii. lings in the pound and interest!!! With such senti- ments of veneration, for the revolutionary soldiers, I have felt happy in the opportunity afforded me from a few scanty materials, to write the history of one of them. Under the influence of such sentiments, I give to my fellow-citizens the first part of the Life OF Major General James Jackson, who as far as his courage or his virtue were permitted to exert themselves, is surely entitled to this scrap of Biog- raphy. There were other patriots who performed greater services than he performed ; but I can with safety hazard the assertion, that no patriot ever prac- ticed a more daring courage, or evinced a more fervid attachment to the liberty and independence of Amer- ica, than did the heroic Jackson. If ray readers please then, I will submit his character to public in- vestigation, not as one, who gained great and impor- tant victories, but as an officer, who in a subordinate and limited command, discharged all the duties of his station with fidelity, honor, and courage. — Or, if ray readers please, they may view my hero in the simple light of a common soldier, who gallantly drew his sword in defense of the liberties of this nation; who fought seven years with undiminished enthusiasm in defence of those liberties, and who did not sheathe his sword, until it was acknowledged by the despot who had oppressed us, that we were a free and inde- pendent people . . . .Taking the character of Gen, Jackson from this point of view, I hope there is suffi- cient virtue left among our citizens, to receive with candor and indulgence the memoirs, of a revolu- tionary SOLDIER. . . .For any inaccuracies, which may be found in the following pages, I beg leave to VIII. INTRODUCTION. offer this apology. When I communicated my deter- mination to write a history of the revolution in this State, and the memoirs of Gen. Jackhon, I requested those who had shared in the perils of the revolution, to furnish me with all the information which either their memories, or their papers could afford. I waited in vain for one year, and more, under a full expecta- tion of receiving volumes of intelligence from the old Georgia officers and soldiers. Disappointed in this expectation, I was obliged to abandon the idea of writing a history of the revolution in this State, and to confine myself to the life of my much lamented friend. The papers which were given by the general in his lifetime, and after his death by his family, are the only lights which have directed me in the follow- ing imperfect and short compilation : and those papers can at any time be shewn to those, who may be curi- ous enough to wish an examination. If any errors have crept into those papers, I cannot be made re- sponsible for them. I MUST acknowledge myself indebted to Dr. Ram- say's history of the revolution in South Carolina, for many facts, which I have given in his own words, and I have also borrowed expressions from the life of Washington, when I found that they were better than any I could use. The second part of this volume will appear as soon as my printers are reimbursed their expenses in publishing this part. It is the civil, and not the revolutionary life of Gen. Jackson that is the most interesting; and in giving a full development of the Yazoo speculation, I feel perfectly convinced that I shall fulfill every INTRODUCTION. ix. expectation I may have excited on that subject. It was his hostility to this speculation which gave him a high place in the affection of the people of Georgia, and I hope, of all the honest men in the United States. It was the basis of his fame, and will conse- crate his memory in the opinion of posterity. B LIFE OF Major General James Jackson. CHAPTER I. Born in England . . . arrives in Savannah in 1772 . . . espouses the American cause. JAMES JACKSON was born at Moreton- Hampstead, in the county of Devon, in England, on the 21st day of September, 1757. (1) We are not in possession of any materials which ex- plain the motives of his determination to leave his native country. We only know, that he migrated to the State of Georgia in the year 1772, and was placed under the protection of John Wereat, Esq., an old and intimate friend of his father. (2) (1) Moreton or Moreton-Hampstead, is situated on the borders of Dartmouth Forest. It is a very trifling place, the houses be- ing mean and very irregularly built ; nor does it contain any- thing that merits notice, except having a tolerable good manufac- tory for serges. It has a weekly market on Saturday and is distant from London 182 miles. Daltons English Traveller, p. 383. (2) This gentleman took an early part on the American side. He was speaker of the provincial congress in 1776, and acted with distinguished patriotism during the whole period of the revolu- tion. He possessed great financial talents, which he exerted with much usefulness to the State. For this gentlemen Gen. Jackson always retained the greatest afl'ection, and amidst the distresses of the war, found in him a sincere, kind, and hospitable friend. Mr. Wereat died in 1798, at Hard wick, his country seat, univer- sally regretted by his fellow-citizens. 2 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL At this early age we are authorized to suppose, that young Jackson's mind had received impressions un- favorable to the political institutions of his own coun- try. In these inijiressions he was no doubt encour- aged, by liis worthy father, whose opinions and prin- ciples it is said, were always on the side of freedom and the rights of man. This gentlemen, had at an early period evinced a par- tiality for the privileges of his American brethren, and in the circle of his family and friends vehemently con- tended against the right of Parliament to tax the colo- nies. The bold and decisive opposition made by the colonists to this supremacy of power, was to the father of Jackson, a subject of great exultation. He held up their spirit of freedom, as an example worthy the imitation of his own countrymen, and his frequent panegyrics on the "American sons of liberty," gave an irresistible bias in their favor to the mind of James. . . . He sighed to become one of a people, who had dis- played that enthusiastic devotion to liberty, which had already taken possession of his own feelings, and in America he conceived he would trace some resem- blances to the virtue and heroism which had dis- tinguished the ancient republics of Rome and Greece. Young Jackson, from the republican writers of his country, and the principles of his fiamily, had imbibed the most inveterate prejudices against the hereditary and factitious distinctions of the British aristocracy ; and the principle that a man should be born a king, or a legislator was alternately the subject of his ridi- cule, or indignation. . . . The whole system of monar- chy, appeared to him, an hideous usurpation on the natural rights of man, and considered as a violation JAMES JACKSON. 3 of those rights to oppose such a system could be neither treason, or rebellion. The patriot assassins who deprived Ceasar of his life committed no treason .... the treason was with them who offered him a crown, and submitted to his despotism. Because a government was established, that it should therefore be permanent and eternal, was in the political theory of Jackson, degrading and absurd. Passive obedience was therefore a crime in the people, when a revolutionary resistance was dictated by their reason, and their interest. Hence, the spirit which had marked the deliberations of his American brethren, promised not only a similarity of sentiment with his own, but rendered probable a revo- lution, w^hich would place the happiness of a great people upon the solid basis of republican equality. With sentiments so favorable to liberty, and thus early imbibed, young Jackson parted from his friends in England and arrived at Savannah, in Georgia, in the year 1772. Some men are constitutionally brave, others are brave from reflection .... from a nice sensibility to public opinion. Nature had destined Jackson for a soldier, and had gifted him with all the properties of a constitutional courage. It may be said of him without exaggeration, that he wooed danger, and that he never was appalled by the perils and difficulties which at any time sur- rounded him .... Such a man was not fit for the calm of despotism, or for those scenes which do not require the exercise of boldness, activity, and enter- prise. Goldsmith's national character of an Englishman 4 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL may witli great propriety be applied to Jacksou : . . . ^' what man dares do in circumstances of danger an Englishman will. His virtues seem to sleep in the calm, and are called out only to combat the kindred storm." * The period of Jackson's arrival and domiciliation in the state of Georgia, was lavorable to the full de- velopment of those vigorous traits with which nature had marked his character. In 1769, the resolution not to import from Great Britain any articles whatever, was almost universally agreed to by the Colonies. The flame which had been kindled by the brave and virtuous people of Massachusetts, had begun to spread itself in every section of the colonies. At this period, Georgia entered into the views of the other Colonies, and at this period, her people evinced that spirit of opposition to the tyrannical measures of the Britsh government, which had been so nobly rlisplayed by the patriots of New England. In 1770, corresponding committees were organized to keep up the discontent of the people, and to pre- pare their minds for the approaching bloody contest. ^Citizen of the World, vol. 2, p. 122. JAMES JACKSON. The year 1774 may be marked as the crisis of the destinies of the natiou. The duty on Tea, had been retained, for the purpose of avoiding an abandonment of the Legislative supremacy of Great Britain. All other duties for raising a revenue in the Colonies had been repealed. But these concessions did not appease the angry feelings of our patriots. Flushed with the success of all their previous efforts, they continued to oppose the princijjle of a foreign taxation, by every bold measure, which could indicate a determined hostility to British domination Warmed with the principles of liberty, and animated by the heroism they neces- sarily inspire, the youthful Jacksox, espoused the cause of America, and was among the first who shoul- dered their muskets in opposition to British measures in the state of Georgia. LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL CHAPTER II. Acts «« a volunteer in burning some British vessels . . . is appointed captain of a company of Light In- fantry, and aftertvards brigade major of the Geor- gia militia . . . joins General Sci'iven's detachment . . . Howe's defeat . . . Prison Ships . . . retires into South- Carolina and marches as a common sol- dier in General Moultrie's army . . . is taken up on suspicion of his being a spy . . . is in the storm of Savannah. THE military genius of Mr. Jacksou, panted for an opportunity of displaying itself. Nature had formed him an intrepid soldier, and he felt all the patriotism of a native American. Against the op- pressions and usurpations of the British monarchy he had offered his services, and in defence of the liberties of his adopted country he was prepared to sacrifice his life. The first opportunity that presented itself, and which opened a field for the display of his courage and ardor, was when Barclay and Grant proposed an attack on Savannah. The following account of that affair is extracted from some manuscript notes and memoirs, which have been placed in my hands. " The British force under Barclay arrived some time about the month of March, 1776, and came up as far as five fathom hole, where they remained some time and sounded the river. To the great surprize of the Georgians, who had never known the depth of water in the ?(i bv J Gross from a ftiintingby W G. Coiurroe after Douglass ^ a^^\^ JAMES JACKSON. 7 back Savannah river, the British pushed up several heavy armed vessels, some of which went round Hutchinson's island, and came down the main Savan- nah river above the town, whilst the land forces under Maitland and Grant, were marched across the island, and placed on board the merchant vessels hauled on that side of the river. Fortunately for the town the armed vessels grounded on a bank opposite to Jonathan Bryan's, from whose plantation they were much annoyed by a company of riflemen commanded by Colonel Joseph Habersham, and might have been taken possession of, if that gallant officer could have procured a sufficient number of boats to have boarded them, as the men had been driven below by the Colonel's fire. In the mean time General Mcintosh, who commanded, dispatched Colonel Scriven to demand the return of a flag car- ried by Colonel Robarts and Major Demere. Col- onel Scriven was ordered to keep off and the flag denied. Colonel Scriven then fired, and in return received a volley from the British which almost sunk his boat, although but one man was wounded. A party of volunteers commanded by Major (afterwards Commodore) Bowen, next presented themselves, who were ordered to board the fleet and set it on fire. This was effected. A ship in flames was set adrift, but she grounded. The flames of a schooner spread destruction everywhere. The British soldiers en- tangled in the marsh with difficulty got ashore, with the loss of their cloaths and arms. Among the volunteers sent on this service, were John Morel, Thomas Hamilton, James Bryan, and C 8 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL James Jackson." At this time, Jackson was not nineteen years of age, and the voluntary offer of his services in this bold exploit, not only evinced great firmness of character, but unequivocally confirmed the opinion entertained of his zeal and patriotism. At the attack of Tybee, his gallantry attracted the notice of Archibald Bulloch, Esq. then exer- cising the executive functions of the state, and whose thanks and approbation he had the honor to receive. (3) (3) Mr. Bulloch, was among the first of the friends of freedom in the state of Georgia. In his public character he zealously es- poused and supported all measures of patriotism or hostility, to the British usurpation. In June, 1776, he directed the then At- torney General, William Stevens, now Judge of the District of Georgia, to prosecute in behalf of the people of Georgia, instead of the old form which recognized a British Government. On this subject the following paper was addressed to him. In Provincial Congress, 12th June, 1776. To his Excellency Archibald Bulloch, Esq. President and Cotnmand- er in Chief of the said Province. MAY IT PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENCY, The congress having taken into consideration a letter to your Excellency from the Attorney General, stating several difficulties which arose in his mind, in regard to the carrying on of prosecutions in the Court of Sessions under our present consti- tution, beg leave to request your Excellency to acquaint Mr. At- torney General, that this house are of the opinion, that the same motives and reasons which compelled them for the security of persons and properties to vary in substance in part, from the old constitution under which we lived, will warrant the Judge of the Court of Sessions, to vary in form from the former precedents, so as to make form and substance reconcilable to each other ; and therefore we conceive, that the Attorney General under the whole of the constitution, will be warranted in making his indictment run in the beginning in this manner : " The grand jurors for the body of the province of Georgia upon their oath present", and in the conclusion in this manner, "against the peace of the province JAMES JACKSON. 9 He was shortly afterwards appointed to the com- Tjnand of a volunteer company of Light Infantry ; but some discontents having taken place between himself and his men, in which he conceived a pro- per support was not afforded him by his Colonel, and the welfare of the inhabitants thereof." And that the judges in case of an exception taken by counsel for the prisoners will be bound to confirm and establish such form. We conceive there would be so great an absurdity in continuing indictments in the 7iame of the k'mg, when the courts are not con- vened by his authority, but from the necessity of our situation and circumstances, that it will be unnecessary to use any arguments to evince the propriety of this our determination ; nor can we ap- prehend, that such a variation as this can be considered as form- ing an independent state, either in Mr. Attorney General or us, • or going one step farther than the necessity of the case absolutely requires. By order of the Coiigress. (Signed) JOHN WEKEAT, Speaker. Writers on the American Revolution, have not done justice to the patriotic exertions of the people of this state, at this or any other period. At every step of the revolution, Georgia could boast of patriots, whose zeal conferred equal dignity on them- selves, and the cause they espoused. A faithful history of the revolution in this state, would rescue many actions and names from oblivion, which are entitled to the applause of the nation. The royal party was always strong, but composed of men whose attachment to any cause could not have added much lustre to it. Against these men the public indigna- tion has never slumbered, and the host upon the Georgia acts of confiscation and banishment afford the best evidence of the feel- ings and opinions of the Georgia patriots during, and after the revolution. The names of N. W". Jones, James Habersham, and William Gibbons, are subscribed to the acts which proscribe and banish the traitors of the revolution. The patriotism of Doctor N. W. Jones stood upon a rock which remained unshaken through the long course of his useful and vir- tuous life. He came to this state with Oglethorpe, and in 1805' at the advanced age of fourscore died a patriarch of liberty, and republicanism. 10 LIFE OF MA JOB GENERAL he resigned this commaud about the time that the invasion of East Florida was resumed by General Howe. In this expedition however no laurels would have decorated the brows of the enterprising Jack- son. (4) In the latter part of the year 1778, he was ap- pointed brigade major of the Georgia militia. We are told by Dr. Ramsay, that while prepara- tions were making for the conjunct operations of Campbell and Prevest, as planned by Sir Henry Clinton, two bodies of armed men composed of regulars and militia, made a rapid and sudden in- cursion into the state of Georgia, from the province of East Florida. One of these came in boats through the inland navigation, and the other marched over land by the way of the Altamaha. The first divis- ion of these marauders demanded the surrender of Sunbury, but on receiving the Spartan answer, "come and take it," from the brave commandant (5) Lieu- (4) In the summer of 1778, an expedition was undertaken against East Florida. This was resolved upon with a double view of protecting the slate of Georgia from depredation, and of causing a diversion. Gen. Kobert Howe, who conducted it, had under his command ahout 2000 men, a few hundred of which were conti- nental troops, and the remainder militia of the states of South- Carolina and Georgia. They proceeded as far as St. Mary's river, and without any opposition of consequence. At this place the British had erected a fort, which in compliment to Tonyn, gov- ernor of the province, was called hy his name. On the approach of General Howe, they destroyed this fort, and after some slight skirmishing retreated towards St. Augustine. The season was- more fatal to the Americans t.han any opposition they received from their enemies. Sickness and death raged to such a degree that an immediate retreat hecame necessary; but before this was eflFected, they lost nearly one fourth of their whole number. Ramsay's Am. Rev. vol. 2, p. 95, 9G. JAMES JACKSON. 11 tenant-Colonel Mcintosh, their views against this place were abandoned, and in the retreat to an adja- cent island, concealed their cowardice and disgrace. The second division pursued their march to Savan- nah. In their advance through the country every foot of ground was disputed with them by General Scriven's militia. In one of the eugasrements or skirmishes, with the enemy, that gallant chief lost his valuable life, and in all of them the courage of Major Jackson was as useful, as it was conspicuous. Doctor Eamsay in his account of the action in which General Scriven fell, states that he received a wound from a musket ball, in consequence of which he fell from his horse, and that after he fell several of the British came up, and upbraiding him with the manner in which Capt. Moore of Brown's Bangers had been killed, discharged their pieces at him. (6) My notes and memoirs afford me an account somewhat diiferent. They inform me, that the Gen- eral was on foot, reconnoitering in a thicket, on the left flank of the enemy's post on Spencer's Hill. On this spot an ambuscade had been formed, and he fell in the midst of it. Captain (7) Glascock a gal- (5) Lt. Col. John Mcintosh is nephew of General Lachlan Mc- intosh, and to the greatest personal courage unites that ardent devotion to republican principles, which have ever distinguished this branch of the Mcintosh family. (6) Kamsay's history of South-Carolina, p. 2. (7) Thomas Glascock, now a Brigadier General of the militia of Georgia. 12 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL lant young officer was at his side and very narrowly escaped. The early death of General Scriven prevented a total defeat of the British. The party covering their right flank had been defeated by Major Baker, and their ambuscade, in which the General fell was driven and routed, by the well directed fire of Captain Young's field pieces, aided by some volunteers under- the command of Major Jackson. (8) In this action the gallant Captain Strother fell. The invasion of Georgia, by Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, and the brilliant success which crowned his arms did as much honor to the military talents of that officer, as they effected disgrace upon the impo- tent exertions of the American commander. We do not assert, that by any combination of cir- cumstances. General Howe could have defeated the British, but we believe, that he could have made such an opposition to their landing as would have effected a junction with General Lincoln, which in all probability would have saved the western inhabi- tants. But Gen. Howe, as it has been emphatically said of him, was a general sui generis, and contemned the idea of taking an ungenerous advantage of an enemy. (9) Howe was advised to send some pieces of cannoa to Brewton's Hill, but he ridiculed the idea of the impending danger, and in the vain confidence of his own strength, and perhaps his wisdom, neglected or despised the salutary advice of his officers. (8) Ms. notes on Ramsay p. 2, 8. (9) Sketch of the life of General Elbert. En^avedby T.Ubaaii- IBIEKf^ilMIHl^ ILnKr(S©]LKro JAMES JACKSON. 13 The eye of a military mau would at once have seen the importance of the Hill at the extremity of the Causeway .... it was the Thermopyloe of Savan- nah. To those in possession of local information, it appears sufficiently obvious, that great carnage and in all probability a serious repulse would have been the consequences of a judicious position of two pieces of well served artillery. It is painful, however, to dwell on the particular misconduct of Gen. Howe, or minutely to detail all the circumstances connected with an event so calamitous to Georgia. I am not writing a history of the revolution. It is therefore sufficient for me to observe, that never was there a victory more complete, than the British Col. Camp- bell had the honor to achieve, and never was a re- treat conducted with more precipitancy and confu- sion. It is the pride of Georgians however, that a soldierly resistance was made by a body of their militia, under the command of Col. George Walton, (10) who in facing the enemy was wounded, and taken prisoner. Instances of patriotism are recorded of the Ameri- can prisoners, which evince the virtuous heroism men are always inspired with in their struggles for republican liberty. '' We have been unfortunate in battle, (said they) but the chains of the victors, shall (10) Col. Walton received a wound in the thigh, which he ever afterwards felt inconvenience from. This gentleman during the whole of the revolution maintained a high reputation for his firm- ness and patriotism. He was deputed to the Congress of 1776, and shared in the glory of signing the declaration of Indepen- dence. As a Judge of the Superior Courts of Georgia, he evinced great acuteness and learning He died in the year 1804, 14 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL not humble the independency of our character, or compel us to abdicate our duty to our country." Resolutely refusing to enlist into the service of his Britannic majesty, they were crowded on board of his prison ships; and in those receptacles of misery and pestilence the heroes were swept away by disease and famine Even the hour of death did not res- cue them from the brutal sufferings of the British soldiery .... The words " rebel scoundrels," resounded in their ears in the last moments of their tortures. Frequently a drop of water was refused to an expir- ing patriot, and the savage Tait, commander of the Nancy Prison Ship, always expressed the satis- faction he felt, in contemplating the dead body of a prisoner, whose death had been accelerated by his cruelties. This nautical Calligula, had been heard to wish, that he had the power to inflict the same death and tortures on " the rebel Congress, and the whole of their rebel adherents." Such was the char- acters to whom the magnanimity of a British officer, had consigned the custody and treatment of the American prisoners! (11) Dr. Ramsay has pathetically described the fate of Allen, who lost his life in a bold attempt to escape from his terrible confinement. These were Geor- gians, however his fellow prisoners, who envied his fate, and would cheerfully have embraced it. Death (11) The following list contains the names of the prison ships and their commanders : Nancy — Captain Samuel Tait, "Whitby — Captain Lawson, Eleanor Hospital Ship — Captain Kathbone, The Munificence — Captain Rathbone, was considered a man of some humanity — The rest were monsters. JAMES JACKSON. 15 was preferable to the horrors of their loathsome con- finement, or to the ease and liberation that would immediately have accompanied a political apostacy. (12) It was the good fortune of Jackson to escape from captivity and a prison ship ; but the possession of (12) Among those who were co-prisoners of the Rev. Moses Allen, (who united the incompatible characters of a soldier and a divine) and who survived their confinement, it affords me pleas- ure to mention the names of the Honorable Jonathan Bryan, Mordecai Sheftall, deputy commissary general of issues to the continental troops for the state of Georgia-his son Sheftall Sheftall, deputy commissary of the Georgia line, Edward Davies, Esq. Dr. George Wells, David Moses Vallotton and James Bryan, son of Jonathan Bryan. Jonathan Bryan had been distinguished for his opposition to British measures from the time of the stamp act. He was dis- missed from the king's council for his spirited behaviour, and after his dismission received an handsome piece of plate from the citizens descriptive of his firmness and patriotism. At the commencement of the revolution he had been particu- larly active. He had been in the council of safety, the convention and state congresses. To have such a man in their possession was an object with the British commanders, and accordingly, three nights after the reduction of Savannah, Lt. Clarke of the Phenix, or Eowey man of war and a party of armed men were dispatched up Union creek to his plantation in South Carolina, took him and his son James, prisoners, and placed them on board one of the prison ships. Mrs. Morel, now Mrs. Wylly, his daughter, a lady as remark- able at that time for her beauty, as for her other accomplishments, waited upon commodore Hyde Parker, and upon her knees so- licited the release of her aged father. The unfeeling commodore denied her supplication. The venerable patriot and his son James were sent to New York, and after remaining a considerable time on board a prison ship, were placed on Long Island with the American prisoners. At the age of 80, he was exchanged, and behaved with all the gallantry of youth in Wayne's engagement with Brown. D 16 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Savannah, having cut off all his little resources, he was now compelled to fly before the triumphant ene- my, and to encounter all the privations and distresses of a pennyless and destitute soldier. Jackson's mind however, was not of a common complexion .... forti- fied by the courage of a soldier, he was enabled to combat with the wants of the man. The capture or dispersion of the Georgia militia having taken from him the duties of an officer, he did not disdain to as- sume the station of a common soldier. When Prevost crossed the Savannah river, Jack- son was in the camp of Moultrie, and in that Ge- neral's retreat marched as a common soldier from Purisburgh to Dorchester. Among other adven- tures of " this bare foot expedition " (as he stiles it in one of his papers) he was arrested by a party of South-Carolina militia, and had nearly suffered an ignominious death under a suspicion that he was a spy. A strange suspicion to be attached to the pa- triotic Jackson, who was at that moment affording the most convincing proofs of his zeal in the cause of American liberty ! A release and apology imme- diately accompanied the knowledge of his character and services. In the seige and storm of Savannah, he in com- mon with the Georgians, behaved with his usual gal- lantry. The officers of Georgia who had not commands formed themselves into a volunteer corps under Col. Marbury, and lead the advance of Huger's column. MA.IOK (.1;N1.1{\I. Wll.llAM MOl I.IIMI, JAMES JACKSON. 17' In this corps it is supposed Major Jackson had en- rolled himself. (13) (13) Not much is said of the Georgia militia in any history of this assault, although many of them were slain. Many officers who were Georgians covered themselves with glory. — Among the killed were Mr. Jno. Jones, one of the aids of Gen. Mcintosh, Charles Price, a gentleman of splendid professional abilities, and Lieut. Baillie. It is said, Jones and Baillie went into action with a full presentiment, or belief, that it would prove fatal to them, yet notwithstanding this discouraging impression they fought and died like heroes. — Lieut. Edward Lloyd, another Georgian, but in the service of South-Carolina, had his right arm carried away by a cannon shot, and whilst the surgeon was dressing the shattered stump, observed to Major Jackson, who held him in his arms; " that as bad as such a prospect presented to so young a man, he would rather be in his, than in Captain Stedman's situation;" an officer who had evinced cowardice, or deserted his post on the- morning of the assault. Major Jno. Lucas, aid to Gen. Mcintosh, was also a Georgian, and greatly distinguished himself. After the storm he was sent by Gen. Lincoln with a flag to agree on the terms for burying the dead, and receiving and exchanging the- wounded. 18 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL CHAPTER III. Duel ivith Lt. Governor Wells .... Battle of Black- stocks .... Battle of the Cowpens .... Defeat at Tor- rans's Taver-n .... Services in Gen. Pickens's bri- gade .... Returns to Georgia, and joins Colonel Baker. FROM the field of battle, the impetuosity of Major Jackson's character easily led him into the field of private honor. In the year 1780, he fought a duel with Lieut. Governor Wells, in which combat Mr. Wells lost his life, and Major Jackson was badly wounded in both of his knees. I know not the grounds of this unfortunate duel. Among the papers of General Jackson, I discover, that he laments the necessity of the meeting, which he says was imposed upon him by the " overbear- ing disposition of the Lieut. Governor ; " but the circumstances of the catastrophe are not detailed. We only know, that they went upon the ground without seconds, and fought at the desperate distance of a few feet. Recovering from his dangerous wounds he re- treated with Governor Howley through the state of South Carolina, then in complete possession of the British. (14) (14) Williamson (I always suppose, tbat the reader has perused the history of South-Carolina by Dr. Kamsay, without a knowl- edge of which the character of this pseudo-patriot and traitor, as well as the detail of the principal revolutionary events, I have attempted to connect with the life of Gen. Jackson, must be in a great measure obscure and unintelligible) at this time endeavored JAMES JACKSON. 19 In August 1780, he joined Col. Clarke's camp, and was in the celebrated action of Blackstocks. " On the 20th of this month, General Surapter was attacked at Blackstocks near Tyger river, by Lieut. Col. Tarleton at the head of a considerable party. to persuade the governor and council of Georgia, to remain at Augusta, under circumstances which induced a belief that it was his intention to betray them. He concealed his intelligence of the fall of Charleston, and from his after conduct, and the employ- ment of suspicious characters about him, little doubt can be enter- tained of his treasonable intrigues with Sir Henry Clinton. The person employed by him as an express to Charleston, Martin Wetheford was well known to be in the British interest. His secretary, Malcomb Brown, was also known to be disaffected to America. Kichard Howley, who was now governor of Georgia, knowing that he had nothing to expect from British mercy if taken prisoner, and guided by his apprehensions, or probably his anxiety to take his seat in congress, which the state foreseeing the storm, had given him permission to do prudently as it turned out, determined an evacuation of the state. This determination he carried into operation a week after the surrender of Charleston, and very narrowly escaped a detachment which Cornwallis had sent in pursuit of him. The continental and state officers of Geor- gia retreated with the governor, and formed his guard : for the situation of the militia was such, that those who were disposed to go off immediately under Col. Twiggs had determined to carry with them the little property they possessed. The militia under Col. Clarke, influenced by the subtle advice of Williamson, stood their ground in Wilkes county, as did also the president of the council, the Hon. Stevens Heard, and a sufficient number to form a board; but finding themselves deceived (as has been related by Williamson) they also at last retreated. President Heard, the Hon. Myricli Davies, and some others of the council animated the militia by their presence . . . .underwent every difficulty with the troops, and were in most of the several actions in which the Georgia militia were engaged. So much was the money of the state at this time depreciated, that it actually cost the state an half million of dollars to effect the retreat, and to defray Governor Howley's expenses to Phila- delphia. Ms. notes, 14, 15, 16. 20 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL The action was severe and obstinate. The killed and wounded of the British was considerable. Among the former were three officers, Major Money, Lieu- tenants Gibson and Cope. The Americans lost very few ; but Gen. Sumpter received a wound, which for many months ' inter- rupted his gallant enterprizes, in behalf of the state.' His zeal and activity, in animating the American militia, when they were discouraged by repeated de- feats, and the bravery and good conduct he displayed in sundry attacks on the British detachments procured him the applause of his countrymen, and thanks of Congress." (15) This is the account given of the combat by Dr. Ramsay. It is not my intention to diminish that blaze ot glory, which encompasses the revolutionary exploits of the gallant Sumpter: but it is thought that Dr. Ramsay's account does not give a proper share of credit to the valor of the Georgia militia, and their officers. It is true, that Sumpter commanded at the com- mencement of the action, but that wound, which the historian says, interrupted for several months " his gallant enterprizes" compelled his early retirement from the field of battle. Intelligence of the unfor- tunate event was communicated to Major Jackson, and through him the oldest Georgia officer was re- quested to take the command. It devolved upon Col. (15) llev. of South-Carolina, vol. 2. 187. d 'by- G-. Parker -feaaia drawing' IrrW GAmLnrcmg" afieriJie on^iuJ. Ponrait"brCWTeale MMi(2J(0)Ili (SrHSmiR^SilL SI5I®SEiiS SWMUPIlIEo JAMES JACKSON. 21 Twiggs, and to this officer is due all the glory of the victory that ensued. It is said that the brave Surapter before he quitted the field, had ordered the Georgians to advance. It is well ascertained, that in front the Georgia Wilkes county regiment performed prodigies of valour, and that Col. Lisle of South-Carolina, and Candler of Georgia, turned the British flanks. The authority from which I have derived these additional facts, also inform me that the British made upwards of twenty charges with their dragoons, and were as repeatedly repulsed. The dexterity of some of the Georgia Wilkes county riflemen was truly astonishing. Instances are mentioned of a rifleman killing a dragoon in front, then falling on the ground, load- ing his rifle, and killing another dragoon who had charged him in the rear. In a note to Cornwallis, (which Major Jackson intercepted, and long obtained the possession of) Tarletou attempts to cover his disgrace in this action, by informing his lordship that he had come up with, and cut to pieces the rebel rear guard. This rear guard was however nothing more than small reconnoitering party commanded by Captain Patrick Carr, who had taken prisoners some tories and mill-boys. On sight of the British, Carr, as he had been ordered, retreated to make a report, leav- ing the wretched tories at the mercy of Col. Tarl- ton. (IG) (16) Marshall also swells this reconnoitering party into a rear guard. Life of Washington, vol. 4. 331. 22 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Their loyalty did not save them from the sabres of his dragoons .... they were cut to pieces, which saved them probably from a milder fate, than Carr had re- served for them. (17) Twiggs remained on the field of battle two hours after it had ended, and detached Major Jackson after the British, who captured and brought off thirty of their horses. The British force consisted of 700 men, the greatest part of whom were regulars. The Americans brought into action only 420 militia, as appears from a comparison of the returns of Major Jackson, and the Brigade Major of General Sumpter. (17) This was the famous Patrick or Paddy Carr, the scourge and terror of the tories, who had in battle, or in cold blood killed more than one hundred with his oivn hand. On being one day praised for his soldier-like conduct, he coolly replied, he would have made "a good soldier, but nature had tormed his heart too tender and compassionate." This singular man was never heard to utter blasphemy or an oath, and he was never agitated by passion. — A friend informs me, that one of the fellow-soldiers of Carr, (I think his name was Carter) in a moment o^ fool hardi- ness, had determined to put Carr's personal firmness to the test, who had said, that he never felt the influence of fear. A keg of gun-powder was procured, near which Carr was requested to seat himself This he obeyed with the utmost apathy and composure, and a lighted candle was applied to the powder by Carter. The providence of God interposed and prevented the dreadful explo- sion. The powder was snatched away and destroyed by some people who accidentally came up. — Carr, in the meantime calmly surveyed the means adopted to save him from destruction, and turning to Carter asked him if "he was now convinced, that Patrick Carr, was insensible to fear." . . . . An enthusiast in the cause of American liberty, he had conceived the most dreadful and implacable hatred against the tories. Their desertion of prin- ciples which he held so sacred, entitled them upon his political hypothesis, to no kind of mercy or indulgence. Whether there- fore as prisoners, or as enemies in battle he gave them no quar- ters. He hunted them down like wild beasts, and permitted no asylum to protect them. — In all other respects his character was- amiable and benevolent. U.S. A. M©IE8.©AMo ^ JAMES JACKSON. 23 The British lost ia killed 92, and upwards of 100 wounded — among our brave countrymen, Sumpter and two others were wounded, and one killed. (18) The conduct of Major Jackson in this action gained him a high and well earned reputation among the militia of South-Carolina and Georgia. Such .was his influence and popularity at this pe- riod, and such was the unbounded confidence re- posed in, him, that he more than once after Colo- nel Clarke, had been disabled by a wound at Long Cane, saved his camp from a total abandonment. (19) From the field of Blackstocks we will next con- duct Major Jackson to the battle of the Cowpens, in which he acquired much glory and the marked appro- bation of Gen. Morgan. The details of this battle are in the possession of every one. It is only my duty to advert to them as they may be immediately connected with tiie par- ticular conduct of Major Jackson. The day preced- ing this memorable engagement, the gallant Mor- gan was joined by the militia under the command of Pickens. — Morgan was then at the Cowpens, and (18) Tarleton in his campaigns informs us that upwards of 150 of the Americans were killed. This added to the rebel rear guard which he had the honor of cutting to pieces must have made great havoc indeed! Such a number of killed must of course too, have included a vast number of wounded. The fact is however, the British lost in killed and wounded 192 — Gen. Marshall computes the American loss at 3 killed and 4 wounded — Life of "Washington, vol. 4. p. 333: but the fact again is, that only three were wounded, and one killed, Rogers of the Georgia Wilkes county militia. (19) I collect this from the papers of Gen. Jackson. E 24 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL had resolved to give battle to the enemy. The Georgia (20) and South-Carolina militia were incor- porated, and placed under the command of Pickens, •who appointed Major Jackson, Brigade Major of the uhole. On this day he had the honor to receive the sword of Major McArthur of the British infantry, whom (20) The following address had been delivered to Major Jack- son, to be distributed among the Georgians then scattered and dispersed in the back parts of South-Carolina, and enjoying a temporary respite after the action of Long Cane, in which Col. Clarke was so severely wounded as to be obliged to retire from his command. This animated address, which appealed so forcibly to the feel- ings, the courage and patriotism of the Georgians, soon collected them. They formed the front line of the battle of the Cowpens, tind in receiving the first shock of the enemy, behaved with firm- ness and gallantry. To THE EeFUGEES OF GEORGIA ! GENTLEMEN, Having heard of your sufferings, j'our attachment to the -cause of freedom, and your gallantry and address in action, I had formed to myself the pleasing idea of receiving in you, a great and valuable acquisition to my force. Judge then of my disap- pomtment, when I find you scattered about in parties subjected to no orders, nor joining in any general plan to promote the public service. The recollection of your past achievements, and the prospect of future laurels should prevent your acting in such a manner for a moment. Tou have gained a character and why should you risk the loss of it for the most trifling gratifications. You must know, that in your present situation, you can neither provide for your safety nor assist me in annoying the enemy. Let me then entreat you by the regard you have for your fame, and bv your love to your country, to repair to my camp, and subject yourselves to order and discipline. I will ask you to encounter Tio dangers or difficulties, but what I shall participate in. Should it be thought advisable to form detachments, you may rely on be- ing employed on that business, if it is more agreeable to your wishes: but it is absolutely necessary, that your situation and movements should be known to me, so that I may be enabled to JAMES JACKSON. 25 be conducted to Gen. Morgan, and to receive the thanks of the General on the field of battle, for his useful and conspicuous services during the engage- ment. Major Jackson's name is not mentioned in General Morgan's report of meritorious officers, an omission which has been attributed to the inattention of his aid, Major Giles. (21) At a time when his revolutionary services were supposed to have been exaggerated by the partiality of his friends, he requested and obtained from Gen. Pickens the following letter and certificate, which placed his military merit in the battle of the Cow- pens, and other occasions, beyond the reach of illib- eral misrepresentation. Long Cane, February Qth, 1797. Dear Sir, Understanding that some attacks have been made on your military reputation, by some of your enemies in Georgia, it is with sincere pleasure and satisfaction, that I have it in my power to send you the enclosed certificate, having been witness to what is there declared. Accept my sincere wishes for your happiness, and welfare, and am, With much respect, Dear Sir, Yours, (Signed) ANDREW PICKENS. Gen. James Jackson. direct them in such a manner, that they may tend to the advan- tage of the whole. I am Gentlemen, with every sentiment of regard Your obedient Servant (Signed) DANIEL MOEGAN. Camp on Pacolet, January ith, 1781." (21) I find this asserted in a Ms, sketch of Gen. Jackson's life. p. 3. 26 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL " I hereby certify and declare, that Major, now General Jackson, and a party of Georgia militia,, were under my command at the battle of the Cow- pens, in South Carolina, on the 17th January, 1781, and that the said militia acquitted themselves equal- ly well, with the other forces on that memorable day. Major Jackson acted as my Brigade Major, and by his example and firm active conduct greatly contrib- uted to ANIMATE THE TROOPS, AND ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THE DAY. I further declare, that Gen. Morgan was highly satisfied with Major Jackson's conduct, and am cer- tain that it must have been owing to accident, or mistake, that his name was not returned to Congress, as one of the officers who particularly signalized themselves at the Cowpens The Major having in the face of the whole army run the utmost risk of his life, in seizing the Colors of the 71st British regiment, and afterwards introducing Major McAr- thur, commanding officer of the British infiintry, as a prisoner of war to Gen. Morgan. I further declare, that Major Jackson's conduct during a severe tour of duty in North Carolina, in the face of Lord Cornwallis's army, whilst the bri- gade I had the command of was attached to the light troops of General Greene's army, was such as merited, and gained not only my approbation, but that of Major General Greene, who determined from that period to give Major Jackson the command of a State Corps, which was soon after raised by direction of General Greene. At the seige of Augusta Major Jackson's exertions, . in the early period of the seige laid the ground JAMES JACKSON. 27 work for the reduction of that place. He led one of the advanced parties as Capt. Rudolph did another, at the storming of Grierson's fort, and had the com- mand of a moving battery, at the time of the surren- der of Fort George, in which he conducted with honor to himself and his country. Certified this Qth February, 1797. (Signed) ANDREW PICKENS, Brigadier General. After the signal victory of the Cowpens, Morgan hastened with his trophies and prisoners to cross the Catawba. The historian informs us, that the interposition of a flood of rain checked the eager pursuit of Corn- wallis, and gave time to the American chief not only to place his trophies and prisoners beyond the reach of the enemy, but to indulge his soldiers with the short repose they had so nobly deserved. The act of God had thus retarded the rapid movements of the pursuing British ; but the fords of the Catawba being at length practicable, Cornwallis made his preparations to force a passage. The ford at Mr. Cowen's was the point to which his principal attention was directed. There the brave General Davidson and a body of North Carolina militia had posted themselves. The fall of this commander was the signal for the dispersion of the militia. They fled, and were pur- sued by Tarleton, who obtaining information that a party of militia had collected at Torran's tavern, ten miles from Mr. Cowen's ford, moved off" thither with his dragoons to surprize, and attack them. 28 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL The assault of the cavalry was immediate and im- petuous .... the militia assembled there were dis- persed, and fifty of them slaughtered. Major Jackson had crossed the Catawba with Morgan, and in this skirmish displayed great per- sonal courage in many bold attempts to rally the broken ranks of the militia .... The perils he en- countered this day induced a belief that he had been slain, and he was accordingly reported to Gen. Mor- gan, as one of the killed. His conduct in Gen. Pickens's brigade, in the whole of its severe duty in North Carolina has been already noticed in the certificate of that General. It met the approbation of General Greene, and the merit and gallantry which attracted the notice of that wise and illustrious commander, could have been of no ordinary complexion. The battle of Guildford had completely reversed the destinies of the two armies. The British were left in possession of the field, but that was the only " positive good " (as it is expressed by the historian) derived from their victory .... Greene was prepared to renew the combat. Corn wa His had taken his measures to seek security in a retreat. Such was the victory of Guildford ! Disappointed in his expectation of bringing on another general action by a further pursuit of the victorious enemy, Greene, halted and deliberated, the result of which was a determination to re-commence hostilities in South-Carolina. This determination, bold and happily conceived, offered to Cornwallis the alternative of again following him, or of abandoning JAMES JACKSON. 29 the British garrisons iu the back parts of South- Carolina and Georgia. The resolution being formed of making South- Carolina the seat of war, Gen. Pickens, received or- ders to collect the militia of his brigade, and to inter- cept and destroy all convoys and supplies intended for the jjosts of Ninety-six and Augusta. But at THIS TIME Col. Baker had undertaken an expedition against the upper country of Georgia, upon intel- ligence of which Maj. Jackson, left South-Carolina, and repaired to the standard of that officer. 30 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL CHAPTER IV. Arrives hi Georgia .... He-crosses Savajinah Hiver, and assists in organizing a body of militia .... Keeps Baker's militia together in the vicinity of Augusta .... Siege of Augusta .... Appointed to the command of a Legion, and commandant of Au- gusta .... Quells a revolt of his Legion .... Sw- prizes the fort at Ogechee .... Attacks and defeats the British militia, at Butler s house .... Action ivith CampheWs cavalry .... Commands the advance corps of General Wayne's army .... Destroys one of the Bi'itish Magazines .... Spares a body of Tories .... Action of the 23c^ 3Iay .... Enters the City of Savannah. AFTER engaging all the difficulties and dan- gers of a passage through an hostile country, Maj. Jackson arrived in Georgia, and was immediately ordered with the gallant Maj. Samuel Hammond to re-cross into South-Carolina, and to organize the militia on that side of the Savannah river. Two hundred and fifty men were collected by these offi- cers, and the command given to col. Leroy Ham- mond. The British had now lost six of their Posts : and the next object of the Americans was the reduc- tion of the garrisons of Ninety-six, and Augusta. Lee, was ordered to proceed against Augusta, whilst the siege of Ninety-six was to be conducted under the immediate eve of General Greene. Engassd'byJ CButtre '.m-U SAMHTEl- ^AMMOT''' JAMES JACKSON. 31 Some weeks however before this plan of operations had been adopted, col. Baker and his militia were in the vicinity of, and had invested the post at Au- gusta .... Worn out with fatigue .... in want of al- most every necessary of life .... and despairing of any speedy re-inforcement from the army of Gen- eral Greene, this body of militia began to give them- selves up to despondency, and had formed the de- termination of abandoning their camp. Intelligence of this determination being conveyed to Major Jackson, he immediately hastened to the camp, and by his influence and address prevailed with the offi- cers to postpone their intended secession until he had an opportunity of haranguing the soldiers. On similar occasions he had been accustomed to address the militia on horseback, and this method he now adopted to re-animate the droojjing spirits of his fellow soldiers. The militia being assembled he proceeded to point out to them " the miseries they had endured .... the cruelties and insults inflicted on their families by Brown and Grierson .... cruelties which their dispersion would only tend to renew. He told them, that vengeance was now within their reach, and to give up the opportunity of obtaining it, was giving up their pretensions to the character of brave soldiers .... was sacrificing their feelings and duties, as citizens .... as sons, fathers, and husbands." .... This plain and manly eloquence had the desired effect. The Major was saluted with the acclamations of this gallant band of Georgians, who unanimously F 32 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL expressed a resolution to conquer or die on the ground they occupied. Colonel Baker having resigned his command, it was assumed by Major Jackson, who commenced his operations against the garrison. He had prepared fascines .... mounted a nine pounder, and was ready to break ground before Grierson's fort, when Colonel Clarke and Picken's arrived, who resumed the com- mand. Colonel Lee appeared a fortnight afterwards. It would seem therefore, that the seige was greatly advanced by the Georgians, before Lee in obedience to his orders had appeared before the place, the re- duction of which was decidedly accelerated by the accession of the militia, kept together by the firmness and energy of Major Jackson. The manuscript notes I have so often referred to, (and which are authenticated by the signatures of Generals Clarke and Twiggs) state, that if this body of militia had dispersed, " Brown would have been secure." I shall leave the final adjustment of this point to the military men of that day. It is not my inten- tion to detract from the fame of any of our heroes, which I do not suppose will suffer any diminution from the celebrity so deservedly acquired during this siege, by Major Jackson. These facts have not occupied the attention of the historian ; but if it has been deemed important to detail the operations of this seige, neither the brave Clarke, Major Jackson, or the Georgians should have been neglected and forgotten. The certificate of General Picken's attones however for laiiMiET.-JLJiii JAMES JACKSON. 33- historical omissions, so far as they relate to the par- ticular services of Major Jackson. The General with great honor to his candor and liberality, admits that Major Jackson's exertions at the early period of the seige, Jaid the ground work for the reduction of the post ; that he led one of the advance parties, as Captain Rudolph did another, at the storm of Grierson's fort ; and that he had the command of a moving battery at the time of the surrender of fort George, which he conducted with honor to himself and country. At this period agreeably to a promise made him, when attached to Pickens's brigade, he received from Gen. Greene, a Colonels commission for a Partisan Legion, which his well established popularity, in- fluence and bravery enabled him to fill in the course of a few days. He was also appointed commandant of Augusta .... Rawdon had received a reinforcement and was in full march to the relief of Ninety-six. Greene receiving intelligence of his approach had at one time determined to meet, and give him battle and accordingly made exertions to draw together such aids of militia, as would enable him to execute that intention. The following orders were sent to Col. Jackson. Camp before 96, January 17th, 1781. Dear Sir, I wrote you the 15th, which I hope got safe to hand. Official information is just received, that yesterday morning the enemy were 12 miles above Orangeburgh on their way here ; and Gen. Greener 34 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL has ordered me to write you to collect all the men you possibly can, and join the army without loss of time, or if it is more convenient to you to join Colonel Leroy Hammond, between this, and the Kidge. It is the Generals express orders, that you level the fortifications at Augusta, and he expects, that your own prudence will point out what is best to be done with the Artillery. Your Ob't. (Signed) ANDREW PICKENS. Lieut. Col. James Jackson. In obedience to these orders, Col. Jackson, made an effort to join the army, but a march of thirty miles convinced him that it M-as impracticable. Cut oif, and separated from the army, which had now retired from before Ninety-Six, Col. Jackson, was not dismayed by the alarming features of his situation. He formed the resolution, to return and keep possession of Augusta. . He after.wards marched into Wilkes county to succour tb;e militia and inhabitants under Colonel Clarke, who were menaced by the garrison of Ninety- Six, and the tories of South-Carolina. He maintained the Post at Augusta, until a Le- gislature was convened there in August 1781, when Nathan Brownson was elected Governor, and Col. Twiggs in consideration of his gallant services was at the same time appointed a Brigadier General. In September, the General, with the Legion of Colonel Jackson in advance, took a position mid- ^^ j^ .'^.viw IPS©; H^i^^ .-6'O'T.t^ JAMES JACKSON. 35 way between Augusta and Savannah, from whence he was engaged in perpetual skirmishes with the enemy. Some short time previous to the march of the militia from Augusta, British emissaries had nearly effected a revolt in Colonel Jackson's Legion. Intelligence of these intrigues, were communicated to the Colonel by his servant David Davis, one of his dragoons, who by affecting an animosity against the Colonel, obtained a full knowledge of the intended mutiny. Their plan was to bayonet the Colonel in his bed, which service was to have been performed by his own quarter guard .... to murder the principal offi- cers, and to conduct the Governor to the British in Savannah. Not a moment was now to be lost .... every thing depended upon an instantaneous boldness and de- cision. The Colonel sent immediate orders to his dra- goons not engaged in the conspiracy to repair to him. On their arrival, he ordered the infantry to turn out without arms, under the pretence of receiving cloath- ing, and in this situation he came in full charge upon them with his dragoons. A court martial was convened and the ringleaders executed. (22) Such were the happy effects produced by this austere discipline, that ever afterwards the (22) The honest Davis was not neglected. The state rewarded his fidelity with the gift of 500 acres of land, a horse, saddle and bridle. •36 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL greatest confidence was reposed iu the fidelity and bravery of the infantry. (23) In November 1781, General Twiggs detached Col. Jackson, with Stalliugs's dragoons, M'Kay's rifle- men, and Carr's volunteer dragoons, to surprize the British fort at Ogechee ferry. This service was per- formed with great address and secrecy. The attack of the white house, was conducted with the same caution and success a surrender almost immediately followed the appearance of the Ameri- cans : but the glory of this brilliant exploit was soon obscured by the rash and sanguinary act of Captain Carr, who killing one of the British officers after the surrender, the rest resumed their arms, and retiring to a fortified house, compelled the Colonel to relin- guish his prize. The next object which presented itself was the strong post of militia established at Butler's house under the command of a Captain Goldsmith. This post was carried by assault, and the whole of the British party killed or captured. A few hours after the reduction of this post, the battle was renewed with the whole force of Colonel Campbell's cavalry. The situation of Col. Jackson was now critical and alarming. No contest could have been more unequal. M'Kay's riflemen had left him to collect the spoils of their preceding victories ; and the defection of these men had now reduced his force to 49 of Stal- (23) Ms. notes on Ramsay, p. 30. JAMES JACKSON. 37 lings aud Carr's dragoons, and eight dismounted militia under the command of Captain William Greene. With this small force he had to combat with 85 British dragoons well accoutered and equip- ped. (24) Greene's men were ordered to advance in front of a hammoc-thicket, which covered the dragoons. This little baud having received the first shock of the British horse, the dragoons of Jackson im- mediately charged aud broke the centre of their column. The British cavalry fled and were pur- sued .... but being stopped by a fence, they rallied and formed. The American dragoons slowly re- tired. The British did not think it prudent to re- follow them. The enemy lost in killed and wounded 42 officers and privates, within seven of the whole force of the American dragoons ; whose loss amounted to six killed and seven wounded and five taken prisoners, among whom was Captain Bugg of the Legion. This action being represented to Gen. Greene, he wrote a letter to Governor Brownson, in which he applauds in high terms the gallantry of Colonel Jackson, and promised to communicate it to con- gress. (24) For his arms and accoutrements, Colonel Jackson was en- tirely dependant upon the skill and industry of his own men. On the back of a letter addressed to him by Thomas Hamilton one of the officers of his infantrj', he makes this comment, "I made all my own accoutrements, even to swords for my dra- goons, caps, leather jackets, boots and spurs, and in short every article." 38 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL The advantages of this action were experienced after General Wayne came to Georgia, for the Bri- tish cavalry were ever afterwards extremely cautious in their combats with the American dragoons. (25) Until the arrival of Wayne, (2G) whom he was ordered to join at Ebenezer, after the services we have just mentioned, Colonel Jackson was advanced with his corps for the protection of the country low in Burke county. Having effected a junction with General Wayne, that General appointed him to the command of his advance corps. There were older officers who expected this command, it was therefore supposed that the hand of Gen. Greene was seen in this promotion, and that it was given to Col. Jackson in consequence of that General's partic- ular request. In this station he acquitted himself with his ac- customed boldness and euterprize. His party was generally 12 miles in advance of the army, fre- quently skirmishing wath the enemy, and sustain- ing all the hardships of want, nakedness and a de- solated country. Yet these sufferings w^ere borne without a murmur, by this intrepid officer, and his gallant legion. To the most daring attempts on the British parties, a vigilance and caution were united, which always prevented a surprize on any party of the Legion. (25) The slaughter of Campbell's cavalry was effected entirely by the sword. (26) Consult Kamsay's History of the Kevolution in South-. Carolina, p. 305, 2 vol. JAMES JACKSON. 39 Dr. Ramsay informs us, that three attempts were made to surprize an advance party of the Americans commanded by Lieut. Col. Jackson, but none of them succeeded. (27) General Wayne always reposed the utmost confi- dence in his prudence and courage, and in assigning to him enterprizes of danger and of hazard, he gener- ally had the satisfaction of perceiving that no situa- tions could have been more gratifying to the military ardor of Col. Jackson In destroying the British magazines at the farm of Sir James Wright, he not only completely fulfilled the expectations of Gen. Wayne, but evinced a benevolence of character, and magnanimity of sentiment, which greatly enhanced the merit of this hazardous enterprize. It is thus related in my manuscript notes on Dr. Ramsay's history of the revolution in South Caro- lina : "General Wayne had formed the design of de- stroying the enemies magazines of provisions, on Hutchinson's island, and on Sir James Wright's plantation, adjoining the town of Savannah The former was to have been put into execution by Col. Barnwell of South Carolina, the latter by Colonel Jackson. Barnwell was surprised by the British regiments, and most of his men put to the bayonet. Jackson drove in the British pickets, and succeed- ed in performing the duty assigned to him in the face of the whole British army, and in his retreat (27) Kamsay's History of South-Carolina, 2 vol. p. 366. G 40 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL passed through the camp of 200 Tories who were placed entirely at his mercy, but learning that they were labouring under the influence of disease he gave them their lives, and would not suffer them to be molested. These acts of humanity in the midst of sanguinary contests, do great honor to the character of a brave soldier who will always spare, when no temptation is offered to his courage to destroy. It was fortunate for these unhappy men that for- tune had placed them at the mercy of the benevolent Jackson. The character of Georgia Tories, was at this time so despicable .... so infamous .... so strongly associated with the ideas of murder and of rapine, that no situation however forcibly on ordinary oc- casions, it might have been calculated to appeal to the feelings of the compassionate or humane, could have protected them from the implacable vengeance of the great body of the Georgia Patriots. They had basely deserted the interests of liberty and their country. With their eyes open to all the oppressions of the British King, they had aided his myrmidons in ravaging the country, and in des- troying the lives and property of their own breth- ren and fellow citizens, who were gallantly spilling their blood, on the altars of freedom and indepen- dence. Wherever they went murder and pillage marked the footsteps of the Tories. The valor of robbera may occasionally excite our admiration, but no bold exploit no heroic deed no daring enterprise, ever attoned for the political heresy of the Georgia JAMES JACKSON. 41 tories. The mauly fronts of the patriots was always the signal of their dispersion and defeat. That (28) timidity of character which compelled (28) Lord Cornwallis always called the tories his timid friends vid. answer to the narrative of Sir Henrj' Clinton p. 15. I am pourtraying here the general features of the character of the Georgia tories: but with very slight shades of distinction it. will be found applicable to the tories of every state. The following classification of them, in the rebel New-Jersy Journal (as it has been called by the British) of the 6th of April 1783, (with the exception of the second class,) involves in a small cempass, every thing that can do them honor. Mutatis mutandis, these were the tories of Georgia, and of all the other revolted colonies. " AVe have (says the animated address of the rebel New-Jersey Journal'! not only had an open enemy to oppose in this conflict, but we have had numerous intestine enemies, who have been as vipers in our bosoms, and many traitors who have relinquished our cause, relinquished truth, virtue, and the rights of humanity, joined the enemy, and avowedly commenced the most bitter par- ricides of their country. These unprincipled wretches, these dregs and off scourings of human nature, have generally been distin- guished by the appellation of Tories and Refugees. These miscreants may be divided into four classes. 1st. class. Foot timed, unmanly, ^nA. poltroon souls, who fled to the British to avoid militia duty and have done them as little service, as they would have dene us. 2d. class. Those who have taken up arms against us, but who have never robbed, plundered, burnt houses, stole or kidnapped, nor were ever found with any such parties, but fought us in the open field. 3d. class. Felons and robbers, who under the protection and sanctity of a British army, have robbed the country, stole horses, cattle &c. plundered and burnt houses, and carried ofi" to doleful prisons many of our good citizens. 4th class. All those leading important villains, who have ever been giving evil counsel against this country .... advising the British, to lay the country perfectly waste by fire and sword: to spare neither age nor sex, who were called Whigs: who have en- couraged robbers, and raised money to encourage kidnappers : who have insulted our citizens when prisoners in New- York, and contributed their influence to the murdering them in dungeons and the polluted holds of ships. Political Magazijie, May, 1783, p. 330. 42 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL them to seek their safety under the British fegis, was displayed on all occasions which required the <^ourage of men and soldiers. In cutting however the throats of unarmed men .... in riffling women, or in playing off the dexterity of thieves, they en- joyed their full and undisputed share of glory, and renown. When these miscreants were reposing at their ease, nnd revelling in plenty, under the holy protection of his Britannic Majesty .... the hardy republican warriors were fighting the battles of their common country .... were sustaining all the miseries of pov- erty and exile, corroded every moment by the dread- ful reflection, that whatever British magnanimity might be tempted to spare, would not escape the detestable rapacity of the tories. They were there- fore viewed as political pirates against w4iom every sword might be drawn and for whom there were no laws .... no tribunals. Political hatred against these men raged to such a degree, that Georgia pa- role, and a thrust with the bayonet, were terms of equal import. To save .... or rather to spare the lives of two hundred of these men under such strong impres- sions of public hatred and indignation, required the operations of a mind above the ordinary appre- hensions of popular prejudice and fanaticism. On this occasion therefore, we cannot withhold from Col. Jackson, the just tribute of our applause and admiration. The battle of the 21st May, 1782, with Col. Brown JAMES JACKSON. 43 brought to a conclusion the revolutionary services of Col. Jackson. (29) On this day Col. Jackson was ordered to take a position near the plantation of James Haber- sham. (30) Here he was informed, that a troop of British dra- goons were stationed at Ogechee ferry. (31) Having posted the main body of his detachment at Little Ogechee bridge, he moved on with his horse, and a few mounted infantry, and fell in at Fox's with a large body of British militia, and re- gulars. These he charged .... but being repulsed by a superiority of numbers, retreated in good or- der to join the main body at the bridge of Little Ogechee. The British continued the pursuit until the Col. had reached his detachment, with which he made so prompt and judicious a manoeuvre, as nearly to have taken prisoners the whole of the enemy's horse. This skirmish was of great importance to Gen. Wayne, as by diminishing the force of the British cavalry, it tended to facilitate his victory over Col. Brown. On the 12th of July, 1782, the British evacuated Savannah, and in consequence of the military and meritorious services (as it was expressed by Gen- Wayne) Colonel Jackson f was ordered to enter and (29) Earn : Kev : in South-Carolina, 3G6, 367. (30) Eight miles from Savannah, on the Ogechee road. (31) Eleven miles from Savannah, t The following orders "were issued on this occasion by Gen.. Wayne. "Head-Quarters, Camp at Oihhons's, July lOth, 1782. "As the enemy may be expected daily to evacuate the town^. 44 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL take possession of the town. The keys of the gates were delivered hira by a committee of British officers, and he had the pleasure .... the proud satisfaction, of being the first man who entered the town from whence in 1778, he and his brother soldiers and patriots had been driven and exiled. This was a glorious day to the republican Jack- son. Always devoted to the principles of freedom, he- had embarked in the American cause with the ardor of a brave soldier, and the determined zeal of an honest incorruptible patriot. In the rapid survey we have taken of his military services, it cannot be denied but that he was use- ful and undaunted in all the stations he had the ho- nor to occupy : and surely nothing is hazarded in the assertion, that in the subordinate spheres in which he was permitted to move, no patriot of the revolution was more enthusiastically sincere in his attachments to the interests of America, or encoun- tered with more resolution the perils which encom- passed the exertions of our revolutionary heroes. The defeat of Howe, was calculated to fix despair the troops will take care, to be provided with a clean shift of linnen, and to make themselves as respectable as possible for the occasion. The officers are particularly called upon, to attend to this order, and see it executed in their respective corps. No fol- lowers of the army are to be permitted to enter the town, until the main body has marched in. Lieut. Col. Jackson, in consid- eration of his severe and fatiguing service in the advance, is to receive the keys of Savannah, and is allowed to enter at the western gate, keeping a patrcle in town to apprehend stragglers, who may steal in with the hopes of plunder. Marauders may assure themselves, of the most severe, and exemplary punish- ment."' JAMES JACKSON. 45 in the heart of every 'patriotic Georgian .... particu- larly those to whom it offered the dreadful alterna- tive of receiving protection, or joining the British standard. The one or the other branch of this al- ternative was embraced by men of weak nerves, who had not the resolution to wander in exile, or to sacri- fice their property. What had Jackson to expect from a steady course of consistent, and hardy patriotism ? Did pros- pects favorable to the destinies of America then open themselves to the poor, abandoned soldier who had bravely drawn his sword in defence of her liberties ? No ! Men in elevated commands had every reason to suppose, that no great success could attend the operations of their talents .... and every one however affluent he had been, began now to feel the pressure of poverty, or the want of personal influence. If such men had grounds for despondency, how much ought we to admire that firmness of charac- ter, which rose superior to the influence of external circumstances, and in the face of their tyranny, to move on fearless and undaunted in the perilous and thorny paths of patriotism, and virtue. Such was the character of Jackson. With nothing more than a nominal rank, without a shilling in his pocket .... without friends .... and consoled by no prospects of better days, we still find the spirit of this intrepid soldier, rising above the wants of the man, and amidst every discouraging event, adding new fuel to his zeal, and ultimately leading him on to glory and to fame. 46 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL This spirit never would have bowed to British domination ; and the republican Jackson, had de- termined when he first drew his sword, never to sheath it as a subject of the king. If Britain had triumphed, he would have sought an assylum be- yond the mountains, or in some section of the globe, where British tyranny could not have reach- ed him. He now saw every wish of his heart accomplished. He saw this nation free and independent, and as a simple citizen of the American republic, he would not have exchanged situations for all the proud titles, at the disposal of his Britannic majesty. The courage of our people, aided by the smiles and protection of heaven, had crowned with victory the arms of the American heroes. From their blood had sprung up a form of government, surpassing in virtue .... in wisdom and excellence, all the in- stitutions of ancient or modern aera's. The sacred, natural, and imprescriptable rights of man had in all ages, and in all nations been trampled down by the well meant, yet ungovernable fanaticism of pure democracies, or by the execrable usurpations of des- potic monarchies. Even the boasted liberty of Englishmen rested on the principles of an arbitrary legislation, or the vague capricious prerogative of their king. It was reserved for the Americans to subvert all the monstrous doctrines of oppression, and amidst the gloom of their forests, to plan and to carry into op- eration, the system of republican-representative-de- mocracy .... the only system which recognizes and JAMES JACKSON. 47 protects the natural rights ot man .... the only sys- tem which recognizes a political equality .... the only system which places the sovereignty in the people, and which confines the power and authority of their magistrates and legislators within the limits of funda- mental constitutional principles. Such was the system erected by the American peo- ple on the ruins of the mouarchial oppression of the haughty government of Great Britain. Col. Jackson had contributed his mite towards the establishment of this order of things, in the main- tenance of which, and in the various civil appoint- ments conferred on him by the gratitude and confi- dence of his fellow citizens, we will discover in everv step of his political career, the ardent republican, honest man^ and firm, incorruptible patriot. H 48 I-IFE OF MAJOR GENERAL CHAPTER V. Donation of the General Assembly of Georgia for revolutionary services .... Practices law .... Elected a member of the legislature .... Bribe offered by a tory .... Appointed Colonel of militia, and Brigadier General .... Refuses the office of Governor. I PROPOSE now to follow Col. Jackson into the circle of his civil and political pursuits, in which he was engaged after the happy and glorious termina- tion of the American Revolution. In all his public appointments, we would trace a fidelity, activity and zeal, highly honorable to the character of a servant of the people. I shall not, however, swell my narra- tive with facts and incidents which would only in- terest his family or particular friends, and not the public. I shall therefore endeavor, as much as my feelings will permit, to confine these memoirs within the limits of the principal and prominent political transactions in which the conduct and patriotism of General Jackson were most conspicuous. Poor at the commencement of the war, it cannot be supposed that its progress added much to the stock of his slender resources. On the contrary, the conclusion of the war, left him little more than the sword which he had so gallantly wielded in the battles of America. But the gratitude of his fellow citizens, did not suffer him to recommence a course of civil pursuits, entirely destitute. JAMES JACKSON. 49 lu July, 1782, the General Assembly of Georgia presented him with a house and lot in Savaunais, which was conveyed to him in the following compli- mentary and affectionate terms : House of Assembly, July oOfh, 1782. '' Whereas Lieut. Col. Jackson, has rendered many great and useful services to his country, for which he is entitled to the notice of the legislature : Be it therefore Resolved, That the house which here- tofore belonged to Mr. Tatnall, in Savannah, be granted to Col. Jackson, as a mark of the sense enter- tained by the legislature of his merits." Extract from the Minutes. (Signed) JOHN WILKINSON, c. g. a. Col. Jackson had been educated as an attorney, and in that capacity he now soon acquired an exten- sive practice. Indeed, such was his industry and in- defatigable devotion to the duties of his profession, that in a short time he had the satisfaction of finding himself in possession of a competency, which enabled him to turn his attention to pursuits more congenial to his ambition. The turbulent and harassing scenes of the revolu- tion had broken in upon, and frustrated any regular plan of professional education : but aided by the in- structions of Mr. Walton, and endowed with a genius and capacity eminently adapted to the bold and man- ly discussions of the forum, Colonel Jackson soon rose to a respectable rank among his brethren of the bar, and always supported the reputation of an ani- mated and able advocate. 50 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL The jurisprudeuce of Georgia, at that time (and as it ever has beeu) was a system extremely sim- plified unfettered by the phlegmatic forms of Westminster .... but resting on the general princi- ples of the common and statute laws of England, so far as they were applicable to the relations of an in- fant republic, or were compatible with the local laws and customs. Under such a system the talents of the orator were more distinguished, and perhaps they were more useful, than the dry .... the abstract .... the sophisticated reasoning of the scientific lawyer, sink- ing under the weight of British Reporters. Little was referred to the discretion of the court : the ju- ry might decide on the law and the fact, and the happy faculty therefore, of convincing a jury, in the glowing language of eloquence and reason, opened the true highway to professional eminence and professional emolument. Without, then, that knoAvledge, which is acquired by a long, painful and laborious study of the law, (I mean the En- glish law) we ought not to feel surprised, that so much success should have attended Col. Jackson's professional exertions. The bar, however, did not afford a sufficient latitude for the developement and exercise of those ardent propensities which were ever urging him on to mount the steps of the politi- cal ladder. His fellow citizens elected him a member of the legislature, in which station he magnanimously threw aside his revolutionary animosity against some of the tories, who were greatly indebted to him for his aid, JAMES JACKSON. 51 iu releasing them from the penalties of the confis- cation acts. Col. Jackson held these men in detes- tation, but he saw them humbled in the dust, and to trample on them .... to reject their importunate suj^- j)licatious for an admission to the enjoyment of these privileges which their victorious countrymen had purchased with their blood .... to spurn them away under these circumstances, did not, in the opinion of Jackson, comport with the virtuous moderation of a republican, whose principles compel him to shew mercy to the fallen and penitent. The anxiety of some of the tories to throw them- selves once more into the arms of their patriotic countrymen, was perfectly astonishing, when we re- flect on their bitter hostility to the revolution. From one, who had made himself sufficiently con- Sj)icuous to be placed upon one of the confiscation acts, Col. Jackson was honored with the following letter : East Florida, October 6th, 1783. " Honorable Sir, I wrote you a letter last month, humbly re- questing you to draw me a i)etition, and speaking to it, which I still beg you to do. I have been ordered out of the state since : but would wish to return to my allegiance and my children, as I have been ruined by the instigation of the British, and am now sent among them, where I am sorry to be, or go further with them. I mentioned in my last letter I would give you one tract of land, out of two, either on Savannah 52 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL river, or at my mill-seat on Black creek, if you get me off the bill of attainder ; but I since considered, if you will trouble yourself in my behalf to draw me a special petition, and make for me such friends, as will enable me to settle in that county, a citizen, I will give you both these tracts of land, or whatever they fetch me when sold. I also wrote you, I would send you a copy of some certificates I took from my old neighbors, which I omitted. I have now sent them enclosed here, and if the form does not suit, please to draw a form for the former neighbors to subscribe to, and send it to my sou, Philip Dell, jun. at jNIr. W. Col- son's, near the mouth of Briar creek, where it will be signed by some of the most substantial of American citizens. It is well known I never raised arms against the Americans, although I have been often plundered by them, but rested as peaceably as I could. I took the commission of the peace to prevent my bearing arms, and to keep the violent rogues from plundering the Americans who had taken protection of the British. I am not about to settle in Florida, nor do I like to go further with the British, but hope you will enable me to return home. If I should be taken off the bill, pray write me as soon as possible, after be- ing safe to return. I now stop at Cedar Point, in a camp, where you may write me, by any boat going to St. John's, on said water course, seven miles from St. John's bluff. On a strict enquiry you will find me an hon- JAMES JACKSON. 63- est, peaceable man. What my sou has done I am not to answer for. So no more than my compli- ments : And am with due regard, Sir, Your most ob't serv't at command, (Signed) PHILIP DELL. This cunning tory had entirely mistaken his man. His infamous proposition was heard by Col. Jackson with that scorn and indignation which it merited : who would have listened with patience to the poor suppliant, but whose integrity was not to be shaken by the bribe of the rich scoundrel. In 1784, Mr. Jackson was appointed Colonel of the Chatham county, or first regiment of Georgia militia. John Houstoun was then Governor of the state of Georgia. In 1786, under the administration of the patriotic Edward Telfair, he received the commission of Briga- dier General ; and in the course of the same year was admitted an honorary member of the Georgia Cincin- nati Society. (32) In this rapid succession did honors follow the revolutionary merit and patriotism of Col. Jackson. (32) Ctxcinxati Society, Savannah, in Georgia, Oct. l%th, 178G. For the faithful and military services of Brigadier General James Jackson, who distinguished himself during the revolution, the Society are disposed to shew him every mark of their friend- ship and respect: Therefore Reaolved, nem : con : That he be admitted an honor- ary member of this Society. The Society then proceeded to the election, when they unani- mously elected Brigadier General Jackson an honorary member of the Cincinnati Society, in the State of Georgia. A true extract from the Minutes. {Signed) LACHLAN llol^TO^B., President. (Signed) JOHN HABERSHAM, Sec. C. S. of Georgia. 54 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL All classes of men were anxious to evince their attachment to his person, and to confer upon him those rewards which are so peculiarly gratifying to the heart of a soldier and a patriot. Among those marks of respect which were exhib- ited towards him, none can be more distinguished than his unanimous admission into the Georgia Cincinnati Society. The name of the venerable General Lachlan Mcintosh, who was then Presi- dent of that institution, is dear to the recollection of every American patriot, and to be enrolled with his approbation among the heroes of the line, is conclusive evidence of the high estimation in which the revolutionary services of Gen. Jackson were held. In January, 1788, he was elected Governor of the state of Georgia, which appointment was announced to him in "the following official letter from the Speak- er of the House of Assembly. House of Assembly, Augusta, January 1th, 1788. SIR, I have the honor to inform you that you are elected Governor of this state. Your appointment by a large majority of the House evinces the great confidence which the representatives of the people repose in you. The critical posture of our affairs, renders it peculiarly necessary, that the chief magis- tracy of this state should be filled by a person of experience and approved patriotlsm. Your repeated exertions in the service of your country leave me no room to doubt, that you will JAMES JACKSON. 55 accept the office which has been thus honorably con- ferred upon you ; and that you will discharge the duties of this important trust in such manner as will give general satisfaction. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient humble servant, N. BROWNSON, Speaker. His Honor James Jackson, Esq. Governor of the State of Georgia, in Savannah. To the astonishment of his friends, who believ- ed him to be influenced by an ambition not easily satiated with public honors. General Jackson modest- ly refused an office which he did not think his age or experience entitled him to. He confessed with great candor, that such an office was too weighty for his shoulders .... and that no honest patriot would assume the duties of an appointment which he had not the talents to discharge. His object was to be useful to the people, and that therefore, he would avoid the responsibility of any station in which his zeal, and not his knowledge, would be most conspicuous. This was the honest determination of a true repub- lican. He did not solicit the office .... He did not expect it. It was the voluntary tender of a body of men, who respected his virtue, and reposed confi- dence in his patriotism. In the wide range of their observation, Jackson appeared to them as the worthi- est citizen they could select to take charge of the government of the republic. His rejection of an appointment conferred upon him under such circumstances, was the noble effort 56 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL of an honest heart, sacrificing personal aggrandise- ment on the altar of the public good Such will,. or ought ever to be the conduct of an independent and orthodox republican. It is this kind of mag- nanimity and disinterestedness which contradistin- guishes his principles from the tenets of the mon- archist .... which render the one, the subject of his virtues, the other, the vassal of his passions. Ne quicquam popula bibulas donaveris aures Kespue quod non es. Penius, Sat : iv: 50. convey sterling admonitions to the sound patriot. APPENDIX. EULOGIUM. Delivered in Savannah, in February, 1800, by the Author of this tvork. IT is announced to us, that on the 19th day of the last month, departed this life, at the City of Washington, after a long and painful illness. Ma- jor General James Jackson, one of our Senators in the Congress of the United States .... Amidst the respectable testimonies of respect which have been paid to his memory, I have been honored with a re- quest to pronounce the eulogy which the merits .... the services and virtues of the deceased entitle him to have recorded, as a just tribute oifered up to his past fame, and a security for the recollections of his fellow-citizens. I hope I shall be able to deliver his panegyric without any deviations from the plain principles of truth and candor. As the distinguished citizen, whose shade we are now invoking, was incapable of speaking a language which was not founded on the sincerity of convic- tion, or which did not flow in a direct course from the breast ; neither will I, his humble eulogist, tres- pass one moment on your indulgence to descant up- on topics which have no relation to his real virtues ; nor will I attempt to attribute traits of character 58 EULOGIUM. to him which his soul would falsify if it could hover over my head at this moment and assume the attribute of speech. I shall not therefore, swell the panegyric beyond its natural limits, lest in its in- undations I bring confusion on myself .... It is not necessary to deal in fiction on this occasion .... the character of General Jackson stands too high .... it is too well known by the people of the United States to require either the aid of exaggeration, or the pol- ish of a base flattery. He loved truth and fair deal- ing for their own sakes, and intuitively detested their opposites. He was a plain hearted republican, whose tongue knew no guile .... whose heart never palpitated with fear, or planned dishonesty. The most violent personal resentments will al- ways result from the collisions of faction, and men otherwise virtuous, but under the influence of those resentments, will but too often give a currency to political calumnies, and a sanction to measures which ought to be rejected as dishonorable, and condemned as inconsistent with a pure and disin- terested love of country. General Jackson has been engaged in scenes which called forth all the rancor- ous feelings of the heart, and which have given a permanency to feuds which even the grave itself does not cover and annihilate .... feuds M'hich will expire only with the liberties and happiness of this nation. These feuds did not, however, produce all their ordinary effects upon him. Their bitterest spirit has never been able to snatch from the public opinion the impression of his honesty and inflexible EULOGIUM. 59 integrity. He has sustained the character of an honest man amidst the highest effervescences of party feeling even at times when calumny itself usurped the dominion of sacred truth, and sounded her voice in the temples of God. The loss of such a character as this, from the humble walks of a private station, (for an honest man is the noblest work of God) is to be most sin- cerely and deeply regretted by a virtuous and en- lightened community .... how loud then ought the lamentations of a nation to be in being deprived of such a man, who filled the highest political sta- tions .... who carried his personal honesty into the circle of his political engagements .... who discharg- ed his public duties by the scale of his individual rectitude. He despised the machiavelian policy which estab- lishes two kinds of honesty, one for the man, the other for the statesman. His private and political honesty Avere homo ge- nivus, participated in the same principles or nature. He respected the arcana of state .... and the mys- teries of the cabinet, no further than they were com- patible with the public good, or came within the range of his opinions of political morality. He always dared to speak what he thought, and never deviated from a line of conduct once adopt- ed, from any apprehensions for himself. He was steady, persevering and immovable in the prose- cution of his measures .... not to be swerved from them by the virulence of censure, or the danger of 60 EULOGIUM. formidable hatreds. If be believed be was rigbt be would go ou. If General Jackson bad been accessible to corrup- tion tbere was a period wbeu be could bave com- manded an affluence beyond a parallel in tbis na- tion and wbat may appear to many inexplicable, be might bave remained in possession of bis political ascendancy. Such was the peculiar combination of qualities which concentrated themselves in the char- acter of tbis celebrated citizen. But gold could not tempt him from bis duty .... the estates be bad left behind bave been acquired by testamentary generos- ity, or the efforts of industry, not unaccompanied by the prudential cautions of economy. I doubt whether bis devotion to public duties, and the interests of bis fellow-citizens, has superseded the necessity on the part of his sons to toil as he did. If their patrimony is not as great, however, as it could have been, let the integrity and civic virtues of their father consqle them for the disappointment. Let them recollect, that they are not the descendants of an unprincipled Satrap, but the honorable offspring of a patriot cit- izen. Let them recollect, and each of my young countrymen, that be has opened a track for them which if followed with honor and firmness will re- ward them with fame and competency, not with lux- ury and insolence. The character and principles of General Jackson are marked with a firmness and consistency rarely discoverable in the actions of statesmen and seldom compatible with that species of ambition which EULOGIUM. 61 rests for support upon its own nature and energies in opposition to the obstructions which fortune and birth have thrown in the way of its ultimate ob- jects. The political principles of the deceased in no in- stance veered with circumstances .... they were above the control of circumstances : for as they were the result of reason, reflection and comparison, they neither changed with a change of men and measures, or floated with the tides of political relations. At the dawn of 1776, and for the whole period of the revolutionary struggles with Great-Britain, he brave- ly, and to the utmost of his abilities contended for the rights of liberty and independence of this country, and the distance of nearly thirty years did not cool the ardor of his '76 principles. He died in 1806, the unalterable, the fervid patriot of 1776 .... He drew his last breath at a moment when the situation of this country demanded all his zeal. If he had lived he would have stood in the lists of those patriots who will never sacrifice the legal rights of their country at the shrine of ignoble peace. If I mistake not, no temporary inconven- iences to commercial profit, no temporary diminution of the revenue of the United States, would have ob- tained his assent to any measures which indirectly acknowledged the imbecility of their goverment, or the pusilanimity of their people. The United States of America can support their rights, and at this crisis he would have said so. General Jackson believed that the constitution of 62 EULOGIUM. the United States was the standard, under which our people ought to rally in the hour of danger and alarm : he believed that its principles combined all the energies necessary for defensive or offensive op- erations. He considered the federal compact as the palladium of If American liberty, and venerated it for the lirrefragible refutations it had given to the opinions of foreign politicians, that the republican form of government was not suited to a wide extent of country, and that it could not protect itself from external aggressions. He venerated the constitu- tion of the United States, because it consecrated the only form of government, which his reason could assent to. General Jackson was born an Englishman, but his heart was American. If every native feels the same affection for this country that he did, it is able to protect itself against all attempts on its liberties. The amor vincit patriae, of theorists would then be confirmed, by the operation of practical virtues. He offers a noble example to naturalized citizens, who have solemnly pledged themselves to support the principles of this government. The love of native soil is natural, and it is amiable ; but I hope that local attachment will not prevent an honorable dis- charge of duty, when the dangers and interests of this country demand the services and zeal of my adopted countrymen. They will no doubt do their duty. Having discharged it they will meet the reward which it is in the power of a free people to bestow : and like General Jackson, they will afford this useful lesson to the world, that men can be found in the EULOGIUM. 63- bosom of this rising republic who know and feel no other obligations than those which result from honor and abstract patriotism .... I mean the patriotism of principle, not of soil. General Jackson was not di- vested of ambition ; but his ambition carried with it no treachery. It was not an ambition which could be soothed by gew-gaws and ribbands. The distinctions of aristocracy could never have- gratified it. It was an ambition, which concentrated itself in a love of the people, and which was unwill- ing to relinquish any favors within their gift. It was an ambition which eagerly collected all those honors which form the wreath of civic virtue. Is ambition of this kind reprehensible ? Is it danger- ous to American liberty ? I hope not. I believe that it is not. I hope the same ambition will ele- vate to a proud rank, every citizen of this nation who is influenced by it, and can dignify it with virtue and talents. " Though the pure consciousness of worthy actions, abstracted from the views of popular applause, be to a generous mind an ample reward, yet the desire of distinction was doubtless implanted in our natures as an additional incentive to exert our- selves in virtuous excellence." General Jackson had his frailties and imperfec- tions in common with other men. He suffered per- haps the impetuosity of his temper to hurry him into extremes, too often and unnecesssarily. Believ- ing that his political tenets were such which every citizen ought to feel, he was impatient under con- K ■64 EULOGIUM. tradlctions, and apparently intollerant to his oppo- nents. He did not perhaps take sufficient pains to convince an adversary, or to conciliate his good opin- ion. His private intercourse was in a great measure regulated by a sympathy of political feeling. But tho' he permitted occasional triumphs of warmth over his real and natural benevolence of character, and though unbending and impetuous, yet no man possessed a stronger sensibility ; it was a chord which vibrated on the slightest touch. When made sensi- ble of an error, no man could evince a more live- ly sense of regret, or a more ready disposition to expiate it. The smallest advances to reconcilia- tion, buried his resentments. His enmities were open and conducted with candor ; his enemies were always apprized of his points of attack. But if he was warm in his resentments, he was no less sincere, fervid and disinterested in his friendships. He possessed the social virtues in an eminent degree ; he w-as the most agreeable of companions, when all other feelings were insulated, save those which sprung out of his natural good humor and great flow of spirits. In private life, the manners and virtues of the general were of an amiable complexion. He was indeed an affectionate father and husband; and a humane master. In all these relations, and in the discharge of the duties incidental to them, he is wor- thy of the strictest imitation. I hope I am not trespassing upon your patience. I feel that my arrangement is desultory and prolix. I might have said much less, and with more method. EULOGIUM. 65 A subject however has been assigned me, in which it is difficult to connect the coolness of method with those generous emotions which must animate every heart in reciting the virtues of the dead. I hope I have given no false colorings to, or exaggerated the merits of my departed friend. I have said of my friend : but he was the friend of the American Peo- ple ; he was the sincere friend of the people of Geor- gia. I have it from himself to say .... it is written with his own hand, that he particularly loved the people of Georgia ; that it was his favorite wish to be thought their father ; that he had given np for- tune family, and the most lucrative pursuits had made all the sacrifices, to perform only what he conceived to be his duty to the people of Georgia : and that if after death his heart could be opened, Georgia would be legibly read there. This he said and wrote two years ago, when he thought himself on the margin of the grave. But who will doubt his attachment for the people of Georgia upon a princi- ple of personal affection ? Are evidences required of this attachment ? They are discoverable in every action of his public conduct. Look into the re- cords of the state : he will be there found the ene- my .... the immoveable, unconquerable enemy of every species of fraud, monopoly and speculation, which levelled their baneful influence at the best interests and happiness of her citizens and their posterity. I will not dwell with emphasis on this subject. I am apprehensive of awakening feelings, which ought to slumber on this occasion, and which 66 EULOGIUM. I hope have been buried in the same grave with his body. I am more solicitous to impress upon the minds of all men ; of all parties, that we have lost a citi- zen who was a patriot from principle ; and whose particular affections were fixed on the people of Georgia. Georgians you have lost one of your best friends ; a friend who never hesitated to jeopardize his life ; or sacrifice his fortune in your service. He walked with you through the fire of an arduous rev- olution, and if God had spared him, was still ready to assert the rights of yourselves and your children against any succeeding tyranny. I see many of his friends here who have grown grey with him in the practice of an uniform patriotism. The respectable and venerable General Mcintosh, went to the bosom of Washington a short time before him ; and the course of nature is bringing rapidly on, that awful period, which will number with the dead the remain- ing phalanx of the '7(5 heroes. I see some in this assembly; soldiers of that memorable time, whose span cannot be protracted many years : but they will die with the pleasing consolation of leaving their memory and their honor in the possession of a grate- ful people, who will ever respect and venerate the one, and endeavor to imitate the other. The grave of the Patriot of 1776, inculcates terrible lessons to the enemies of freedom : it teaches that bravery, sup- ported by justice and animated by the hopes of li- berty and independence, will ultimately meet the fostering protection of a beneficent providence ; and EFLOGIUM. 67 that it cannot be baffled by the strength of tyrants. The grave of the patriot of 1776, inculcates further lessons .... it teaches the necessity of unanimity ; it teaches us to make all those sacrifices which ordi- narily attach us to life ; to bear with firmness every privation, in support of our natural rights as men, or the principles of a free government. Thus death itself does not deprive us of our revolutionary heroe ; we listen to and hear his voice through the cold mar- ble of the tomb. Washington is physically no more, but his shade is ever present among us ; it is ever speaking an audible language ; it encompasses the hearts of his countrymen, and as long as honesty is respected, it will continue to controul them by the rules of public virtue and moral rectitude. Let the foreign or domestic Csesar, menace an attack on the constitution and liberties of this nation; the shade of Washington will present itself, and hurl ruin and confusion on the usurper. It is that great moral cause, which of itself on such an event, would carry with it all the energies of a physical host ; and communicate the pangs of a whip of scorpions. Learn from this example my fellow-citizens, the -effects of great and benevolent actions, and endeavor to do your duty to yourselves and posterity. I have some memoirs before me which go into a •detail of the revolutionary exploits of General Jack- son. I cannot detain you longer on this occasion by an enumeration of them. They shall speedily be submitted to the public, as well as accounts of his public conduct in the various civil stations filled by 68 EULOGIUM. him since the organizatioa of the federal govern- ment. There will be necessarily connected in a pro- duction of this kind, a history of the revolution as it was confined to this state, and a general view of the administration of the general government. This I will undertake to perform. I shall for the present barely mention, that no officer moving in the limited spheres of command which was given him at different periods of the war, could have performed his duty better .... with more zeal, fidelity and firmness. In the celebrated action of the Cowpens, he act- ed as aid to General Pickens, and brigade-major to the Carolina and Georgia militia. In that action be took the swords of several officers, and among them the sword of Major McArthur, the commander of the British infantry, and delivered that officer to General Morgan ; and received the thanks of the General for his conduct on the field of battle. This is one ; but not the most important, among those atchievements, which distinguished the military life of the deceased. It is only mentioned as a general illustration of his ardor, during the revolutionary contest. General Jackson in his life time, had to stem the torrent of much personal animosity. I hope that his memory has now no resentments to contend with. I hope they will be permitted to moulder with his body there in the dust. The despotism of France, and the recent encroachments of Britain on our independency and legal rights, have annihilated the prejudices that once divided our citizens between those rival powers. EULOGIUM. 69- The true American, has now no particular predilec- tions for either of those nations; and with the fall of those predilections, have also expired many of those diversities which characterised the sects of democratic and federal republicans. In a common cause the ebullitions of party spirit have subsided. I hope then that this spirit will not be revived to disturb the ashes of ray friend. The attendance of many in this assembly does honor to their magnanimity, and con- vince me, that, that spirit will not be revived. The respectability of this assembly and the dignity of the pageant, offer up nothing more than a just tribute to the memory of the deceased. This country has lost one of its sincerest and best patriots, and therefore every ceremony evincive of regret for such an event, is but the performance of a duty which a generous people are ever willing to impose upon themselves. I give you my thanks my fellow-citizens for your patience and respectful attention ; and solicit your pardon, for the time I have trespassed upon. THH LIFE OF GOV. JAMES JACKSON, OK OEOROIA, As Portrayed in the National Portrait Gallery, Absalom H. Chappell's Miscellanies of Georgia, Gov. Gilmer's Georgians, and Others. NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY OF 1836, VOLUME III. General James Jackson was born in the county of Devon, in England, on the 21st of September, in the year 1757. From his iather of the same name, a man of respectable connections, honest character, and stern republican principles, he inherited an ardent de- votion to liberty, which strongly manifested |itself at a very early age. King, Lords, and Commons, with all the boasted glory and grandeur of Britain, had no charms for his unyielding and buoyant spirit, which already aspired at equality, and saw the prospect of gratification in the far distant regions of America. In 1772, at the instance of John Wereat, a leading Whig in Georgia, the parental sanction was given to his abandonment of the home of his ancestors. "With that gentleman he repaired to Savannah, and began to read law in the office of Samuel Farley, an eminent 72 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL attorney, carrying on at the same time, with very limited advantages, the course of education com- menced in England. His forensic and common studies were soon interrupted. In 1775, he warmly espoused the cause of freedom; and is believed to have been among the first lads of his age who shouldered a musket in hostility to the the tyranny of Britain. He first distinguished him- self when Commodore Barclay, and Majors Maitland and Grant came in force, in 1776, against Savannah, being one of a party of nine, who, under command of Captain Bowen, after the detention of a flag sent by the patriots, and the discharge of a volley by the enemy, boarded and set fire to a merchant vessel, and drifted against and caused the precipitate abandon- ment of others held by British troops, in the river immediately opposite the town. In the same year, he was a volunteer in an attack, conducted by Colonel Baker, upon Tybee Island, where some houses were occupied by armed men from hostile vessels of war that lay in the river, and drew fresh supplies from herds of cattle upon it. The buildings were destroyed, and the enemy driven to their ship. For gallant conduct ou this occasion, he was honored with the thanks of Governor Bulloch. Public regard was now so strongly attracted to the youthful soldier, that a company of light infantry was organized and placed under his orders. He continued to direct it until the fiital Florida expedition under General Howe, when he resigned, and had conferred upon him the appoint- ment of brigade-major of the Georgia militia. In this capacity, he was in many ekinnishes with the JAMES JACKSON. 73 enemy, and then advancing towards Savannah from the south; particularly in one in which the brave General Scriven was killed, and in which he received a wouud in the ankle. After the fall of Savannah, on the 29th of December, 1778, in the defense of which he had participated against the superior forces of Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, the Georgians were reduced to the utmost misery. Their property was con- fiscated, their families were brought to poverty, their most venerable citizens were crowded on board of prison ships, and cruelties were inflicted unbecoming the most barbarous foe. The greater number of the State troops and organized militia having been, in the assault, killed or taken prisoners, and there being no longer a field in Georgia for his exertions. Major Jackson crossed the Savannah river, to aid the Whigs of Carolina. Barefoot and penniless, friendless and unknown, but resolute and sanguine, he joined Gen- eral Moultrie's command, marching as a common sol- dier, and active in the engagements that ensued. It was his singular misfortune before he had reached the army, so wretched was his appearance, to have his character as an American officer denied, to be appre- hended as a spy by a party of Whigs whom he went to succor, condemned to execution, and saved from the gibbet only by the timely arrival of Peter De- veaux, a gentleman of reputation, afterwards a mem- ber of the executive council of Georgia. In October, 1779, Major Jackson served again in Georgia, in the unsuccessful assault upon Savannah by General Lincoln and Count d'Estaing. In March, 1780, he, unhappily, was the antagonist of Lieuten- 74 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL ant-Governor Wells in a duel, which terminated fa- tally to the latter gentleman. The Major was shot through both knees; and con- fined by his wounds for mouths, refusing amputation, and abandoned by his surgeons, was prevented from taking part in the military operations of the spring of 1780. Here, justice to the Major requires the dec- laration that although he was forced into this difficulty by a gross personal indignity, which his honor as an officer, and the spirit of the period, compelled him to resent, and although he had done nothing wherewith to reproach himself, yet he ever afterwards deeply la- mented the dreadful catastrophe. He was no duellist from principle: he abhorred the practice. It was his lot on several other occasions in subsequent life to be similarly involved; but he went always to the place of contest without preparation, with no vindictive passion, confiding in the rectitude of his cause, and convinced that duty to his country demanded the ex- posure of his person. In August, 1780, Major Jackson repaired to Colonel Elijah Clarke's camp of Georgians. He was in the celebrated battle of Blackstocks, under General Sum- ter, in South Carolina. When the gallant Sumter was wounded, the command devolved upon Colonel Twiggs, of Georgia, the senior officer present. At the close of the encounter, the Major was despatched with a body of cavalry in persuit of Colonel Tarle- ton, whom he vigorously pressed, and from whom he captured and brought off thirty horses. No dispar- agement of the veteran Sumter, nor of the patriotic sous of Carolina, is intended: true valor is never en- JAMES JACKSON. 75 vioiis of the military laurels of others : let it there- fore be as readily conceded, as it is firmly insisted that the conduct of the Georgians in that memorable engagement contributed greatly to the success of the day. History has given them but little credit here ; and history has been equally unjust to them, when treating of many other events in which their valor was signalized. Indeed, throughout the war, in the three most southern States they were always found in scenes of the greatest peril, ever prompt to hazard their lives for the general good. Georgia rightfully boasts of many brilliant and valiant names — they should be rescued from oblivion : especially should the memories of Twiggs and of Clarke be respected by one who would faithfully recount the story of the revolution. They were among the bravest of the brave — officers of skill and unceasing enterprise, to whom American liberty is indebted for a thousand noble deeds. Such was the confidence reposed in Major Jackson at this time, that after the battle of Long-cane, in which Colonel Clarke was disabled, the major more than once, saved his command from total dispersion. Of impas- sioned eloquence and the highest powers of declama- tion, he frequently addressed the troops, setting before them in glowing terms the wrongs of their country, and arousing them to acts of patriotic effort. The affection of the Georgians for his person was, we are assured, also felt by the Carolinians, who were well pleased when he was in charge of parties, or acted as he often did, as Major of the brigade to the united combatants of the two States. Early in 1781, General Pickens, who properly con- 76 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL ceived himself justified by Lord Coriiwallis's procla- mation, and by British outrage in breaking his parole, was intrusted with the command of the Carolina and Georgia militia attached to General Morgan's army. Major Jackson was his brigade-major. Is it too late for a magnanimous and grateful people to acknowl- edge meritorious service, although that service may not heretofore have been fully recorded by the annal- ist? May not the author of this memoir, acutely feeling for the honor of his native state, and justly alive to the reputation of Major Jackson, confidently hope, that even now, an achievement of high chivalry may be admitted, if satisfactory evidence be adduced? It is asserted, then, upon the authority of General Pickens, whose certificate, dated 6th February, 1787, is in the writer's possession, which was published in the gazettes of the South at a period when Major, then General Jackson's enemies were striving to over- throw him ; which was given voluntarily, and never contradicted; published, too, during the lives of Gen- eral Pickens, and of the principal continental and mi- litia officers who fought at the Cowpens : that Major Jackson, "by his example, and firm, active conduct" did much " to animate the troops, and insure the suc- cess" of the Americans; that '' it was owing to acci- dent or mistake that his name was not returned to Congress, as one of the officers who particularly sig- nalized themselves at the Cowpens " ; and that " the major, in the face of the whole army, ran the utmost risk of his life in seizing the colors of the 71st British regiment, and afterwards introducing Major M'Arthur, commanding officer of the British infantry, as a pris- JAMES JACKSON. 77 oner of war to General Morgan." After this the major was at the crossing of the Catawba by Lord Cornwallis. He narrowly escaped the sabres ofTarl- ton, while endeavoring to rally and form the discom- fited militia surprised by that officer at Tennant's tavern. He Avas with General Pickens and Colonel Lee, when Pyle's corps was destroyed on Haw river. It was his fortune to be engaged frequently and con- spiciously, and to gain the approbation of General Greene, to whom he was introduced at Salisbury by General Morgan; and who then determined to take place under bis direction a legionary corps, as soon as one could be raised for the service of Georgia. Colonel Baker having undertaken an expedition against Augusta, Major Jackson considered it his duty to abandon the main southern army, and return to the State whose commission he bore. The intervening country was almost wholly hostile: but he surmounted every difficulty, joined Baker, and was immediately ordered to recross the Savannah, and imbody a force in Carolina. Having succeeded in collecting 250 men, who were committed to the charge of Colonel Hammond, he returned to the camp from which Col- onel Baker in disgust had retired. Colonel William- son who succeeded Baker, had also withdrawn. Gen- eral Pickens and Colonel Lee were yet with General Greene. This was the hour on which depended the future capture of Augusta. Had the Georgians then abandoned the field. Colonel Brown, the British com- mander, might have been secured against all future enterprise. The major assumed the command. His talent for extemporaneous elocution was again called 78 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL into exercise. He, on horse-back, depicted to the- dispirited patriots "the miseries they had eudured, aud the cruelties that had been perpetrated by Browu aud Griersou; cruelties which their dispersiou would only tend to renew. That vengeance was within their reach, that to give up the opportunity of obtaining it, was giving up their pretensions to the character of good soldiers ; was sacrificing their feelings and duties as- citizens, sons, fathers, and husbands." A resolution to conquer, or die, was proclaimed by the brave men whom he addressed. Operations were forthwith commenced anew, against the garrison. The major had prepared fascines, mounted a nine-pounder, aud was ready to break ground against Grierson's fort, when Colonel Clarke arriving superseded him. General Pickens and Colonel Lee appeared afterwards, and Augusta fell. The certificate by General Pickens, to which reference has already been made, also makes known that at Au- gusta "Major Jackson's exertions in the early period of the siege, laid the groundwork for the reduction of that place. He led one of the advanced parties, as Captain Rudolph did another, at the storming of Grierson's Fort; and had the command of a moving battery at the time of the surrender of Fort George, in which he conducted with honor to himself and his country." In conformity with his resolution, taken during the campaign in North Carolina, General Greene now gave to Major Jackson a commission for a partisan legion, confirmed by Congress in 1781. This he en- listed in a few days. Appointed commandant at Augusta, he maintained his post, notwithstanding JAMES JACKSON. 79" Lord Rawdon's march, General Greene's retreat from Ninety-six, his being entirely separated from the American forces, and encompassed by hostile troops. A more dangerous enemy than the British bayonet, arose in the heart of his camp. Treason presented its front, excited by emissaries from Savannah. His in- fantry became disaffected, and his own quarter-guard, with others, were engaged to murder the Colonel in his bed, bayonet the principal officers, and, seizing the Governor of Georgia, conduct him a prisoner to the enemy. Information of this plot was given to Colonel Jack- son by an honest dragoon. His cavalry was forth- with drawn out, the infantry paraded without arms, a charge upon them made by the dragoons, and the ring-leaders arrested, tried, condemned, and executed. This rigid discipline produced the happiest eifect ; his- infantry, in which alone disaffection had existed, behav- ing afterwards, in many engagements, with fidelity and consummate bravery. Savannah remaining in pos- session of the British, the legion was detailed by Gen- eral Twiggs, to operate in its vicinity. A statement of the various skirmishes in which it acted, would be prolix and unprofitable. With it, the Colonel at- tacked a post on the Ogeechee, which surrendered ; but one of the officers being slain by an American, its garrison resumed their arms, and the enterprise was defeated. On the same day he assaulted another^ held by royal militia, and killed or captured them almost to a man; and was himself, in the afternoon,^ charged by the entire force of British cavalry from Savannah, led by Colonel Campbell in person ; 80 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL whom, with inferior numbers, he fought with despera- tion, destroying or disabling as many of the foes as he had himself men engaged in action. AVhen General Anthony A\^ayue assumed the direction of affairs in Georgia, Colonel Jackson joined him at Ebenezer. The legion was, in general orders, designated as the advanced corps of the army. In this hazardous ser- vice, the Colonel was employed until the reduction of Savannah ; experiencing for six months every embar- rassment which such a situation could produce in a destroyed, swampy, and pestilential country, fifteen miles in advance of the main body, exposed to con- tinual incursions from the enemy, with not a hovel to cover a corps, already in rags, from the vicissitudes of the weather. He very often pur- sued parties of hostile cavalry to the fortifications of Savannah, and picked off men and horses from the own commons ; destroyed a magazine of rice, stored for the British garrison, within reach of their cannon ; })assing through an encampment of diseased tories, who had exhibited no mercy for the patriots, but whom he humanely spared : drew the enemy into am- buscades, from which they greatly suffered; and was prominent in the battle of May, 1782, between Gen- eral Wayne and Colonel Brown. His last engage- ment, and the last in Georgia between the troops of the two countries was fought on Skidaway Island on the 25th of July. On the 11th of the same month, "in consideration of his severe and fatiguing service in the advance," as General Wayne was pleased to say, the keys of Savannah had been, by the general's order, delivered by a committee of British officers to JAMES JACKSON. 81 the Colonel, who was the first American soldier to tread the soil of a town, from which the arms of a tyrant had too long kept its lawful possessors. Closing here our recital of Colonel Jackson's revo- lutionary acts, it may be admissible to express our ad- miration of that zealous patriotism and gallant bear- ing, which, in seven years, elevated a boy without a sliiliing, an emigrant without connections, and with little patronage, to the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the service of his adopted country; honored with the friendship of Sumter, Pickens, Morgan, AVayne, and Greene, and possessed of the affection and confidence of that people, whose destinies he had crossed the Atlantic to share — the people of the sovereign State of Geoegia. Her legislature, on the 30th July, 1782, unanimously voted that he had " rendered many great and useful services" to America; and presented to him a house and lot in Savannah, "as a mark of the sense entertained of his merits." The profession to which Colonel Jackson's early studies had been directed, demanded his unremitting attention. Assisted by the advice of George Walton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, he was soon admitted to its honors and emoluments. In 1785, the claims of a family were added to his other motives for exertion. In that year he was married to Mary Charlotte Young, daughter of Wil- liam Young, a deceased patriot, who had been among the foremost to raise the standard of freedom. But the bar presented a field too limited for his active mind. He sought political advancement. By the people of Chatham county, he was sent several years, 82 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL successively, to the State legislature. Early after his entering upon political life, the benignity of his heart impelled him to support enactments, by which certain obnoxious individuals were relieved from the acts of confiscation and banishment. But for his influence they might never have returned to America, nor re- covered a dollar of their estate. The ingratitude of our nature was glaringly exhibited in the subsequent conduct of many of these pardoned men, who were, throughout the life of Colonel Jackson, his most bitter and uncompromising foes. And the grovelling, cal- culating baseness of that nature, was manifested in an offer made for his support by one, who tendered a di- rect bribe, which was indignantly rejected. In 1786, he was made a brigadier-general, and an honorary member of the Cincinnati society. On the 7th of January, 1788, at the age of thirty years, he was elected Governor of Georgia, which office he modestly declined, declaring that neither his age nor experience would justify acceptance. As brigadier- general, however, he proved his readiness to serve his country by actively directing, in person, military operations for the defence of the counties on the sea- board, harassed by predatory and murderous bands of Creek Indians. After ratification by Georgia of the Federal Constitution, he was, in 1789 chosen to rep- resent her Eastern district in the first congress held under that sacred instrument. In many of the most important debates, now referred to as exhibiting an authoritative exposition by that body of the principles of the Constitution, General Jackson engaged. In 1791, his great and sincerely respected friend, Gen- JAMES JACKSON. 83 eral Wayne, who had become a citizen of Georgia, and possessed, very justly, the veneration of her peo- ple, was induced, doubtless with honest purposes in himself, yet certainly, perhaps unconsciously, by the instigations of General Jackson's adversaries, to be- come, in opposition, a candidate for the same district. An animated contest was waged before the people. General Wayne was returned. General Jackson pre- sented himself before the House of Representatives in February, 1792, contested the return, personally con- ducted his claim to the seat and obtained a decision, awarded without a dissenting voice that General Wayne was not entitled to retain it. The House refused by the casting vote of the Speaker, to declare General Jackson elected. The concluding speech of General Jackson is represented, in a pub- lished statement of that contested election, one of the first under the present Constitution, to have been a dis- play of brilliant oratory, followed by long continued applause. "With these sentiments, Mr. Speaker," said he, in closing, <* I submit the facts that I have brought forward to the house ; and with them I com- mit the rights of myself, the rights of the State of Georgia, and I had almost said the rights of the United States, to their decision ; and I beg leave to repeat, that A FREE REPRESENTATION is what we fought for, A FREE REPRESENTATION is what we obtained, A FREE REPRESENTATION is what our children should be taught to lisp, and our youths to relinquish only with their lives!" Charging against General Wayne, for whose charac- ter aud service he had profound respect, no improper 84 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL conduct ; he did uot hesitate to drive home against his own enemies accusations of the blackest corruii- tion at the polls. His charge was sustained by the legislature of Georgia, who in December, 1791, in- vestigated the conduct of a judge of her superior courts in connection with that election ; General Jack- son then a member of the house and of the impeach- ing committee. The house unanimously impeached, the senate unanimously convicted, and the judge was sentenced to loss of office and disqualification for thirty years. In December, 1792, when again a member of the legislature, general Jackson, jealous, like other states- men of the jurisdiction assumed by the Supi'eme Court in the case of Chisholm against the State of Georgia, and believing that, were such jurisdiction permitted, the retained sovereignty of the States would be lost, introduced resolutions which, sustained by the legis- lature, called for, and, in part, produced the eleventh amendment of the federal constitution. In this year, he was elected a major-general; and was again, in the next, employed on the frontiers in repressing the vio- lence of our savage foes. lu 1793, 1794, and 1795, he was a senator in congress. Recalled by his fellow citizens, who (inflamed almost to madness, and dis- cerning around them, in every quarter, their rights trampled upon by men of highest character) passed resolutions in their primary county meetings demand- ing his aid at home, he resigned his honorable station, and immediately embarked all the faculties of his mind, all the firmness of his nature, and all the repu- tation he had acquired, in indefatigable exertions to JAMES JACKSON. 85 effect a repeal of the act by which Georgia had sold to compauies of speculators millions of acres of her western territory. To recall the memory of her deg- radation, to assist in extending remembrance of her shame, can give no satisfaction to her sons. The biographer approaches the subject with loathing, im- pelled to it by the obligations he has assumed. His painful duty will be comparatively light, if he can convince himself that his succinct presentation of the speculation shall have the least effect in fastening upon the minds of the American people the belief, that "the price of liberty is eternal vigilance"; and in con- vincing them that, whilst a just confidence is given to their public servants, they should be watched with eyes that never sleep. A majority of the Georgia legislature had been bribed by promises of shares — some by certificates of shares, for which they were never to pay — others by expectations of slave prop- erty. The Ibulest treason had been perpetrated, under the guise of legislation. Citizens of the most exalted standing from several States, some of them high pub- lic functionaries : one a senator from Georgia, whose duty required him to have been at his post in Con- gress ; others judges, generals, revolutionary charac- ters, whose popularity and past services made them more dangerous, and served ultimately to heap degra- dation upon their heads, had attended at Augusta, in January, 1795, and executed their unhallowed pur- pose. Georgia had been robbed of her domain — her own law givers corrupted and consenting and an in- delible stigma fixed upon her fame, her own children blackening her escutcheon. The full iniquity of this ^6 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL nefarious legislation — if usurjjation can be denomi- nated legislation — was exposed by General Jackson in a series of letters addressed to the people under the signature of "Sicilius." At the following session he was a member. The all-absorbing subject, with the petitions, remonstrances, memorials, and other pro- ceedings of the people, was referred to a committee of which he was chairman. Testimony was taken upon •oath, which established deep and incontrovertible guilt. The rescinding law was passed. It was drawn and reported by General Jackson, and adopted as it -came from his pen. The merits of this latter act — its constitutionality — its consistency with republican principles — its necessity — its justice — have all been freely and ably discussed in our country, in private circles, in pamphlets, in the public gazettes, in the Congress of the Union, in the Supreiue Court. The decision of the country, perhaps, has been against the power of the rescinding legislature, so far as innocent purchasers under the fraudulent grants were inter- ested ; but, whether constitutional or not, nothing is more certain than that the honest of every section of the United States ; all who detest corruption, admire virtue, and regard an honest representation as the bulwark of the public liberties, have considered its action upon the Yazoo speculation as pure, and its motives patriotic. The citizens of Georgia, especially, have held in horror and detestation the authors and abettors of her humiliation ; and have consecrated with their best affections the memories of those who were faithful to the State. The Yazoo act repealed, every vestige and memorial of its passage expunged from the JAMES JACKSON. 87 public records, aud burut with all the ceremony and circumstance which popular indignation demanded, the popularity of General Jackson became unrivalled. But his happiness and that of his family were de- stroyed. By resistance to the speculation, the number of his adversaries was vastly augmented. Aristocratic pride had been humbled, venality had been exposed, visionary fortunes had been prostrated, principalities had been lost. His person was repeatedly attacked ; his life was often in imminent danger ; and his repu- tation was assailed with unrelenting calumnies, from one end of the United States to another, wherever pur- chasers and sub-purchasers resided, which pursued him to the grave. General Jackson was, in 1798, a member of the convention that formed the present Constitution of Georgia. Much, if not the greater part, of this in- strument was prepared by him. He was governor from January, 1798, to March, 1801. His administration was remarkable for efforts to effect a cession of the territory now embraced within the States of Alabama and Mississippi; for exertions in behalf of the univer- sity of Georgia, which commenced operations under the venerable Josiah Meigs in 1801; and for the cor- dial support he gave to the republican party, in oppo- sition to the policy of President John Adams. In December, 1801, he resumed his station in the senate of the United States. In 1802, he signed, as a com- missioner of Georgia, jointly with Abraham Baldwin and John Milledge, articles of cession, by which Georgia yielded her territory west of the Chattahoo- chee. In 1803, certain charges of corruption in office 88 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL when governor, relating to the Yazoo deposit, were preferred against him by one Zachariah Cox. These, together with documents in support, were referred by the General Assembly of Georgia to a select commit- tee ; and the spectacle was presented of a grave in- quiry instituted into the official conduct of a citizen, charged with accepting a douceur, when at the head of the State, who, within a short period previous, had stemmed, with indomitable courage and unshaken virtue, a torrent of the vilest iniquity ; and had con- temptuously rejected overtures, the acceptance of which might have imparted princely wealth to himself and his posterity. A resolution was reported, and adopted by both branches, no one dissenting, that General Jackson " had been vilified by the said Zach- ariah Cox ; that his conduct was, during his adminis- tration, characterized with honesty and disinterested- ness ;" and that '' his reputation stands too high in the opinion of this legislature, and his fellow-citizens at large, to be effected by any malicious insinuations or assertions whatsoever." General Jackson was a member of the senate until March, 1806. In his career in that exalted body, he was perfectly independent. He supported the admin- istration of Mr. Jefferson only so far as he deemed it correct, opposing its measures when his judgment so directed, and declaring, in the judiciary debate in 1802, that "as a political man, he was no more for Thomas Jefferson than he was for John Adams. When he acts according to my opinion right, I will support him ; when wrong, oppose him — and I trust that a majority on this floor will always act in the JAMES JAOKSOX. 89 same way." The station of president, j^^'o tempore was tendered to him; but he declined it, preferring to be on the floor, always ready to resist the claims of the grantees and purchasers under the rescinded Geor- gia grants, to a large portion of which claims he made opposition ending only with his last gasp. He died on the 19th March, 1806. Interred four miles from Washington, his remains have lately been removed to the congressional burial yard. John Randolph of Roanoke, his personal friend and political admirer, wrote the inscription on the tablet which covers them. Mr. Randolph had in youth been inflamed with a high respect for his lofty public integrity ; was five years in Congress with him, where a personal attachment was contracted; and is understood to have said that his own life had, in some degree, its model in his. Hence, perhaps, connected with his own abhorrence of every- thing vile, proceeded Mr. Randolph's invincible hos- tility to the Yazoo claims. Georgia has sought to perpetuate General Jackson's name and services, by giving the first to a county, and by expressions of her sense of the last in her legislative resolutions. Her gratitude was merited. If there was a passion stronger than all others in the heart of General Jackson, that was devotion to her service. She was the earthly object of his adoration. For her, and in her service, he surren- dered all hope of federal distinction and federal ad- vantages, which his revolutionary deeds, his civil life, his early congressional displays, his acknowledged talents, his admitted abilities for public usefulness, might have led him to expect. Whilst, with enlarged patriotism, he frequently affirmed that the proudest 90 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL title known to man was that of " An American Citi- zen," and warmly cherished the union of the States,. and the constitution adopted by the sages and fathers of the revolution; he yet regarded Georgia, emphati- cally as his country, and as such, congratulated her in debate in the senate in 1803. Time has passed away, and with it the bitterness of hostility. Prejudice and passion have passed, and truth and justice have swayed. Whatever may be the violence and conflicts of con- tending parties; however, occasionally, authority may be claimed for opposing doctrines : in General Jack- son's acts and principles it is conceded by all in Geor- gia, that never had the union a more patriotic citizen, never Georgia a more resolute soldier, a more intelli- gent statesman, a more devoted servant. JAMES JACKSON. 91 From Absalom H. Chaj^peirs Miscellanies of Georgia. Parts 2 and 3. SECTION YII. We have now reached a point in this long and in- tricate drama, at which the curtain drops for several years on the General Government and Georgia re- enters on the scene, to become this time the fierce assailant and undoer of the monstrous villainy that had been so recently enacted in her Legislature and under her name. Though the hue and cry against the enormity was first raised, as we have seen, at the Federal Capital and by the Federal Executive and Congress, yet here at home, the shock was far the deepest and most violent. It was here the crime struck with its most heinous, deadly eifect, despoiling the State at once of a vast public property and her precious public honor, — not only robbing her of in- valuable territories, but doing it under circumstances that brought imputation on her national patriotism and magnanimity, — doing it, moreover, by debauch- ing her trusted public servants, whom she had chosen to be the guardians, not betrayers of her high interests and her fair fame. Thus had that crime wounded her in a point dearer than landed or monied wealth, tarnished her reputation, defiled at its young foun- tain head the eternal stream of her history and pol- luted the waters mingled with which her name was to go down to future times, and especially to her own children forever. 92 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL I design not recounting minutely the oft told, familiar story of the State's strong sovereign action in resentment and redress of this celebrated wrong. That story, at once simple and striking, has ever been so much an attractive theme to writers and talkers as to have become thread bare and to recoil from any thing like a labored handling now. Preliminarily, however, it should be told that the first effect of the sale on the mass ^f the people was stunning stupefac- tion and amazement. They found difficulty in be- lieving that the deed had been done. The entire failure of the measure before the preceding Legisla- ture and the entire quietude and silence in regard to it that had ensued, had rendered them unsuspecting and secure, and they had let the subject pass off from their minds and it occurred not to them that it had not been equally dropped by the speculating Com- panies. They were unaware that these latter had been during the whole interim stealthily, yet indus- triously, at work every where, both in and out of Georgia, and had really gotten into their hands the complete mastery of the game before they again came out to light and began to take open steps towards their object. It is wonderful what a profound pri- vacy they had succeeded in maintaining in their widely ramified operations, a privacy kept up to the last possible moment. Even after their bill was in- troduced, there was no notoriety beyond Augusta and its neighborhood that such a measure was on hand. No publicity had been given to it, no announcement made of it by any name or title pointing to its char- acter or contents. A lying title concealed its true JAMES JACKSON. 93 nature which consequently was not indicated by any- thing on the journal of either House or in the news- papers, which were wont to give only lists of the titles of the bills introduced. The consequence of all which was that the people awoke to find themselves outraged and robbed with- out having had any notice of the design or warning of their danger or the least chance of outcry and re- sistance. At first they were likewise ignorant of the turpitude of the means by which the wrong had been effected, or what strangers, or who among themselves except the guilty members of the Legislature and the few grantees named in the act, were concerned in its perpetration. They soon, however, became better and bitterly enlightened. The astounding discovery broke upon them that the cancerous fibres of the monstrous transaction pervaded not only the State but the United States, and embraced they knew not how many powerful and influential names and shrewd, unscrupulous characters. They were especially struck with the successful pains that had been taken to enlist in its interest all the men in Georgia who were prom- inent enough to attract the base courtship of the Yazooists and pliant enough to become their tools and accomplices. Most of those to whom the people would naturally have looked to become their leaders and to champion their cause in this great emergency, were either bought up and subsidized on the side of the enemy by their own interests or paralyzed by their relations to interested parties. Besides, not many men were there, indeed, who were at all com- petent to such leadership and championship as was 94 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL wanted. Nothing short of the highest courage and the greatest energy, reputation, talents and self devo- tion could constitute the necessary qualifications. He who should giv^e himself to the people's service on this occasion had need of a charmed life and an in- vincible soul, as well as of a concentrated and com- manding mind : For assuredly it was a lion's den he would have to enter, a fiery furnace through which he would have to pass. And by universal concession there was but one man in the State, in all respects equal and fitted to the exigency, and who at the same time had kept himself pure and intact, and but for the extraordinary self-abnegation and lofty, patriotic intrepidity and devotion of that one man, the people would have been without a leader and champion, such as the case imperatively required. That man was General James Jackson, the noblest and most admirable name in the history of Georgia, then a member of the United States Senate as Mr. Few's successor and General Gunn's colleague. I do not know that I can open the part acted by this extraordinary man against the Yazoo Fraud better than by recalling a personal reminiscence of my own full half a century old and more. It was at Hancock Superior Court, at April term, 1823, — a date at which the Governor was still chosen by the Legislature, and as the name of one of those under- stood to be aspiring to the office was to be found in the old public documents as the owner of a few Yazoo subshares, conversation began to be somewhat turned to the subject of the Yazoo Fraud and young men, especially, were keen inquirers. It was under these JAMES JACKSON. Vu circumstances that a number of the junior members of the bar were sitting one night after supper in the large, pleasant room, up stairs, which our good host, AVilliam G. Springer, whose soul contended with his body, which should be biggest, had assigned to us across the street, — when we were agreeably startled by Judge Dooly* entering to pay us a visit, — a court- esy on the part of the Judges not uncommon in those days. The Judge, whose mind was a rich treasury of the miscellanies of Georgia, past and present, and ■whose manner of saying everything was singularly plain, condensed and incisive, was soon drawn out on the Yazoo Fraud. My recollection has ever since been perfectly distinct of the following remark made by him in the course of his conversing: "The peo- ple," he said, " were generally against the Yazoo sale, but the rich and leading men were mostly for it, be- cause, in most instances, they or some of their friends or relations were interested in it. The people wanted to get rid of it, but did not know how to do it. They had nobody to lead and contrive for them, and Gen. Jackson resigned his seat in the United States Senate and came home and ran for the Legislature in Chat- ham county, and was elected to lead and contrive for the people." ♦Whoever may feel curious as to what sort of physiognomy belonged to that very striking man, John M. Dooly, long the Judge of the Northern Circuit, the greatest wit as all agreed, and generally conceded to have been also the greatest judicial intel- lect of his day, may see a wonderfully true likeness of him (Adouised, however,) in the portrait of the celebrated painter, Gilbert Stuart, in the 1st Volume of the American Portrait 'Gallery. 96 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Such were the words of Judge Dooly to us young- men about Gen. Jackson — words which struck me greatly and imprinted themselves indelibly, enkind- ling my mind with a most vivid and exalted concep- tion of the illustrious character, to whom they related and making him from that moment a study and almost an idolatry to me. The annals of mankind teem with the names of heroes, martyrs, self-sacri- ficers, martial, moral, religious — men who have held their lives and their ease as nothing in the scale against glory, duty, honor; and yet among them all I am unable to recollect any instance parallel and fully up to this conduct of Gen. Jackson so pointedly stated by Judge Dooly, so barely and sleepily men- tioned by history. Certainly our own country, vast and diversified as it is, has hitherto furnished nothing equal to it or like it, nor does it promise according to present symptoms ever to do so. Does any man be- lieve that there is now to be found in all the low- minded ranks of })ower and of the public service a single bosom in which even a dormant possibility dwells of such sublime, self-denying, unselfish pat- riotism? What United States Senator would now resign his seat with yet four years to run and come home and seek the humblest Representative post known to our system of Government, — and all for the sake of the people and their rights and vindica- tion? Gen. Jackson, however, had given some evidence on a previous occasion in his life of his capability of this ne plus ultra of public virtue. In 1788, when but thirty years old, he had been elected to the office JAMES JACKSON. 97 of Governor of the State, and declined accepting it upon the ground of lacking age and experience. It was in full keeping with this act of noble, patriotic modesty and hunaility that he should afterwards in 1795, have so subjugated an ambition of the most ardent and lofty type as to give up the highest and become a candidate for the lowest place in political service, because he beheld his beloved Georgia in a mighty trouble in which she needed the sacrifice from him, and in which by making it he could do so much more and better for her, although at the cost of doing so much less and M'orse for himself. For well he knew not only what he was surrender- ing, but also to what he was exposing himself when he magnanimously resolved to descend from the high round of the political ladder to which he had climbed down to the very bottom, there to scuffle and fight, "lead and contrive for the people," both against all the bad men who had combined, and all the good men who had been misled, to become the State's be- trayers and robbers, or the supporters of its betrayers and robbers. He knew what enemies he was neces- sitating himself to make and how deeply they would be envenomed against him, and that their thirst for his blood would be only less keen than their greed for the prey he was bent on snatching from their grasp. He knew, in fine, that from the first moment to the last of the work on which he was entering, he would have to carry his life in his hand, although the ultimate fate that awaited him lay concealed from human view, and none could foresee that a life so dear and invaluable was destined to pass away, alas ! so ^8 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL prematurely — a slow-wasting sacrifice, long offered up on the altar of Georgia's interest and honor.* From the first Gen. Jackson had been outspoken and vehement in his denunciations of the sale, and had •contributed greatly to rousing the popular rage against it. This, — even before he had doifed his Senatorial robes for a candidacy for the State Legislature, and thereby formally entered the lists as the people's leader and champion against a host of powerful and unscrupulous men whose mortal fear and hatred he thenceforward incurred. The people at once hailed *Col. Benton, in his Abridgement of the Congressional Debates, Yol. III. twice comments upon Gen. Jackson, and the cause of his death. At p. 338 is the following note at the close of the •debate on the 1l azoo Claims : " Mr. Kandolph was the great opposer of these claims in Con- gress and General Jackson their great opposer in Georgia. It was he, who aroused the feeling that overthrew the General Assembly who made the grant, and elected the Legislature which annulled i,he Act, and burned the record of it. He was in the Senate of the United States with James Gunn,the Senator alluded to in the debate as being engaged in the Fraud, and lost his life in the last of the many duels which his opposition to that measure brought upon him." And again on page 465, in a note to the proceedings in Congress on the occasion of Gen. Jackson's death, March 19th, 1806, Col. Benton says among other things: "He was a man of marked character, high principle and strong temperament — honest, patriotic, brave, hating tyranny, oppression and meanness in every form ; the bold denouncer of crime in high as well as in low places ; a ready speaker, and as ready with his pistol as his tongue, and involved in many duels on account of his hot opposition to ■criminal measures. The defeat of the Yazoo Fraud was the most signal act of his Legislative life, for which he paid the penalty of his life, dying of wounds received in the last of the many duels, which his undaunted attacks upon that measure brought upon .him." JAMES JACKSON. 99 him and rallied to him, and it was not long before under his brave auspices and their fierce enthusiasm the battle into which they had plunged was substantially won. For the storm quickly overspread the State with a violence that appalled the Yazooists and their myrmydoms, and they everywhere slunk and cowered before it long before the election day came. But still Jackson's hot and heavy blows were not mitigated, nor did the people's vengeful energy slacken. It was more than even the bravo, Gunn, could brave or bear. He became utterly paralyzed and annihilated, as it were, by the intense, crushing detestation of which he was sensible of having become the object, and we hear no more of him whatever except that he con- tinued to occupy to the last day of his new, basely gotten term, the seat in the National Senate, which he at once obscurely filled and flagrantly dishonored. The bribed Senators and Representatives in the Legis- lature met from their constituents a fate similar to that of their bribing, bullying chief. The tempest of public indignation against them was such as made not a few of them tremble for their personal safety on their return home. But their fears were groundless. Such was the orderly, law abiding character of our ancestors, except in cases where society is obliged to resort to the " higher law " for its purgation and pro- tection, that, content with the sort of penalty which God inflicted on Cain, they simply branded their culprit legislators and consigned them to political death and social ostracism and infamy. Since to this cause we owe a better work than could have been gotten at its hands, namely, the glorious 100 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL old Constitution of 1798, the time-honored mental product of the illustrious Jackson and his anti-Yazoo compatriots, under which Georgia long grew and prospered, still clinging to it with increasing reverence for nearly seventy years until finally in these evil latter days it was, to her eternal sorrow, overthrown and thrust aside by a conquering despotism and un- reasoning bayonets. When the great disappointment occasioned by the above told gross infidelity of the Convention came upon the people, when they saw what a scurvy, per- nicious trick had been played off on them from that high quarter and perceived themselves cheated, wronged, betrayed at every turn, first by their Legis- lature and then by their Convention, then it was that their fierce indignation rose to its acme. Then it was that enraged and bewildered, they ielt intensely the need of somebody on whom they could repose a true and boundless trust, on whom they could fully rely to lead and contrive for them, to conquer and crush in their behalf in this matter. Then it was that they called upon their most idolized man. Gen. James Jackson, to leave his proud seat among the Conscript Fathers of the Union, the constitutional counsellors of Washington, and to come at once to their help and headship. Then it was that with a sublime alacrity and devotion, he instantly responded to a call which his own fiery sentiments and denunciations had largely inspired. Without a moment's hesitation he resigned his Senatorship and dismounting, as it were, from the equestrian rank, trode the ground once more, a pri- vate soldier, merging himself with the people as one JAMES JACKSON. 101 of themselves and literally fighting on foot in their midst from May to November, to which time the elec- tion had been changed by the recent Convention. Behold him there covered with dust, assailed by hatred, the target of the enemy's deadliest aim throughout the long canvass. Behold him, " leading, contriving for the people," toiling with tongue and pen, with mind and body, facing and defying every danger, devoting himself in every way, sparing himself in none, A spectacle, how replete with all that can be conceived of the sublime and beautiful in political conduct ! His work was done fearlessly and thor- oughly. His spirit pervaded all Georgia and entered like a higher life the souls of her people. The enemy strived at first to make some show of a stand against him and his brave yeomanry, but in vain. In all parts of the State the victory was complete and resulted in returning him and his friends and supporters to the Legislature by an overwhelming majority in both branches. Of course, in that Legislature he was the master- spirit — the dictator and controller. But not much of study or effort was needed from him there. Execu- tion alone was the watchword and work. What had to be done was already prefixed and pronounced by the people at the polls, rendering the duty and action of their Representatives as plain, simple and unob- structed as it was grand, imposing and important. That duty was to repeal the Yazoo Act, to annul and rescind the Yazoo Sale as unconstitutional, fraudulent and void, a huge treachery, a heinous conspiracy of the buyers and sellers against the people, the offspring 102 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL of bribery aud corruption. This duty upon full and convincing proofs laid before them they unflinchingly performed. Whilst the State was thus asserting and enforcing her unaltered ownership of the vast terri- tories of which it had been sought to despoil her, she by the same Act disavowed all claim to the vile pur- chase money that had been thrust into her Treasury and directed it to be restored to those from whom it came cr to whom it might belong. Moreover, to give the greater emphasis to her sovereign fiat of con- demnation and annulment, she ordered every vestige of the accursed transaction to be obliterated from her records and the huge, pretentious enrollment of the Act itself to be given to the flames, consecrated although it was by accumulated high and solemn sig- natures and by the great Seal of Georgia pendant in massive wax. The high, unexampled, damnatory sentence was duly carried into execution under the broad, bright sky, on the beautiful State House Square, at Louisville, the new seat of Government, in the presence of the Governor and Legislature and a mighty assemblage of the people. And according to a tradition, which cannot be doubted, for it has descended to us uncontradicted in a continuous current from that period to the present day, a holy, religious eelat, significant of the Divine displeasure on the great iniquity, was shed over the scene by drawing down the consuming fire from heaven with a sun-glass before that immense aud imposing multitude of witnessing eyes. Congress spoke, and on the 7th of April, 1798, passed an Act empowering the President of the United JAMES JACKSON. 103 States to appoiut three Commissioners, whose duty, among other things, it should be to receive from such commissioners as should be appointed on the part of Georgia any proposals for the relinquishment or cession of the whole or any part of the territory claimed by the State lying out of its ordinary jurisdic- tion. This act was undoubtedly passed in anticipation of the Convention's soon meeting, and in the confidence that that Body would receive it as an overture for a cession and honor it as such with a suitable response. Nor was this confidence disappointed. How was it possible that it should have been ? For of that Con- vention the noble Jackson, although Governor of the State at the time, was a member, master-spirit there too as in the anti- Yazoo Legislature of 1796, — sur- rounded now as he was then, by his most choice, en- lightened and pure-minded compatriots. From such men no botched work could come when a great public duty was to be performed. And certainly nothing could be more thorough and perfect than what actually came from their hands in regard both to the Yazco subject and the State's Western territory. Whi^t they did was to erect an express constitutional barrier against the sale of the territory of the State or any part of it to individuals or private companies unless a county or counties, should have first been laid off in- cluding such territory, and the Indian rights thereto should have been first extinguished also. Auybo('y can see at a glance how completely this prohibition goes to the bottom of things, exterminating the very roots and all possibility .in the future of such crimes 104 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL and misdoiugs as the two Yazoo sales had been. It is not in this provision, however, although it was wise and statesman-like in the highest degree, that we find the response that was wanted to the above mentioned Congressional overture. That presents itself in an- other clause which enables the Legislature to sell or contract to the United States all or any part of the State's Western domain lying beyond the Chatta- hoochee, and then again still further in that third clause which authorizes the Legislature to give its consent to the establishment by the United States of one or more governments westward of that river. Behold here implanted in our long honored Constitu- tion of 1798, by the magnanimous men who then held sway in Georgia, the germ of the memorable cession of April, 1802, and of the two great States of Alabama and Mississippi. These provisions show that the sense of the Con- vention was in favor of a cession to the United States. The first Legislature under the new Constitution, being of like opinion, proceeded at once to take measures for carrying out the object. On the 6th of December, 1799, it passed an Act appointing Com- missioners to settle with those of the United States the terms of the cession ; to which Act the ensuing Legislature of 1800, made an amendment, adding to the list of Commissioners on the part of the State the name of Gen. Jackson, who was now filling a second gubernatorial term, but had just been chosen by the Legislature to the United States Senate as successor to Gen. Gunn, whose time was to expire on the 3d of March ensuing. JAMES JACKSON. 105 The great business now proceeded at a quickened pace. Assuming it as certain that the ultimate and early event would be a vast territorial cession, em- bracing the Yazoo lands, Congress had already in May, 1800, amended the aforementioned Act of April, 1798, by imposing on the National Commissioners therein created, a heavy and tedious additional duty which would and could only arise after the cession had been made, — the duty, namely, of investigating all claims against the lands ceded, of receiving from the claimants propositions for the compromise and settlement of their claims, and of laying a full state- ment of the whole, together with their opinion thereon, before Congress for its decision thereon. Mr. Jefferson upon entering on the Presidency found the appointing of these Commissioners one of the first matters de- manding his attention. His sense of the exceeding magnitude and importance of the duties to be devolved on them is strongly attested by the men he selected* They were none other than three of the members of his Cabinet — Mr. Madison, his Secretary of State, Mr. Gallatin, his Secretary of the Treasury, and Mr. Lincoln, his Attorney General. A grander and more imposing set of Commissioners for any object or pur- pose whatever was never anywhere constituted, whether we regard the illustrious character and ability of the men or their ripe, thorough statesmanship and public experience, or the splendor and importance of the offices they were then actually holding near the President. Their very appointment shows that Mr. Jefiferson contemplated that in performing their trust as Commissioners they were to be all the while acting 106 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL under the responsibility that attached to thera as com- ponents of his Administration. Fully -worthy of association and conference with such men were the Commissioners on the part of Georgia, — Jackson, Baldwin, and Milledge, — whose functions, however, were to be more simple and of shorter continuance, confined to the single business of negotiating and signing the cession expected to be made by the State — a work which w-as completed on the 24th day of April, 1802, whereby Georgia con- veyed to the United States all the territory stretching from her present Western boundary to the Mississippi river, and lying between the 31st and the 35th parallels of Latitude. In consideration of which the United States agreed to pay Georgia a million and a quarter of dollars, and to be at the expense of ex- tinguishing for her the Indian occupancy on all the territory still retained by the State. Of Gen. Jackson himself it is meet and would be both grateful and rewarding that something further should be said and told, even though it carry us back beyond the Revolutionary era. For it is attended alike with pleasure and profit to follow and observe such a man from his early beginnings and through all his vicissitudes. What we have already had occa- sion to see and know about him naturally excites curi- osity to know more, and we would fain get a full view of one so marked and superior, so much above the world's ordinary standard and requirements, so much a pride and honor to our common nature; — one whom such a judge as Thos. Spalding, himself assuredly a most noble man and who enjoyed the amplest op- JAMES JACKSON. 107 portuuities, in his long and honorable life, of know- ing men of distinction in Europe and America, ad- visedly pronounced, forty odd years after his death, " the noblest man with whom it had been his lot to be acquainted."* He landed on our shores from his native England in 1772, a lone lad of fifteen years. Of virtuous and respectable parentage, breeding and connexions, we cannot but suppose that he had at that immature age already strongly evinced safe and superior qualities of mind and character and given evidences of high future promise ; — otherwise his father would hardly have consented, nor would such a man as Mr. Wereat, a name of great note and respect [in our Colonial and Revolutionary annals and at one time Acting Governor of the State, have advised him to consent *Bencli and Bar of Georgia — vol. 2, page 102. Title, John Houston. See there a letter from Mr. Spalding to Maj. Miller, of the 19th October, 1850, from which the following is an extract : "It gives me pleasure to state that Gen. James Jackson, the noblest man with whom it has been my lot to be acquainted, when I called upon him as Governor to give me a letter to Mr. King, our then Minister in London, kept me to dine with him; and asked me what were Mr. Gibbons' receipts from his profes- sion." I replied, '' Three thousand pounds per annum."' " My own were about that amount when I unwisely left my profession for politics. Mr. Gibbons, as a whole, was the greatest lawyer in Georgia." Let me say to you that Gen. Jackson and Mr. Gib- bons had exchanged three shots at each other. They were con- sidered the bitterest enemies by the public. A high-minded man knows no enmity." I had intended to add here a few words of my own about Mr. Spalding, whom I knew, revered and held in the highest honor. But on turning to the notice of him in White's Historical Sketches of Georgia, I prefer it to anything I can write. It will be found in full as a note at the end of this chapter. 108 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL to his son's coming to America under his Mr. Wereat's auspices, to make his own way and buikl up his for- tunes in this remote and then wild part of the earth. We are told that his father was a strenuous lover of freedom and free Government and of the rights of the people as against arbitrary power, — and partic- ularly that he was a warm sympathizer with the Colo- nies in their as yet bloodless quarrel with the mother country for their rights and liberties. These princi- ples and sentiments young Jackson had deeply im- bibed before quitting the parental roof and indeed they largely influenced his emigration and casting his lot here. Accordingly, it was not long after reach- ing his new home in Georgia, before they shone out in his warm participation in the feelings and proceed- ings which were even then beginning to herald the approaching Revolution. The very pursuit to which his father and Mr. Wereat had destined him in Georgia is proof of their high opinion of his capacity and endowments. For although so young, he was, upon his arrival in Savan- nah, at once put to the study of law in the office of Samuel Farley, Esq., applying himself at the same time to such other studies as were necessary to the completion of his general education. AVith what enthusiasm, industry and success he applied himself, some idea may be formed from the fact handed down from his own lips by Mr. Spalding, that after the Rev- olutionary war and before embarking in politics, he practiced law so prosperously that his professional earnings at their acme reached to the sum of £3,000 per annum — a prodigious amount when we consider JAMES JACKSON. 109 the small population and the still smaller wealth, com- merce and resources of Georgia in those times. Before, however, finishing his studies and coming to the Bar, and whilst yet a mere stripling, he, like that other glorious young genius of the day-spring of the Revolution, Alexander Hamilton, betwixt whom and himself there are not wanting strong points of resemblance, obeyed the impulse of courage, ambi- tion, patriotism and a passionate love of liberty and hastened to exchange his books and seclusion for arms and the din of war. It comports not with ray plan to enter into the minute details of the young soldier's Revolutionary career, and indeed nothing could be more unnecessary. For are they not to be found written in every book of the chronicles of Georgia? — where, among the many things in relation to him, it is recorded that his first feat of arms (a very daring and purely vol- unteer affair of himself and a little band of other patriots, resulting in their burning several of the en- emy's armed vessels which had grounded in proceeding up the river against the city) won for him much ap- plause and a lieutenancy. Soon a captaincy rewarded his rapidly developing martial merits. And so he continued to rise, never failing to justify his promo- tions by his performances — until at length we see him before the end of the war by Gen. Greene's appoint- ment and the confirmation of Congress, the com- mander, in his 24th year, of a mixed legion of cav- alry and infantry. On every occasion and in every position throughout the long, harsh struggle, he added to his steadily growing reputation. Victory brought 110 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL him laurels which, so fine was ever his conduct, no adversities or reverses that befel him could take away or dim. For alike in distress and in good fortune he exhibited fertile and brilliant capacity, an unflinch- ing devotion to duty, indefatigable activity and a heroism not to be cowed by wounds, perils, fatigues ; nor by hunger, thirst and nakedness, nor all the other nameless discouragements and sufferings of ill-pro- vided war and campaigning in the woods and swamps of lower Georgia and Carolina against an enemy en- trenched and under cover in Auguota, Savannah and Charleston, and continually sallying out from these strongholds as assailants, pursuers, marauders, devas- tators — and then rushing back again to their shelter when routed or endangered or wearied out or sated with spoliation. Such an impression did his extraor- dinary merits and services in the closing scenes of the war in Georgia make on his General, that renowned soldier and commander, Anthony Wayne, that on the occasion of the final surrender of Savannah by the British to our arms in July, 1782, he honored him by ordering that the formal surrender should be made into his hands. And accordingly it was so done by the keys of the city being delivered up to him by tlie evacuating British commander in presence of both armies. One of those remarkable incidents which, by reason of befalling men of celebrity, often become canon- ized in history, is related to have occurred during the gloomiest period of the Revolution to him and his young friend, John Milledge, the same who after- wards became a Representative and then a Senator in JAMES JACKSON. Ill Congress, and Governor also of the State — in honor of whom likewise Milledgeville was named. Dnring the utter prostration of our cause in lower Georgia, consequent on the fall of Savannah, in 1778, these undaunted youthful patriots repaired to- gether to South Carolina to see service. Whilst on their way to join Gen. Moultrie's standard "barefoot and in rags, these sons of liberty," we are told, ''were apprehended as spies by some American soldiers and condemned to be hung. The gallows was actually prepared, and but for the timely arrival of Maj. De- vaux, who accidentally heard of the transaction, the two young patriots would have been executed."* Be- hold here in our own annals an authentic fact which, taken in connection with the subsequent eminence and illustriousness of both the men, surpasses any- thing in history, nay, even excels that famous antique fiction of Belisarius, old and blind, begging a penny,t victim of Justinian's imperial ingratitude and cruelty after a lifetime of the hardships and dangers of war in his service, and an hundred victories won for him and declining Rome. The long revolutionary struggle being at last ended and the occupation of arms at an end with it, peace found Col. Jackson standing amidst the ruins of the recent war like thousand of his brother officers and soldiers in utter poverty — houseless, penniless, with- out means or employment — with no resources but such as existed in his own mind and character, and in «White Statistics of Georgia, page 337. White's Hist. Coll., page 210. National Portrait Gallery. Title, James .Jackson. t"Da Beiisario obolum. 112 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL the boundless love aud admiration of his fellow-citi- zens, a love and admiration heightened by a sense of gratitude for his services — all which was well attested by legislative resolutions of thanks and honor, and the gift to him by the State of a house and home in the city of Savannah. But by nothing could he be paralyzed or rendered a cypher. It was a necessity of his nature and charac- ter that he should cherish and pursue high aims under all circumstances, adverse or prosperous, of peace or of war. He went instantly to work in the arduous, aspiring profession to which he had been early dedi- cated. As we have already seen, he had stored and trained his mind by juridical and miscellaneous studies before the Revolution, and during it not in arms alone was he developed and exercised. Led by duty and martial ardor to harangue his commands on many a trying occasion, he found out and cultivated that rare talent of ready, effective, stirring eloquence with which nature, study, self-discipline and practice com- bined gradually to endow him in a distinguished man- ner. This bright, crowning talent coming in aid of his general mass of ability and knowledge, and of his great energy, uprightness, industry, and enthusiasm, he rose rapidly at the Bar and won the triumphant success there to which allusion has been made. So striking was his success and such the impression he made of possessing qualifications equal to any, the highest, spheres of public service, that his fellow-cit- izens soon looked forward with pride to his future career and foresaw the honors of the patriot-states- man clustering on his brow along with those, already \ JAMES JACKSON. 113 won, of the fornra aud the field. It was at this stage, in 1788, that the office of Governor was tendered him, but which his modesty declined, on the ground of the want of age and political experience. For though his ambition was high and mettlesome, yet it was far from being prurient and self-blinding, and did not lead him to think that what eervice he had seen in our Legislature, and which was all the political appren- ticeship he had then had, was sufficient to fit one so young for the chief magistracy of the State. There was, however, another great and interesting political theater just opening at the time, better suited to his years, his genius, and his training, and for which he felt a predilection that may have had some subtle influence, for aught we know, in disinclining him to the Governorship. For the new Federal Con- stitution had been now adopted, and in apportioning the representation of the States in Congress, there had been given to Georgia three members in the Lower House, and the Legislature at its first meeting after- wards had divided the State into three Congressional Districts for the election of those members. Gen. Jackson became a candidate and a successful one in the First or Eastern District, composed of the coun- ties of Chatham, Liberty, Effingham, Glynn and Cam- den. In the Second or Middle District Abraham Baldwin was chosen, aud in the Third or Western, George Mathews. All over the United States, like- wise, the people rallied in their respective States to make choice of their Representatives in this their First Congress under the new Federal system, and the Leg- islatures of the several States proceeded also to elect 114 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL their first National Senators. Slowly and not with- out a seeming of backwardness and diffidence did the great historic body get together and go about its mighty task of building up from the very bottom, on a plan prefixed and wholly novel, a vast and complex Republican Empire. On the appointed day of meet- ing, the 4th of March, 1789, only eight Senators and thirteen Representatives were in attendance. Gradu- ally other members came, but so scatteringly that it was as late as the first of April before a quorum ap- peared in the Lower House, and five days later still before there was one in the Senate, nor was it until the 30th of the month that Washington was installed and the new Government ready to go to work. In the illustrious assemblage of tried, picked men with whom Gen. Jackson now saw himself associated in the National service, there was not a younger poli- tician to be found than himself. So he himself tells us in one of his speeches. '=^ And yet those who will follow him, as I have done, through the volumes con- taining the debates of that memorable, three-sessioned Congress, will perceive that he carried with him into that body not only the exalted manly fervor and public spirit appropriate to his age, temperament and patri- otic character, but also such thorough and various preparation of mind and knowledge, such accurate acquaintance with the subjects that had to be discussed, and such sense, talent and readiness in discussing them, in fine, such a judicious activity and such sound, enlightened views, as would have done honor to gray '•Gules' Debates of the First Congress, vol. 1, page 1,266. Benton's Abr. Debates, vol. 1, page 210. JAMES JACKSON. 115 bairs and veteran statesmanship, and soon secured to him rank and consideration among his fellow-mem- bers. Keeping attention closely upon him throughout this, his two-years' Congressional novitiate, we at times cannot help feeling wonder, as in the very par- allel case of Alexander Hamilton, that under all the actual circumstances of his whole preceding life he should have been able to make himself what he was in mental culture and discijjline, and to have amassed such intellectual stores, especially of the political kind, as he showed himself to possess. Nothing but a very superior constitution of mind and nature, com- bined with high ambition and indefatigable energy, industry and application can explain the rare and in- teresting phenomenon. But whilst he was thus devoting himself to his country's service and acquiring a proud name in Con- gress, intelligence reached him there toward the end of his term, of an event at home for which he was unprepared and which was well calculated to sting him to the quick and rouse all the lion in his nature. The 3d of January, 1791, was the time of the elec- tion for the next Kepresentative term. Though standing again as a candidate, yet with a noble con- scientiousness and full of trust in his strength with the people, he stirred not from his distant post of duty, but faithfully remained there — leaving his election to the care of his constituents. That care happened not to be adequate to the needs of the case. It did not prevent frauds and lawless irregularities, the result of which was that he was superseded, and Gen. Anthony Wayne, now become a citizen of Georgia, the famed 116 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL hero of Stony Point, the recoverer of Savannah and Lower Georgia from the British, the winner also of countless laurels at Brandywine, Germantown, Mon- mouth, and on 'other hard fought fields of the Revo- lution, was returned in his stead. Perfectly characteristic was Gen. Jackson's dealing with the criminalities of this election, and particularly with the two most conspicuous criminals. His inves- tigations, his denunciations and his vengeance were prompt and severe. The most outrageous villainy was that enacted in Camden county by Osborne, Judge of the Superior Court, who, after the close of the regular election in the day-time, not satisfied with the result, got possession of the legal returns and substituted therefor during the night the forged re- turns of a sham election. Short breathing time had he to exult over the success of this foul perpetration. The very next Legislature saw him arraigned for the crime, impeached by the House of Representatives, dragged before the Senate, tried convicted and expelled from office, — the only precedent of the kind in any case higher than that of a Land Lottery Commissioner that has ever occurred in the State. The other worst in- iquity was practiced in Effingham county. It consisted of illegal management of the election and some illegal voting besides, under the inimical counsel and influ- ence of Thomas Gibbons, a man of very strong, de- termined character and great courage and ability, and much noted throughout a long and prosperous after- life, though never engaged in any but private and professional pursuits. He quitted Savannah, where he lived, and repaired to Effingham for the purpose of JAMES JACKSON. 117 working there in the election against Gen. Jackson. It was the terrible denunciations which the part he thus acted brought down upon him from Gen. Jack- son in his speech before the House of Representatives contesting the election, that, doubtless, led to the duel and ' the three shots ' between them of which Mr. Spalding makes mention.* The Congress to which Gen. Wayne was returned assembled on the 24th of October, 1791. At the end of a week from that date we find him in his seat as a member where he had been but a fortnight when he was disturbed by Gen. Jackson appearing and contesting his right to that seat. The contest lasted several months. Gen. Wayne remaining in his seat and exer- cising full Representative functions all the while. The investigations were thorough and brought out abundant proof that the General's election was illegal but none whatever implicating the General himself in any of the illegal means by which it had been effected. Nor was there ever any imputation against him per- sonally in connection with the election. It was the not uncommon case of a candidate's partizans without his participation or privity doing wrong things and going criminal lengths for him from which he himself would have revolted. No final actiou was reached by the House till late in March when a decision was pro- nounced setting aside both the contestants, declaring a vacancy and calling for a new election, at which Mr. Milledge was chosen, neither Gen. Wayne or Gen. * For a report of all the facts touching this election and of Gen. Jackson's speech, see Clarke's Book of Congressional contested elections — pp. 47-68. 118 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Jackson entering the lists as a candidate, and so both these very eminent and meritorious men were sent into retirement. But their exile was short and more than compen- sated by their being each soon called to a more ex- alted and important sphere of public employment. Gen. Wayne, than whom no truer son of Mars ever intensified the splendor of the American arms, being solicited by Washington, almost iminediately resumed the sword and went at once to that invetei-ate theatre of Indian hostilities and British tamperings on the Lake frontier where our armies had for years been so unlucky, and there in August, 1794, at the great bat- tle of the Miami of the Lakes, the greatest and most memorable in all our annals of Indian warfare, re- paired the disasters of Harmar and St. Clair and by a bloody arbitrament opened the way to that permanent Indian peace in the North-West which Washington was, as we have seen heretofore,* successful, by peace- ful diplomatic means, in bringing about the South and South-W^est. This signal and priceless triumph of Wayne's generalship shone the more brilliantly under the dark contrast of the defeat of his predecessors and it may be regarded, too, somewhat as a death halo settling on his brow, as it was the last fighting exploit of a life that was not to last much longer. For he survived but two years more, dying in the service and at his post on the Indian frontier, Commander-in-Chief of the Army of the United States. So it is inscribed on the monument erected to him at his birthplace in * In the article on the Oconee War, Part I. JAMES JACKSON. 119 Chester, Pennsylvania, by bis bretbren of tbe Society of tbe Cincinnati. And be died also still a citizen and a cberisbed adopted son of Georgia. For in passing from ber ser- vice into tbat of tbe United States, be passed not from ber embrace nor lost bis domicil, at once tribute of gratitude and memorial of bouor, on ber soil. He tborougbly won ber devotion wben as second in com- mand to Gen. Greene* in tbe Soutb, be bad wrougbt out tbe full deliverance of tbe State from tbe enemy towards tbe close of tbe Revolution. And in fact tbe successes of Greene and Wayne in tbe extreme Soutb bad nearly as mucb to do in bringing tbe war to a close as tbe more impressive and celebrated triumpb of Washington over Cornwallis in Virginia. As a con- sequence of these great Southern services, Wayne as well as Greene was remembered by Georgia wben peace came, and she acknowledged ber heavy debt to him by bestowing on bim a fine estate near Savan- nah on the soil be bad rescued. And hence like Gen. Greene he was led to make Georgia his home. Tbe precise time of his coming I have no means of fixing, but it was certainly later than tbe year 1787, for we find bim in the last months of that year still a citizen of Pennsylvania, and serving as a delegate in her Con- vention called to ratify the new Federal Constitution. That be should have become Gen. Jackson's opponent for Congress was undoubtedly a circumstance of a na- ture to inspire regret at the time of its occurrence, and for a long while afterwards. For it was just one * See his speech on Mrs. Greene's Claims, I. Vol. Benton's Abr. 335-6. 120 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL of those contests in which our grief over the party that should be defeated was incapable of compensation by any joy that we could feel at the success of his rival. That grief too was in this case not a little exasperated and tinctured with resentment on account of the rep- rehensible means by which success had been achieved. But here again we take comfort, for that General Wayne was personally untouched by the foul arts em- ployed in his behalf and stands clear of reproach alike from the public and his own conscience and his wronged and irritated competitor. And now at this remote day looking back on the whole affair and see- ing how it proved eventually harmless alike to the two Generals and the country, it cannot be otherwise than that the present generation of the people of Georgia, filially avaricious of every ray of honor that can be counted to her brow, must feel pride at such a specta- cle in her history as Anthony Wayne attracted by her generous love and gratitude to become one of her citizens, and as such suing for her suffrages as a can- didate for Congress and actually serving her for nearly five months as a Representative in Congress, blame- less himself in being there, however great the blame of others for the means used to put him there. He was born early in the year 1745, which made him older than Gen. Jackson by more than a dozen years. Like Jackson he was of good ancestry, ot superior soldierly stock particularly, his grandfather having fought with reputation as the commander of a squadron under King William III. at the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, and his father having been dis- tinguished as well in expeditions against the Indians m«<>« GKjn- AjmioiyT ^vaxpte. ^?^-^ JAMES JACKSON. 121 as in civil affairs in Pennsylvania in the Colonial times. And that he inherited the martial temper and bravery and the strong military bent of his race was manifest not only by all his actions and career, but is strikingly visible in his very looks and linea- ments, heroic and spirited in the highest degree, as they have come down to us on canvass. His early advantages were of a high order and were so well im- proved that we may set him down as having had an education ample for the purposes of a life of activity and distinction either in peace or war. It is not sur- prising that these advantages aided by family and connexion, by superior endowments of mind and per- son, by the winning power of a promising, aspiring young manhood and by his noble ardor and forward- ness from the very first in the cause of the uprising colonies, should have obtained for him at the begin- ning of the war a position which the youthful and orphan Jackson with all his merits did not succeed in reaching till near its end, — that of a Colonelcy. In this grade, however, though so honorable to a man of only thirty-one years, Wayne did not linger long. February, 1777, saw him a Brigadier-General, in which rank it was that he made his name resplendent and immortal, covering it with a Revolutionary glory second only to what was earned by Washington him- self and by Gen. Greene. *He became a Major-Gen- eral not until 1792, when Washington sent him, as we have just seen, at the head of the army to conquer a peace and which, in the very teeth of the British intrusion and instigation, he did most triumphantly * White's Statistics. Title — Jackson County. 122 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL succeed in conquering not from one, two or three Indian Nations only, but from all the Northwestern tribes combined. Whilst Gen.iWayne was thus reaping for himself and his country an overflowing recompense for the loss of his seat in the House of Kepresentatives, Gen. Jack- son also soon saw himself made more than whole by a proud amends. The very next Legislature after his exclusion from the Lower House conferred upon him a seat in the Senate of the United States for a full term, commencing on the 4th of March, 1793. When he had been in that elevation but two years, he heeded the cry of the people calling upon him to disrobe himself and come down at once to their help against the Yazoo Fraud. His ready obedience gave the country example of a resignation the noblest on record, and inculcated a lesson which noble natures only will be ever quick to feel and imbibe, that there are some occasions discernible by such natures which render humility a sublime practical virtue, and make it more glorious to descend with a magnanimous alac- rity to the lowlier posts of public service than to cling with tenacious pride and self-love to the higher and more shining ones. What he had to do in the matter for which he resigned and how he acquitted himself therein, we have already sufficiently seen, and seen also how after finishing that task, he otherwise faith- fully and ably served Georgia at home until the time came when she sent him once more to represent her in the National Senate contemporaneously with Mr. Jefferson's accession to the Presidency. Death found him in that position and at his post on the 19th of JAMES JACKSON. 123 March, 1806. All that was mortal of him is still in- humed at the Federal capital, and the citizens of Georgia who would look upon his grave and the sim- ple stone that marks it can to this day only do so by a pilgramage to the Congressional burying ground at Washington City. By no monument, statute or even portrait has Georgia ever done homage to the man who from his dawn of youth to his death served her with so much devotion and brought her so much honor and benefit, and whose name on the whole sheds more lustre on her history than any other on its page — a lustre which is destined to brighten under the test of time and contemplation — a man, too, who loved her so intensely as to cause him to exclaim that if, when he died, his heart should be opened and examined, her name would be found imprinted there.* Yet happily his likeness remains to us and those who yearn to know what manner of man he was to the eye, need bat to turn to the American Portrait Gallery in order to gaze upon the noble, intellectual, sph'ituelle coun- tenance and the thinking, high-bred, cultured looks and expression that belonged to him. In estimating Gen. Jackson and awarding him the pre-eminence among the proud names which are the especial growth of Georgia, regard should be had to him as a whole. We must study him in all his elements, qualities and relations, in all his actions and situations. In some particulars there may be named those whom he cannot be said to surpass or even equal. But then there is to be seen belonging to him a signal felicity in which he stands alone, — a felicity consist- ing in his tout ensemble of virtues, talents, and merits,, ^White's Statistics. Title — Jackson County. 124 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL moral and intellectual, martial and political, heroic, — civic, chivalrous, — conferring on him a glory com- posite alike of peace and war, and which rises to the beautiful and sublime in both, though in what it de- rives from peace it is more fortunate even than in what it owes to war, in that its peaceful part furnishes an impressive, ever-speaking example and lesson to his countrymen, exhorting to purity, rectitude and true wisdom in public affairs, and urging relentlessly to the undoing, crushing and preventing of all public turpitude and profligacy. JAMES JACKSON. 125 STORY OF AUSTIN DABNEY, FROM Gilmer's Georgians, page 212. Mauy years before the Revolutionary war, a Vir- ginia gentleman of the old school resided upon his plantation not many miles from Richmond. He was a bachelor of long standing, who indulged in card- playing, drinking, horse-racing, and other dissolute practices. His wealth consisted in a large landed estate and many negroes. No white person lived with him except a little girl whose parentage was unknown ; when the bachelor gentleman left home upon his frolics, this little girl remained under the care of a negro mammy. She grew up until she ceased to be a child, knowing scarcely any one except the bachelor, and the negroes of his household. Sud- denly and secretly the old gentleman left his planta- tion taking her with him. He went to North Caro- lina, where he remained some time with a man by the name of Aycock. Aycock afterwards removed to Georgia along with the emigrants from North Caro- lina, who first settled Wilkes county, carrying with him a mulatto boy. When the contest between the Whigs and Tories became a struggle for the lives and liberty of all who favored the cause of freedom, Aycock was called upon to do his part in defending his fireside. From the time when he was required to fight he saw a terrible Tory constantly pointing a loaded gun at him. Fear- ins; to face the danger he offered as a substitute his mulatto boy, then transformed into a stout lad. He had previously passed as his slave. He acknowledged 126 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL, that he was not, when he found that he would not otherwise be received as a soldier. The mulatto was accordingly enrolled in a captain's company by the name of Austin Dabney. No soldier under Clark was braver or did better service during the revolu- tionary struggle. In the battle of Kettle Creek, the hardest ever fought in Georgia between the Whigs and Tories, Austin Dabney was shot down, and left on the battle-ground very dangerously wounded. He was found, carried home, and cared for by a man of the name of Harris. It was long before Austin Dab- ney recovered. Gratitude for the kindness which he had received became the ruling feeling of his heart. He worked for Harris and his children, and served them more faithfully and efficiently than any slave ever served a master. He moved with them from Wilkes county to Madison soon after the latter county was organized. He sent his benefactor's oldest son to school, and afterwards to college, by the hard earn- ings of his own hands. He lived upon the poorest food, and wore old patched clothes, that he might make young Harris a gentleman. When his protege left Franklin college, Austin Dabney placed him in the office of Stephen Upson, then at the head of the legal profession in upper Georgia. When he was ex- amined at the superior court of Oglethorpe county, took the oath for admission to the bar, and received the fraternal shake of the hand from the members of the profession, Austin Dabney Avas standing outside leaning on the railing which inclosed the court, two currents of tears trickling down his mulatto face, from remembrance of the kindness which he had received^ JAMES JACKSON. 127 and thankfulness for the power which had been given him to do something in return. Stephen Upson was a member of the legislature when the surveys of public land which were too small to be drawn for in the lottery of 1819, were disposed of by law. Austin Dabney had not been permitted to have a chance in the lottery with the other soldiers of the revolutionary war. Stephen Upson used his controlling influence in the legislature to procure the passage of a law giving to Austin Dabney a valuable fraction. One of the members from Madison county voted for the law. At the next election, his constitu- ents were excited into the hottest party contest by this conduct of their representative. They said that it was an indignity to white men for a mulatto to be put upon an equality with them in the distribution of the public land, though not one had done such long and useful public service. The United States Govern- ment allowed Austin Dabney a pension on account of his thigh, which was broken at the battle of Kettle Creek. He went once a year to Savannah to draw what was due him. On one occasion he traveled thither with Colonel Wiley Pope. They were very intimate and social on the road, and until they entered the streets of Savannah. As they were passing along through the city. Colonel Pope observed to Austin Dabney, that he was a sensible man, and knew the prejudices which forbade his associating with him in city society. Austin Dabney checked his horse, and fell in the rear after the fashion of mulatto servants following their masters. They passed by the house of General James Jackson, then Governor of the State. 128 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL He was standing in bis door at the time. Colonel Pope passed on -without notice. Recognizing Austin Dabney, he ran into the street, seized him by the hand, drew him from his horse, and carried him into his house, where he continued his guest whilst business kept him in Savannah. It was very strange that Austin Dabney, who never knew his grandfather, should have inherited the taste of the Virginia gentlemen for horse-racing. He owned fine horses, attended the race course, entered the list for the stake, and betted with all the eager- ness of a professional sportsman. It was Austin Dab- ney's custom to be at the tavern when Judge Dooly arrived at Danielsville to hold Madison court. He held the judge's horse until he got from his carriage, then held his hand most affectionately. The judge's father had died in the Whig cause. Austin was always an adherent of the son, without regard to party politics. In the evening after the adjournment of court, he usually went into the room occupied by the judge and the lawyers, where, taking a low seat, he listened to Avhat was said, or himself told of the stir- ring incidents of the struggle between the Whigs and the Tories in upper Georgia and South Carolina. His memory was retentive, his understanding good, and he described what he knew well. Harris, Austin Dab- ney's protege moved away from Madison county. Aus- tin Dabney went with him, and continued to give him his devoted personal services and his property as long as he lived. James Jackson, tho seventh son of Thomas M. Gilmer and Elizabeth Lewis, was named after General Jackson, of Georgia, whom everybody admitted to be a brave man and devoted patriot. — Governor' Gilmer'' s Georgiafis, joage 19. JAMES JACKSON. 129 FROM W. H. SPARK'S " THE MEMORIES OF FIFTY YEARS." Page 31. James Jackson, a young, ardent, and talented man, who had in very early life, by his abil- ities and high character, so won the public confidence that he had been elected Governor of the State, when he was ineligible because of his youth, was at this time a member of congress. He made a tour through the State, preaching a crusade against the corrupt legislature, and denouncing those who had produced and profited by this corruption, inflaming the public mind almost to frenzy. He resided in Savannah, and was at the head of the Republican or Jefi'ersonian party, which was just then being organized in oppo- sition to the administration of John Adams, the suc- cessor of Washington. Page 32. His Shibboleth was, that the disgrace of the State must be wiped out by the repeal of the Yazoo act; and repeal rang from every mouth from Savannah to the mountains. Jackson resigned his seat in United States senate, and was elected a mem- ber of the Georgia legislature. Immediately upon the assembling of this body, a bill was introduced re- pealing the odious act, and ordering the records con- taining it to be burned. This was carried out to the letter, Jackson, heading the legislature and the indig- nant public, proceeded in procession to the public square in Louisville, Jefferson county, where the law and the fagots were piled; when, addressing the assem- 130 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL bled multitude, he denounced the men who had voted for the law as bribed villains — those who had bribed them, and the governor who had signed it ; and de- clared that fire from heaven only could sanctify the indignation of God and man in consuming the con- demned record of accursed crime. Then, with a Promethean or convex glass condensing the sun's rays, he kindled the flame which consumed the records containing the hated Yazoo act. Jackson was a man of ordinary height, slender, very erect in his carriage, with light hair and intensely blue eyes. His manners were courteous, affable, and remarkable for a natural dignity which added greatly to his influence with the people. He was the model from which was grown that chivalry and nobility of soul and high bearing so characteristic of the people of Southern Georgia. In truth, the essence of his character seemed subtilely to pervade the entire circle in which he moved, inspiring a purity of character, a loftiness of honor, which rebuked with its presence alone everything that was low, little, or dishonest. Subsequently he was elected Governor of the State, bringing all the qualities of his nature into the ad- ministration of the office; he gave it a dignity and respectability never subsequently degraded. Page 65. In the low country of Georgia, the flat of James Jackson fixed the political fate of every young aspirant. Page 66. Jackson had his proteges, and they were always marked for talent. In early life he discerned the germ of great abilities in two youths of Savannah — George M. Troup and Thomas U. P. Charlton. JAMES JACKSON. 131 Through his influence, these young men, ahnost as soon as eligible, were sent to the legislature of the State, and both immediately took high positions. Talent was not the only requisite to win and retain the favor of Jackson : the man must be honest, and that honesty of such a character as placed him above suspicion. Under the operation of the confiscation act, many who had favored the mother country in the Revolu- tionary struggle had fled with their property to Florida. Conspicuous among these was one Campbell Wiley, a man of fortune. This man applied to the legislature to be specially exempted from the penalties of this act, and to be permitted to return to the State. A heated debate ensued, when the bill was being consid- ered, in which Charlton was silent, and in which Troup made a violent speech in opposition to its pas- sao;e, ending; with the sentence : " If ever I find in my heart to forgive an old Tory his sins, I trust my God will never forgive me mine." This speech gave him immediate popularity over the entire State. 132 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL A BRITISH POINT OF VIEW. EXTRACT FROM The Royal Georgia Gazette ISSUE OF NOVEMBER 8, 1781. PUBLISHED IN SAVANNAH, GA., BY JAMES JOHNSTON. Last Friday morning the Rebel Col. Jackson, with about 200 men, made an attack on Capt. Johnston's post at Great Ogeeohee, but was soon obliged to retire with the loss of Captains Grant and Lucas, and sev- eral privates. Col. Campbell, who commanded at Ogeechee, and whose quarters were half a mile distant, marched on the first alarm with the dragoons of his own regiment and Col. Brown's, under the command of Captain Wyley. Joining Capt. Johnston, he pro- ceeded with 85 dragoons in quest of the enemy, who he found advantageously drawn up at the edge of a swamp. Col. Campbell attempted to draw the Rebels out, but finding that the superiority of their numbers (being more than two to one) did not give them confidence enough to venture in the open field, he ordered an im- mediate charge, which was executed with that spirited firmness which will always insure victory, and reflect lasting honour on every one concerned. The Rebels being twice charged through retreated in great confu- sion, leaving many of their dead on the field. The pursuit was continued near four miles, and the country JAMES JACKSON. 133 people who have since come in declare that the Rebel wounded and dead are to be seen in many places 12 miles from the field of action. Our loss was 12 killed and some wounded, among the first was the gallant Cornet Hardenbrook of Col. Campbell's dragoons, who fell gloriously in the first charge. The loyal country people are daily taking prisoners; They have brought in Capt. Bugg of the Rebel dragoons and several pri- vates and have intelligence of many more that are skulking in the swamps. It is with the utmost horror we mention, that, after the signal repulse of the Rebels at Capt. Johnston's post on Friday last, the whole of their force proceeded to the plantation of James Butler, Esq., where about 15 militiamen were posted; they set fire to that gentle- man's dwelling-house, and finding Capt. Howell ( brother to the famous picaroon of that name ) in it sick, and unable to extricate himself from the flames, they dragged him out, and barbarously murdered him in the yard. Capt. Goldsmith, Mr. Dunbar Gray, Mr. Mackinon, Mr. John Lemar, and Mr. Stephen Christopher, here unfortunately fell into their ruffian hands, and were soon after murdered in cold blood ; Capt. Goldsmith, a gentleman against whom the rebels could have nothing to allege but an ever firm attach- ment to the British government, was most inhumanly butchered by Samuel West, who, for this and his many other crimes, will in due time meet with an ample reward. Capt. Paddy Carr, remarkable for his being concerned in many murders committed on the loyal 134 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL inhabitants of this province, is missed by the Rebels, and we hoj)e is among the slain. The severe check the rebels have received from the heroic Col. Campbell, and the brave officers and men he had the honor to command in the engagement of Friday last, must deter them from making incursions in future into the settlements of the loyal inhabitants of this province, Avho entertain a grateful sense of, and cannot too much applaud the services of the army on that occasion.* *LETTERFROM GENERAL WAYNE TO GENERAL JACK- SON, ANNOUNCING THE DEATH OF GENERAL GREENE. "My Dear Sir: — I have often wrote you, but never on so distressing an occasion. My dear friend Gen- eral Greene is no more. He departed this morning, six o'clock A.M. He was great as a soldier, greater as a citizen, — immaculate as a friend. His corpse will be at Major Pendleton's this night; the funeral from thence iu the evening. The honors — the greatest honors of war are due his remains. You, as a soldier, will take the proper order on this melancholy affair. Pardon this scrawl, my feelings are but too much affected, because I have seen a great and good man die. *For American account of above, see Charlton's Life of Jackson, pages 36 and 37. McCall's Hist, of Ga, toI. 2, pages 393, 394. Stevens' Hist, of Ga. vol. 2, pages 269 and 270. White's Hist. Coll., page 220. Paintei rv Coi. j-Tniml MMO®. '&ETOE]RM. S:A31!1[ASI1BI. G]K]E]BK:E, JAMES JACKSON. 135 FROM SHERWOOD'S GAZETEER OF GEOR- GIA, PUBLISHED IN PHILADELPHIA IN 1829, PAGE 210. Geu James Jackson was born in the county of De- von, England, in 1757. He came to Georgia in 1772, and soon after commenced the study of law, in the office of Judge Walton, in Savannah. He had im- bibed, under the paternal roof, a love of freedom and a detestation of every species of injustice and oppres- sion ; and seconded as these early impressions were by an ardent intrepidity of character, it is not sur- prising that he became interested in all the occur- rences that preceded the revolutionary struggle. From the actual commencementjof the contest to the time of the relinquishment of Savannah by the British troops, he was incessantly engaged in the ac- tive duties of the soldier, took part in most of the principal engagements, and was selected by Geu. Greene as the commander of the Georgia Legion. After the close of the war, Mr. Jackson resumed the profession of law, and displayed at the bar the same activity and talent which had characterized him as a soldier. He was elected yearly to the State Leg- islature ; and so rapidly did his popularity increase, that, in 1788, he was chosen Governor, when only 31 years of age. This honor he, however, declined. In 1789, he was elected a member of the first Congress after the adoption of the Federal Constitution, and continued as Representative or Senator till 1796, 136 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL when lie resigned his seat in the Senate, at the public request of his old constituents in Chatham, in order to oppose in our Legislature the infamous Yazoo spec- ulation. In this he completely succeeded ; and the overthrow of this gigantic and unexampled act of public corruption, may be attributed principally to his energy, talent, and personal influence.* In 1798 Gen. Jackson was again elected Governor, and in 1801 once more sent back to the United States Senate, where he continued until his death. He died at Washington in March, 1806. An individual who feels, and ought to feel, tenderly alive for the reputation of Gen. Jackson, writes me that he was a member of the Legislature when the Charter of Incorporation for our College was passed. I searched the Journals of the House for the year 1785; and though I found Mr. Baldwin's name there, Gen. Jackson's, if he were in the Legis- lature that year, must have been overlooked ; I could *At its session in Augusta, on the 7th January, 1795, an act was passed, selling to certain individuals (who had bribed the Legis- lature for that purpose) several thousand acres of land on the Yazoo river, in the western part of Georgia, now Mississippi, and for which ,$500,000 were to be paid. Through the influence of Jackson and others, that act was repealed at Louisville on the 13th February, 1796, and all the acts burned by fire from heaven. In the repealing act persons who had paid money were at liberty to withdraw it in the space of eight months. Accordingly, $300,- 000 were withdrawn from the Treasury by claimants, and the balance was transferred to the United States government, in con- sequence of their having engaged to compromise with these claimants. It has been published that Georgia retained the money in her treasury and yet kept the lands; but it is a mistake, and a slander on the character of the State. JAMES JACKSON. 137 ■not find it. Mr, Stevens was Chairman of the Col- lege Committee. Gen. Jackson was instrumentally concerned in almost all the important measures that have since given prosperity to the State. He possessed an influ- ence in the State, which, it may be said in truth, no man will again enjoy in a superior degree. As a po- litical opponent, he was liberal and generous, so long as difierence of opinion merely separated parties ; but when he discovered the motives of his opponents to be SELFISH, he did not hesitate to let them know his sentiments, both publicly and privately. 138 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Personal letters of Major General James Jackson, to Governor John Milledge, now in possession of Mrs. Catherine Habersham Milledge, and kindly, loaned to the publisher by her son, Colonel John Milledge. Friday evening. Dear Milledge : For fear you should forget the notification of Father Boyd, who I understand advertised you of the cere- mony to be performed by him on Sunday, I once more summons you to that Sacrament, with a Fail not, on pain of Ecclesiastical D n . It is true, that I do not possess this power, but the parson does; and I can moreover go so far as this, to-wit : I can read over all the curses of the Romish Church against you (as laid down in the noted work of our old friend, Tristram Shandy) in case of obstinacy. Mrs. Jackson will be happy in Mrs. Milledge's company, as I shall be in yours, to dine. The cere- mony will take place at five o'clock. Yours sincerely, Jas. Jackson. Honorable Jno. Milledge. Augusta, November 7, 1792. My Dear Milledge: I left Savannah under a breach of friendship & prom- ise. I was to have given you letters to some of my friends and I had not gone far before I cruelly remembered it ; it was, however, too late. I met no opportunity down, and to have left a packet, in ray hand, directed JAMES JACKSON. 139 to you at any of the Taverns was running too great a risque. I had no way left but of embracing the pres- ent opportunity — the first post from this place after my arrival. I can, however, now only apologize for my neglect, as by the time you receive this you will have no need of introduction. Our Friend Baldwin, who is certainly one of the most obliging Men on Earth, & clever at everything, will have introduced you to all who may be worthy of your acquaintance. I more regret my not giving you letters for New York than for Philadelphia, in the former place you needed them perhaps — at the latter your public station would soon make you known. I have one thing particularly to request of you, not to think my Friends the less for a neglect which has sufficiently hurted me in my own feelings. I was taken extremely ill on the road to Augusta — so much so that I was obliged to keep my bed on my arrival here until yesterday. I am now fast recover- ing, and one of my first employments is what I am now writing. Both Houses have met. Taliaferro, President of the Senate, Big Billy Speaker, the Big Colonel of Senatorial Dignity, the quondam Judge, the acquitted Doctor, the Cutter Commander, the Revenue Surveyor, &c., &c., are all here in Majestic Council, to preserve the seat of their favourite. Big Tom, who totters amazingly, and will, we are all very apprehensive, return to Chatham for a second term. The Committee have reported that an investigation ought to take place — notwithstanding all the endeav- ours of so many Porter House Politicians, the Party won't do. 140 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL If you are acquainted with Colonel Parker and Mr- Giles of Virginia, and Messrs. Grove, Macon, and Ash of North Carolina, present my regards to them in particular — to all who ask otherwise about me, be so good as to present them generally. You will no doubt find some who will not only not ask about me but who would not care if the devil had me. General Matthews is set up by Gunn, &g., as a Sen- ator. Four of us stayed — Few, Houston, Matthews and myself. My Friends tell me to arrange, but I shall neither Boot nor Spur until I see the election over. As I wrote my Friend Baldwin and told you, I would not have started if Colonel Few had no other opponent, and I now pray if I do not. Few may get it, but I am told by all he cannot if I do not. This is post night ; you shall hear more from me next post. So charging you once more to pardon my neglect at Savannah, and to present my sincere re- gards to Mr. Baldwin and old Landlady, if you are there, I am my D' Milledge, sincerely, Your Friend and Servant, J AS. Jackson. Honble. John Milledge. Louisville, Feb. 23d, 1798. Dear Milledge : I received your favor of the 25th ultimo yesterday and thank you for the political sketches contained. I am here in the big chair and fixed down by the heels for two Years to come; as you are such a noisy pack in Congress, it may keep me out of some scrapes. JAMES JACKSON. 141 by beiug ia it, but I assure you the office feels awk- ward. Your Excellency sounds well, but I am not yet trained to it, and frequently look round me to find the person it is addressed to, when pop comes into my head the big chair. I would give any consideration to be back again at Cedar Hill on a common Windsor, snuffing the oderiferous air of the rice swamps. What the Devil have you done to our senior Sena- tor ? He has sent on a publication to McMillan about your absence with a list of Invalids, some of whom are no more so than I am — saying that if you had attended in your place, the amendment admitting them would have been made in your House. He warns the people against brushing certain persons, which is evi- dently leveled at you. Have you quarrelled or have you ripped up the Session when he was in Senate but three days and did so much mischief? or further have you charged him about the Stamp Act? If you have done neither, I think it unwarrantable and de- serving of retaliation by observing on these subjects in reply. It is a most wanton attack, not only on you, but Mr. B. Berrien sends it you or I should. The Commissioners or rather Inquisitors who are to come here, will hear nothing which they like. The Indians since the line has been run have been as troublesome as ever ; the line was finished the 2d instant — & exclusive of robberies — on the 5th, as I wrote the representation, Mrs. Hilton was ravished — on the 11th Nicholas Vines was murdered, and on the 14th one William Allen of Washington was murdered, all on this side of the line. As to For- eign influence I believe the eastern States possess an 142 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL abundance more of it than Georgia, tho' theirs may be the carreut of the day. I will venture to assert that our Citizens would fight any power at w^ar with the United States, but I fear all to the North of North River would hesitate, if that war were with Great Britain. "SVe have some plantations left out as well as Tennessee, but it is doubtful if we succeed. What can it mean that any State but Georgia can obtain Cessions? The speculators are in Jail, you say — not all by your own account of one of the biggest about to leave his Seat to recorrupt the people. I think he might as well stay where he is — and God send they were all ip perfect security in the best prepared house for their reception in Philadelphia. What has Mr. Henry done to be discarded ? Has he honesty enough to think we are driving too fast to the Well-born ballance and therefore is too lax against the Antis ? You have not surprised me about the Post Master. I have long since discovered that Ca Ira was turning into God save the K — g, and flinging of bottles, into Courtiers' bows, and Orations Francaise into damn-d French buj — s. Wonderful, wonderful human crea- tures ! Man can change his sentiments and lick the Foot that kicks him for the most trifling cure. Place the most Frenchifyed Jacobin in the Offices of the United States, and he immediately signs hallulejah to to Great Britain. Monroe is an exception, and he smarts for it. I thank you for your loot at the ^lottery tickets. JAMES JACKSON. 143 They surely must be jjrizes they are so long a coming — that is if they come at all. You have made me happy in the prospect of my worthy friend, Mr. Findley's going to take our good landlady to wife. Be pleased to present my congratu- lations & best wishes on the occasion — if they have, as I believe, some little remembrance of me. I beg I may stand God-father by proxy for the first boy — a Girl is too great a charge & I should in that case wait for the second appearance; but I insist on standing for the first Boy even supposing it should be the seventh child. I wish them many more, but as I represent b^t one State I would not venture to take so solemn a charge of more than one. My family is not yet in this place. I shall in about three weeks go for them. I have settled my Rocky Comfort tract & have a House in Town & mean to reside here for a time ; altogether it is a most healthy spot & I am in hopes will recruit my dear John who is still extremely low. I received a letter yesterday from Mrs. Jackson who is, as well as the other part of the family, fast recruiting. When you return I must request you as formerly to run into a temporary expense for me — I mean for my Encyclopedia. I am now pretty much bound to you, but am compelled to draw again on your Friend- ship. Remember me to Mr. Gregg as well as Mr. Fin- ley, for both of whom I have a sincere regard. Your House is so new faced that I scarcely remember an- other but your colleague, to remember to. Do let me hear the determination on our remonstrance I wish 144 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL it may be accomtnodating. I inclose the resolutions of James Jones to the Delegation by which you will learn that Georgia is for accomodation. Tell the old Lady I frequently think of the Family; & believe me, D"" Milledge, Y'' Friend & servt, James Jackson. Honorable John Milledge. I write to the Secry. of War by this post acquainting him of the murder of Allen, & requesting the liberty of calling out a few mounted Militia, till the alarm subsides, and also desiring a change of the post for Louisville. It is' the capital and the main post ought to come directly to it instead of going to Augusta & by Waynesboro ugh — it would save two days in the progress. Tell Tattnal I have received his letter & will write him fully next post ; I have not time by this. Tell him I do not like his Colleagues being on the Committee on our remonstrance in Senate. Do push the Militia claims. The Honorable John Milledge Esq. Representative in Congress, by post. Philadelphia. Philadelphia, December 26, 1793. Drar Milledge: I suppose by this you have returned from the As- sembly, and that your political campaign is over for the season ; we have just got the business of ours en- tering on, with calmness and serenity among the mem- JAMES JACKSON. 145- bers, and amidst alarms and troubles from abroad,. We are indeed, at a crisis, very important to the United States. Mother Britain is doing everything she can to injure our trade, and there is little doubt but she has placed the United States in their disagree- able situation with the Algerines. It is also pretty clear, that the Truce, agreed on between Portugal and Algiers, to effect that purpose, was concluded by the British Consul, Mr. Lojie, without the approbation- of the Court of Portugal, or an intimation of his in- tention, until effected. Spain is firmly leagued with England against us. On the other hand, our situa- tion with respect to France is critical. Genet, the Minister of that Nation, has acted imprudently, and is obnoxious to all our Executive Officers — the Pres- ident in a message to both Houses, calls him con- temptuously the person representing the French na- tion. Our Minister (Mr. Morris) to the French Re- publick, is full as obnoxious to that nation, and is a strong Aristocrat — openly avowing his sentiments in favor of the deceased Louis, and censuring the pro- ceedings of the National convention — keeping up the state and Grandeur with the necessary hauteur of a Royal embassy. Mutual sparrings are daily taking place between Genet and our Officers of Departments, some of which, you must have, before this, repub- lished in the Savannah papers. Hammond has also on the part of Britain, held a long correspondence with Mr. Jefferson, complaining of partialities to France ; and Viar, to crown all has sent in his Budget,, abusing our poor little State in the most cruel manner^ making us appear Assassins, Robbers and invaders of 146 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Spanish territory — for they have the Assurance to continue their old claim of one-half our State, and say that the Creeks are totally under their protection, and solely liable to their regulations. Jefferson in his answer, has confuted all their objections, and with a strength of reasoning, peculiar to himself, has made Boys of them all. I am sorry to say, that our Agent has added to the complaints against us in language far too strong, and too general. The words these Geor- gians frequently occur. Our damned policy, has always injured us, and every little newspaper para- graph in the Savannah or Augusta Gazettes, blaming our frontier settlers is siezed hold of to injure us, and it is true, does injure us — it is viewed in the light of confession, and the declaration of the State, and as such the best evidence against us. Three or four vol- umes of abuse from Knox and Gaither, the Agent, Freeman and others, are now before both Houses. I have no particular enmity against Mr. S., but he as- suredly has been as violent one way, as our Ned on the other, and the whole State ought not to bear the blame of Mr. Telfair's politics, which it does in sev- eral of his communications. I write you this in con- fidence. Jefferson is about to resign, and his resigna- tion will be almost universally regretted; we are at a loss to know who will succeed him. We shall carry the question of Suability ; the amend- ment will be left to the different States, to ratify by the next session. It is not yet brought forward, but there appears to be little doubt of success. An amendment already brought forward by Mr. Taylor of Virginia, will I fear, not meet the same success JAMES JACKSOX. 147 although it will deserve it; it is to prevent Directors and Stockholders in the Bank of the United States, from being eligible to Seats in Congress, and thereby preventing their power of voting moneys, and loans for their own individual gain. A communication from Humphreys and our Friend Church, is just arrived, and I am happy to tell you, that America has one friend, in her mad Majesty of Portugal. She has ordered a convoy for our vessels,^ and has given orders to her Fleet in the Mediterranean to retake and redeliver, all Americans bound to or from her ports, at the time of capture, and the Noble& and Merchants of that Nation, are very much in- censed with Britain for effecting the Truce, and have petitioned the Prince of Portugal against a ratifica- tion — thinking it degrading to the honor of the Por- tuguese Nation, and professing great attachment for the United States. The queen's answer, by her Min- ister, to Church, is very favorable; so that we have one friend. Humphreys also says, that excuses are made at Gibraltar, by the British Officers for the part they are charged with, respecting the Algerines, and that Lojie has done all of his own accord, but this does not sound well. The unfortunate crews of Nine Vessels are gone into captivity, which has struck such a damp on Mariners, that most of the old Philadel- phia Captains have declined their commands. In answer to this long letter, do favor me with the proceedings of your Legislature, what laws were passed, and how matters go with the Creeks. I shall thank you for any intelligence, and any of your 148 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL thoughts, on subjects which may strike you as neces- sary from your observations of last session. I am, D' Milledge, Yours most sincerely, Jas. Jackson. Savannah, November 4, 1793. Dear Milledge: This is the clay, the great, the important Day, big ■with governments and the fate of Georgia. The Bell of Christ's Church is knelling together the Corpora- tion and Committee, who seem to have the State and publick good under their immediate care here, whilst I suppose, the ling, ting, ding, of the State House is convening the Magnates of the Nation, at Augusta, who may suppose they have almost as great a care of States and publick good on their shoulders, as our Wise heads. Not a Word of this to any one — why Man, it would be downright high Treason! as all the people are pledged, vi et armis, to put Committee law in force; and if you have read the resolutions, their Fatherly care extends not only to Savannah river, but throughout the State, Tybee Bar not excepted. I have experienced a little of this myself. It pleased our Ned, to send me upon a disagreeable errand to Camden ; and were it not, as Corporal Trim remarks, that orders with Military Men must be obeyed, I would as soon have interferred between a Husband and his Wife, where the former was giving the latter moderate castigation, which you know is the sure way of getting both on your back, and which I pray God may not be my case, with the distracted parties of that JAMES JACKSON. 149 County. Having finished my business, as well as my abilities would permit, and I will say, in as disinter- ested a manner as any Officer could act, and having held an election for Field Officers in Glynn, I came out from St. Simon's on Wednesday last, and entered Tybee on Thursday evening — coming up to town with a flowing tide, and fine Wind. About twenty yards from the Cutter of the Revenue, we were hailed by Capt. Wood, with all the noisy courage of the Master of a press Gaby tender. "Come to, God damn you, or I'll fire into you." Bang goes a musquet ! "It is Gen- eral Jackson," says Saunders, "on publick duty, by or- der of Government!" "I don't care for General Jack- son or General anybody — come to, God Damme!" "I am on publick duty, as well as yourself, Mr. Wood, and I cannot stop!" "Fire that Cannon into them !" " Cap- tain Saunders, you shall not now stop; pass the Cutter!" " God damn you, why don't you fire, you damned ras- cal?" " You may fire and be damned, Mr. Wood," but the good Sailor did not fire, and the Deed will be re- corded in Heaven, for Jenkins, who you know, is not scary, says it must have sunk us. As soon as by the Cutter, we lay to, amidst a thousand threats from Mr. Wood. Knowing his right to see our papers, I told him if he wanted to examine us, send his boat; this after many declarations he did, which ordered me alongside the Cutter. I reasoned with the officer, who seemed convinced; and leaving the heroick Mr. Wood foaming on the quarter deck, we wore round, and pro- ceeded to town. Mitchel tells me, it is forty to one, if I am not called on, and perhaps at this moment, whilst you are chatting about making a Governor, and 150 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL I am giving you an account of this little frolick, the Committee are consulting about making rae a prisoner. "I can't get out," said the Starling, would be a damned situation — but I fancy I shall hear no more about it, and I should not easily go in. I shall hold you to the conversation we had together repecting my little petition. I really, my Friend, worked hard for it, and my increasing Family com- pels me to make the claim. Indeed Debts of that nature, are Debts which no Nation, or State on earth, can get rid of, but by discharge. Congress, notwith- standing so many acts of limitation, has thought so, by again opening the way to her own Soldiers; and she every Session orders particular liquidations, and notwithstanding delays by the party. My delay has only been injurious to myself — if liquidated in 1783 and funded, it would be now double. Purely, because I fought under the State banner, my services were not of less value, and therefore I ought not to be in a worse situation than those under the Continental ban- ner, and I will venture to say, that we braved hard- ships experienced by few Troops on the Continent. I expect much opposition from I. Jones of Burke, and General Matthews ; the former on accuuut of his quar- rel with my brother, the latter on account of my sup- porting you. Their great Fort will be, a resolution of the House of Assembly, of 30th July, 1782, giv- ing me the House I live in, as they were pleased to say, for my meritorious Services. This was not asked for by me, and it is a droll kind of Gi t, which can- cels an obligation. Greene, and Wayne, and Clarke had gifts of much greater consequence, but they re- JAMES JACKSON. 151 ceived all their pay. If this does not hold, they will start au objection as fatal, that a general provision should be made, and thereby postpone it altogether ; or if a Bill be brought forward, it will be but for a short period, and I have no prospect of a return from Congressional duty, for many Months if the whole Year; for there never was a period, which so much required their continuation together as a body. This would prevent my reaping advantage from it, if passed. As to an assumption, I always condemned and shall condemn the measure, but it certainly has taken off 300,000 Dollars of our State Debt, and enables the State at any rate, to do justice, even supposing an- other assumption may not take place, which I think is yet dubious. The Petition having passed the Senate, I think there is no occasion for its returning there ; a decision in the house will be- sufficient, I have no hold of Waldburger, but through you ; the service I formerly rendered him, made no impression. They may glance once now and then on his mind, like the glaring flashes of Lightning on a benighted trav- eller; but they have no permanency. It would have gone through last Year but for him. There was a. time when he knew me first, and when I loved him as fondly as Parent loved a Child, that I had no need of this pittance, and would not take the pains of writ- ing three lines about it, and which is the true, reason of my not making application at that period ; but I have since fell among thieves. Washington has robbed me of one or two years' labors, and I have a large Family to provide for, and every expectation of its being larger, and the Justice of my claim is still 152 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL the same. If you are intimate with Fort, who I see is in the House of Representatives, before it comes on, speak to him. My principal reliance is on Sam. Hammond & yourself. I have written to some of the Members, and know if it returns to Senate, I shall be certain of your exertions, as you thought it right. Indeed, I consider the Senate bound by their decision. I am anxious to hear who is Governor. If General G., I expect to have your company. Struggle hard against anyone else. We can agree in sentiment and conduct. I always write you long letters ; from the shortness of yours in common, I suppose I tire you — you take that method to prevent it. God bless you. Y' Friend and Servant, Jas. Jackson. Honble. John Milledge, Esq., Augusta. Do tell Whitefield that Miller cannot get up until Sunday Night, and to postpone the action Arden vs. Montrony until Monday Morning — do not forget it. The Honorable John Milledge, Senator from Chatham, at Augusta. Wednesday, November 12, 1794. Dear Milledge : I suppose by this you have got to business, which is more than we have done in Senate ; and the House of Representatives tired of waiting have proceeded JAMES JACKSON. 153 themselves without us. I arrived here last Saturday, but should have been present on the Constitutional day, had I not as usual met a severe Gale between Lookout and the Frying Pan. We were in imminent danger, and for 12 hours had to beat to windward in 6, 7, 8, & 9 Fathom water, with a mountainous swell, in the bite between the two shoals. Commodore Bavey certainly saved our lives. To add to the horror, we discovered the breakers all round us, but at sunsetting — & it was after daylight next morning, before we cleared the shoals — Bavey and myself chatted of our danger which he says, was as great as he ever experi- enced, with the calmness of reason, and concluded that if we could keep the sea until Daybreak, to cut away the Mainmast, & put her before the wind for some open part of the beach. We had our doubts of being able, however, to keep the sea, and continued shoaling our water until 12 o'clock, when after hav- ing almost relinquished every hope, we perceived a black Cloud arise from the North West, accompanied with terrible lightning & Thunder. This Providen- tial interference conveyed us out to eleven Fathom, when the South, South East Wind, again attacked us with redoubled vigor; but fortunately we had got such an offing, as to get on the tail of Lookout Shoals. Off the Capes of Delaware we were attacked by a North Wester which split our Main Sail. If this had happened at Lookout, we must every soul have per- ished. I never made up ray mind to die before, but I tasted of death at that time and feel a satisfaction when I reflect, that I was perfectly resigned. The vessel was old, & would not have borne two thumps, 154 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL previous to going to pieces, aud her sails were of an equal age — Ave wondered how they kept together. I have ever since been thinking of an expression of Old Qua's in Savannah, a few days before I sailed — The rascal had the insolence to tell me to stay at home, & not fret myself about Publick — -" What Publick care for you Massa ? God ! ye get drowned bye & bye. Qua tell you so, & what going come of he Family den?" Altho I doubted Qua's prophecy at the time, I began to suppose him entitled to a niche in prophets' corner. I have really a good mind to follow his advice — leave Congress and Congress things, turn speculator and go snacks at home with the best of them. There is a damn sight more to be got by it, depend on it, the impression the blackguard piece might otherwise make, & I recommend the publication of both, as what will attach the Citizens to the General, and -State Administrations. 188 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Hoping that Mrs. Milledge is better, & that you enjoy good health, believe me always Y' Friend & Servt., Jas. Jackson. I expect Mr. Mays has sent down for my Boys. If you should be at Augusta when they arrive in the State & will advise them as to getting along, you will much oblige me. They will have money to hire horses. A Louisville paper just arrived gives me an oppor- tunity to make a wipe at the Federalists in your & Stephens' favor. Do give me advice where to get my Cotton Seed for Cedar Hill; what I got from your Island planta- tion was very bad. How would your Augusta black- seed answer? Has it degenerated? If not, put some on board a boat for me to the care of Starke. Washington, Jany. 17, 1803. Dear Governor : Again have they been at you, at me, at Mitchell, & at Putnam, in a most virulent manner. I inclose you my reply. R. — e puffed up by his triumph over Ellery, may be pushed to get at me. I doubt if he does, if I honor him so far as a meeting. I have bolstered up too many to bolster him under the vari- ous charges against him until he wipes them off, and I shall take good care he shall not Ellery me with impunity ; if he attacks, he dies. We are going on as well as we can wish. The report JAMES JACKSON. 189 of the Secretary of War will be decidedly in favor of the Militia claims, all except the Okmulgee expedi- tion which the State must pay, if ever paid, herself. Our old Friend, the Attorney-General, told me last evening that another treaty for the balance of the fork and Tallassee will be held this Summer. This in confidence, but I have no doubt of it as well as one on the upper line with the Cherokees. We have the Government perfectly with us; if we act right at home, our highest wishes will be gratified. The pro- priety of calling an extra session of the Legislature may be questioned until we see more here. Mr. Munroe was appointed Minister extraordinary to France and Spain on the New Orleans business, and to purchase the Floridas if possible. Negotia- tion will be first tried in every State to preserve peace ; if it fails, what must ensue I need not tell you. Thp Western people are resolved & prepared to force a free passage of the Mississippi. Should this meet you at Augusta, do, as I before begged, attend for me to my Boys whilst there, and contrive them on to Athens; they will be provided to hire Horses, but they will want advice. Hoping that Mrs. Milledge recruits, believe me, J)' Govr., Y"" friend, Jas. Jackson. His Excell'y John Milledge. Note the part against R. is as far as my friends would permit me to go. It is understood by every Member on the floor. To have gone further, after 190 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL the late business, would be deemed a breach of the privilege of the house. Washington, Jany. 25, 180J?. My Dear Governor : Your favor of the 12th instant from Augusta reached me yesterday, and I hasten to reply to it. I have written you pretty regularly since my being here, & shall continue to do so until the end of the Session which indeed now draws to a close. The attacks on you & the Judge, Col. Mitchel, & Captain Putnam, have terminated in the Federalists attacking myself with a promise of continuation. His last styles me Sir William Draper. If I answer it at all, I shall remind him, if that attaches to me, which I doubt, I do not feel him a Junius. No doubt the Herald will have all the correspondence, so it is needless to send you all the papers. I will inclose his last to me, to-morrow. Our Friends are pressing me to stop, & tell me that I have done you all Jus- tice, & have satisfied their minds — that to outblack- guard or outlie the writers of that paper is impos- sible. Mr. Early arrived and took his seat, under a para- graph of your letter certified by me of the 23rd Deer. He has since received bis commission. He has hitherto given republican votes, and behaved well ; but I find the Yazoo lads depend greatly on him. This is what I fear, & this Session he ought to have been at home. On this subject I am of opin- ion the State injured herself beyond calculation in not JAMES JACKSON. 191 giving up the papers, deposit &c &c. I expect from their incessant workings, & my Friend & yours the Genl., thinks they'll work on him, that the whole 5,000,000 of Acres will be appropriated in Mass— and indeed an appropriation of that land, as no checks are here, appears necessary so as to leave it open for the Commissioners of the U. States to decide on Just claims ; for I myself do not deem it proper to shut the door altogether, and I fear the cabinet will be for appropriating the whole, as it will make no diiference to them, as they can allow what they please and thus prevent any future appropriation which Avould revert to Georgia. Inclosed you have the broad, staring evidence of the guilt of your friend Rutledge, who has been the origin with T. Gibbons of all your attacks. The Aurora man jibes at him ; let Smith, or Day & Hely have it to print. The Rhode Island Republican chal- lenges him to legal combat. He tries to hold up his head, but he has lost his usual front. Were I in his place, I would hide myself forever, but he talks, it is said, of fighting, & is going to carry his Ellery second, L. Morris, to the Southward. It may be my- self; but he must clear up his reputation first, and give Mitchel and Putnam satisfaction before he meets me, & by , he shan't Ellery me. So I have been once more dead in Georgia. My enemies are again deceived, for I am alive & never more hearty. Brown tells me I have been dead in Kentucky ; Green of the Mississippi that I was dead there ; and Ross that I was dead at Pittsburg ; and all stared to see me alive & on the floor. In all the 192 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Atlantic States I have also been dead, & I find by a Loudon paper I have been dead in England. I begin to think I am somewhat beyond the Cat's nine lives. I thank you & my real Friends for the lively feelings they entertained on hearing of my safety. Present them all with my sincere acknowledgments and best wishes for their happiness. All I can promise in re- turn is to do as I have always done — to consider their and my Country's interests as paramount to my own, & never to let them clash. The Secretary of War has promised me to report this Aveek. I shall stimulate and aid our representa- tives with all the means in my power. Apropos, Mr. Early made his maiden speech, since I began this letter very handsomely, & is much praised. I hope to God he may turn out straight to the end. Another apropos — as to attacks : Goody Harper in the Baltimore Anti Democrat has wrote a satire on my hat. I am happy to find that Mrs. Milledge's complaint is checked. That she may recover <& live many years to bless you — for you & her as well as my wife and myself, have been too long together to wish to part — is the prayer of, Dear Milledge, Y^ Friend & Servt., Jas. Jackson. I shall attend to Dallas for you next mouth, when court sits. I hope to God Harrison's report may not be true — it will ruin us if true by heaven ! Black- shear's is bad enough. Remember me to my boy, George, & Mr. Bosemau. JAMES JACKSON. 193^ I wrote you if possible to attend to ray sons at Augusta on their way up as to procuring horses for them ; they go there in the Stage. Washington, Feby. 18th, 1803. My Dear Governor, I drop you three lines to inform you that the House yesterday negatived the report on the claims in a thin house, by a majority of three ; more than a sufficiency of Members were out of the house, who were favor- able, to have carried the question — Van Cortland among others. Your friend Gregg opposed it pretty tight at first, but came at last over & voted for us. Randolph & Elmendroff were the Characters who led a number of Republicans astray. If Bryan had been here, or yourself, it would have gone the other way. Gallaher hurt us a little by hinting that these claims were merged in the Cession consideration, and on that ground Randolph led them oft. Early spoke well, and as a speaker is admired, but was too precipi- tate in defending his own report before any person had attacked it. This proceeded from inexperience, but his want & precipitancy injured it. He proceeded rather too much in our Legislative fashion and which offended some of our Friends. The report of the Secretary of War was then postponed until next Ses- sion. Mr. Holmes offered General Meriwether to move this morning for a reconsideration, but on a general consultation, & the Speaker who was warmly our Friend with General Smith advised it, we agreed to let all stand as it does until next Session, as a second 194 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL negative now, as the Members are very restive, would destroy our hopes altogether. They offer to appro- priate for the authorized claims as they term them now, but we decline it, as it might seem a kind of satisfaction & be brought forward in Argument against us at a future day. I despair not of the claims in the least. They will, and they must pass. The Speaker told them they could not go by it. Our lads must have a little more patience and they have had their own representatives to speak for them. I have con- tradicted Gallaher's assertion positively, and you must recollect that in a conversation on the debt of Georgia where those claims were brought into view, Gallaher himself declared that the Militia claims of Georgia must stand by themselves — that they could not be connected with the Cession business. The report of the Commissioners on the Yazoo •claims was introduced yesterday and is now printing. To the honor of the State of Georgia, it has confirmed the corruption in a more extensive manner than the rescinding law or any act ot Georgia — "Every member who voted for it — says the report — " of both the house and Senate one " solitary exception, Robert Watkins, whose " name does not appear, was concerned " in the purchase." The Commissioners have refused the terms proposed by the speculators which were ex- travagant, as inadmissable, 8,500,000 dollars out of the proceeds after Georgia was satisfied. The Commis- sioners offer them 2,000,000 after the satisfaction of Georgia, but this they will not take, and I think stand a chance to get nothing. At the President's yesterday JAMES JACKSON. 195- I was asked by the Speaker Randolph & some others what the State would take in six per Cents to take the Speculators off the hands of the Union — if a Million would do. I told them I would contract with them on behalf of the State for the Million 6 per Cents ; but I would not answer that the Yazoo lads would get a stiver more than the money now in the Treasury, but that that now I considered pledged to pay our Militia, This created a laugh round the Table, when Randolph asked me if I would take Mrs. Morton with them. I told him I would answer that the State of Georgia would take the Male Speculators into dealing, but I would have nothing to do with female sharpers. This created a roar. As there is many a true word said in jest, I now seriously assure you that I would not give my consent to part with a Dollar more of the Yazoa money, but hold it as a pledge for the payment of our Militia. I have told them also, and many Members^ Bradly in particular, says we ought to be d d if we give up a Cent of it, that we are not bound to do it, no mention being made in the Cession. By holding fast we shall bring them to it; indeed, several of those who voted against the claims, have no great objection to our paying them with that money, and say so. I began to write you three lines, & I shall write nearly two sheets. Well then, Hawkins has sent his man Hill here full of complaints against Georgia and Georgians, lor building bridges over the Oconee, and for one of your wise men of Gotham, a member of the Legislature's telling the Indians that the Okmulgee fork belonged to Georgia, and that they would have it. Whereby Mr. Hawkins has advanced that the 196 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL •Creek Indians, after being persuaded to give up the balance of the fork, had determined to take back their ^ord. I believe I wrote you in my last that I wrote the President a smart whole-length letter, in which our friend B. did not like to join me. I have an an- swer which I dare not trust altogether by post. The following is part, and ought to be satisfactory : "The War Department, charged with the Indian affairs, will second my views with sincerity, and in the present case, beside the official directions which will go to Col. Hawkins immediately, to spare no effort from which any success can be hoped to obtain the residue of the Oconee and Okmulgee fork. I shall write my- self to Col. Hawkins and possess him fully of my views and expectation, and this with such explanation as I trust will bring him cordially into them." Again, "When speaking of the Okmulgee fork I ought to have added that we should do what can be done prop- erly on behalf of Woffbrd's settlement, and that as to the So. Eastern Road (from Tennessee) it shall be effected." This is as much as could be expected, and I have no doubt we shall have treaties this summer for all those objects. If you call the Legislature, and I believe you had better, to prepare the demands of the State against the Indians, about the middle of May will be best. We must ourselves apply for our rights to either cash or land, and you must pay the way. I have again almost totally lost my crop, and cannot afford to do publick business for nothing. lam getting old and have a large family, and the prime of my years have been spent in the service of the State to the detriment JAMES JACKSON. 197 of my private interests, and it is too late now to re- burse it. The State must do me justice as well for the Commissioner's duty as my demand against her during the war, which you can assist me in. In right they owe me 2,000 dollars for house rent whilst Gov- ernor, and I spent more over my salary than that sum comes to. Thank you again for your good intentions towards my boys. I hope you have before this seen them. Dallas is not yet here, and I know nothing about the <3ause. We are so engaged about Ross' motion for war that I have not a moment to enquire, but will, to-morrow being Saturday. The close of the session is at hand and you know how it is, all hurry. Mason seemed inclined to postpone. You did well in approaching Webly; Wylly was not steady enough, tho' I shall look out something for him here if possible. The weather you say has been cold. It has been bitter here for a week past ; only one Northern mail has arrived in five days. God send that Mrs. Milledge may get over her cruel dis- order. Do give my sincere respects to her. Mrs. Jackson has also been again very ill. Thank you for your order to Mr. Alger for the cotton seed, and be- lieve me aifectionately, Y' Friend & Servt., Jas. Jackson. Don't show what I have mentioned about E — y. I leave the rest to your discretion. To give the Devil his due, Rutledge supported early in the claims. Old Meriwether is a sterling fellow. 198 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Washington, Feby. 14th, 1803. Dear Governor, I received your favor of the 28th Ultimo from Louisville some days since, as well as your publick letter to Mr. Baldwin and myself as Senators, inclos- ing the proceedings of Messrs. Easely, Carnes &c which I have laid, by my Colleague's advice, before the President of the United States. He did not run them over whilst I was present, for company was there, but sometime since the three States, Kentucy, Tennessee & Georgia, addressed him on the subject of a Road from Danville through Tennessee to Augusta, & he assured me on Saturday when I laid your last dispatches before him, that the Road would be pro- cured, which will prove of immense advantage to our State. I am afraid some exceptions will be taken as to the proceedings of what you term our Commission- ers, as they went into the Nation without a Federal Officer, and speak somewhat in the treaty-making manner, which I wish to God they had avoided. The formality of going backwards and forwards under the Character of Commissioners will be exceptionable, and between you and myself it appears there is to be no end to their six dollars a day, as I suppose they receive pay, and are to be back again in forty days which is expired, & the packet came to hand but on Friday & this is only Monday, and there is an impossibility for any step that the General Govern- ment may take to be known. Of course they must have another, and another meeting, and you will have them on pay one half the year, besides the Judges salary, whilst the Legislature would see Baldwin, you JAMES JACKSON. 199 -or myself at the Devil before they'd allow us a six- pence for our extra duty with the Commissioners of the U. States in forming the Cession. The choice was a bad one at best, and you could not possibly have pursued it for any reason but that you found them in appointment, and greater enemies you never had. Their politics are known & will not make much in favor of their proceedings here. I have however written the President a closer this day on all those subjects, particularly the Okmulgee fork — for Mr. B., you know, will not sometimes go all lengths, but which I seldom stick at. Our big Gunn, the claims of our Militia, has been fired in favor of the State. As I have but one copy, I cannot send it to you. I, however, enclose you a copy of the report of the Committee to whom the Secretary's report was referred. — Early, Chairman. Dearborn does not go quite as far as I could have wished. The State will have, if we get all this, to pay some, and a violent opposition will be made to this, if it passes the house. I think it safe here. The Yazoo claims are not, even yet, brought forward, & I wish they may be too late for acting on, as they are so damn'd extravagant. Dallas is not here, nor will he be here. Indeed scarcely a lawyer of any eminence but Mason is here. He says Dallas has writen him to postpone the cause till next term which letter he will put in the hands of a friend to move it, & he seems inclinable himself — if old Tom will let him. I should willingly have advanced the sum you mention. I thank you for your expressions of Friendship for 200 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL the little part I took in the attack on you here, and I also thank you for your friendly expressions as to my Children. I shall continue to write you as long as I stay here, but beg you to write me no more, as I hope to be at sea this day three weeks. I am D' Governor, Y^ Friend, Jas. Jacksox. I inclose a letter handed me for you. What say you to calling the Legislature ? If you can manage the digest without, it would be best not. We shall write you Officially as soon as we know the President's determination and the fate of the claims. In all prob- ability you will be down in Skidoway in a month by which time I hope to be at or near home. We have had a warm speech from Ross this Morning to declare war against Spain — this is for your own ear. Baltimore, March 16th, 1803. Dear Governor, This will be handed to you by Mr. W. Driscoll, a Gentleman who has for some time past edited a paper in this City but whom at the request of Dr. Smelt, I have engaged to carry on the establishment of our late Friend, J. E. Smith. His character is that of a man of learning, integ- rity, and sound principles, precisely such an one as we needed at Augusta; and I hope he will be properly supported. I have taken the liberty to promise him yours — as well as, as much of the publick work as is consistent with your duty. I shall procure him all JAMES JACKSON. 201 the subscribers I can below. A noise may be raised against him, that he is a Foreigner, but to you and myself who have felt the rod of persecution, Mr, DriscoU's having been compelled to abandon his native Country for supporting the principles you and myself have ever avowed, will operate not as an ob- jection, but a recommendation. He has the honor of an acquaintance with the President who wishes to establish him near him in Virginia, as did Gen'l Mason, &c, but he has given the preference to Georgia and has sold out his paper. The American Patriot^ here & will set out immediately. I have also assured him that, if necessary, he shall be assisted in the pur- chase of the Smith establishment at the expiration of the year agreeably to Mr. Smith's desire, and Dr» Smelt's information to me, as his last wish. I have been most cruelly detained here for the Comet in which I sail to-morrow for Savannah. Believe me D"^ Governor, very truly. Your Friend & Servt. Jas. Jackson. His Excellency John Milledge Gov &c &c Georgia, favored by Mr. W. Driscoll. 202 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Cedar Hill, May 29tb, 1803. Sir, I beg leave to address your Excellency on the sub- ject of an Act of Congress to make further provision for, or to amend the Militia Act, the last section of which authorizes & requires a Quarter Master General in every State. Mr. Samuel Wall, an Aid du Camp to a Major General in the late Revolutionary War, is in my opinion qualified for it, and as the Adjutant general is from the West, it is but fair that the Quarter Master Gen. should be appointed from the Eastern part of the State. With high respect, I am, Sir, Your Excellency's Most Obedt. Servt., Jas. Jackson. Gov. Milledge. His Excellency, John Milledge, Gov. &G., &c., Georgia, favor of S. Wall, Esqr. Washington, July 18th, 1804. Dear Sir, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your Excel- lency's favor of the 8th last Month, inclosing a reso- lution in ray favor respecting the base charges of Cox. It has been republished from the Augusta papers in the National Intelligencer here, and has effectually counteracted the nefarious intentions designed. I feel JAMES JACKSON. 203 grateful to the Legislature, and request you, Sir, to accept my thanks for the handsome and friendly manner in which you communicated the resolution to me. I have also to acknowledge the receipt of your two publick packets on the subject of Wofiford's settlement — the last inclosing a resolution of the Legislature on the topic. The Secretary of War has the last under consideration. As soon as we get his answer, Mr. Baldwin & myself will inform your Excellency of the result. We expected Mr. Early had written on the subject of the Tennessee Road which appeared to be collaterally connected with your first packet, and he was one of the Committee appointed by the State of Kentucky, Tennessee & Georgia to advise with the Secretary. I inclose your Excellency the Message of the Pres- ident on the taking possession of Louisiana, and am, with respect, Y^ Excellency's Obedt. Servt., Jas. Jackson. His Excellency John MUledge, Governor &c. My Dear Milledge, I sincerely lament your not remaining here when on the Ground. I should have been relieved from my present embarrassed situation — elected Senator con- trary to my will, ray expressed determination, and my interests. You had no sooner left this than the 204 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL cry of your not going to Congress the last Session you were in, was raised against you, and Griffin, Games, & Stith were proposed, to which was added ''we must have an up Country Man." In vain was your present residence held up, and all the exertions of your Friends Twiggs, Bosticks, and others made in your favor. Stith was on the ground supported by Fort & all that train. Griffin was sent express, and all three resolved to run together on a pinch. The old Speaker on the other side determined to be a Candidate, which split our own interests, and George Jones was equally sup- ported. Stephens also and Mitchel had their Friends — all offering to give up to me except the Fort Gang. I still resisted, and Barnett and the whole back Coun- try then resolved to run me whether I would or not. I am now in the most responsible situation I ever was in my life — Carnes waiting to march into the Govern- ment, and notwithstanding every exertion, I am in- formed if I leave, it will be placed there, and if I de- cline the Senate, will assuredly go there. To hold on until the 4th of March will no doubt displease, and yet a large Majority of the Members insist upon it. Could I get you into either Station, I would cheerfully decline the other. I am informed Hammond, Genl. Twiggs, &c., have written you. I have thought it my duty as a Friend to be thus candid with you. I have never countenanced my election. Captain Sibbald, who hands you this, knows how matters have gone. It is a most bitter cold morning & I can scarcely hold my pen, & must therefore conclude that with JAMES JACKSON. 205 mine & Mrs. Jackson's compliments to yourself and Mrs. Milledge, I am as ever Y"^ sincere Friend, Jas. Jackson. John Milledge, Esqr. 206 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Personal letters of Major General James Jackson^, now in possession of his descendants in Georgia. Dear Major : I have received your different dispatches both under your own hand & Mr. Wambersies. I am satisfied that you have done all in your power on the Sea Coast. The Governor however was somewhat alarmed at the expense & the arrangement is changed — The Cut- ter & Pilot boat, Pilgrim, armed, are now at sea and the Guard boats discharged — The expense at St^- Marys without boats was enormous. Y' Friend, Jas. Jackson. I am so pestered that I have not time to say more than that I inclose a copy of the new arrangement & hope to see you in Town in a few days — I wish you joy of your election & handsome vote. Philadelphia, Jany. 6th, 1795. Dear Tatnall, My hand is barely recovered so far as to permit my writing you a few lines — a trifling cut with an Oyster Shell previous to my leaving home has gone near to place me in Neal's situation. This must be an apology for my not having written you before — indeed — to some I might as well not have exerted myself, to write with great pain, which I did to Milledge & Mitchel from neither of whom have I received one JAMES JACKSON. 207 stroke of a pen — for reasons I suppose best known to- themselves. Matters look well in Europe & we shall escape their troubles — the French are rapidly successful — Amster- dam it is expected is in their hands & the Dutch are in general for a peace. Inclosed is Knox's report to the President — (the last, as Secretary of War, having resigned) — respecting Indian defence, brought forward principally (as I ex- pected) by our Legislative proceedings in Georgia — the law Martial clause, which I opposed last Session in Senate, reproduced. If it passes, we shall deserve it. We are told the Sale is passed — & if so, I con- sider Georgia as having passed a confiscation Act of the rights of your Children & mine, & unborn Gen- erations, to supply the rapacious graspings of a few sharks — 300,000 Dollars have gone from this City since October, & two thirds of Georgia will be held & owned by Residents in Philadelphia, in Six Months. Nature & reason declare occupancy to be the true- ground of right to land — Georgia reverses the princi- ple, and instead of encouraging individual Settlements, declares that Speculating companies* a thousand miles oif, have the best right — Our Constitutioa breathes Republican & equality principles — Our Leg- islature, acting under it, establishes Aristocratic Bodies,, in those Speculating companies — Vattel & all sensi- ble writers on laws of Nations, declare a Government has no right to part with its Domain — Georgia sells the whole at a stroke — Queer, however, if constitution- ally, & I hope the day will come, when another & a more pure & virtuous Legislature, will make null & "208 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL void this Sale of birthright — for in my opinion, the Legislature will constitutionally have a right to do so. The question about Congress's taking it, is foreign to the business — it has been made a speculating han- dle of, & I hope you believe that I am as much averse to that body's possessing one foot of it, as any of those modern patriots for self interested purposes. Our Session is above half gone — in 2 months more, I hope to be on the way home — indeed, my interest & business at the next Court, in Chatham, calls for me sooner. General Gunn is not yet arrived — God bless you. Y" most sincerely Jas. Jackson. Please present my Complts. to Mrs. Tatnall. * Morris — Nicholson — Kettere — Wilson the Judge & one or "two others here are those principally concerned altho in Georgia the application appears for Georgians — they have all agents in Georgia & the others will Sell to those persons in 6 Months from this day. Free Jas. Jackson. Josiah Tatnall Junr. esqr Bonaventure near Savannah Georgia. Big Fame Capt Benda JAMES JACKSON. 209 JPersonal letter from Governor James Jackson to his wife. Philadelphia, May 23, 1794. My Dear Maria : Is it possible that I am so far forgotten by you, as to permit Robertson & Webb's sailing for New York, and Hotchkiss for this port, without one solitary line from you — not a single expression to declare to me that you are happy in my safety? I arrived here this day, and my first inquiry was of Mr. Footman re- specting arrivals from Savannah. Judge of my dis- xippointment when I learnt the arrival of Hotchkiss, and had eagerly flown to the Post Office to be informed there was no line for me from you. Oh Maria, to what am I to impute this silence ? Shall I harrow my soul in concluding it to be indifferouce towards me, and about me? That idea is too torturing to be admitted as fact. Altho your strange silence flashes it sometimes on the imagination — a fear of your ill- ness, as suddenly drives the furious idea off, and creates itself a double pain. Perhaps — nay it must be so — my Maria languishes on the bed of sickness, or one of our little prattlers droops its head, and she cannot, or if she can she dares not inform me of it. Fatigue would never be plead by my dear girl, as an excuse for letting Robertson sail, or the permission of two subsequent opportunities, without a line. I anxiously wait for Schermerhorn's arrival to learn the •cause. I wrote you from New York by Capt. Rob- 210 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL ertsnn on the 16th instant enclosed to Mr. Bolton,, which I hope you will have received before this reaches you. I begged Mr. Cook from the Altaniaha, but in New York when I left it, to call on you, and inform you of my health, and to tell you that I had written by Capt. Robertson. I should also have written you by him but that I knew of his going for Georgia, so late, that from my hurry of setting out for New Jer- sey it was impossible for me to write. Indeed it was after I was oif I learnt his intended departure from himself in the street. Since my arrival here, I have examined your trunk. The quantity of old silver is trifling, but will assist in procuring you a tea pot (see illustration) to com- plete your set of tea table furniture. The old lady will search the city for your china, and get the glass again in order. I shall send them the first good op- portunity, but will I hope be on the way myself in one month or five weeks at farthest. I shall search the book stores for the volumes I did not procure you at New York, and will bring them with me. I ardently and anxiously long for the hour for my re- turn. I am pretty confident that we shall not sit above twenty days, and I shall fly to you. Already, if I had returned, must I again have left my dear girl and family, which would too cruelly have tortured you, and too severely have wounded my own feel- ings. If I had attempted it, I should have failed. I am sensible that I could not have borne it. I not only long to hear how you all are, but how Christie goes on in planting. I wish also to know what Rice or Cotton you had left, and what you have (6 3 3 2; p. s- 3 ;s ^ := as 3 o SB 1-^ 3 9 Pj V Cb 3 3- O QO JAMES JACKSON. 211 given Schermerhorn. I expect no great things, and I shall not therefore be greatly disappointed on that head, altho I think that I could have made the crop go further myself. I hope he is managing rightly this season, and that he has the press pretty well under. Do give Hercules a charge for me; I greatly depend on him. I suppose the cotton has met last year's fate, and been cut down, for this has been the most back- ward season almost ever known northwardly — and Mrs. Nightingale who I saw as well as Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Dorsey, informed me at New York, that it had been fully as backward in Georgia. I was paid great attention to in New York by Commodore Nicholson and his family. It was there I saw Mrs. Nightingale. The Commodore and his daughter, Maria, are this fall going for Georgia to visit Mrs. F., and after describing the smallness of our cabin, I asked Maria to stay with you whilst in Savannah, but excused myself to the Commodore, telling him he had a [Remainder of letter lost.] 212 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Personal letter- of Major General James Jackson, now in possession of Mr. Elijah A. Brown of Atlanta,. Ga., and kindly loaned by him to the publisher. Cedar Hill, Nov. 15th, 1801. Sir: Although I am on the eve of my departure, to execute the trust my country has confided to me, in the Senate of the United States, I cannot forbear ta communicate to your Excellency some information I have received, which I deem of importance to the State, and which, if a doubt could exist of the in- iquity of the Yazoo speculation, effectually stamps the brand of infamy on the whole transaction. The death of General Gunn, and the falling of all his papers into the hands of a Patriot and Republi- can, has developed such a scene of intrigue and I might add a harsher term, as the World yet never knew. It will be recollected that the Legislaiure at its last Session, sanctioned the Executive in permitting John Hall to draw the pretended Georgia Company's de- posit from the Treasury, under the documents he pro- duced ; which I am still of opinion were equal to the requisition of our Laws. It will also be recollected that I was anxious he should receive it, knowing well from his behaviour and conversation, on my in- terrogating him on the subject, from whence he came, JAMES JACKSON. 213 and by whom he was sent; and it has turned out pre- cisely to my expectations. Major James Benjamin Maxwell, the late General Gunn's agent, and who has letters to collect his effects from the Court of Ordinary of Chatham, a few days since did me the pleasure of a call, in company with Mr. Bulloch, the Attorney-General; and in the course of conversation the affairs of General Gunn, be- came the topic. After some inquiries on my side, with all that frankness the Major is blessed with, and a declaration that he had a regard for the late Gen- eral, but that no individual attachment was equal to that he had for his country, he acknowledged to the Attorney General and myself, that he had papers to the following purport, in his possession, to-wit : First. The power of agency to John Hall from certain of the Grantees of the Georgia pretended com- pany, to draw the deposit from the Treasury. Secondly. The partition or division of the whole sum drawn among those Grantees. Thirdly. A letter from John Hall to General Gunn accounting for the sum drawn, with a complaint against George Walker that he had made an error in counting the money and had detained five or six hun- dred Dollars more than his right and pointing out to Gunn the mode to be followed with Walker to make him refund. Lastly. A note of hand of James Simms, esquire, one of the Members of the late and present house of Representatives, for five thousand dollars, supposed to have been given to Hall by John Berrien, the late Treasurer. 214 LIFE OF MAJOR GENERAL Tlie Grant of the pretended Georgia company, which I deem of no consequence at all, but which in the eye of the most scrupulous Yazoo advocate, must now be considered void, was in General Gunn's pos- session and lodged with forty-five thousand dollars, I sup])ose of the sum drawn, in one of the banks in Philadelphia, but is now with that sum in the hands of a speculator by the name of Bond, who has admin- istered on the General's effects in that City. No Will has as yet been discovered but a cancelled one, and it is conceded that the General left no Heir. Shall I presume to hint the absolute necessity of an escheat law, not only in this but numerous cases'? If your Excellency should deem proper I have no objection to have this communication laid before both branches; indeed, it cannot be too much promulgated that a set of Characters, after attempting to rob the State and posterity by fraudulently obtaining a barter of their rights, and collecting large sums from inno- cent individuals in every quarter of the Union for the pretended sales of the lands so fraudulently ob- tained, should have the assurance, not to say villainy, "to come forward and draw the whole deposit, chiefly monies of those innocent individuals, from the Treas- ury and place it in their own pockets. They have now, however, a remedy. I submit it to your Excellency and the Legislative •wisdom, if some steps should not be taken to obtain the papers in Major Maxwell's hands, and if a legis- lative act indemnifying him' for Their delivery to JAMES JACKSON. 215 some Officer appointed to receive them, may not be proper. I am, Sir, with perfect esteem, Yr. Excelly's Obed. Servt., Jas. Jackson.