USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > A history of Savannah and South Georgia, Volume II > Part 2
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fare. Re-elected to this position in 1770, so pronounced and influential had become lis views and conduet in opposition to the objectionable and oppressive acts of parliament, and in support of American ideals, that Governor Wright, exercising the power vested in him, refused to sanction this choice and ordered the house to select another speaker.
Incensed at this affront offered to one who had been aptly termed the Morning Star of Liberty in Georgia, and resenting what they deemed an unwarrantable interference with the power resting solely with them to nominate and judge of the qualifications of their own pre- siding officer, the members of the house passed resolutions complimen- tary to Dr. Jones and declared that the "sense and approbation this house entertains of his conduct can never be lessened by any slight cast upon him in opposition to the unanimous voice of the Commons House of the Assembly in particular and the Province in general." Criticising the action of the executive, they resolved "that this rejection by the governor of a speaker unanimously elected was a high breach of the privileges of the house and tended to subvert the most valued rights and liberties of the people and their representatives." This bold asser- tion the council was pleased to stigmatize as "a most indecent and insolent denial of his majesty's authority," and the governor, wielding the only punitive weapon at his command, dissolved the assembly on the 22d day of February, 1770.
Adhering to the preference shown on a former occasion, and re- solving to rebuke the late interference on the part of the executive, at the first session of the eighth General Assembly of the Province, convened at Savannah on the 21st day of April, 1772, the Commons house perfected iis organization by electing Dr. Jones as speaker. Officially informed of this action, the Hon. James Habersham, who, during the absence of Sir James Wright. was occupying the guber- natorial chair, responded : "I have his Majesty's commands to put a negative upon the speaker now elected by the Commons House, which I accordingly do; and desire that you will inform the house that I direct them to proceed to a new choice of speaker."
Despite this inhibition, and in direct opposition to the injunction of the executive, thrice did the house adhere to its selection; and it was only by dissolving the assembly that the governor was able to carry his point. It was upon this occasion that Governor Habersham wrote the letter of April 30, 1772, to the Earl of Hillsborough, commenting at length upon this matter, and which is quoted in the foregoing date upon the life of Col. Noble Jones.
The truth is, that while Gov. Habersham was loyally seeking to carry out the instructions of the king and to support the authority of Parliament, Dr. Jones "was in sympathy with those who considered taxation without representation as wholly unauthorized, and who were zealous in maintaining what they regarded as the reserved rights of the colonists, and the privileges of provincial legislatures." Both were true men but they viewed the situation from different standpoints. An honored servant of the crown. Mr. Habersham was confronted with peculiar duties and stringent oaths. Dr. Jones, on the contrary, was a representative elected by the people, was free to give expression to his own views and the sense of his constituents at an cpoch when American liberty was being freely discussed and proclaimed. Of each it may be fairly said that he was pure in purpose, wise in counsel. and fearless in action, enjoying in a conspicuous degree the esteem and affection of the community. But their political paths henceforward di- verged. The one clave to the crown and shared its fortunes, while the
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other cast his lot with the Revolutionists and became a favored leader of the patriot band.
With Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun and John Walton, he is- sued the public call on July 20, 1774, which convened the citizens of Georgia at the Watch House in Savannah. The resolutions then adopted, and the measures there inaugurated, gathering potency and allegiance as they were discussed and comprehended, proved effective in unifying public sentiment in support of the plans suggested by the Liberty Party, and paved the way for sundering the ties which bound the Province to the British empire. Of the committees then raised to conduct the public affairs of the colony and to minister to the relief of the "suffering poor" of Boston, Noble Wymberley Jones was an active member. He was also elected with Archibald Bulloch and John Houstoun, a dele- gate 'to the Continental Congress, by a convention of patriots assembled at Savannah on the 8th of December, 1774, and again. by the Provin- cial Congress of January, 1775. These three, concluding very properly that inasmuch as they had been nominated by the political convocation which in reality embraced only four of the twelve parishes then con- stituting the Province of Georgia, they could not be justly regarded as representatives of the entire colony, were yet persuaded that the will of those who commissioned them should be formally made known and the mind of Georgia be freely interpreted, and on the 6th of April, 1775, addressed the following communication to the president of the Continental Congress :
"Sir: The unworthy part which the Province of Georgia has acted in this great contest leaves room to expeet little less than censure or even indignation of every virtuous man in America. Although on the one hand we feel the justice of such a consequence with respect to the Province in general, yet on the other hand, we claim an exemption from it in favor of some individuals who wished a better conduct. Permit us therefore in behalf of ourselves and many others of our fel- low citizens warmly attached to the cause to lay before the respectable body over which you preside, a few facts, which we trust will not only acquit us of supineness, but also cause our conduct to be approved by all candid and dispassionate men.
"At the time the late congress did this Province the honor to trans- mit to it an extract from their proceedings, included in a friendly letter from the Honorable Mr. Middleton, the sense and disposition of the people in general seemed to fluctuate between liberty and convenience. In order to bring on a determination respecting the measures recom- mended, few well affected persons in Savannah, by public advertisement in the Gazette, requested a meeting of all the parishes and districts by delegates or representatives, in Provincial Congress. On the day ap- pointed for this meeting, with concern they found that only five out of twelve parishes to which they had partienlarly written, had nominated and sent down delegates: and even some of these five had laid their representatives under injunctions as to the form of an association. Under these circumstances those who met saw themselves a good deal embarrassed. However, one expedient seemed still to present itself. The house of assembly was then sitting. and it was hoped there wonk be no doubt of a majority in favor of American freedom. The plan therefore was to go through what business they could in Provincial Congress, and then with a short address to present the same to the house of assembly, who it was hoped would by votes in a few minutes and before prerogative should interfere, make it the act of the whole Province.
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"Accordingly the congress framed and agreed to such an associa- tion and did such other business as appeared practicable with the peo- ple, and had the whole just ready to be presented, when the governor, either treacherously informed, or shrewdly suspecting the step, put an end to the session. What then, could the congress do? On the one hand, truth forbid them to call their proceedings the voice of the Province, there being but five out of twelve of the parishes concerned ; on the other, they lacked strength sufficient to enforce them on the principle of necessity. They found the inhabitants of Savannah not likely soon to give matters a favorable turn. The importers were mostly against any interruption and the consumers very much divided. There were some of the latter virtuously for the measures: others strenuously against them; but more that called themselves naturals than either. Thus situated, there appeared nothing before us but the alternative of either commencing a civil war among ourselves, or else of patiently waiting for the measures to be recommended by the general congress.
"Among a powerful people provided with men, money and con- veniences, and by whose conduct others were to be regulated, the former would certainly be the result that would suggest itself to every man removed from the condition of a coward; but in a small community like Savannah (whose members are mostly in their first advance to- wards wealth and independence, destitute of even the necessities of life within themselves, and from whose junction of silence so little would be had or lost to the general cause). the latter presented itself as the most eligible plan, and was adopted by the people. Party disputes and ani- mosities have occasionally prevailed and show that the spirit of free- dom is not extinguished, but only resting for a time until an oppor- tunity shall offer for calling it forth.
"The congress convened at Savannah did us the honor of choosing us delegates to meet your respectable body at Philadelphia on the 10th of next month. We were sensible of the honor and importance of the appointment and would gladly have rendered our country any ser- vice onr poor abilities would permit of; but alas with what face conld we have appeared for a Province whose inhabitants had refused to sacrifice the most trifling advantages to the public eause, and in whose behalf we did not think we could safely pledge ourselves for the exe- eution of any measures whatever ?
"We do not mean to insinuate that those who appointed us would prove apostate or desert their opinions, but that the tide of opposition was great; that all the strength and virtue of these onr friends might not be sufficient for the purpose. We beg, sir, you will view our rea- sons for not attending in a liberal point of light. Be pleased to make the most favorable representation of them to the honorable. the meri- bers of congress. We believe we may take upon ourselves the satisfac- tion, notwithstanding all that has passed, that there are still men in Georgia who. when occasion shall require, will be ready to evince a steady allegiance and manly attachment to the liberties of America. For the consolation of these they find themselves in the neighborhood of a Province whose virtue and magnanimity must and will do lasting honor to the canse. and in whose fate they seem disposed freely to insolve their own.
"We have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient and very hnm- ble servants,
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NOBLE WYMBERLEY JONES. ARCHIBALD BULLOCH, JOHN HOUSTOUN."
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The news of the affairs at Concord and Lexington reached Savannah on the 10th of May and caused the wildest excitement. The thunders of the 19th of April aroused the Georgia Parishes from their lethargy and multiplied patriots within their borders. The magazines at the eastern extremity of Savannah,-built of brick and sunk some twelve feet under ground,-contained a considerable amount of ammunition. So substantial was thus structure that Governor Wright deemed it unnecessary to post a gnard for its protection. The excited revolu- tionists all over the land eried aloud for powder. Impressed with the importance of securing the contents of this magazine, there quietly assembled Dr. Noble Wymberley Jones, Joseph Habersham, Edward Telfair, William Gibbons, Joseph Clay, John Milledge and some other gentlemen, at the residence of Dr. Jones, at a late hour on the night of the 11th of May, 1775, and proceeding to the magazine, broke it open and removed therefrom some six hundred pounds of powder. A portion of the rest was sent to Beaufort, South Carolina, for safe keeping, and the rest was concealed in the garrets and cellars of the houses of the captors. Although Governor Wright offered a reward of one hundred and fifty pounds sterling for the apprehension of the offenders, it failed to elicit any favor, although the actors in the affair are said to have been well known in the council. The tradition lives and is generally credited that some of the powder so obtained was forwarded to Cam- bridge and was actually expended by the patriots in the memorable battle of Bunker Ilill.
On the 22d of June, 1775, in response to a call signed by Dr. N. W. Jones, Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun and George Walton, many of the inhabitants of the town and district of Savannah assembled at the Liberty Pole in Savannah and elected a council of safety with instruc- tions to maintain an active correspondence with the continental con- gress and with the councils of safety both in Georgia and other prov- inces, with a view to bringing about a union of Georgia with her sister colonies in the cause of freedom.
Of the provincial congress which assembled in Savannah on the 4th of July, 1775. Dr. Jones was a member accredited from the "town and district of Savannah." In this congress every parish was repre- sented. Dr. Jones was of the committee then selected to frame a suitable address to the inhabitants of Georgia, advising them of the true nature of the disputes existing between Great Britain and her American colo- nies, and informing them of the deliberations and conclusions of the present congress. He was also chosen with John Habersham. Archibald Bulloeh, Rev. Dr. Zubly and Dr. Lyman Hall to represent Georgia in the Continental Congress. Georgia was now in acknowledged sympathy with her sisters and took her place by regular representation in the national assembly. Of the Council of Safety which ordered the arrest of Governor Wright, Dr. Jones was a member.
l'pon the capture of Savannah in December. 1778. Dr. Jones removed to Charleston. South Carolina. There, upon the fall of that city in 1780. he was taken prisoner by the British and sent in captivity to St. Augus- tine, Florida. Exchanged in July. 1781, he went to Philadelphia and there entered npon the practice of his profession. While a resident of that city he was elected to the Continental Congress by the General Assembly of Georgia. Shortly after its evacuation by the king's forces in 1782. Dr. Jones returned to Savannah, repaired the desolations which war had wrought in his comfortable home, and resumed his professional labors. He was a member of the committee which received and saluted President Wash- ington with an address of welcome upon the occasion of his visit to
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Savannah in 1791. Dr. Jones presided over the constitutional convention which assembled at Louisville, Jefferson county, in May, 1795, and amended the constitution of Georgia. In 1804 he was president of the Georgia Medical Society. He died in Savannah, January 9, 1805, honored by the community as an aecomplished gentleman, an influential citizen, a skillful physician and a sterling patriot.
Of his son, Dr. George Jones, no fitter expression as to his life and work might be made than is embodied in a set of resolutions adopted at a meeting of the bar of the federal and state courts, at the court house in Savannah, on November 14, 1838, on the day following his death. Here is given entire the resolutions adopted on that sad occasion : "Dr. George Jones, a distinguished citizen of Savannah, died November 13, 1838. ITis career of public service began in early yonth. He endured, the last two years of the Revolutionary war, the hardships of a soldier, and manifested, in confinement on board an English prison ship, the fortitude and constancy of a youthful patriot. When the war was concluded, though still a very young man, he received strong proofs of public confidence by being placed in official relations to his fellow citizens, the duties of which required the ability, discretion and industry of matured manhood. He was subsequently one of Georgia's prominent legislators, and in the convention which framed our present constitution, was a leading member as a delegate from Chatham county. He was frequently afterward a member of the general assembly in both branehes. Its history shows him to have been pure and disinterested, at all times inflexible in support of correet principles and in opposition to those schemes of personal aggrandizement which were unfortunately corruptly consummated by the alienation of the most valuable portion of the state's territory. The estimation in which his character and attainments were held induced the legislature, though he was not a lawyer, to elect him judge of the superior court for the eastern eireuit. His demeanor as a judge was dignified, courteous and patient, and when he voluntarily retired from the appointment it was regretted by the bar, the officers of the court and the public. From the bench he was transferred to the senate of the United States. ITis services in that capacity being ter- minated, he was called by general consent to other stations of usefulness.
"It was truly said of him that he took office from a sense of obligation rather than from any desire for distinction. Ile was for many years one of the members of the superior court, and its record showed that he was a faithful administrator of its duties, vigilant in all that regarded the rights of the widow and orphan. He served efficiently as mayor of Savannah for two years, from September, 1812, to September. 1814.
"He was amiable, philanthropie, considerate, firm. forbearing, deli- cate in his intercourse with society. He had a modesty in speech and manner, at all times and to all persons, worthy of remembrance and imitation, and to these graces were added the belief and humility of a Christian."
In setting forth details concerning the life of George Wymberley- Jones De Renne, it has seemed expedient to make free quotation of excerpts from an address given by a prominent resident of Savannah on an occasion of considerable importance. Ilere follows portions of the address referred to; with occasional paraphrase :
"Although born in the city of Philadelphia on the 19th of July. 1827, Mr. George Wymberley-Jones DeRene, was in every thought and emotion, a Georgian most loyal. In the paternal line he was the direct descendant of Col. Noble JJones,-the trusted lieutenant of Oglethorpe,-his great-grandson, to speak in exact terms, and the grand- son of Noble Wymberley Jones. And among the patriot names shedding
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Savannah in 1791. Dr. Jones presided over the constitutional convention which assembled at Louisville, Jefferson county, in May, 1795, and amended the constitution of Georgia. In 1804 he was president of the Georgia Medical Society. He died in Savannah, January 9. 1805, honored by the community as an accomplished gentleman, an influential citizen, a skillful physician and a sterling patriot.
Of his son, Dr. George Jones, no fitter expression as to his life and work might be made than is embodied in a set of resolutions adopted at a meeting of the bar of the federal and state courts, at the court house in Savannah, on November 14, 1838, on the day following his death. Here is given entire the resolutions adopted on that sad occasion : "Dr. George Jones, a distinguished citizen of Savannah, died November 13, 1838. His career of public service began in early youth. He endured, the last two years of the Revolutionary war, the hardships of a soldier, and manifested, in confinement on board an English prison ship, the fortitude and constancy of a youthful patriot. When the war was concluded, though still a very young man, he received strong proofs of public confidence by being placed in official relations to liis fellow citizens, the duties of which required the ability, discretion and industry of matured manhood. He was subsequently one of Georgia's prominent legislators, and in the convention which framed our present constitution, was a leading member as a delegate from Chatham county. He was frequently afterward a member of the general assembly in both branches. Its history shows him to have been pure and disinterested, at all times inflexible in support of correct principles and in opposition to those schemes of personal aggrandizement which were unfortunately corruptly consummated by the alienation of the most valuable portion of the state's territory. The estimation in which nis character and attainments were held induced the legislature, though he was not a lawyer, to elect him judge of the superior court for the eastern circuit. His demeanor as a judge was dignified, courteous and patient, and when he voluntarily retired from the appointment it was regretted by the bar, the officers of the court and the public. From the bench he was transferred to the senate of the United States. IIis services in that capacity being ter- minated, he was called by general consent to other stations of usefulness.
"It was truly said of him that he took office from a sense of obligation rather than from any desire for distinction. He was for many years one of the members of the superior court, and its record showed that he was a faithful administrator of its duties, vigilant in all that regarded the rights of the widow and orphan. He served efficiently as mayor of Savannah for two years, from September, 1812, to September, 1814.
"He was amiable, philanthropic, considerate, firm, forbearing, deli- cate in his intercourse with society. He had a modesty in speech and manner, at all times and to all persons, worthy of remembrance and imitation, and to these graces were added the belief and humility of a Christian."
In setting forth details concerning the life of George Wymberley- Jones De Renne, it has seemed expedient to make free quotation of excerpts from an address given by a prominent resident of Savannah on an occasion of considerable importanec. Here follows portions of the address referred to; with occasional paraphrase :
"Although born in the city of Philadelphia on the 19th of July, 1827, Mr. George Wymberley-Jones DeRenne, was in every thought and emotion, a Georgian most loyal. In the paternal line he was the direct descendant of Col. Noble Jones,-the trusted lieutenant of Oglethorpe,-his great-grandson, to speak in exact terms, and the grand- son of Noble Wymberley Jones. And among thie patriot names shedding
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lustre upon the period when our people were engaged in the effort to rid themselves of kingly rule, 'none in Georgia was more conspicuous for purity of purpose, wisdom of counsel and fearlessness in action than was he. Speaker of the provincial legislature at a time when it was no light matter to incur the displeasure of a royal governor, arrested and confined because of his sympathy with the revolutionists, and upon the termination of the war, selected a representative from Georgia in the congress, as physician, legislator, patriot, citizen, he won the confidence and esteem of all.
"Thus does it appear that Mr. De Renne was the legitimate inheritor, in the fourth generation, of illustrious traditions and of memories per- sonal and precious connected with the history and honor of Georgia. With him they were family legacies. He accepted them as such, and the allegiance which hound him to home and state was inseparable from the ties which united him to kindred and lineage. They were indis- solubly interwoven, and whenever the name of Georgia was uttered, there came heart throbs of loyalty and pride most peculiar and pleasureable.
"The first eleven years of his life,-that tender period when impres- sions the most abiding are formed,-when loves are cemented which the vicissitudes of subsequent age cannot impair,-that morning of existence whose sunlight fades not from memory,-were passed at Wormsloe on the Isle of Hope, the abode of his ancestors. There in infancy were his loves of Georgia begotten. There was his knowledge of home and country localized. There were attachments born which remained ever part and parcel of his inner being.
"When not yet twelve years old, upon the death of his father, he accompanied his mother to Philadelphia. There he pursued his academic studies and was, in due course, admitted as a member of the collegiate department of the University of Pennsylvania. His proficiency in the acquisition of knowledge, and his intellectual capabilities attracted the notice and evoked the commendation of his teachers. It was natural that he should seek an education in that city and from that institution, for both were allied to him by tics of no ordinary significance. His maternal grandfather,-Justice Thomas Smith,-had been for many years a prominent lawyer and a distinguished judge in Philadelphia, and his maternal great-uncle, the Rev. . William Smith, D.D., was the first provost of the institution now known as the University of Pennsylvania. He was a noted teacher, an accomplished writer and an eloquent divine. A native of Scotland and a graduate of the University of Aberdeen, shortly after his removal to America he identified himself with all that was progressive and of high repute in the City of Brotherly Love. After a long life spent in the rendering of important service to the literary, educational and religious interests of the country, he died in the city of his adoption on the 14th of May, 1803. His scholarly works and the institutions he founded are living monuments to his memory.
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