USA > Georgia > A school history of Georgia. Georgia as a colony and a state, 1733-1893 > Part 4
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
hastily left the building. He was placed under arrest and guarded, but soon escaped and was taken on board of the British ship Scarborough. From this ship he wrote a letter to the colonists urging them to beg for pardon from His Majesty, and assuring them overtures would be well received. But the public cry was for liberty. In courtesy the president of the Congress replied to that effect.
6. On the 20th of January, 1776, the Provincial Congress was organized by the election of Archibald Bullock as president, and John Houston, Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett and George Walton were appointed delegates to Congress. News of the Declaration of Independence reached Georgia in August, 1776. It had been signed July 4 by the delegates from all thirteen colonies. George Walton, Button Gwinnett and Lyman Hall signed for Georgia. The news was received with great rejoicing and the declaration was publicly read. For the first time the liberty pole was surmounted with a liberty flag.
7. A convention was held in Savannah, in October, for the purpose of arranging some new form of government. February 5, 1777, the first constitution of Georgia was adopted. This consisted of sixty-three articles. They declared the final separation from the government of Great Britain, and affirmed the principles contained in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. They provided for three departments of the governing power, the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary. The governor was made commander-in-chief of the army and navy. The Legislature was to be chosen annually by ballot of the citizens of the respective counties, and was vested with power to elect delegates to Congress. These delegates had the right to sit as members of the legislative body. The Legislature also chose from their own body a Council of two members from each county to assist the governor. Freedom of the press and trial by jury were incorporated in the articles. The state was divided into eight counties, Chatham, Glynn, Effingham,
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
Richmond, Burke, Camden, Liberty and Wilkes. In each county there should be held a Superior Court semi-annually. A new seal was chosen. Archibald Bullock, the capable and trusted president of the Council, died on the 22d of February, 1777.
8. On the 4th of March the Council of Safety made Button Gwinnett president and commander-in-chief until a new governor could be elected. Gwinnett at once planned an expedition against Florida. This he undertook to manage without the assistance of McIntosh, who had been made brigadier-general of the Georgia forces. Colonels Elbert and Baker with their commands nobly assisted Gwinnett, but the expedition was badly planned and failed utterly.
9. May, 1777, John Adams Treutlen was elected governor. Gwinnett being the defeated candidate, McIntosh rejoiced. This so incensed Gwinnett that he challenged McIntosh. A duel was fought and Gwinnett was killed. McIntosh was tried and acquitted, but was advised by his friends to leave Georgia for a while. General Washington gave him a command in Virginia. Colonel Samuel Elbert succeeded to the command of the troops of Georgia. More forces were added to his troops and called minute men.
10. John Houston succeeded Treutlen as governor in 1778. Major-General Howe was appointed commander of the southern army. Another expedition against the British in Florida was deemed advisable. This, however, proved a failure, as the officers did not harmonize, and Howe returned to Savannah much disappointed. During the winter of 1778, the British war commanders determined to carry the war from the Northern to the Southern States. Georgia was to be invaded from Florida by General Prevost. Colonel Campbell with a heavy force was to make a direct attack from the north, and Georgia had little hope between these two forces.
It. The British landed within two miles of Savannah. General Howe had chosen his position well, but failed to
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
protect the rear of his command. While engaged with the British in front, he was suddenly attacked from behind and the whole army thrown into the utmost confusion. Howe was completely defeated and afterwards much censured, for his failure to protect the army. The British at once took Savannah. The Georgians suffered much at their hands.
QUESTIONS. - I. What alarmed Governor Wright? What became of his letter ? 2. Tell of the second Continental Congress. Who was in command of American forces ? 3. Tell of the Provincial Congress. What happened during this Congress? 4. What did the council do? 5. What did Governor Wright request ? Why? What encouraged him? What of the council of safety? How and by whom was Wright arrested? What became of him? 6. What was done in January, 1776? Who were appointed delegates to Congress? When did Georgia have good news? Who had signed for Georgia ? How was this news received ? 7. What was done in October? When was the constitution adopted and what was it ? What was chosen for the state? Who died at this time? 8. What did the council of safety do ? Tell of Gwinnett's expedition against Florida. 9. Who was the next governor and when elected ? What of McIntosh and Gwinnett? Who succeeded to the command of Georgia troops ? What was added to the forces? 10. Who was the next governor? Who was given command of the southern army? What move did the British make? [[. What of Howes' failure? What of Savannah and the Georgians ?
CHAPTER XIV.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
1. Governor Wright returned to Georgia on July 13, 1779. and renewed his government. He assured the people of pardon if they would return to the British. Many of the inhabitants Hocked to the king's standard and gave up the so-called "rebel cause." General Lincoln was now sent south with troops for the relief of Georgia. The troops from North
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
and South Carolina numbered about 1200 men. He was joined with what was left of Howe's command.
2. The British continued to make raids on Georgia towns. .A party of Royalists under Captain Brown was surprised by a body of Americans one night and routed. This encouraged the people. John Dooley circulated an appeal to the colonists to rally. He collected a small band and was at once joined by Colonel Pickens with 250 men. This small force, having crossed Savannah River, attacked Colonel Hamilton, drove him into Carr's Fort and laid siege. But hearing of the advance of Boyd, a notorious outlaw, and his men, they were compelled to abandon the siege and retreat into Carolina for a time. They afterward succeeded in marching unperceived behind Boyd and surprised him with an attack. Boyd was killed and his command dispersed.
3. General Lincoln had 5000 men, and by wise management was recovering many lost fortunes. Unfortunately just at this time General Ash, who was at Brier Creek with about 800 men, was surprised by General Prevost and overwhelmingly defeated. Lincoln's whole campaign was upset by this disaster and the British continued in possession of Savannah for some months.
4. The Council and Legislature had been moved to Augusta when Savannah was taken. When the time came for the election of a governor there was not a quorum present, but the members elected John Wereat president, with power to govern the state. Brigadier-General Lachlan McIntosh now returned to Georgia and was placed second in command to General Lincoln.
5. Georgia now determined to call upon the French for aid. Count D'Estaing, with a French fleet was in the West Indies. In response to an appeal from General Lincoln for aid to recover Savannah, he sailed and arrived September 8, 1779, with twenty line-of-battle ships, two gun ships and eleven frigates. General Prevost, hearing of the arrival, ordered all outposts
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
to fall back into Savannah, and proceeded to fortify the city. When Count D'Estaing sent a demand for the surrender of the city, Prevost asked for a truce of twenty-four hours. During this time he completed his defence, and was strongly reinforced by Maitland and his men. General Lincoln joined D'Estaing and they placed the city in siegc.
6. Short skirmishes and continued cannonading was kept up. D'Estaing, wishing to save time, finally determined to capture the city by assault. October 9 the attack was made. General Hughes was ordered to attack the enemy on the left. The British, however, being on the watch, drove him back with heavy fire. Count D'Estaing advanced with his men and penetrated the intrenchments. At this critical moment he was wounded and borne from the battle-field and his men were driven back. The American columns under the command of Colonel Laurens, and assisted by Count Pulaski and his men, assaulted Spring Hill. It was a brave trial. The ditch was finally crossed and the flag of South Carolina planted on the slope by Sergeant Jasper. The parapet, however, was too high for them to scale, and under the heavy fire they were compelled to retreat. Seeing that a shot had cut down the flag he had planted, Jasper seized it and again planted the flag on the same spot. At this battle he was mortally wounded.
7. Count Pulaski with two hundred men attempted to force a passage through the enemy's works. He gallantly advanced, but at the moment of victory a heavy fire from the batteries confused his men. Pulaski was struck by a canister shot and borne from the field to die. So ended the bloody battle. The Americans lost everything they had hoped to gain and retreated with heavy loss and despair. Count D'Estaing at once set sail for France.
8. Clinton, now in command of the British, sent out three expeditions. Charleston and Augusta were taken, and a final endeavor was made to subjugate the southern colonies. Many Georgians, being hopeless, joined the Royalists. Still there
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REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
were men who would not abandon their cause. Colonel Clarke collected 150 men and joined Colonel Williams, who had a party of Carolinians. They at once called for troops to assist in retaking Augusta. Five hundred men were finally gathered and marched upon Augusta. They attacked the town on three sides. Major Taylor attacked the Indians' camp. This drew the British to their aid and left the city unguarded on two sides. The other two divisions of Clarke's men entered and the town was soon occupied by them. The enemy took refuge in a strong building called Seymore's white house. Clarke laid siege to the place, and the British, being in a state of starvation, were about to surrender when Colonel Cruger arrived with a strong force for their relief. Colonel Clarke hastily raised the siege, though many of his men were taken prisoners. Colonel Cruger took Augusta without opposition.
9. 17So found Georgia in sore distress. Ruin stared the rebels in the face. The pay of a captain for one month was not enough to buy him a pair of shoes, and food and clothing was scantily furnished for the soldiers. Clarke departed with his troops into Carolina and did good service in the battles of Kings Mountain and Cowpens. 1781, General Nathaniel Greene succeeded General Gates in command of the Southern army. This skilled leader marched his troops south, gaining victories, and drove the enemy to their strongholds, Augusta and Savannah.
Io. Clarke now planned again the capture of Augusta, and set out from Carolina with a large body of patriots. Arriving near Augusta he was joined by General Pickens of South ('arolina, and Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee (father of Robert E. Lee). Lee brought with him troops from the Northern States. The first attack was made upon Fort Gilpin, at Silver Bluff. The fort soon surrendered, and 106 prisoners were taken. Augusta was protected by Forts Grierson and Corn- wallis, and the British commanders placed themselves at these points and awaited the attack.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
II. General Pickens opened fire May 24, 1781. After a severe struggle the enemy signed articles of surrender, June 5, 1781, and under agreement their troops were escorted to Savannah. Augusta was again occupied by Americans. Major James Jackson was left in command. Pickens and Lee joined General Green at the north. August 16, 1781, the General Assembly met in Augusta. Dr. Nathan Brownson was elected governor. Many people now flocked to the American side and the Georgians again grew hopeful of liberty. The enemy occupied only two outposts, Ebenezer and Ogeechee. These towns Major James Jackson and Colonel Twiggs attacked and forced the enemy to return to Savannah.
12. General Washington gained the victory over Cornwallis at Yorktown, October 19, 1781, and so the war was virtually at an end. January, 1782, the General Assembly at Augusta elected as governor, John Martin. In January General Greene sent General Wayne into Georgia to take command of the Georgia forces. The state was in a miserable condition. There was scarcely anything to eat. General Wayne had hard work to support his men. May 23, 1782, he received an express containing the Acts of Parliament, desiring a reconciliation between the two forces and ordering the evacuation of Savannah. July 21, 1782, the British troops left Savannah and General Wayne entered and took possession of the city. The treaty of peace between Great Britain and the United States was signed at Paris, November 30, 1782.
13. This war lasted seven years. But now Great Britain declared America to be free, and the United States had an in- dependent government.
QUESTIONS. - 1. When did Governor Wright return ? Of what did he assure the people? What of the troops for the relief of Georgia ? 2. What of the British ? What did John Dooley do? Why was the siege abandoned? What was their success later? 3. Tell of Generals Lincoln and Ash. 4. What of the council and legislature ? Who was elected president and who placed in command of troops? 5. Who did Georgia
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YAZOO FRAUD.
ask for aid? What response did the French give? What were General Provost's movements? Who joined D'Estaing? 6. Tell of the attack. Who assisted Colonel Laurens? Tell of the heroism of a South Carolina man. What of Count Pulaski ? S. What did Clinton do ? What of the Georgians ? What of Colonels Clarke and Williams? What town did they attack and with what success? 9. What was the condition of Georgia? Who succeeded General Gates and what was his success? 10. What did Clarke now propose to do? Who assisted him? Tell of the attack. II. Where and by whom was the fight begun? Tell of the success. When and where did General Assembly meet and who was made governor? 12. What battle ended the war? Who was elected governor in 17S2? Who was sent to take charge of the Georgia troops and in what condition did he find them ? What act of Parliament was secured ?
CHAPTER XV.
YAZOO FRAUD.
1. The General Assembly met at Savannah, January 9, 1783. Lyman Hall was elected governor. In May of the same year the Council resolved to move the capital to Augusta, so it would be nearer the center of the state. All the property owned by the Royalists was seized and sold for the benefit of the state. More territory was bought from the Cherokee Indians and the counties of Franklin and Washington added to the state. Legislature granted a charter for the Richmond Academy at Augusta.
2. January, 1784, John Houston was elected governor. The same year a resolution was adopted requiring a grant of eight land warrants of 5000 acres each, to establish a state college. 1785 a board of visitors and a board of trustees was appointed. The place first chosen for the college was in Green County, where Greensboro now is. but the site was finally changed to Fickson County.
3. The Land Act was passed in 1784 and the Land Court was established to investigate claims for land. A large tract
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
of land had been taken for a debt from the Indians and called Wilkes County. This was to be donated to those who had served in the war or been faithful to the cause. Twenty thousand acres were offered to Count D'Estaing as a token of appreciation for his services.
4. 1785, Samuel Elbert was elected governor. 1786, Edward Telfair was elected governor. During these two administra- tions the state was annoyed by threatened invasions from the Indians on the frontier. Congress changed the money from pounds, shillings and pence to dollars, dimes and cents.
5. 1787, George Matthews was made governor. The bound- ary line between Georgia and South Carolina was settled. A federal convention met and framed a new Constitution for the United States, to take the place of the Articles of Confeder- ation. Georgia sent delegates to Philadelphia, and was the fourth state to enter the Union. 1788, George Handly was elected governor. The Constitution of the state was revised. It gave to the state a Senate and to the governor the veto power and enlarged the right of suffrage. 1789, George Walton was elected governor. The revised Constitution was adopted. George Washington was made President of the United States and John Adams Vice-President. 1790, Edward Telfair was elected governor. Under the new Constitution the state was divided into three Congressional districts.
6. 1791, George Washington made a tour of the Southern States. Eli Whitney, who lived near Savannah, invented the cotton gin. This increased the cultivation of cotton in the state. The population of Georgia was now $4,000.
7. 1793, George Matthews was elected governor. During his administration he had much trouble with one General Clarke and the Indians. This difficulty was finally settled with the aid of troops. 1795, a constitutional convention was held in Louisville, Jefferson County, some changes were made and Louisville declared to be the seat of government.
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YAZOO FRAUD.
8. 1796, Jared Irwin was chosen governor. A treaty was made with the Creek Indians. By numerous treaties with the Indians, Georgia was in possession, or claimed the right of possession, of all the land reaching to the Mississippi. On this river there was a large tract named Yazoo, for the tribe of Indians who had once owned it. There was a company formed in South Carolina called the South Carolina Yazoo Company. They desired to buy this land from Georgia. Companies from Virginia and Tenessee also applied to the Georgia Legislature for grants of these Yazoo lands. Finally a Georgia Yazoo Company was formed. The agents, of these companies worked hard to bring about this sale, putting forth in glowing terms the advantages to Georgia. A bill was introduced into the House providing for the sale at one cent per acre. But Matthews, who was then governor, opposed the passage of any bill granting these lands. The bill passed the House but he . vetoed it. The same bill was then introduced into the Senate with a different title. This fraudulent bill passed and was signed by the governor. Many prominent men were in the scheme. The passage of this bill caused great indignation. and the governor was so severely censured that when the Legislature assembled he advised a repeal of the Yazoo act.
9. 1796, Jared Irwin was elected governor. He caused a thorough investigation of the fraud. The committee reported "that the scheme was a nullity itself and not binding or obligatory upon the people of the state." A bill was at once put before the House known as the Rescinding Act. This passed and wis signed by the governor February 13. 1796. The companies interested in the Yazoo lands now united in a powerful effort to defeat the act. After controversies that lasted several years, the Congress of the United States settled the affair by causing Georgia to cede the lands, now owned by Alabama and Mississippi to the United States.
QUESTIONS. - 1. When and where did the General Assembly meet and who was elected governor? When was the capital moved? How
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
was the state improved? What charter was granted? 2. Who was the next governor and when elected ? What resolution was adopted? 3. What act was passed? To whom was land offered? 4. Who and when was the next governor elected ? Who was elected governor in 1786? What of their administrations? 5. 1784, who was made governor? Tell of his administration ? Who was governor in 178S and what of his admin- istration? Who were governors in 1789-90 and what of importance during their administration. .. What of the year 1791? What was Georgia's population ? 7. When was Matthews elected? Tell of his administration. S. When and who was the next governor elected? What treaties were made with the Indians? What was the Yazoo Fraud ? 9. Who was the next governor? Tell of his administration.
CHAPTER XVI.
GREAT SEAL OF STATE ADOPTED.
I. 1798, General James Jackson was elected governor. Ten years before this he had been offered this high position, but declined upon the OF OR plea of his youth. 1799, the state Legis- lature met at Louisville WIS NOD in Jefferson County. Twenty-five senators 1861 and seventy representa- JUSTICE tives, 'represented the ION MODER twenty-four counties. STATE DOMI ATION An interesting part of 1 their work was the 1779 adoption of a new great seal of state-the same now in use-with Wisdom,, Justice and . Moderation upon its pillars. The judiciary system was revised. General elections were to
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GREAT SEAL OF STATE ADOPTED.
be held first Monday in October and members of Congress elected, every two years.
2. The death of George Washington, December 14, 1799, caused much grief in all the states. General Clarke died the same month, and Georgia had a double sorrow. John Adams was now President and the- people were divided into two parties. This was caused by a difference of opinion as to the Constitution of the United States. John Adams led the Federalists and Thomas Jefferson the Republicans. In ISoo, when the new election was held, Georgia voted for Jefferson, who was elected.
3. 1801, Josian Tatnall was made governor of Georgia. The state university, called Franklin College, was now opened, Professor Josiah Meigs of Yale College was made president. 1802, John Milledge was made gov- ernor. He gave 700 acres of land in Jackson County to the state university. Some of this land was sold and Athens built upon it.
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Questions concerning the Mississippi territory had long agitated the public mind. Commissioners were appointed by the state and the United States to adjust these matters, and upon their ac- tion Georgia ceded to the United States all her territory south of Tennessee and west of the Chattahoocha up to the John Milledge. great bend, then ~~ west of a line to Nickajack Creek. For this territory the United States were to pay $1,250,000, and extinguish the Indian title to lands in Georgia as soon as it could be peaceably done. Georgia's population was now 165,000. Among her exports were rice, indigo, tobacco, corn. cotton, leather, live stock and lumber.
4. During this year. Colonel Benjamin Hawkins, who was agent for Indian affairs, arranged a treaty at Fort Wilkinson
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
and negotiated a sale of lands from the Creeks to Georgia. 1803, Legislature divided the lands obtained from the Creeks into three counties: Wayne, Wilkinson and Baldwin. There were two systems of dividing the lands among the people, the land lottery and the head-rights system. By the latter any citizen was allowed to select and occupy a small body of unoccupied land. By the former a regular system of land tickets and blanks were drawn for.
5. An act was also passed by Legislature to provide a suitable spot for a new town, destined to be the capital of the state and to be called Milledgeville in honor of John Milledge, governor.
6. Georgia gave to the United States five acres of land at St. Simons for the erection of a light-house. Savannah, Bruns- wick, Darien and St. Mary's were the principal ports. 1805, General James Jackson, who was then senator from Georgia, died in Washington. On his tomb in the Congressional bury- ing-ground at Washington is the following inscription : "To the memory of Major-General Jackson of Georgia, who deserved and enjoyed the confidence of a grateful country. A soldier of the revolution."
7. 1806, Jared Irwin was elected governor. William H. Crawford and John Milledge were senators. 1807, Telfair, who had twice been governor of Georgia, died. Georgia, during this year, determined to settle the long-disputed bound- ary line between Georgia and North Carolina. Three thousand dollars was appropriated. North Carolina refused to assist in the survey. So Congress appointed United States commis- sioners, and Endicott of Georgia marked out the line. More land was purchased from the Indians and the counties of Morgan. Jones, Putnam, Laurens and Telfair were added to the state. Legislature held its first meeting in the new capitol at Milledgeville this year.
8. 1808, James Madison was elected President. The African slave trade was prohibited in the United States. 1809, David
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GREAT SEAL OF STATE ADOPTED.
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