USA > Georgia > A school history of Georgia. Georgia as a colony and a state, 1733-1893 > Part 5
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B. Mitchell was in the office of governor. Legislature passed an act to clear the Savannah, Broad, Oconee and Ogeechee Rivers. There were no steamboats yet in Georgia, and nearly all the trade was done by small boats. 1810, the Bank of Augusta was incorporated. This was the first bank in Georgia.
9. 1812, the United States was forced to take part in the English and French war. Both of these countries had threatened to capture American vessels. The arrogance of England was especially insulting. In 1807, a British man-of- war fired upon the Chesapeake, killed three men, captured the vessel and pressed certain sailors into their service.
IO. War was felt to be imminent, and Georgia declared herself " strong in independence." By an act of Congress all commerce between the United States and England and France was prohibited. In 1809, England determined to force a cotton trade with South Carolina and Georgia, and several British vessels anchored off Tybee Island. When their purpose was known they were ordered off. Before putting to sea they fired upon the American vessels in harbor. To make matters worse, the Indians in the northwest, under the influence of their British agents, became hostile, and made raids upon the settlers. Many other insults committed by the British deter- mined the United States upon a declaration of war. 1812, the second war for independence began.
QUESTIONS. - I. Who was governor in 1798? When did the legis- lature meet? What was their work? 2. What deaths are spoken of ? How were the people divided? 3. Who was next governor ? What university was opened ? When was Milledge made governor and what did he do for the state university? Tell of the Mississippi territory. What did the United States agree to pay for this territory? What of Georgia's population and exports ? 4. What treaty was made and by whom ? How was the land divided ? 5. What act was passed? 6. What did Georgia give the United States? What were Georgia's principal ports? Tell of General James Jackson's death. 7. Who was next governor and when elected? Who were the Senators? What was done in 1807? What counties were added to the state? S. What of affairs in the United
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
States ? What act was passed ? What was done in ISIO? 9. IS12, what was the United States forced to do? 10. What stand did Georgia take ? What causes brought about the war? What of the Indians? When did the second war for independence begin ?
CHAPTER XVII.
WAR OF 1812.
I. The Legislature of Georgia appropriated $30,000 for the equipment of troops and- protection. Governor Mitchell was appointed by the President to settle the difficulties arising from the Indians. The Seminole Indians in East Florida, urged by the Spanish and British, commenced hostilities upon Georgia. Adjutant-General Newman planned an expedition against them. Many volunteers came forward and the war began. . After hard fighting and many hardships endured by the soldiers in the forests, these Indians were subdued.
2. The Creek Indians on the Southern frontier, influenced by the Spanish and British, now commenced hostilities. Governor Mitchell, for better protection, erected ten forts in Twiggs, Telfair and Pulaski counties. They were hardly finished when 700 Creeks surprised Fort Mims and massacred 300 men, women and children. The troops of Georgia and Tennessee were ordered out, and General John Floyd put in command. He divided his men, and attacking the two principal towns of the Creeks at the same time, drove the Indians from their towns and burned their homes. This was on November 29, 1813. Floyd now returned to the forts. No other assault was made until 1814. The Upper Creeks had gathered in great numbers at Hotle Craulee. Floyd attacked this place, and the battle of Challibbee was fought, in which the whites were victorious.
3. The Creeks were now desirous of peace, and a treaty was made August 9, 1814. The Indians ceded an immense
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WAR OF 1812.
tract of land, and the counties of Early, Baker, Irwin, Appling and Ware, were added to Georgia.
4. The war with the British still continued in the United States. The last battle was fought in Georgia, January II, 1815. Nineteen vessels of the British landed their men on Cumberland. They were met in a narrow defile by Captain Messias and a few men and driven back. Before the battle was renewed the news of the treaty of peace between the two countries, which was signed at Paris, reached them, and the British departed these coasts.
5. 1814, Samuel Howard succeeded in placing steam navigation on the rivers of Georgia. 1815, David B. Mitchell was elected governor. 1816, an act for the maintenance and protection of aged slaves passed the Legislature. Also an act to care for the convicts. This was called the penal act. A part of this code prohibited the introduction of slaves by traders for speculation.
6. Out of the land Georgia had ceded to the United States two new states had been formed, and in 1817 Mississippi joined the Union. Alabama came in two years later. Governor Mitchell was now appointed by the new President, James Monroe, as agent for Indian affairs in the South. He resigned the governorship and William Rabun filled his place and in due time was elected governor. Mitchell soon acquired a wonderful influence over the Creeks and gained a cession of more land. This was divided into the counties of Newton. DeKalb, Gwinnett, Walton, Hall and Habersham. Governor Rabun spent the money in the treasury for the improvement of navigation of rivers and to promote education and free schools.
7. The Seminoles on the frontier now began hostilities again. Governor Rabun sent to the war department for aid. Major-General Gaines was put in command and his troops were joined at Fort Montgomery by Goo Creek warriors. Three battles were fought and the Indian war was over and the Indians driven away. ISIS, the boundary line between
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
Georgia and Tennessee was drawn by commissioners. The chiefs of some of the Cherokee nations held a conference with the Indian agent of the United States to arrange for an exchange of their lands in Georgia for lands beyond the Mississippi, so they might have more room.
8. In this year a Savannah company had a ship built in New York called the Savannah. This ship left the port of Savannah for England, and was the first steamer to cross the Atlantic. 1819, Florida and all the lands owned by the Spanish were ceded to the United States. And so Georgia was protected from her foes. Another treaty between the Cherokees and the United States was made, and the lands gained by Georgia were divided between Habersham and Hall Counties and Rabun County was added to the state.
QUESTIONS. - I. What . did legislature do? Who was appointed to manage the Indians? What of the Seminoles? Who was to go against them? What success did he have? 2. What of the Creek Indians? What did Governor Mitchell do for protection? What of the first attack of the Indians? How were they subdued? What of the upper Creeks ? What battle was fought ? 3. What treaty was made ? What did the Indians cede? 7. What war continued? When and where was the last battle? S. What was done in IS14? Who was next governor? What acts were passed ? What was prohibited ? 9. What two states were formed? Who was made agent for Indian affairs? Who was governor in his stead? What influence did he have over the Indians? What counties were added to Georgia ? 10. Tell of the Seminoles. What did Governor Rabun do? What battles fought? What of importance in ISIS? 11. What of a Savannah company? What lands were ceded in IS19, and how were these lands divided ?
CHAPTER XVIII.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF CLARKE, TROUP, AND GILMER.
1. 1819, there was a hot canvass and fight for the next governor. . Politics was divided and two parties were formed,
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ADMINISTRATIONS OF CLARKE, TROUP, AND GILMER.
one led by George M. Troup and the other by General John Clarke. The excitement was great, and the contest close, but Clarke was finally elected, though much feeling continued through the administration. Savannah suffered much from a lung fever and a yellow-fever scourge.
2. Georgia continued to urge the United States to send the Creeks and the remaining tribes of Cherokees out of her borders, and expressed indignation at the postponement of the promise to provide for the Indians elsewhere. The government thus urged, began to settle the claims between Georgia and the Indians. The lands owned by the Creeks and the Cherokees were mostly upon the Chattahoochee River, and the commis- sioners of the United States held a meeting to induce the Indians to cede more of these lands to Georgia. This meeting was a failure, as the Indians became suspicious that the whites were trying to drive them from their homes.
3. Another election for governor was held November 6, 1823. The excitement was intense between the two parties, which were led by Troup and Matthew Talbot. The ballot resulted in the election of Troup. George M. Troup was born at McIn- tosh Bluff, Ga., graduated at Prince- ton, adopted the profession of law, and at the age of twenty-one was sent to the Legislature from Chatham County. He was chosen to Congress in 1806 as a Jeffersonian Democrat, and held his seat until 1815. 1816, he became United States senator. In 1823, governor of Georgia. He was returned to the Senate in 1828, but soon retired on account of ill health. George M. Troup. Troup was one of the grandest men Georgia has ever produced. His integrity was unquestionable, and he was a strong advocate of state rights.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
4. October, 1825, Troup was re-elected governor of Georgia. During his administration he worked much good for Georgia. The judiciary system and the penitentiary arrangement were revised and the militia improved. But his greatest work was with the Indians. Notwithstanding the violent opposition of the President, he concluded the treaty with the Creek Indians and secured all their lands in the state of Georgia. He also urged the necessity of a fixed and certain boundary line between Georgia and Alabama. Georgia commissioners did the work and the line was finally adopted by Alabama.
5. The lands gained by the last treaty with the Indians were divid- ed into the counties of Muscogee, Troup, Coweta and Carroll.
6. Governor Troup declined to be a can- didate for re-election. 1827, John Forsyth was made governor without opposition. Forsyth was born in Virginia, 1781, and was brought to Georgia at the age of four years. He was elected attorney-general in 1804, sent to Con- gress in 1812, was United States senator John Forsyth. in 1818, was sent as minister to Spain in 1820, was elected governor of Georgia in 1827, and afterwards was made Secretary of State under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren.
7. The next governor of Georgia was George R. Gilmer,
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ADMINISTRATIONS OF CLARKE, TROUP, AND GILMER.
who was elected in 1829. Gilmer was born in Wilkes County, 1790. He early began the practice of law, was made lieutenant in the 43d U. S. Infantry and served against the Creeks, 1815. Served in the Legislature; was sent to Con- gress as a Democrat, 1818, and again in 1827, and was then made governor of Georgia.
8. 1829, Congress passed an act for the removal of the remaining Indians from Georgia. The Cherokee tribes refused to leave, and continued to commit many criminal outrages. So Georgia was compelled to claim jurisdiction over all the lands in order to exert some control over the Indians who dwelt upon them. George Tassel, a Cherokee, was arrested charged with murder. He was tried, found guilty and sen- tenced to be hung. His counsel appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States, and Governor Gilmer was sum- moned to appear before that court. This he refused to do, and ordered Tassel to be executed. This order was obeyed.
9. In 1828 gold was discovered in Habersham, Hall and Cherokee Counties. The mining fever captured the state. The diggers, disregarding the laws, crossed the Chattahoochee and began mining on the Indian territory. This caused much strife and Governor Gilmer found it necessary to use force to stop the trouble. Major Wayne was put in command of a company of infantry, and succeeded in quelling the riot. He seized the miners and put them in confinement until they promised obedience to the laws. The General Assembly now passed a law that all white men found living on the Cherokee lands without proper permission, should be imprisoned for four years. Several men determined to disregard this law. They called themselves missionaries, and fixed their homes on the Cherokee lands. They were seized, tried and imprisoned, and at once engaged counsel and brought suit against Georgia. Before the case could be brought to an end the missionaries wrote a letter to Governor Gilmer acknowledging the authority
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
of Georgia and desiring to be released. The governor ordered their release.
10. 1830, the medical college at Augusta was chartered. Wilson Lumpkin was elected governor in 1831. He was brought to this state from Virginia in 1784, being then one year of age. He served the state often and well, and was the surveyor of the boundary line between Georgia and Florida. During his administration he recommended the surveying of the Cherokee lands. This excited great opposition among the Indians. but the survey was completed.
QUESTIONS. -- I. What of the next election ? 2. What did Georgia wish done? Did the government do this? What meeting was held and with what success? 3. Tell of the next election for Governor. What of Troup? 4. Tell of his two administrations." What was his greatest work ? What law was made? 5. What land was divided ? 6. Who was next governor, and when elected? Tell of Forsyth's successful life. 7. What of George R. Gilmer? S. What act was passed in 1829? What of the Cherokees? What did Georgia do? 9. What excitement in IS2S? What of Major Wayne? What law was passed by General Assembly? Tell of the so-called missionaries. 10. Where and when was a medical college chartered? Tell of the next governor and his administration.
CHAPTER XIX.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF LUMPKIN, SCHLEY, AND GILMER.
1. The tariff question was now the cause of much excitement in the Union. Congress had imposed duties upon certain imports and exports. Georgia and other Southern States resolutely opposed these duties. Legislature met and a reso- lution was passed, " that some measures should be devised to redress the grievances of the South," and a set of resolutions against the tariff bill was framed. South Carolina had resolved to withdraw from the Union unless the protective policy was abandoned soon. Henry Clay of Kentucky, proposed a com-
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ADMINISTRATIONS OF LUMPKIN, SCHLEY, AND GILMER.
promise to Congress. This was adopted and the oppressive tariff was removed.
2. 1833, Governor Lumpkin was again elected governor. The two political parties in Georgia now styled themselves the States Rights party and the Union party. Their differences were chiefly upon states rights. The Cherokee Indians became so troublesome that Governor Lumpkin found it necessary to put more troops along the borders.
3. February, 1835, the Cherokee nation sent two men to Washington for the purpose of forming a treaty. One deputy was John Ross, who was opposed to emigration. The other was John Ridge, in favor of it. Ross, in behalf of his party, offered to cede lands in Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee to the United States for the sum of $20,000,000. The govern- ment refused this offer and appointed Mr. Schermerhorn to confer with Ridge, and see what arrangement could be made. A compromise was finally effected with Ridge's party, and, after violent opposition, accepted by Ross and his party.
4. The principal points of this treaty were as follows: the Cherokees were to relinquish all claim to lands east of the Mississippi. In return they were to receive 7,000,000 acres west of the Mississippi. The government was to remove them to their new homes and support them for one year, and give $100,000 yearly for the poor of the nation. The Indians were also promised the protection of the United States. They were not to leave Georgia before two years had passed.
5. 1835, the Union party elected William Schley as governor. He came to Georgia from Maryland, was admitted to the bar and became a successful lawyer. Soon after his election the Seminole Indians in Florida declared war, because the govern- ment had endeavored to move them west of the Mississippi. Wiley Thompson, who was then United States agent for the tribe, Major Dale and ninety men were murdered.
6. General Winfield Scott and his men marched against the Indians and the strife lasted for months. The Creeks hearing
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
of this outbreak made war again upon Georgia. They gathered in great numbers and committed terrible murders on the border settlements. The people fled their homes and flocked to the adjacent towns for protection, Governor Schley took the command of troops, and establishing his head- quarters at Columbia, made every preparation to check the invasion. General Scott soon came to the rescue. After several skirmishes many hundreds of the Creeks gave themselves up. These were sent west of the Mississippi to Arkansas. The war still continued with the remaining tribes. May, 1836, they attacked the small town of Roanoke, on the Chattahoochee River, and forcing the inhabitants to retreat, burned the whole village, together with two boats, the Georgiana and the Hypernia, which were anchored near. After many other horrible crimes they attempted to join the Seminoles in Florida. The militia and a company of cavalry marched against them, and after two desperate battles they were defeated. The chiefs now were anxious for peace. As soon as possible they were sent to the Indian Territory and the state was freed of the Creeks.
7. 1836, a charter was obtained for the first railway in Georgia. This was to run from Macon to Savannah. The Legislature this year also passed an act recommending that a state railroad be built with state funds. So a railroad was built from the Chattahoochee to the Tennessee, and called the State Road or Western and Atlantic. Its eastern terminus was subsequently fixed at Atlanta and its northwestern at Chattanooga. IS37, Emory College was founded at Oxford. and named for Bishop Emory of the Methodist church.
8. October, 1837, George B. Gilmer was again elected governor by the States Rights party. Wilson Lumpkin defeated Judge Berrien for the United States Senate. Georgia now proceeded to take possession of the lands gained by the treaty with the Cherokees two years before. General Scott was put in command of the troops. The Indians were collected.
ADMINISTRATIONS OF LUMPKIN, SCHLEY, AND GILMER. 61
1560 marched to Ross Landing on the Tennessee River, and these were put in charge of other troops and Georgia's men dismissed. The Indians from other points had collected, and in September, 1838, 14,000 started to their territory. They were well fed and protected, but nearly 4000 died before the end of the journey.
9. 1838, Mercer University secured a charter and was founded at Penfield, by the Baptists, but was afterwards moved to Macon. 1839, the first female college was founded in Macon and called the Georgia Female College. Its name was afterwards changed to Wesleyan College. Bishop Pierce was made the first president. This college is said to be the first chartered female college in the world.
10. 1839, Charles McDonald was elected governor by the Union party. He was born in South Carolina and came to this state to practice law, and was elected judge of the Flint circuit. Charles J. McDonald. 1830, he represented Bibb County in the Legislature. Then was state senator and now became governor of Georgia.
QUESTIONS. - 1. What excited the union ? What resolution was passed? What did Congress finally do? 2. Who was made governor in 1533, and what two political parties were there? What of the Indians? 3. Tell of the Cherokees. 4. What were the principal points of this treaty? 5. Who was next governor? What trouble with the Indians? Who was Indian agent, and what was his fate. 6. Who marched against the Indians, and how long did the strife last ? What effect had this on the Creeks? What of Governor Schley? Who came to the rescue, and what was the result ? Did this end the war? Where were the Creeks sent? 7. What charter was obtained? What act passed? What of Emory College? S. Who was elected governor in 1837, and by what party? Who went to the senate? Tell of the departure of the Cherokees. 9. What year was Mercer University chartered ? When was the first female college chartered, and what name does it now bear? What is said of the college? 10. Who was made governor, 1839? Tell of his life.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
CHAPTER XX.
MEXICAN WAR.
I. 1840, found the Union in a miserable condition. There was no money to be had and the credit of the state was almost gone. The people were deeply in debt and the government was called upon to devise some means for relief. The President called an extra session of Congress; and an act was passed establishing what was called the Sub-Treasury. system. and $10,000,000 in treasury notes were issued. Georgia banks stopped specie payments and the scarcity of money was very great. Many necessaries of life rose in price and cotton was sold for four cents a pound.
2. This stringency in money affairs did not affect the tide of immigration into the state. The country which had been occupied by the Cherokees now began to be settled. Many people from Virginia and Carolina moved here and new towns were started. The state had made great progress in education. There were as many as 8000 children in academies, besides those at private schools.
3. There was at this time 636 miles of railroad, finished and unfinished, in Georgia. The population was 691,392. 4. The presidential election now caused great excitement in Georgia. The Union party called themselves the Democratic party, and supported John McPherson Berrien. Van Buren. The States Rights party, called the Whigs, were for Harrison. Harrison was elected. but died one month after he took the oath of office. Vice- President John Tyler of Virginia, became President. John McPherson Berrien and Alfred Cuthbert were sent to the United States Senate from Georgia.
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ROBERT TOOMBS
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MEXICAN WAR.
5. 1841, McDonald was re-elected governor. He was chiefly occupied with measures for the financial relief of the people. A new bank was established in Savannah, called the Central Bank, and many of the banks in the state resumed specie payments. The governor declared against any increase of taxation and borrowed from the Central Bank to meet the public debt.
6. Legislature passed an act for establishing a lunatic asylum. In 1842 this asylum, at Milledgeville, received its first patient. Both white and colored were admitted. During this year Dr. Crawford Long, a Georgian, discovered the anesthetic power of ether. . He was duly honored and his portrait placed on the walls of the House of Representa- tives.
7. 1843, the Whigs urged the election of George W. Crawford for governor. The Democrats nominated Mark A. Cooper. Crawford was elected. He was a bril- liant lawyer and served the state well. His administration greatly improved money affairs in the state. Legis- lature this year passed a bill reducing the number of senators to 47 and the representatives to 130.
S. Georgia sent to Congress King, Poe, Stephens and Toombs as Whigs ; Jones, Harralson, Lumpkin and Cobb as Democrats. Henry . Clay was the Whig nominee for President and was defeated by James K. Polk. Georgia gave Polk a large majority. 1845, George W. Crawford Governor Crawford was re-elected. During his term the Supreme Court was established and the Legislature elected Joseph Henry Lumpkin chief-justice.
9. Lumpkin was born in Oglethorpe County, December 28, 1799. He soon became one of the foremost men of the times.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
His intellect was of the highest order, he had much learning and was extremely cultivated. Added to this his genial nature and sweet disposition made him loved and honored by all. Eugenius A. Nis- bet and Hiram Warner were chosen associate justices.
10. Great excitement was felt in the state over the question of the annexation of Texas to the United States. Georgia was in Joseph Henry Lumpkin. favor of the annexation and Polk's This administration began with the admission of Texas.
brought on the Mexican war. Troops were called for and Georgia sent on a large force. Judge Henry R. Jackson was chosen colonel of ten companies from different parts of the state. He at once proceeded to Mexico and nobly upheld the honor of Georgia. A com- pany, of regulars under Captain Alexander Scott went from Bibb County.
II. In 1847 a request was made for a battallion of infantry and they went out under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Isaac Seymour, also two Henry R. Jackson. battallions under Captain Loyall and Lieutenant-Colonel
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