USA > Georgia > Chatham County > Savannah > History of Savannah, Ga.; from its settlement to the close of the eighteenth century > Part 2
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" 5. General George Washington, revered be his memory! Let our statesmen and our warriors obey his precepts, our youth emulate his vir- tues and services, and our country is safe.
"6. The cession of the Floridas- Honorable to the administration and useful to the United States, it completes the form of the Republic.
" 7. Major-General Andrew Jackson-The hero of New Orleans, the brave defender of his country and vindicator of its injured honor.
"S. Adams, Jefferson, and Madison - They have withdrawn from public duty, and illustrious by their virtues, and services, carry with them a nation's gratitude.
"9. The navy. Imperishable fame accompanies the Star Spangled Banner. In the last war we coped with Britain on the ocean ; now we hear of no search, no impressment.
" 10. The army. Our pillar of protection on the land; their valor and patriotism won the victories of York and of Erie, of Chippewa, and of Niagara.
: " II. The militia - Yet the bulwark of our country. Invincibles fell before them in the battle of Baltimore, and of Plattsburg, of the Thames, and of New Orleans.
" 12. Concord between the North and the South, the East and the
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VISIT OF PRESIDENT MONROE.
West. May unanimity till the end of time, falsify the timid fears of those who predict dissolution.
" 13. The American fair-May they always be mothers to a race of patriots.
"The following informal toasts were proposed :
"By president of the United States .- The people of the United States. They constitute but one family, and may the bond which unites them together as brethren and freemen be eternal.
"By John C. Calhoun, secretary of war - The freedom of the press, and the responsibility of public agents. The sure foundation of the noble fabric of American liberty.
"By Major-General Gaines-The memory of Jackson, Tattnall, and Telfair. The choice, the pride, and ornament of Georgia.
" By Mr. Middleton - The memory of General Greene, who con- quered for liberty.
"By Major-General Floyd - Our Country - May its prosperity be as lasting, as its government is free.
" After the president and secretary of war had retired the following toasts were proposed :
"By the mayor - The President of the United States.
" By William Bullock, esq., vice- president - Mr. Calhoun, secretary at war. The distinguished statesman, the virtuous citizen.
" By General John McIntosh. - Peace with all the world as long as they respect our rights - disgrace and defeat to the power who would invade them.
"By Colonel James E. Houstoun -The memory of General Lachlan McIntosh.
" By General Mitchell-The late war-a practical illustration of the energy of our republic.
" After the mayor retired, James M. Wayne, mayor of the city. By Colonel Marshall-The governor of the State of Georgia - a virtuous man and zealous chief magistrate.
" After the vice-president retired, William B. Bullock - Our re- spected citizen.
" By Colonel Harden - The assistant vice-presidents of the day - Charles Harris, Mathew McAllister and John Eppinger, esqs.
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
" By John H. Ash-Colonel James Marshall, a skillful officer, and the friend of his country.
" By Major Gray-We are a free and happy people, and while enjoying every blessing let us not forget the great Author from whom all good emanates.
"By Josiah Davenport-The union of our country. May the last trump alone dissolve it."
In 1820 Savannah experienced the horrors of a conflagration far sur- passing in violence and destruction the fire that occurred in 1796. It commenced on the morning of January II, and before the flames were extinguished four hundred and sixty-three houses, exclusive of outbuild- ings, were destroyed. With the exception of the Planters' Bank, the Episcopal Church and three or four other brick buildings, every house between Broughton and Bay streets was destroyed, the loss being esti- mated at four million dollars. At this time Savannah did not contain more than 7,500 persons, and the distress caused by the fire was felt by every one. The Georgian of January 17, 1820, was largely devoted to a description of the scenes and incidents of the great conflagration, and the following extract from this journal gives a vivid picture of the fearful desolation wrought by the fire: "The city of Savannah, after a lapse of . twenty-four years has again experienced the horrors of a conflagration, far surpassing in violence and destruction the melancholy fire in 1796. The buildings then were of little value compared to those recently lost. The genius of desolation could not have chosen a spot within the limits of our city, where so widespread a scene of misery, ruin and despair might be laid, as that which was recently the center of health and indus- try, now a heap of worthless ruins. On Tuesday morning, between the hours of one and two o'clock, an alarm of fire was given from the livery stable of Mr. Boon, on the trust lot of Isaac Fell, esq., situated in Bap- tist Church square, in the immediate vicinity of Market square, around which the buildings were almost exclusive of wood. They were in a most combustible state, from a long continuance of dry weather. When the conflagration reached Market square, a heavy explosion of gun-pow- der added greatly to the general destruction. For the information of readers at a distance the principal streets of the city run parallel with the river nearly east and west, beginning at Bay street, one side of which
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only is built up at the distance generally of about three or four hundred feet from the top of the bluff, beneath which runs the river. These streets are intersected by others at right angles and at regular intervals, spacious squares are left open into which the property rescued from the flames was hastily thrown. Broughton street, the most considerable in the city, runs parallel with Bay street, above described and five smaller streets and lanes thickly built are comprehended between those two streets. Ninety-four lots were left naked, containing three hundred and twenty-one wooden buildings, many, often double tenements, thirty-five brick, four hundred and sixty-three buildings, exclusive of outbuildings. The estimated loss is upwards of four millions. The fire was extinguished between twelve and one o'clock the next day, and if possible the scene became more painfully distressing. Wherever an open space promised security from the flames, property of every description had been depos- ited in vast heaps. Some were gazing in silent despair on the scene of destruction, others were busily and sorrowfully employed in collecting what little was spared to them. Alas, never did the sun set on a gloom- ier day for Savannah, or on so many aching hearts. Those whose avo- cations called them forth that night, will long remember its sad and sol- emn stillness, interrupted only by the sullen sound of falling ruins. Dur- ing the excitement while the heart of the city was wrapped in flames, each one was too busy for reflection, but when the danger was past and the unfortunate sufferers had leisure to contemplate the extent of their losses, a generous mind may conceive, but it is impossible to describe their feelings of despair."
Generous was the aid that flowed from Northern and Southern cities to the distressed people of Savannah after the fire of 1820, while the gen- erosity of those in the afflicted city who were in position to render as- sistance was characteristic of a naturally kind hearted and generous peo- ple. Before, however, the people had recovered from the effects of this great disaster they were confronted by a death dealing pestilence which was the most severe blow that had yet befallen the city by the sea. On the fifth of September a vessel arrived from the West Indies having yel- low fever on board. A few days after several cases were reported in the city. The dread disease spread rapidly, and on the 6th of November fol- lowing two hundred and thirty- nine persons had been stricken down.
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
When the fever began its relentless sway the population of the city was 7,523, which was quickly reduced by flight, there being only 1,494 per- sons in the city at the end of October. Among those who remained the loss of life was fearful, but was mostly confined to the foreign population which had come the previous winter and had not become thoroughly acclimated.
During the early years of Savannah as an incorporated city, the mayor served without salary, but as the duties of the office increased, re- muneration for his services seemed to impress the "city fathers" as just and proper, and in 1821 a committee was appointed to prepare a bill en- titled " An. ordinance for allowing the mayor a salary annually."
The recovery from the effects of the fire of 1820 and the ravages of yellow fever was slow. The financial conditions of the city had become much depressed and it took several years of hard persistent work to regain what in a few hours had been swept away by the fire, fire, and the losses caused by the suspension of all business during the visitations of the yellow fever epidemic. The holiday spirit of the peo- ple. had become somewhat regained in 1825, and the occasion of General La Fayette's visit during this year was made a season of the most impos- ing civil and military displays ever witnessed in Savannah.
The tour of General LaFayette in the United States during 1824 and 1825 was made a national event. Everywhere the "Nation's Guest " was received with an enthusiasm, which has been accorded to few men in the world's history. From the time of his arrival in New Orleans in August, 1824, until he landed at the east bluff of Savannah on the 19th of March, 1825, the papers of this city had contained full accounts of his triumphal tour. His reception in Savannah was fully chronicled by the local papers as the following description of this interesting occasion fully shows : "Almost up to the last hour the time of the probable arrival of our venerated Guest was but conjectural; opinions were various as to the moment at which he might be expected, and all the preparations for giv- ing eclat to the visit were confined to little more than a week. How well the time was improved the detail of the circumstances attending it will shew ; it was a labour of affectionate respect, in which all appeared to join with heart and hand. As the time approached, the interest pro- portionately increased. The stages and packets, particularly from the
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VISIT OF GENERAL LA FAYETTE.
South, were crowded with passengers. The Liberty County Troop of Light Dragoons, under the command of Captain W. M. Maxwell, and the Darien Hussars, Captain Charles West, had early evinced their anx- ious desire to do lionour to the occasion, and had reached town on the Tuesday preceding. On Friday evening all appeared to be in a buzz of expectation, and numerous parties were collected in almost every spot on Bay street and elsewhere ; every one with a face of pleasure and ex- pectation. At half past five o'clock on Saturday morning, by a signal from the Chatham Artillery, the Military were warned to repair to their several parade grounds. The line was formed at eight o'clock, soon after which, there being no appearance of the Boat, the troops stacked their arms and were dismissed until the arrival. At an early hour the French and American flags were hoisted on the Exchange steeple, the Revenue Cutter Gallatin, Captain Matthews, was also decorated with flags, and the Merchant Vessels were dressed in the same manner. On Bay street, on each side of the entrance to the city from under the bluff, were placed two French brass pieces, one of which, tradition informs us, was received in this country by the same vessel that brought over LaFayette ; they were manned by a company of masters of vessels, and others who vol- unteered for the occasion. The resort to the Eastern part of the bluff was general at an early part of the morning, continuing to increase dur- ing the day ; and at the time of the arrival was crowded with ladies and citizens at every point which could command a view of the landing. A temporary landing was erected at the wharf, consisting of a flight of steps and a platform. At an early hour the committee of recep- tion deputed from the Joint Committee, together with Colonels Brailsford and Randolph, aids of his excellency Governor Troup, proceeded to Fort Jackson in three barges, decorated with flags, rowed by seamen in blue jackets and white trowsers, under the command of Captains Nicolls, Campbell, and Dubois. The first notice of the arrival of the welcome vessel was by a few strokes of the Exchange Bell. A few minutes after the volume of smoke which accompanied her was perceptible over the land ; she was then about twelve or fifteen miles off, but rapidly ap- proaching. The intelligence, 'The boat's in sight,' spread with electrical rapidity, and the bustle which had in some measure subsided, recom- menced and every one repaired to the spot where his landing was to take
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
place. The troops were immediately formed and marched to the lower part of Bay street, where they were placed in position on the green in front of the avenue of trees, their right on East Bay. A more gallant and splendid military display we have never seen; the effect was beauti- ful, every corps exceeded its customary numbers; many who had not appeared under arms for years, shouldered them on this occasion, and the usual pride of appearance and honourable emulation was ten times increased by the occasion.
"Those who knew the Volunteer Companies of Savannah will believe this to be no empty compliment. As the Steamboat passed Fort Jackson she was boarded by the Committee of Reception. On their ascending the deck, the General was addressed by their chairman, George Jones, Esq. The boat now came up in gallant style, firing by the way, and a full band of music on board playing the Marseillaise Hymn and other fa- vourite French and American airs. Her appearance was imposing and beautiful,. to which the splendid and glittering uniforms of the officers from South Carolina who attended the General greatly added. As the Steamboat came up to her anchorage a salute was fired by the Revenue Cutter Gallatin, Captain Matthews. General LaFayette was now assisted into the first barge accompanied by the Committee and others, the other boats being occupied by the remainder of the suite. As the boat reached the shore the excitement in every face increased. A line was then formed from the landing place on the wharf, facing inwards, composed of the mayor and aldermen of the city, the clergy, the judge and officers of the District Court, the Superior Court, and the Court of Oyer and Ter- miner, the Union Society, deputations from the Hibernian Society, with their badges and banners; from the St. Andrew's Society with their Badges, and from the Agricultural Society with their badges, and citi- zens. The officers and gentlemen who accompanied the General in the Steamboat from Charleston, besides the governor of that State, were Colonel Huger, Major-General Youngblood, General Geddes, Adjutant- General Earle, Colonel Keith, Colonel Butler, Colonel Chesnutt, Colonel Brown, Colonel Clonnie, Colonel Fitsimmons, Colonel Taylor, Major Warley, Major Hamilton, Captain Moses, and Messrs. Bee and McCloud; Colonel Huger and Major Hamilton alone accepted the invitation of the committee to land and participate in the ceremonies of the procession.
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VISIT OF GENERAL LA FAYETTE.
As the General placed his foot upon the landing-place a salute was fired by the Chatham Artillery in line on the Bluff, with four brass field-pieces, four and six-pounders, one of which was captured at York- town. He was here received by William C. Daniell Esq., mayor of the city. Six cheers were now given by the whole of the citizens, who were assembled on the gratifying occasion; for which the General expressed his grateful acknowledgments to those nearest him. Supported by the mayor and attended by the committee of reception, he now ascended the bluff, followed by his suite, the Members of the Corporation, the So- cieties and Citizens. Here he was again enthusiastically cheered. On arriving at the top of the Bluff. on the green, he was presented to Gov- ernor Troup, by whom, in the most cordial manner, he was welcomed to the soil of Georgia. LaFayette replied in feeling terms. The General was then introduced to several Revolutionary soldiers; among those present were General Stewart, Colonel Shellman, Eb. Jackson, Sheftall Sheftall, and Captain Rees. The utmost animation appeared to sparkle in the eyes of the General at this time. This was particularly the case when the latter, addressing him with a cordial grip of the hand, said, 'I remember you, I saw you in Philadelphia,' and proceeded to narrate some trifling incidents of the occasion; to which the General replied, ' Ah, I remember!' and taking Captain Rees's hand between both of his, the eyes of each glistening with pleasure, they stood for a few mo- ments apparently absorbed in recollections of the days of their youth. The officers of the brigade and of the regiment were then introduced. Whilst these introductions were going on a salute was fired along the whole line of infantry. The General and suite, together with the gov- ernor and suite, the Revolutionary officers, mayor, committee of. recep- tion, guests, General Harden and suite, Colonel McAllister, and the field officers from the adjoining Counties proceeded on foot down the front of the line in review. After passing the troops the General ascended the carriage prepared for his reception, and the procession moved in the fol- lowing order :
" Ist. F. M. Stone, Marshal of the City, with staff of office.
" 2d. Divisions of the Georgia Hussars, Liberty and McIntosh Troops of Cavalry, Jas. Barnard first Marshal with Staff.
"3d. General LaFayette and Governor Troup, in a Landau drawn by four grey horses. 44
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
"4th. The Mayor of the City and Colonel Huger, in a second Carriage,
" 5th. G. W. LaFayette and Mr. Le Vasseur in a third carriage.
"6th. Revolutionary officers in a fourth carriage.
" 7th. Brigadier General, the suites of the Governor and the General.
J. Habersham, second Marshal and Staff.
" 8th, The Committee of Council of the Citizens and of Officers.
"9th. Aldermen.
" 10th. The Reverend Clergy, Judges, Officers of the United States Consuls, Officers of Courts, H. Cope, third Marshal, with Staff, E. Bour- quin, fourth Marshal.
" IIth. The Union, The Hibernian, The St. Andrew's, and Agricult- ural Societies in ranks of eight, Citizens in ranks of eight. Sam. M. Bond, fifth Marshal, Jos. S. Pelot, sixth Marshal.
" 12th. Divisions of the Georgia Hussars, Liberty and McIntosh Troops of Cavalry.
" 13th. Field Officers of other Regiments.
"14th. Officers of the Army and Navy.
"15th. Company Officers of the first and other Regiments. Lieuten- ant Colonel, Chatham Artillery, United States Troops, Savannah Volun- teer Guards, Georgia Volunteers, Republican Blues, Savannah Juvenile Guards, Major and Regimental Staff. .
"The procession moved up East Broad street, to Broughton street, from thence to West Broad street, from thence to South Broad street, down that street to Abercorn street, and through Abercorn street to Oglethorpe square. When the procession began to move, a third salute was fired by the Marine Corps which we have heretofore mentioned.
The procession moved as prescribed in the arrangements of the day, and about half past five o'clock in the afternoon he arrived at the lodgings appropriated for him at Mrs. Maxwell's, the same in which Gov- ernor Troup resided. The time of his landing was at three o'clock ; so that the reception and procession took up about two hours and a half. The troops then filed off to the South Common and fired a National sa- lute, after which they returned to the quarters of the General to whom they paid the marching salute.
"During the passage of the procession, the windows and doors, as well as the spacious streets through which he passed, were crowded to excess;
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VISIT OF GENERAL LA FAYETTE.
and the expression of enthusiastic feeling was repeatedly displayed by all, from the highest to the lowest. He was saluted by the ladies from every place affording a view of the procession, by the waving of handkerchiefs; which he returned by repeated and continued inclination of the head, bowing in acknowledgment. At sundown another salute was fired by the Marine Volunteer Corps. Such was the inspiring and joyful spec- tacle produced by the reception of General La Fayette in our City."
During General LaFayette's visit to Savannah he laid the corner-stones of the Greene and Pulaski monuments, the former in Johnson and the latter in Chippewa squares. The corner-stone of the Greene. Monument, in commemoration of the event, bears the following inscription : "This corner-stone of a monument to the memory of Major-General Nathanael Greene, was laid by General LaFayette at the request of the citizens of Savannah, on the twenty-first of March, A. D. 1825." Upon the other was : "On the twenty-first day of March, A. D. 1825, was laid by General LaFayette, at the request of the citizens of Savannah, this foundation stone of a monument to the memory of Brigadier Count Pulaski."
The house in which General LaFayette wasentertained during his stay in the city still stands. It faces Oglethorpe square and is now the resi- dence of Mrs. H. W. Thomas. It was built in the early part of the pres- ent century, and still presents much of the appearance it did when LaFay- ette was a guest beneath its roof.
In 1831 was commenced the erection of Fort Pulaski, the most im- portant defense of the city against hostile approach by sea, commanding as it does the mouth of the Savannah River. It is situated fourteen miles from the city, on Cockspur Island, and was named in honor of Brigadier- General Count Pulaski. The site for it was selected by Major Babcock, of the United States Engineer Corps, about 1827-8, and work was begun upon it by Captain Manfield, United States engineer, at the time stated. It was completed in 1847, at a cost of a million dollars, but was never occupied by troops until in January, 1861, when it was taken possession of by Confederate troops by order of Governor Brown.
The erection of permanent barracks in Savannah began to be dis- cussed in the winter of 1831. The mayor and aldermen presented to Congress a memorial which the War Department favorably received, and immediately issued orders to find suitable quarters within the city for
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HISTORY OF SAVANNAH.
troops during the summer months with the view of ascertaining the healthfulness of the location. The theater was secured for such purpose, and here a detachment of the regular army was quartered during the summer of 1832. This venture convinced Captain Merchant, who with fifty- five men was stationed here, that Savannah was a most desirable location for the erection of army barracks, and in October, 1832, he made a report to the War Department to this effect. During the next session of Congress an appropriation of $30,000 was made for a site and the building of a barracks. They were constructed about 1832-5, and covered two blocks and the lane between, extending from Liberty to Harris streets, and from Bull to Drayton, fronting on Bull street.
The period from 1830 to 1840 witnessed the inauguration of some of the most important events in the history of Savannah, as the formation of the poorhouse and hospital society, the Georgia Infirmary, and the Central Railroad incorporation. The last named enterprise has had a most important bearing on the destinies of Savannah. The first sixty- seven miles of the road was completed in 1838, and gave a wonderful im- petus to the commerce of the city. Improvements began on every hand. In 1839 there was scarcely a building adapted for commercial purposes
untenanted. Stores and counting houses arose at every turn, and the little city with its 11,000 inhabitants in 1840 was supreme in the Sea Isl- and cotton, rice and lumber trades. Steam- mills were put into operation, .
steam packet lines were established, and, to keep pace with the commer- cial growth of the city, means of culture for the inhabitants were not neglected as is evidenced by the formation in 1839 of the Georgia His- torical Society, which from that time to the present has been one of the most beneficent institutions of the city.
The 4th of July, 1845, was observed by the citizens of Savannah as a day of mourning for Andrew Jackson, the late president of the United States. In commemoration of the life, services, and character of this illus- trious soldier and statesman an eulogy was pronounced by Matthew Mc- Allister at the Independent Presbyterian Church. Francis M. Stone was chief marshal of the day and had charge of the procession in which the following civil and military officers, organizations, societies, and com- panies took part:
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