USA > Georgia > Wilkinson County > History of Wilkinson County > Part 6
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inevitable, the American government through its repre- sentatives at Madrid made an inquiry as to whether, in case of a war between the United States and the Indians, Spain would take sides with the Indians. The equivocal reply convinced the people of Georgia and the United States of the designs of Spain. Sentiment in all Georgia was that further forbearance was no longer a virtue and was ready to welcome a war against both Spain and the Indians. So strong was the feeling in Georgia against the Spaniards that open threats were being made that if the United States did not remove the Spaniards from her soil, she would do so herself.
At just this moment when the tension in Georgia was tightest the newly appointed French Minister, Genet, landed at Charleston where he was accorded perhaps the greatest ovation ever received by a foreign diplomat in America. Especially were the South Carolinians voci- ferous in their applause, for not only were many of the in- habitants descended from the French Huguenots enthusi- astic over the success of the French Republicans, but there was also evident the spirit of gratitude towards the French people for the aid given in the struggle for inde- pendence. Genet thus found sentiment ripe for his plans of raising land and sea forces with which to attack the enemies of France. It was even said that Governor Moul- trie was in sympathy with his schemes, until reminded by the South Carolina Legislature that such a course would conflict with the program of neutrality entered into by the American government. In spite of the half-hearted efforts put forth to prevent infractions against neutrality, the preparations for the expedition against the Spaniards were continued by the people of that state. Threefold was the urge that kept this up : first, the traditional hatred of the Spaniards for their grandfathers had fought in Ogle- thorpe's wars with this enemy; second, the gratitude to the French, and thirdly, the desire for plunder.
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It soon became apparent that large forces could easily be raised in South Carolina and Georgia for the subjuga- tion of East Florida, and the next problem was the selec- tion of the leader of the expedition. Due to its geographi- cal situation, Georgia appeared the proper place from. which to select the leader, for it was necessary for the South Carolina forces to march through Georgia to the place of rendezvous on the St. Mary's, and supplies would have to be purchased in Georgia. The movement thus de- manded as its head a man popular with the Carolinians as well as with the Georgians, a man powerful enough to overcome any opposition that might be raised in Georgia. No man filled all the qualifications needed as did Elijah Clarke. No man in Georgia was more popular with the rank and file, or who could rally a stronger following. His unparalleled bravery as displayed on many a bloody battle- field in South Carolina during the Revolution had en- deared him to the people of that state. The almost super- stitious fear with which the Indians regarded him would guarantee passage across the Indian country without op- position and could be counted on towards rallying them to his side. Added to this was the fact that Clarke knew well the country through which the expedition would have to march en route to the rendezvous, for during the Revolu- tion he had marched at the head of his regiment of Wilkes county cavalry through this very section in the expedition against the British who then controlled Florida, and fought as none other fought in the disastrous battle that broke the spirit of the enterprise, falling desperately wounded in the charge. No fitter man could have been se- lected by Genet to lead the sans culottes.
Clarke was thus commissioned Major General at a sal- ary of ten thousand dollars per annum and steps were taken towards organizing the adventurers who favored the enterprise in both South Carolina and Georgia into military units with officers at their head. It was decided
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to make St. Augustine the first objective where the land forces would be supported in the siege by a French fleet. Throughout the year 1793 the trusted agents of Genet were busy in South Carolina and Georgia making every preparation for the expedition. A report was circulated in Georgia that Clarke was raising an army of 2,500 men with which to march against the Indians which spread fear among the red tribesmen but the real intent was probably known in Georgia and no effort was being made to dis- courage the movement.
In the meantime, after having laid his plans in South Carolina, Genet proceeded to the seat of the National Government and was everywhere greeted with acclama- tions of welcome. Sentiment throughout the nation was running strong for an immediate alliance with France against her enemies, and but for Washington's determina- tion not to risk a war at a time when this infant republic was in such a weak condition the United States would probably have become a party to the wars then raging. While the United States made declarations of neutrality, yet there was the unmistakable sympathy for France evi- dent on many sides. Openly it appeared that the adminis- tration was trying to maintain a strict neutrality, but one cannot read the American State Papers carefully without getting the idea that Washington and his cabinet had their fingers crossed all the time, and though cognizant of the proposed expeditions, far from crushing, were secretly en- couraging them. We find Thomas Jefferson, while Secre- tary of State, giving Michaux, one of the agents of Genet, a letter of Introduction to the Governor of Kentucky who was apparently in sympathy with the expeditions against the Spanish Colonies on the Mississippi. We further find him reminding Genet that a little explosion on the Miss- issippi would be welcomed by the Americans as tending to convince Spain that it would be wise to make a treaty with the United States. Likewise, we find Genet's enterprises
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largely financed by payments by the American Govern- ment, on the French debt before the installments fell due. We are thus led to suspect that Washington was not ig- norant of the expedition against East Florida.
During the year 1793 the recruiting was being con- tinued. In South Carolina William Tate, Jacob R. Brown, William Urby, Robert Tate, Richard Speke, Stephen Drayton, and John Hamilton were commissioned by Genet and actively engaged in enlisting men, and organizing them into battalions with officers to be commissioned ac- cording to the number of men any individual could enlist. It was planned to raise five thousand men. The pay of the privates was to be 25 cents per day, rations, clothing and a share in the plunder, and a share in the lands conquered. A portion of the plunder according to the plans were to belong to France. Many were almost ready to depart for the place of rendezvous.
A new factor had, however, now entered. The ovations accorded Genet and the successes of his enterprises seem- ingly had gone to his head. His extreme demands upon the American government were rapidly alienating the friends of France. Thomas Jefferson, than whom France never had a stauncher American friend, became indignant at the insolence of Genet. Likewise, there was growing a revulsion of sentiment in South Carolina, as the conserva- tive elements began to realize the seriousness of the situ- ation.
Thus in the early part of December, 1793, the South Carolina legislature made an investigation of the rumors. Resolutions were passed condemning the enterprise, a copy of which was sent President Washington. Governor Moultrie issued a proclamation forbidding the enrollment in the undertaking by any of the inhabitants of that state. Upon learning that the South Carolina authorities had ar- rested a number of persons charging them with accepting commissions from him, Genet wrote the Secretary of
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State of the charge and denied that he had authorized the recruiting as charged but admitted commissioning some to go among the Indian tribes and attack the Spaniards and English. Although notified of the situation in South Caro- lina, yet it is a striking fact that President Washington took no action at all until the 15th of January, 1794, when he laid the information before Congress.
In the meantime the disquieting news had reached Ques- ada, the Governor of East Florida, that his dominions would be invaded by large forces from Georgia and Flori- da in conjunction with the French, news enormously exag- gerated by the time it reached St. Augustine. His infor- mation was that Col. Samuel Hammond of Savannah had been commissioned Brigadier General by the French and was to command the expedition, that there were already sixteen hundred cavalry on the border in Camden county, well provided with magazines of ammunition and provis- ions, that Abner Hammond should command the cavalry which was soon to be augmented by large reinforcements from other parts of Georgia and South Carolina and that three French frigates with 1, 100 men on board were to sail from Beaufort, South Carolina, and that the attack should be made on East Florida about the middle of February. Abner Hammond having crossed the St. Mary's River and falling into the hands of the Spaniards was brought before Quesada. Upon being questioned, instead of giving accurate information he increased the panic of fear of the Spanish governor by assuring him of the absolute truth of the wild rumors that had reached St. Augustine as to the size of the invading forces.
(Note : Abner Hammond was then sent to Havana and imprisoned in Moro Castle for years. Later he was re- leased after which he made Milledgeville his home.) (White's Statistics. )
Although having on January 7th written Governor Matthews that there were rumors of an expedition
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against East Florida, which seemingly had but little effect on the Georgia governor, upon receiving the latest alarm- ing news, Quesada again hastily wrote him, acquainting him of what he had learned and urging him in the name of neutrality to take steps to stop the enterprise and as- suring Matthews of the friendship of the Spaniards for the Georgians. It is noteworthy that the spirit of this let- ter was entirely different to that in former letters written by him when protests were made concerning his intrigues with the Creeks which had caused Georgia so much trouble. Matthews appeared not to lose any sleep over Quesada's predicament. Finally on the 5th of March Governor Matthews issued a proclamation similiar to that of Governor Moultrie of South Carolina.
The Georgians seemed to have paid about as much at- tention to the proclamation as might have been expected under the circumstances. Although large forces of militia were quickly available along the Oconee River, being al- ready organized for defense against Indian invasion, yet not a hand was lifted to prevent General Clarke and his men from marching across the river and encamping op- posite Greensboro, the Rock Landing and at Carr's Bluff, preparatory to marching to the St. Mary's.
Among the Georgians involved in the expedition were Col. Carr and Major M. Williamson, Jr., both of Wash- ington county. Also Captain Bird, who had formerly com- manded the federal forces at Fort Matthews, was com- manding the detachment opposite Greensboro. Captain McKinsey commanded the detachment encamped oppo- site the Rock Landing.
Neither did the federal troops in Georgia take any steps towards discouraging the movement of troops, but on the contrary we find Col. Carr and Major Williamson fraternizing with Captain Martin, who commanded Fort Fidius and spending a day and night with him at that fort on the 8th of April, where they freely discussed their
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plans with the captain, showing him a list of the men to whom Major Williamson who was serving as Clarke's paymaster, had paid their mileage to the point of rendez- vous. Ten days later Constant Freeman, agent for the De- partment of War in Georgia at Fort Fidius rather be- latedly wrote the Secretary of War of what had trans- pired.
In the meantime the French were co-operating. The sloop of war, Las Casas, with two hundred men arrived at the St. Mary's River and it was reported that thirteen other war vessels, equally well armed and manned were soon to arrive. A few days later the Las Casas seized a base on Amelia Island, south of the St. Mary's, and land- ed guns and erected defense. General Clarke had now ar- rived and was in charge of his forces on the Georgia side of the St. Mary's which were growing larger each day.
On May 14th, though, it was reasonable to suppose that by this time Clarke's army was already across the Florida border en route to St. Augustine, Henry Knox, Secretary of War, made a gesture towards stopping the expedition by writing Governor Matthews, urging him to take such measures as should prevent it, and authorizing him to use the federal forces in Georgia, at the same time writing Lieut .- Col. Gaither commanding the federal forces in Georgia, that if the Governor should call upon him to assist him, to do so.
In the meanwhile, the "little explosion" had occurred on the Mississippi, and the expedition of George Rogers Clark had been nipped in the bud at the proper moment. It was now time for the Georgia bubble to burst. The nec- essary steps had already been taken for the denouement. Genet had been recalled by the French government and a new ambassador appointed who was opposed to the expe- dition, and withdrew the sanction of the French govern- ment as well as the financial aid. This seems to have had
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the desired effect. Clarke's men returned to their former encampments on the west side of the Oconee River.
The United States was still neutral, no overt act having been committed. The Governors of the Spanish colonies were thoroughly frightened and ceased their meddling with the Indians. The American government now fol- lowed the plan which Thomas Jefferson might well be sus- pected of setting on foot, and new overtures were made to the Spanish court for a treaty by which the demands of the United States might be granted. Spain, convinced that the United States could not much longer restrain the an- ger of the people of Georgia as well as that of the settlers of the western states bordering on the branches of the Mississippi, and being faced with the possible loss of all the Florida and Louisiana territories, within a few months graciously granted all the demands, agreeing to remove their troops front the soil claimed by Georgia, as well as open the Mississippi to navigation to the western settlers. What years of peaceable negotiations had failed to ac- complish, the "little explosions" did.
As might be supposed, Elijah Clarke did not lose in popularity by embarking on the enterprise which was destined to have such happy results for Georgia. Neither did the American government take any steps towards punishing him for the alleged high crimes and misde-, meanors. Taking all the circumstances in the case, we cannot look upon Elijah Clarke as a mere soldier of for- tune in this adventure, but rather the leader of an unoffi- cial American expedition, marching under the French flag. But having failed in their Florida objective his men were now in the mood to establish a new republic of their own.
CHAPTER XII
ELIJAH CLARKE'S REPUBLIC
L N the summer of 1794, Elijah Clarke, returning with his Sans Culottes to their former encampments in what is now Wilkinson county encamped upon the lands here, and having pacified the Indians, by renting these lands, as was stated, had established their homes, built and garrisoned forts all along the Oconee and at various places between the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers. One of these, Fort Advance, was located just across the river from Fort Fidius. Another, Fort Defiance, was in all probability located near the present site of Milledgeville, as its location is given as being six miles above Fort Advance. There was also another fort near the line of Laurens and Wilkinson counties, not far from Turkey Creek, as some old fortifications and the skeleton of an old flint lock pistol has recently been found, and it is supposed to have been one of Clarke's forts. On the level fields lying between Itchee-wam-Othchee or Black Creek, and Thlock-Laoso, or Fishing Creek, about the present site of the George Hollingshed farm on the Milledgeville and Toomsboro Road, near the line of Wilkinson and Bald- win counties, the metropolis of Clarke's Republic was laid off. Here Clarke established his headquarters. While E. Bradley was President of the Committee of Safety, Clarke was the acknowledged head of both the army and the government.
The news of Clarke's intended republic on the soil which was later to become Wilkinson County met with approval throughout many parts of the state. Numbers of settlers flocked to the newly seized lands. Cabins were built as the vast expanse of fertile lands stretching be- tween the two rivers was now opened for the masses of
(82)
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land-hungry Georgians heretofore forbidden to cross the Oconee in search of new lands. How many came, how thickly settled this country became under the brief re- gime of Clarke, written records fail to disclose. However there are indisputable signs evident in innumerable places in the county which prove that at some period before the county was finally settled, white men in considerable num- bers dwelt here. This is shown by old house sites, where pieces of broken English pottery, pieces of iron, gun bar- rels, etc., are to be found and traditions are handed down that the first settlers had no knowledge of how these old house sites came to be there.
Adventurous spirits, these, who first dared to build their homes on these lands. They came defying not merely the laws of Georgia; the laws of the United States; the power of Spain whose garrisons in Florida were in striking distance and who was championing the cause of the Creeks in every dispute with the whites; the power of England who was constantly exerting her influence with the lower Creeks and inciting them to depredations; but above all, they came in the face of all the horrors the In- dian nations could bring to bear upon them. Uneasy must have been the sleep of Clarke's adherents during these months.
The Indian massacres almost ceased. The riflemen of Clarke, as was the case during the Revolution, stood guard between the inhabitants of Georgia and their ene- mies. No wonder his enterprise should grow in favor with the Georgians, and his popularity which was already great should continue to grow. Few in Georgia dared to begin the opposition. Governor Matthews sent a half hearted demand for him to remove from the Indian lands, but Clarke having pacified the Indians, believed that he was doing Georgia no injury in settling on lands guaranteed to the Indians by the Federal Government, and that the militia of Georgia would never march against him. He
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was also convinced that the United States government had neither the constitutional right to interfere, nor sufficient military force to put any interference into effect and re- fused to obey the orders to remove from the Indian lands.
But the federal government was thoroughly alarmed at the prospect of a rival republic so nearby, headed by the redoubtable Elijah Clarke whose prowess in battle, whose friendship with the French, whose popularity among the Georgians and Carolinians was so well known; a leader dreaded by the Indians as the Scourge of Death, who doubtless could ally them to his standard: a leader who only a few months before, had spread terror into the very midst of the walls of St. Augustine, when it had appeared that his Sans Culottes in conjunction with the French fleet would attack that place. None realized the possibilities of Clarke's dream of an empire as did the federal authori- ties at the American seat of government.
And yet none realized the impotence of the federal gov- ernment in dealing with this menace better than did the federal officials. There was a bare handful of soldiers in the whole federal army, which if sent against him in order to reach his settlements would have to march one hundred and fifty miles over land from the seacoast through a state whose sympathies were with Clarke. It was madness to make such an attempt. None knew the extent of Clarke's popularity in Georgia and the Carolinas. The nearest federal troops under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Gaither were at Fort Fidius, almost within gunshot of Fort Advance but it is a striking fact that not one act of aggression was made by these troops, evidently because of the unpopularity of the federal government, any act of these troops might so incense Clarke's men, as well as in- cense other Georgians, that much trouble might result.
In the dilemma, the Secretary of War called upon the Governor of Georgia to act with despatch in forcing Clarke to remove his men, and the Governor of South
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Carolina was likewise appealed to for aid in sending such forces to assist Georgia as might be needed. The bur- den of the removal was thus placed on the state, and the federal government avoided the criticism of further in- fringing on States Rights.
Governor Matthews acted with alacrity. The campaign was now on. The manner in which Governor Matthews and his generals handled this campaign was a masterpiece of diplomacy. Instead of an immediate invasion with arms which might have had the effect of alienating much of Georgia, another plan, much more effectual was resorted to-that of propaganda. In this they were aided by the powerful charge of Judge Walton to the Richmond coun- ty Grand Jury in which Clarke's Revolutionary service was praised and his present course condemned as violative of the laws of Georgia. This charge was printed and widely circulated. It successfully appealed to the zealous law-abiding citizens of the state, and the leaven began to work, as they realized that Clarke was violating the laws of Georgia.
But suddenly another piece of strategy was resorted to which was destined to prove fully as effective, and which was intended to appeal to the cupidity of all the citizens, and under color of legal authority to do what Clarke was doing illegally, and which perhaps did more to mould sen- timent against Clarke than anything else. A petition was circulated throughout the state asking the Legislature which was to convene in November to pass an act for the surveying of the Indian lands and the opening of a land office for the distribution of the lands east of the Chat- tahooche to the citizens of Georgia. It quickly became ap- parent that the act would be passed by the Legislature. Sentiment in Georgia was soon running strong against Clarke, and some of the citizens began to urge the Gover- nor to remove his settlers.
In the meantime military operations were not idle.
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Forces of dragoons were raised, placed under the com- mand of Captain Fauche, with orders dated July 30th to blockade the line separating Georgia from Clarke's set- tlements and prevent supplies and re-inforcements from Georgia reaching his garrisons. Detachments of these were placed at Waffords, High Shoals on the Apalachy, at Fort Twiggs, and at White Bluff, fifteen miles below Fort Fidius with orders to patrol the whole line. One-third of the entire militia of Georgia was ordered to hold them- selves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. Heavy artillery was being brought to the scene of hostilities from Augusta and Savannah.
Generals Twiggs and Irwin now considered the time ripe to treat with General Clarke and upon visiting him at Fort Advance attempted to reason with their Revolu- tionary comrade, and urged him to desist from his course of action. Clarke referred to his men the question of whether their demand should be acceded to and the forts surrendered. Their answer was that they would risk their lives in defense of their settlements, after which no amount of persuasion could change Clarke's determina- tion to resist to the end.
Operations now began in earnest. General Twiggs ordered Major David Adams, who a few weeks before was threatening to storm Fort Fidius, to cross the Oconee and urge the garrison at Fort Defiance to remove from the Indian lands. This was refused and Adams' life threat- ened. He retired without injury to himself or his troops.
When it became apparent that a resort to arms would be inevitable Clarke hastily began strengthening his forts. The garrisons in the various forts were withdrawn and concentrated at Fort Advance and Fort Defiance, he, him- self, remaining at Fort Advance. Perhaps the letter of Elijah Clarke to the Committee of Safety is the only copy of any official document issued by any official of the ill- fated Republic :
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