USA > Georgia > Memoirs of Georgia; containing historical accounts of the state's civil, military, industrial and professional interests, and personal sketches of many of its people. Vol. I > Part 2
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517
Thompson, Y. H .. 557
Thompson, Chester,
558
Smith, Robert L ..
651
Thompson, William H. . . 1069
Smith, Halstead.
680
Thomson, William S. 607
Smith, Alexander W
935
. Thomson, William S. 945
West, A. J.
950
Westbrook, L. M.
408
Westbrook, R. N .. 612
Westmoreland, Thomas P .. 951
Westmoreland, Willis F. 953 Westmoreland, George .. 953 Whaley, James T. 1042
White, John T 284
White, H. C. 487
White, John R. 488
White, James 489
Whitfield, Robert 277
Whitley, T. R ..
621
Whitner, John C. 954
Wight, Edwin L .. 612
Wilcox, Jefferson 511
Wilcoxon, John B 560
Steed, J. E ..
407
Troup, George M. 231
Trulock, Andrew J. 592
Turnbull, Waller T. 680
Williams, Robert J. 644
Stetson, James D. 373
Turner, J. D 681
Williams, James E ..
960
Williams, William M. .1055
Stevens, John H. 275
Tye, John L. 947
Williamson, Jasper J .. 448
Stevens, Walter C.
275
Stevens, W. P .. 374
Van Epps, Howard .. 948
Wimberly, Ezekiel H.
.1096
Winn, Samt 1010
Stewart, Andrew J. 1055
Van Hoose, A. W .. .1024
Winn, Thomas E. 1012
Winship, George. 962
Wolff, Bernard. 963
Wood, James O. 285
Vickery, William 1074
Wood, Albert R. 560
Strickland, Colquitt 319
Strickland, Henry H. 444
Strickland, John J 486
Wade, Reuben W 626
Woods, William S. 562
Woodson, Stewart F 964
Woolsey, Isaac G. 657
Tait, Charles. 246
Walker, John H .. 309
Wooster, George.
638
Talbot, Matthew 231
Walker, John H., Jr. 310
Word. John H 448
Taliaferro, John. 993
Walker, James P. 310
Wright, Sir James 224
Talley, James W. 319
Walker, Randolph 310
Wright, Young A. 387
Tanner, G. H .. 939
Walker, William S. 320
Wright, W. W. 592
Tate, Edmund B 637
Walker, James B. 558
Wright, Seaborn,
681
Tattnall, Josiah. 230
Walker, Charles H. 570
Wright, William A. 965
Taylor, J. P. 556
Walker, George W. 1026
Wright, G. W. 990
Taylor, William 556
Wall, J. N. 638
Wright, J. B ... 990
Telfair, Edward. 247
Wallace, Charles B. 311
Wylie, James R 966
Terrell, Joseph M. 941
Terrell, L. M 942
Thomas, William W. 487
Ward, John Elliott. 252
Wynn, Frank A 682
Thomas, John B. 582
Ward, Calvin A., Jr 510
Yancey, Hamilton 683
Thomas, C. H .. 591
Ware, Alexander F 607
Young, Pierce M. B.
250
Thomas, Gabriel L 651
Ware, James B. 1083
Yow, Richard D. 694
Thomas, Lovick P 943
Ware, Nicholas .. 247
Zachry, Charles T. 1087
Thomas, Lewis W. 944
Waring, George H
311
G ... 620
Welden, Elijah B. 657
Wereat, John
226
West, Jahiel J.
608
Smith, Burton 935
Smith, Hoke.
937
Tillman, D. N. 445
Tindall, H. C. 375
Tinsley, Philip 498
Tolbert, J. Thomas 446
Speer, Emory
373
Spence, William M. 443
Spence, McAlvin H. 1067
Tompkins, Benjamin H .. 1082
Stacy, James.
554
Tompkins, Humphrey A .. 1082 Toombs, Robert. 243
Stafford, John D .. 554
Stallings, William T.
555
Standifer, William M. 625
Standifer, William B .. 625
Stanford, Lycurgus L .... 1068
Starke, S. C. 636
Starke, Henry F. 938
Steed, Franklin H. 406
Trimble, William W 307
Wilkins, Grant .. 959
Stephens, William 223
Stephens, Alexander H. . .
238
Stevens, Henry.
274
Turk, L. N 283
Upchurch, John J.
452
Wilson, James W.
1010
Stewart, Andrew P. 939
Stiles, Joseph C. 251
Stiles, William H
252
Stovall, A. C.
636
Strange, John E. 283
Vincent, Aulsey A. 309
Wood, William J 562
Woods, Robert H 561
Strickland, Ansel. 686
Walker, William H. T. 249
Walker, Freeman 246
Strozier, Eugene F
607
Wan Valkenburg, William B 395
Veach, J. M. 308
Wadc, John McG. 625
Tribble, L. N. 693
Treadwell, J. W.
1041
Treutlen, John A 226
Towns, George W. 233
Trammell, Leander N
506
Trammell, Paul B. 946
Tomlinson, Moses.
501
Tompkins, Henry B. 946
Smith, W. T.
1007
Smith, A. R.
1024
Spearman, Wesley
.1081
Tift, Henry H. 319
Smith, Emanuel C ...
602
Walton, George 228 Wynn, Obadiah. 563
Walton, William T. 515
Wynn, Joseph H. 564
Zellers, William S.
408
Thomason, James R
444
Webb, Caloway M.
559
Zellars, Thomas E.
564
Van Goidtsnoven, Emile .. 950
Williams, Henry M.
447
INDEX TO ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page.
Page.
Page.
Aiken, F. D .. 974
Gress, G. V. 799
Martin, E. W. 861
Allen, George D .. 320
Hall, M. M ... 509
Mershon, M. L. 986
Armstrong, W. S ... 703
Hammond, W. R .. 804
Milledge, John 863
Battles around Chatta-
Hardeman, Thomas. 340
Mobley, J. M. 1065
nooga ...... between 132-133
Battles around Atlanta . between 136-137
Bishop, T. L. 714
Harrison, George W 810
Northen, W. J. 148
Bleckley, L. E. 716
Hill, C. D .. 813
Hillyer, George.
815
Peck, J. C. 894
Brandon, Morris
719
Hood, J. B., between 136-137 Hood, E. C .. 1061
Powell, T. O. 270
Buck, E. A. 508
Bulloch, R. B. 730
Burford, R. E. L. 976
Burford, Hugh.
977
Calhoun, A. B.
526
Carter. R. F.
1058
Cline, Peter J
261
Confederate position May 19. .. . between 132-133
Courtney, J. C.
757
Davis, Thomas R.
491
Dorsey, R. T. 761
Du Bignon, Charles 263
Du Bignon, J. E
984
Dukes, W. B. 516
Lucas, W. H. 304
Walker, W. S .. 320
Lumpkin, J. H. 856 Westmoreland, T. P. 951
Evans, Clement A. 80
McCall, J. G ... 383
Whitner, John C.
954
Wright, Seaborn
681
Goodman, J. C.
315
Grant, L. P .. 793
Joyner, W. R. 840
. between 132-133
Kontz, A. L. 848
Smith, Burton. 935
Stanford, L. L 1068
Starke, H. F. 938
Lewis, John R ..
851
Stevens, Henry
274
Talley, J. W .. 319
Thomas, L. W.
944
Lowe, W. B. 855
Trammell, L. N. 506
English, J. W. 767
Lamb, T. W. 985
Leonard, T. K. 391
Powell, T. S ... 899
Hunnicutt, C. W. 830
Rice. Frank P. 907
Root, Sidney 918
Roy, G. G. 924
between 132-133
Sibbett, W. F.
510
Jones, Sam. 301
Sherman, W. T.
Plant, I. C. 369
Brown, Julius L.
724
Harris, Joel C ..
17
Moore, Charles G. 987
Harrison, W. R 493
Murphy, Anthony 868
Harrison, Z. D. 809
Newman, T. 988
Palmer, H. E. W 887
Bowen, W. L. L.
1030
Howel, T. F. 669
Jeter, W. A 354
Johnston, J. E.
Longstreet, James
between 136-137
Futch, Reuben 314
McDaniel, G. A
432
Malone, W. H.
435
Woodson, S. F.
964
Juelahow Column (
MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA
CHAPTER I.
BY JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS.
'CIVIL HISTORY-INCEPTION OF THE COLONY-GEN. OGLETHORPE'S PLAN- GEORGIA'S COLONIAL CHARTER-THE COLONY STARTS FOR THE NEW WORLD-TOMO-CHI-CHI-EARLY STRUGGLES-JOHN AND CHARLES WES- LEY - DIFFICULTIES WITH THE SPANIARDS - SLAVES INTRODUCED- UNDER THE BRITISH CROWN-ADMINISTRATIONS OF GOVS. ELLIS AND WRIGHT-THE EVE OF REVOLUTION-GEORGIA NO LONGER A ROYAL COLONY-IN THE REVOLUTION-SAVANNAH OCCUPIED BY THE BRITISH- STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDED-GEORGIA ENTERS THE UNION-GEORGE WASHINGTON'S VISIT-THE YAZOO FRAUD-GEORGIA CEDES TERRITORY TO THE UNION-WAR OF. 1812-MISSISSIPPI AND ALABAMA ADMITTED- GEN. LA FAYETTE'S VISIT-THE CHEROKEES REFUSE TO GIVE UP THEIR COUNTRY-INDIAN DIFFICULTIES RENEWED-THE CHEROKEE INDIANS REMOVED-THE MEXICAN WAR-THE SLAVERY AGITATION-THE BEGIN- NING OF HOSTILITIES-GEORGIA PASSES THE ORDINANCE OF SECESSION- ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFEDERACY-FORT SUMTER TAKEN-THE WAR BETWEEN THE STATES-GEN. SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA-LAST DAYS OF THE CONFEDERACY -THE ERA OF RECONSTRUCTION - GOV. JENKINS GOES INTO EXILE-RESTITUTION OF THE GREAT SEAL-ELEC- TION OF ALEX. H. STEPHENS AND HIS DEATH.
T HE colony of Georgia was not conceived in the bold, adventurous spirit of enterprising individuals, who merely sought the gratification of their own selfish ends, but, on the contrary, in the sufferings of a large class of British subjects; and the enterprise that culminated in a charter from the crown was the result of a legislative measure enacted for the relief of these sufferers. The colony of Georgia, therefore, was the only one of the original thirteen colonies along the Atlantic coast that derived its existence through the legislative functions of the government; and not only is this fact recalled with pride and pleasure by Georgians, but especially do they recall with satisfaction the feelings of kindness and humanity in which the enterprise originated.
I-2
18
MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.
In order to fully comprehend the scope and nature of the movement that resulted in the colony of Georgia, it is necessary to review the hardships of the debtor class in England and the rise to prominence of their illustrious benefactor, Gen. Oglethorpe, who espoused their cause in the house of commons. It was Gen. Oglethorpe who conceived the idea of compromising with their creditors and of giving them a fresh start in the new world. Under the rigid enforcement of the iron laws that governed the relationship existing between debtor and creditor the former class had become the objects of legislative persecution, and many were the distinguished victims who fell prey to this cruel injustice. If perchance a debtor was unable to meet his obligations, or varied even in the merest detail from the stipulations of his contract, he was rudely thrown in prison as a punishment for the crime imputed to him, and thus permitted to suffer without regard to the excuse rendered, or to such considerations as his physical health or social respectability. No discrimination was made by the law between the honest and the dishonest insolvent, and all who failed to meet its rigid requirements were treated as common thieves and placed on the same scale of criminal equality. Hundreds of the best men in England, representing the culture, genius and respectability of the king- dom, were thus placed under the proscription of a law that blighted their reputation without good and sufficient reason. But this was not all; the operation of the law did not end with the public disgrace to which the hapless victim was upheld, but continued to oppress him within the walls of the prison. The rules by which these torture-dens of oppression were conducted ignored the religious atmosphere of England, and recalled the pre-historic days of barbarism and brutality. The jail officials were monsters of inhumanity, who were utterly deficient in both sense and sympathy. They were the mere hirelings of justice, who tortured the inmates of the prison with a grim delight that seemed to revel in the privilege of applying the lash. But these were scarcely better than the judges who disgraced the bench by the acceptance of bribes and costly presents, and who degraded justice into mercenary traffic. This cruel order of things existed in England for a number of years, but happily for her subjects the obnoxious law was subsequently annulled, and her prison life purified. This reign of terror is now recalled by Englishmen as perhaps the darkest blot on the fair page of their country's civilization.
GEN. OGLETHORPE'S PLAN.
A man whose strong sympathies made him the friend of the unfortunate debtor, and whose broad intellect speedily grasped the situation with a realizing sense of its injustice, was Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia.
Gen. Oglethorpe was an Englishman of noble birth and distinguished ancestry. He was born in the parish of St. James, Westminster, on June 1, 1689, and was the third son of Sir Theophilus Oglethorpe. He received his early training at Oxford, after which he entered the military service, having acquired the martial instinct from his father, who was a distinguished officer under James II. His promotion in the army was rapid, and his signal courage displayed on the continent soon gave him a pronounced reputation for soldierly conduct both at home and abroad. On his return to England he succeeded to the family estate at Westbrook, and after a. few years, in 1722, he was elected to the house of commons as a member from the county of Surrey. According to the records he was intrusted with the represen- tation of this county for thirty-two years. At the beginning of his political career Gen. Oglethorpe evinced a decided feeling of sympathy for the unfortunate debtors, and his labors were chiefly devoted to the amelioration of their distresses. His.
19
CIVIL HISTORY.
avowed championship soon gave him a conspicuous place, and made him one of the prominent figures of the house of commons. As the result of this attitude Gen. Oglethorpe was made the chairman of a special committee to visit the prisons, and, after a thorough examination into their rules and regulations as they con- cerned the care and treatment of inmates, to make a full report to the house, suggesting practical measures of reform. Gen. Oglethorpe performed his duty well, and as the result of this investigation of the prisons and his exposure of the manner in which they were conducted, he succeeded in convincing the government that a radical change was necessary and that speedy measures should be adopted for their purification.
Thus engaged in the study of prison life in England, and especially of a method for relieving the unfortunate debtor who, though honestly insolvent, was made a victim of legal persecution, it occurred to Gen. Oglethorpe, as if by inspiration, that the fitting out of an expedition to the new world for the purpose of establishing a colony was the key to the situation. Convinced of the feasibility of his plan he lost no time in taking the preliminary steps. His attention was drawn to the lands lying between the Altamaha and the Savannah rivers as an excellent site for his contemplated colony. The British subjects in Carolina were anxious to secure a neighbor to the south of them in order to prevent the incursions of the Indians upon their territory, and to aid them in successfully defying these ruddy natives of the forest.
Lord Percival was informed of this scheme by Gen. Oglethorpe, and other noblemen were taken into consultation. It was explained that the purpose of the expedition was not to relieve those who were righteously imprisoned for the repudi- ation of their debts, nor for those who merely submitted to a brief imprisonment in order to secure an unmolested title to their shamefully acquired wealth. The object of the enterprise was simply to befriend the honest and worthy inmates of these prisons, who would demonstrate their desert of such clemency by the character of their exertions in the new world. Accordingly a memorial was addressed to the privy council in which the enterprise was fully stated. It was further urged that the care of these indigent debtors was a burden to the public, and that to colonize the better portion of them in America would not only be a relief to the treasury of the kingdom, but would give these debtors an opportunity to make a fresh start, besides strengthening the British possessions on the conti- nent. The petitioners agreed to take a personal charge of the expedition, and to safely conduct the emigrant party to the lands that might be granted to them by the crown. They proposed to establish a plantation, to be owned and regulated by the government, in such a manner as the government might prescribe. The petition was favorably considered, and after passing through the usual channels, received the legal sanction, and a charter was accordingly framed by the advocates of the measure and signed by his majesty George II. on June 9, 1732.
GEORGIA'S COLONIAL CHARTER.
In substance the charter recited, by way of preliminary exposition, a full inventory of the reasons that were urged upon the crown in support of the enterprise of Gen. Oglethorpe. The special reasons emphasized were those of establishing more firmly the British possessions in America, increasing the trade and wealth of the kingdom, and the necessary defense of the colony of South Carolina, exposed to the slaughter and depredation of the red men.
The territory conveyed by the charter embraced all the lands "lying and being in that part of South Carolina, in America, from the northern part of a stream or
20
MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.
a river there commonly called the Savannah, all along the sea coast to the southward, unto the most southern stream of a certain other great water or river called the Altamaha, and westerly from the heads of the said rivers respectively in direct lines to the South seas; and all that share, circuit and precinct of land within the said boundaries, with the islands on the sea lying opposite to the eastern coast of said lands, within twenty leagues of the same, which was not inhabited already or settled by any authority derived from the crown of Great Britain."
It was further stipulated in the terms of the grant that a yearly sum of four shillings should be paid on each hundred acres of land which the corporation should grant, demise, plant and settle; but that no payment should commence or be made until ten years after such grant, demise, planting or settling; that the province should be designated by the name of Georgia, and that for a period of twenty-one years from the date of the charter the corporation should have power to enact laws for the government and regulation of the colony, not repugnant to the laws and statutes of England.
The transaction of the ordinary affairs of the colony was lodged with the common council, and this body was given the power to receive and disburse the moneys of the corporation; to use the common seal in the execution of necessary contracts; to nominate a treasurer, secretary and other important officers; to fix salaries; and to administer oaths for the faithful performance of duty. The creation of this council was to obviate the difficulty of bringing together the entire corporation in carrying on the business of the colony.
In consideration of the reasons for granting the charter the following named subjects were designated as members of the corporation, appointed by the crown: John, Lord Viscount Percival, of the Kingdom of Ireland, Edward Digby, George Carpenter, James Oglethorpe, George Heathcote, Thomas Tower, Robert Moor, Robert Hucks, Roger Holland, William Sloper, Francis Eyles, John Laroche, James Vernon, Wm. Beletha, Esqs., John Burton, Richard Bundy, Arthur Beaford, Samuel Smith and Adam Adamson, Gentlemen, and such other persons to be elected in the manner subsequently prescribed, to be known as "The Trustees for Establishing the Colony of Georgia in America."
Lord Percival was named as the first president of the corporation, and he was required to convene the corporators within thirty days for the purpose of getting ready for the expedition. A common council of fifteen was also designated by the charter to transact business in behalf of the corporation. Provision was made for subsequent additions to the council, and Edward Digby was selected as the first chairman.
In keeping with the unselfish and benevolent nature of the enterprise, both the president of the corporation and the chairman of the common council were for- bidden to receive pay in compensation for their services either directly or indirectly. Each officer, before entering upon the discharge of his duties, was required to take a solemn and binding oath, obligating himself to perform the duties of his office faithfully.
An important duty enjoined upon the corporation, under the provisions of the charter, was to present a written report each year, addressed to the proper officers of the crown, showing an itemized statement of all transactions and expenditures of money by the colony.
The privilege of transporting British subjects to America was granted by the charter, and also all foreigners who were willing to take the oath of allegiance and become true and loyal subjects of Great Britain. Religious liberty was accorded to all who might avail themselves of the expedition, except the Catholics. In brief, without going into details, the charter provided for the comfort, proper
2I
CIVIL HISTORY.
maintenance and protection of all who should join the emigrating party; and the privilege of taking with them agricultural implements, cattle, provisions, furniture, firearms, and munitions of war, in addition to such merchandise as they might need in carrying on negotiations with the natives, were all granted to the corporation in behalf of the colonists. It was further provided in the charter that, after the expira- tion of twenty-one years, a new and substantial form of government should be adopted in lieu of this provisional one.
THE COLONY STARTS FOR THE NEW WORLD.
A meeting was held by the corporation for the purpose of accepting the charter in July, 1732. This was followed by several others in rapid succession. The. officers of the corporation as provided for in the charter were duly elected and qualified, and the Bank of England was selected as the custodian of all moneys subscribed in furtherance of the enterprise. It is important, as well as interesting, to observe in this connection, the character of the seal adopted. On one side of the instrument two figures were represented, each reclining against an urn from which issued a stream, signifying the two rivers that formed the upper and lower boundaries of the province in America. Each figure held in its hand a spade, suggestive of the agricultural employment that would engage the attention of the settlers. Above these figures was seated a goddess, who impersonated the genius of the colony, holding in her right hand a spear and in her left hand a cornucopia, signifying protection and plenty. In the background stood a tree, and above it was written this inscription: "Colonia Georgia Aug." The purpose of this face of the seal was to attest all deeds and commissions as well as to give proper authenti- cation to legislative acts. The other face of the seal represented a lot of silk-worms with this engraving: "Non Sibi Sed Aliis," the literal meaning of this motto being "Not for Ourselves but for Others." This face of the seal was to be used for all grants, orders and certificates. It was thought at the time of the adoption of this seal that the cultivation of silk would be the controlling industry on account of the number of mulberry trees supposed to abound in the locality.
The charter having been procured, a committee of citizens was appointed to bring the enterprise before the people and solicit contributions in behalf of the colony. The liberal sum of £10,000 was donated by parliament, in addition to large subscriptions from private individuals and benevolent associations. Before the enterprise was fairly launched the heart of England was deeply stirred in behalf of the unfortunate class who had been so long the subject of discriminating legis- lation. The offer of the trustees to defray the expenses of all who wished to embark for the new world, the permission of their creditors having been obtained, met with general acceptance on the part of the oppressed debtors, and many worthy foreigners, in addition to large numbers of poor people, were prevailed upon to join the expedition. They listened to the glowing descriptions that were given to them of the new country, and their imaginations began to picture it as a land of peace and plenty in which they would have no occasion to revert to their former ills except to contrast them with their contented and happy lot.
In the regulations that were drawn up by the trustees each man was regarded as a planter and a soldier. He was not only charged with the cultivation of the soil but also with its defense and protection. It was adjudged that fifty acres of land would be sufficient for himself and his family and this was to be held by him as a military fief. It was provided that no African slaves should be introduced into the colony, but this provision was afterward rescinded. A number of regula- tions were prescribed, in pursuance of the charter, including the tenure of land by
22
MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.
estates in tail, and for life only, in order to prevent confusion. The colonist had the privilege of naming his heir if he died without male issue. The lands were to be cultivated within a certain time or forfeited.
By the time the expedition was ready to start the number of emigrants enrolled was one hundred and fourteen, including men, women and children. Gen. Oglethorpe was appointed to command the expedition and to superintend the planting of the colony. A vessel was comfortably fitted up and provided with all the supplies that were needed for the voyage. In going with the emigrants Gen. Oglethorpe volunteered to bear his own expenses, and to give to the enterprise the unremitting service of his hands and heart. The last Sabbath in England was spent by the emigrants on the banks of the historic Thames. They held devotional exercises and passed the day in prayer and meditation.
On Nov. 17 the vessel weighed anchor and started on its watery journey. The name of the ship was the "Anne," commanded by Capt. Thomas. It numbered thirty-five families and one hundred and thirty persons, including Gen. Oglethorpe, Dr. Henry Herbert, an Episcopal clergyman, and a man by the name of Amatis who was to instruct the emigrants in the cultivation of silk. The weather for the trip was unusually good, and the emigrant vessel reached Charleston Harbor on Jan. 13, 1733. Only two children died at sea. The other members of the party landed in safety.
Gen. Oglethorpe and his crew were cordially received by the governor of South Carolina and pledges of hearty support and co-operation were extended to him. The next morning Gen. Oglethorpe returned to the "Anne" and set sail with his crew for Port Royal. Leaving the colonists at Beaufort he proceeded with Col. Wm. Bull to the Savannah river and explored that stream as far as Yamacraw bluff. His eye at a glance comprehended the situation, and he proceeded at once to mark off the new town and to give it the name of Savannah. The height of the bluff was forty feet and extended for nearly a mile along the river. It was covered with pines, live-oaks and magnolias, and presented a beautiful and pleasing pros- pect to the eye of the noble-hearted Englishman. The bluff extended for several miles to the west. It overlooked the broad expanse of the Carolina lowlands which contained the delta of the Savannah river and presented a gorgeous picture to the morning sun.
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