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 4

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294

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 4

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Rev. George Whitfield came to Georgia just in advance of the Spanish invasion. From the two Wesleys he conceived the idea of establishing an orphan asylum in Georgia, and by his eloquent appeals he soon succeeded in raising the necessary funds. The asylum was located at Bethesda, and completed during the year 174I.

GEN. OGLETHORPE LEAVES THE COLONY.

In September, 1743, Gen. Oglethorpe left the colony, having watched its early growth and progress and having guided its affairs with consummate skill and ability. His departure from the province caused universal sorrow. The return of Gen. Oglethorpe to England was hastened by the diminution of his private fortune. In order to promote the welfare of the colony he had not only given up his seat in parliament but had even sacrificed a portion of his property. On account of certain charges that were made against him by one of his officers, Lieut .- Col. Cooke, he called for a thorough investigation soon after reaching England. As the result of this investigation the charges were pronounced false and without foundation and their author was given his dismissal from the army.

In 1745 the appointment of brigadier-general was conferred upon Gen. Oglethorpe by George II. during the war with France. During this same year he wedded Elizabeth Wright, the daughter of a wealthy baronet. Being called to meet the pretender, a close kinsman, he was commissioned with the title of major- general, and subsequently, on Feb. 22, 1747, he was still further promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general. Eighteen years after this he was made the con- mander-in-chief of all his majesty's forces. He was offered the command of the British troops in the revolutionary war, but he refused the offer partially on account of his advanced age and because his sympathies were largely enlisted

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

in behalf of the colonies. He lived to see the colony of Georgia erected into a free state and forming a part of an independent nation. Among his personal friends he had numbered the intellectual men and women of Europe, among them Edmund Burke, Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, Sir Joshua Reynolds and Hannah More. He survived all his contemporaries and, as a very singular coin- cidence, died at the advanced age of ninety-seven years, exactly that of Tomo- chi-chi, the old Indian chief who had greeted him on the bluffs of the New World. Gen. Oglethorpe was buried with national honors and a splendid memorial was subsequently erected over him. A more illustrious soldier, benefactor, Christian statesman and philanthropist never lived, and the fame of Gen. Oglethorpe is equally cherished by all Georgians and by all true Englishmen.

SLAVES INTRODUCED AND THE BOSOMWORTH CLAIM.

In spite of the frequent appeals that were made by the colonists the trustees persistently refused to allow the importation of negro slaves. They were strength- ened in this position by letters received from the German settlers who differed in their views from the remainder of the colony. Finally, however, after several years had elapsed the eloquence of Rev. Geo. Whitfield, combined with the approval of the Salzburgers, prevailed upon the trustees. Resolutions stating the terms on which the colonists desired the importation of slaves were drawn up and read before the trustees on May 16, 1749. The petition was granted with a proviso that called for the proper treatment of the slaves and for their education and religious instruction. The cultivation of silk, though discontinued before the revolution, was one of the chief industries of the colony at this time. Rice and indigo were also cultivated.

The new era of growth that dawned upon the colony in the final concessions of the trustees was soon clouded by what is known as the "Bosomworth Claim." Thomas Bosomworth, a minister sent out by the trustees to labor among the Indians, had married Mary Musgrove, the interpreter for Gen. Oglethorpe, and through his influence she was led to assert her claims to all the islands along the coast. The denial of her claim by the president of the colony resulted in the organization of a small band of followers, headed by her husband, who marched against Savannah. No blood was shed, however, though Mary and her husband were both captured. The colonists assured the Indians that Mary had imposed upon them, and urged that as long as they had been friends since the landing of Oglethorpe they might continue their cordial relations. The Indians were satisfied and left Savannah. Mary was afterward set at liberty with her husband, but the case was carried into the English courts and there died a natural death.

A change in the government was resolved upon at this time by the trustees. They first called for a general assembly, but on account of the lack of sufficient legislative power it soon dissolved. In 1751, Col. Wm. Stephens, who had been for eight years the president of the colony, resigned. Two years later he died, having become a mental and physical wreck on account of his cares and the burden of advancing years. Henry Parker, the vice-president, succeeded him, with James Habersham as secretary. During this year the title to land was changed to a fee simple, and there was great rejoicing throughout the colony.

In order to provide a militia for the protection of the colony the trustees required every man who owned 300 acres of land to appear at a certain time on horseback, and all who owned less to appear on foot. At a subsequent meeting Capt. Noble Jones was placed in command. The Uchee Indians in the neighbor- hood of Savannah, and the Cherokees in the northern part of the province, exhibited hostile intentions and it was necessary for the colony to be on its guard.

CIVIL HISTORY.

A large colony of Puritans settled on the Ogeechee river at Midway in 1752. They had settled first in Massachusetts, but on account of the severe climate they decided to come farther south. It was only human that, after the expiration of twenty-one years, the trustees should have no desire to renew the charter. On April 29, 1752, the last meeting of the trustees was held and all matters pertaining to the colony were settled. It is well to note, in this connection, that the trustees included many of the noblest and purest men in England, who managed the affairs of the colony without reward or compensation. In 1752, therefore, Georgia passed directly under the British crown.

UNDER THE BRITISH CROWN.

The last president of the colony, under the government of the trustees, was Patrick Graham. On March 5, 1754, a committee appointed by the lords of the council recommended that Georgia be governed like the other colonies in America, by a royal governor, a legislative body and by courts of law and equity. It was further provided that officers should be appointed for the collection of customs and duties and that a provost-marshal, an attorney-general and a secretary to the governor be also appointed. This recommendation was adopted, and the first royal governor sent to Georgia was Capt. John Reynolds of the navy. A new seal, retaining the principal features of the old one, was ordered for the colony. The newly appointed governor reached Savannah in October, 1754, and was cordially received.

His first appointments were James Habersham, secretary, and Wm. Clifton, attorney-general. The command of the militia, the right to convene and dissolve the assembly at will, and the veto authority, were among the powers vested in the governor of the colony. Patrick Graham was elected president of the upper house and David Douglas of Augusta, speaker of the commons house.

In the organization of the judiciary Noble Jones and Jonathan Bryan were appointed to hold office during the king's pleasure. They had jurisdiction of all crimes and offenses committed in the colony and the right to try all civil matters above forty shillings. A court of chancery was also organized with the governor at the head.

On Jan. 7, 1755, the first legislative assembly met in Savannah. Gov. Rey- nolds delivered a well received address and called upon the colonists for their support and co-operation. He began his administration by making a tour of the province, and being impressed with a certain locality on the Ogeechee river he conceived the idea of moving the capital to that point. The removal was never made, however, and his plans of defense for the better security of the province were also postponed.

A rupture between the governor and the legislative assembly occurred during the following year and he never regained the love of the colony. Complaints were made against him and he was called to England for investigation. As the result of these complaints Georgia received a new governor, who arrived before the departure of Gov. Reynolds.

A large number of French Catholics who arrived at Savannah in a destitute condition were given admittance to the colony, but they left in the spring of the following year.

ADMINISTRATION OF GOVS. ELLIS AND WRIGHT.

Georgia's next royal governor was Henry Ellis. He arrived in Savannah in February, 1757, and was received by the people with enthusiasm on account of his

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

distinguished reputation. He addressed himself to the relief of the people, and sought by kindness to secure their confidence. He concluded his address to the legislature by saying: "If my wishes and efforts for the welfare of the colony prove fruitless I shall be the first to solicit my recall." A bill was passed by the legisla- ture offering a home in the province to insolvent debtors.

The province, at this time, was divided into eight parishes: Christ Church, including Savannah; St. Paul's, including Augusta; St. Matthew's, including Abercorn and Ebenezer; St. George's, including Halifax; St. Philip's, including Great Ogeechee; St. John's, including Midway; St. Andrew's, including Darien; and St. James', including Frederica. The exports of indigo and rice by the colony were very large.

Difficulties with the Indians, involving all the English settlements in America, soon extended into Georgia and Fort Prince George on the Savannah river became the center of hostile operations. After much disaster and bloodshed the Indians, nearly all of whom belonged to the Cherokee nation, were defeated and a treaty of peace was concluded. On account of ill-health Gov. Ellis requested his recall, but the government, refusing to give up such a valuable man, transferred him to Nova Scotia. He was a good man and was held in high respect by the colony. His departure from the province was greatly regretted.

Gov. James Wright was the third and last governor of the colony. He arrived in Savannah Oct. 11, 1760. Having practiced law in South Carolina he was familiar with the needs of the colony and understood the situation. The affairs of the colony were at a low ebb, but Gov. Wright immediately addressed himself to the task of restoring a better condition. A number of plantations were reclaimed from the swamp, and bills of credit were put into circulation.

On Oct. 25, King George II. of England died. Impressive services were held by the colonists in his honor, as he had granted the charter to the colony and given it his own name. A report from Gov. Ellis revealed the colony to be in a prosperous condition at this time. No articles were manufactured, but numerous products of the soil were exported. A breach of feeling between the governor and the chief justice at this time led to a very unfair procedure on the part of the chief justice, and he was accordingly removed by the English authorities in 1763.

In order to conciliate the Indians Gen. Wright issued a general call to all the tribes to meet him at Augusta. He was aware of the hostile attitude of the French settlers, and their influence with the Indians needed to be counteracted. Seven hundred Indians were present, representing the Catawbas, the Choctaws, the Chickasaws, the Cherokees and the Creeks. The governors of North and South Carolina and of Virginia were also present. A general treaty of peace was signed.

As a result of an understanding between Great Britain and France the territorial limits of the province extended as far west as the middle of the Mississippi river. Florida was surrendered to the British, and after the removal of the Spaniards it was settled by French emigrants. It was agreed, as the southern boundary of the province, to fix the St. Mary's river. Four additional parishes were added to the province in 1765-St. Patrick's, St. Thomas', St. David's and St. Mary's, all between the Altamaha river and the Florida line.

The conduct of the British government at this time sounded the first note of alienation. As the result of the French and Indian war on the continent a heavy debt was entailed and it was decided by the British ministry that this debt should be paid by the colonies.

In pursuance of this decision the nefarious stamp act was shortly afterward passed in parliament, requiring all papers, bonds and deeds to have stamps on

CIVIL HISTORY.

them which amounted to a heavy tax. The free, open life of the North American forest had fully aroused the colonial spirit of liberty, and a wave of popular indigna- tion extended itself along the entire Atlantic coast. A general congress was called- to meet in New York in October, 1765.

A meeting was held in Savannah at which resolutions were passed expressing full sympathy with the movement, but on account of the interference of Gov. Ellis no delegates were sent to the New York congress. A public demonstration" ordered by Gov. Wright to commemorate the succession of George III. to the throne was converted into a scene of protest and remonstrance that indicated, in no slight measure, the spirit of revolution.

THE EVE OF REVOLUTION.

The enforcement of the stamp act was not calculated to increase the affection of the colony for the mother country, and the stamps that were sent over by the government were only used on cumpulsion. Gov. Wright received a number of letters and his life was in imminent peril as long as the stamp act continued in operation. On Feb. 22, 1766, the offensive act was repealed and good will and harmony were restored; Gov. Wright made a neat speech and the people assured him that they would remain loyal subjects as long as their rights and liberties were not invaded.

The population of the colony at this time was about 18,000. One hundred and seventy-one vessels entered the harbor and the active militia numbered 1,800. The growing of silk reached its highest mark and the general condition of the colony was good, due largely to the wise administration of Gov. Wright. If the stamp act encountered a fixed resistance on the part of the colonies it was simply paving the way for the military act, a second measure of oppression, that provided for the raising and quartering of troops on the continent. A demand was made on Gov. Wright for barracks in which to accommodate a body of British soldiers. This demand was laid before the assembly only to be indignantly refused.

In February, 1768, a letter was received by the speaker of the assembly from the speaker of the Massachusetts house proposing a colonial union. The legis- lature was not in session, but the speaker penned a letter in which he expressed his full sympathy. This action offended Gov. Wright, to whom it savored of disloyalty. In April of this year Benj. Franklin was appointed as Georgia's agent to the court of Great Britain. The legislature that met this year approved the action of the speaker in regard to a colonial union of aggrieved subjects and was immediately dissolved by Gov. Wright.

The assembly appealed to the crown through their agent only to be ignored. Events, however, were slowly drifting on. The Boston massacre created another wave of indignation and the colonies became more firmly united. A meeting was held at a private house in Savannah, at which it was declared that all commercial relations with England should cease and that anyone who should deal with her would be a foe to the interests of liberty. Jonathan Bryan, a member of the gov- ernor's council, was present at this meeting.

In July, 1771, Gov. Wright left for England and was absent a year and a half. James Habersham, a friend to the colonies, filled the position during his absence and though it gave him pain, he ruled with loyalty to England and the assembly was frequently dissolved. Returning to America Gov. Wright issued a call for a second meeting of all the Indian tribes at Augusta. In order to extinguish a debt contracted with the traders the Indians conceded a large tract of land to the colony. Numerous depredations were committed by them, however, along the frontier after the conclusion of the treaty. In the meantime it became evident from the I-3

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

attitude of the British ministry and the withdrawal of the charter of the Massa- chusetts colony that only one course was left, and that was expressed in the word- Liberty.

A meeting of all the friends of liberty was held in Savannah on Aug. 10, 1774, against the protest of the governor. This meeting was called by Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, John Houston, and George Walton. Each parish was represented, and a set of resolutions expressive of the feelings entertained by the colony was drawn up. The Boston port bill, the withdrawal of the charter of Mas- sachusetts, the unjust taxation of the colonies, and the transportation of accused persons to England for trial, were all heartily condemned. The effect of these resolutions was to show that Georgia was in full sympathy with the revolutionary movement.

In order to counteract these resolutions a meeting of the royalists was also held in Savannah, and resolutions passed to which a number of fictitious names were affixed. A provincial congress was held in Savannah on Jan. 18, 1775, presided over by John Glen, the legislature being in session at the same time. On account of the sympathy existing between the lower house and the provincial congress and a resolution to send delegates to the continental congress in Philadelphia, May 10, 1775, the governor adjourned the assembly until May 9. Delegates, however, were elected by the provincial congress: N. W. Jones, A. Bulloch, and John Houston, but, on account of dissensions, they did not attend. Lyman Hall, who was elected at a special meeting of St. John's parish, was present, however, and his name was enrolled.

Just at this time it was reported in Georgia that 3,000 British troops had collected in Boston, and that great danger was felt. Gathering up a body of men, on the night of May II, Joseph Habersham made a raid on the powder magazine at Savannah. A large part of the ammunition was stored away in private cellars, and the remainder conveyed secretly to Boston. Gov. Wright made an effort to punish the guilty parties, but they were never discovered. The feeling of the colonists was so intensc that a young royalist who ridiculed the friends of liberty for their conduct was tarred and feathered in the public square at Savannah.

The next provincial congress met on July 4, 1775, and every parish was repre- sented. Information was given, during the session, that 14,000 pounds of powder would shortly arrive at Tybcc for the suppression of the colonists. It was resolved to capture this powder, and the enterprise, being placed in the hands of Col. Haber- sham and Commodore Bowen, succeeded. The situation had grown alarming, and Gov. Wright, seeing that he was powerless, asked for his recall. In the meantime the council of safety ordered the arrest of Gov. Wright, and the order was executed by Joseph Habcrsliam in person. He afterward escaped, however, and made his way to England. At a subsequent meeting of the provincial congress held in January, 1776, A. Bulloch, John Houston, George Walton, Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnett were sclected to represent Georgia in the continental congress. Provisions were also made for the protection of the Savannah river. A number of British vessels were in the river at this time, and it was agreed upon to capture these vessels or set them on fire. The latter course was adopted and successfully carried into effect. Those who figured in this bold enterprise were Col. Lachlan McIntosh, Commodore Bowen, Joseph Habersham, James Jackson, Samuel Elbert and John Morcl.

GEORGIA NO LONGER A ROYAL COLONY.

In behalf of Georgia the declaration of independence was signed by George Walton, Lyman Hall and Button Gwinnett. When the news reached Georgia a

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CIVIL HISTORY.

public demonstration was held and great enthusiasm prevailed. A copy of the declaration was read, and at night bonfires were kindled. In order to adopt a new form of government to meet the changed condition of things a convention was called to meet in Savannah on Feb. 5, 1777. The declaration of independence was ratified and provision made for the selection of a governor and a legislative assembly. A chief justice for the state and a superior court for each county were also provided. The new constitution abolished the parishes and divided the state into eight counties, named in honor of the friends of liberty across the water. The counties were designated as Chatham, Glynn, Effingham, Richmond, Burke, Camden, Liberty and Wilkes. A new seal was adopted, one bearing the inscription "Deus nobis haec otia facit," and the other, "Pro bono publico." Archibald Bulloch, who was chief executive, under the new constitution, died shortly after the adoption, and was succeeded by Button Gwinnett, who had been instrumental in its preparation.

Without consulting Col McIntosh, who was in charge of the military opera- tions of the state, the new executive projected one or two important expeditions much to the anger of Col. McIntosh. The failure of these expeditions did not appease him, and when the next election for governor was held Col. McIntosh successfully used his efforts to defeat Gwinnett. As the result of this feud the defeated aspirant for gubernatorial succession challenged Col. McIntosh to mortal combat. Facing each other at a distance of twelve paces they simultaneously fired. Both fell wounded, Gwinnett dying in a few days and McIntosh recovering after a painful illness. At the suggestion of Col. Walton he afterward sought a transfer to the northern division of the army in order to avoid the hostility of Mr. Gwinnett's friends.

IN THE REVOLUTION.

The valor and patriotism that Georgia evinced during the revolution was equal to that of her sister colonies who had suffered with her under the yoke of British oppression. Her blood and treasure were freely dedicated to the cause of liberty, and having entered the revolution she determined to persevere in the struggle until every resource was exhausted. In January, 1778, John Houston was called to the executive chair. Gen. Howe, who was in command of the southern army, at the suggestion of Gov. Houston, commenced operations against the British in Florida, assisted by Col. Elijah Clarke. The enterprise was soon abandoned, however, on account of dissensions, which made it impossible to proceed with a union of strength.

Gen. Washington, who was in command of the American forces, had gained a signal victory in the meantime, notwithstanding the severity of the winter, at Trenton, N. J., and the enthusiasm of the patriots was deeply aroused. Gen. Howe was called to Philadelphia, where he took an active part with Gen. Washington in the battle of Brandywine in that vicinity. The rigors of the northern winter were intense, but the sufferings of the British were equally as pronounced as those of the patriots, and the fortunes of battle seemed to favor the cause of liberty. Burgoyne was forced to surrender to Gen. Gates, and this was followed by friendly offices from France which gave the colonists every reason to indulge in the hope of ulti- mate victory.

In November, 1778, Gen. Clinton, in command of British troops, left New York for the Georgia coast, taking with him a fleet of ten vessels and 3,500 men. Gen. Howe, who had returned to Savannah, hastened to meet him with as many men as he could hastily summon. After landing his forces about two miles from Savannah on the south Gen. Clinton made a camp. Having located the British

MEMOIRS OF GEORGIA.

forces Gen. Howe ordered the bridges, over which they would have to pass in order to make an attack on the Americans, burned to the edge of the water. The British officer, however, was shrewd, and leaving a portion of his men facing the head- quarters of Gen. Howe, he withdrew the greater number of them from the rear, and discovered a circuitous route by which to advance upon the Americans unawares. In this way the British gained a signal victory, and the troops under Gen. Howe were scattered in every direction. As the result of this martial stratagem Savannah fell into the hands of the enemy, and numerous spoliations and brutalities were committed. Gen. Howe was severely censured for his carelessness in allowing the British to get the better of him, as Col. George Walton, among others, had warned him of the danger of the situation. Being acquitted by the court-martial that was ordered to try him, he was recalled from the southern department, and Gen. Lincoln sent to Georgia in his stead.

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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 4

Author: Publication date: 1859 Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association Number of Pages: 1294

Author:
Publication date: 1859
Publisher: Atlanta, Ga., The Southern historicl association
Number of Pages: 1294