USA > Georgia > The Revolutionary records of the State of Georgia, Volume II Pt 1 > Part 10
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The choice having fallen upon John Wereat, Joseph Clay, Humphry Wells, John Dooly, William Gibbons, Myrick Davies, Joseph Habersham, William Few and Seth John Cuthbert: we beg leave to offer you our sentiments on such matters as may immediately occur to us on the subject of the public distresses of our Country. A considerable part of the State having been in the immediate possession of the enemy ever since its in- vasion by them, those Counties which have held out against them, have been constantly subject to their incursions and depre- dations, and of course, the few Militia thereof much harassed with duty; but their spirits have been kept up with the idea of support from the Continent and our Sister State, otherwise we
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apprehend a total evacuation would long since have taken place by those who have funmess enough to sacrifice every thing to the cause of America; whilst the wavering would have joined the enemy and assisted them in their operations against Caro- lina.
The arrival of the advance of General Scots ariny under Colo. Parker and Major Jamison, at a very critical juncture has had the most salutary effect that could be expected; for it has in- fused new spirits into the Militia who are now all chearfully under arms to oppose the concerted invasions of the Enemies Irregulars and Indians, who are at this time making different inroads upon us. Genl. McIntosh has sent out a part of the Con- tinental Troops to support our Militia, and we hope that for the present we shall be able to repel the enemy, and to keep them from reaping any considerable advantages from the attempts of small parties; but we presume, Sir, that we need not endeavor to impress your mind with an idea of the feeble resistance we should be able to make, to any serious attempt of the enemy to subjugate the upper parts of the State even with the assistance that General McIntosh can at this time afford us. We believe that it is generally allowed, that unless the enemy are consider- ably reinforced. they will not make another attempt upon Char- leston ; and from a variety of circumstances we are lead to hope that they will not receive such reinforcements. Should this be case, there can scarce remain a doubt but that they will aim at 3 total subduction of Georgia, this fall: for we cannot in reason, suppose that they will keep a considerable body of Troops im- mured in Savannah, whilst the back Country, so necessary to their quiet and subsistance, as well as to their future designs, remains unconquered. The large quantities of grain. made in the vicinity of this place, and the numerous herds of cattle through all the upper parts of the Country, must be very con- siderable objects with them: particularly as we know, that they cannot, even now, get sufficient supplies of cattle without coming; upwards, and then Sghting for them -- The frequent skirmishes
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of our Militia, with their Irregulars who are employed as drov- ers, evinces the truth of this observation; and should they gain the upper parts of this State we are bold to assert that Caro- lina would be in a very dangerous situation-The great defection of the upper parts of that Country is well known, a circumstance on which the enemy found the most sanguine hopes; and we have every reason to believe that they continually receive en- couragement from these people, to invade the back Country, nor could the enemy wish for a more favourable situation to be joined by them, than that by Augusta, or any where above it, where the river is shallow and the swamps all passable-
Add to the circumstances already mentioned, which might induce the enemy to progress upwards in force. that of having no obstruction to their intercourse with the Indians is a very capital one, and which will immediately be the case, should they effect an entire conquest of this country; and unless they should do this, their intercourse will be very precarious and uncertain : And we shall always have it in our power to give the most con- siderable nteruption to it. We think this point worth paying the most particular attention to. as we are informed that Indian goods are now imported at Savannah, and that the Creek Indians have had no late supply from the Florida's. Should the trade from this Country with the Indians be once open and uninter- rupted the enemy will find not the least difficulty, whenever they have a mind, in bringing the Savages upon the frontiers of Carolina --
Besides our apprehensions on the above heads, we are fear- ful, that in case the British Troops should move up this way. the greatest part of the inhabitants, worn out with fruitless opposi- tion, and actuated by the fear of loosing their all, would make terms for themselves: and as the human mind is too apt to be lead by a natural gradation from one step of infamy to another. we have not the least doubt of their joining the enemy against their Countrymen in any other State. But even should the
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British Commander not bend his force this way, a great many families, harrass'd and unsupported would remove far North- wardly (for which, they are already thinking of preparing. ) And this dangerous migration, nothing but the appearance of support can prevent.
With minds forcibly impressed by the operation of such pow- erful reasons, we beg leave, Sir, to solicit you in the most serious manner to order General Scott who, we understand, is on his march Southwardly with the rest of his Troops, immediately to this place. We cannot think that the lower parts of Carolina will be endangered by such an order ; for we may reasonably presume that the enemy will never penetrate far into that part of the Country while a respectful force remains in their rear, which would be the case if General Scott and his Troops were in Geor- gia.
The expences incurred by the Militia in the Quarter-Master Generals Department in this State, since the invasion of it, are at present on a very disagreeable footing; individuals are dis- tressed for monies due them by the public; whilst they know not who to apply to for redress. The persons who have had the management of these matters have not been so regular as could be wished in their proceedings, on which account Colo. Wylly thinks he is justifiable in not settling them unless he has particu- lar orders to that purport.
We therefore request that you will direct him to assimilate them as nearly as may be, to the Continental Charges and ex- pences, and to discharge them. The accounts of the late Ex- pedition of Colo. Dooly down the Country, by your orders, are in the same predicament, and equally want settling.
We are particularly struck with the necessity of a measure which we are much at a loss to put in execution-This is the augmentation of the pay of our Militia-it is exceedingly hard on, and discouraging to them, to know that the militia of Caro-
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lina receive thirty dollars per month while they get but six, which is so perfect a triffle that they scarcely think it worth receiving. We think, considering the very particular situation of the Coun- try, that they ought to receive this pay, and that it ought to be a Continental expence, and make no doubt but that Congress will see into the expediency of the Measure, and acquiesce accord- ingly in it, but we have been, unhapily, a long time without a representation in that body; and although we think we are in- vested with sufficient authority to do this matter, yet the low state of our finances puts it out of our power. We would willingly negociate a loan in behalf of the State if we knew how to obtain it, until delegates, whom we mean to elect, and send off im- mediately, could arrive at Philadelphia, when it should be repaid in case that Congress should not make it a Continental ex- pence.
We flatter ourselves that you will see fully into the necessity of this step and that you will back our applications to Congress on the subject; and in the meantime request, that you will give us all the advice and assistance in the matter that may lie in your power. At the same time, that we gratefully acknowledge the attention which you have already paid us, we cannot, from a most serious view of our truly alarming situation, refrain from repeating our solicitations with respect to General Scott ; and trust that your own good judgment will sufficiently enforce the arguments we have offered, and your impartiality and philan- throphy lead you to do every thing in your power, at least to preserve, the remainder of one of the links of the American Chain.
The Council then adjourned till to-morrow morning 10 O'Clock.
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Tuesday August 17th 1779.
The Council met according to adjournment.
Present, John Wereat Esquire, President,
Seth John Cuthbert
Jos. Habersham .
William Gibbons
Myrick Davies.
Humphry Wells.
On application from General McIntosh & Doctor Houston D. Y. Surgeon General of the Army, for the use of the Church in Augusta, as a hospital,
RESOLVED -- That the Genl. have leave to make use of the said Church as a hospital, and that Mr. Davies and Mr. Gibbons be a committee to assist in the execution of this business, and that they see that proper care is taken of the pews and other matters belonging to the Church, which it will be necessary to take i:p.
WHEREAS, a petition from a respectable majority of the in- habitants of the lower division of Richmond County, was pre- sented to the members of the Assembly convened at Augusta the 24th ultimo, and by them referred to this Board, setting fourth that the election of George Wells as Colonel of that divis- ion is undue, and exhibiting a number of charges of a very heinous nature against him; which said petition was delivered by a Member of this Board, to the said George Wells by his desire upon a principle of justice, that every person should be acquainted with the charges laid against him; and tho' since demanded of him, by the Clerk, in consequence of an order from this Board, the said George Wells has refused to return the same.
RESOLVED-That the said George Wells, by refusing to return the said petition, has, in a great measure, acknowledged the charges set forth against him.
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ORDERED. That the said George Wells be not obeyed or re- spected as the Commanding Officer of the lower division of Richmond County, and that in compliance with the prayer of the aforesaid petition, a new election do take place for a Colonel as soon as convenient; and that in the mean time the Command do devolve on the next Officer in rank.
WHEREAS, by an act of the General Assembly it was pointed out that the division districts of the different companies in the jower battalion of Richmond County, should be ascertaincd; and agreeable to said act, a Committee was appointed and has laid out the division lines. And whereas, no election has taken place for Officers to Command the different companies agreeable to the said act.
RESOLVED. That each company proceed to choose their Officers as soon as may be convenient ; and that Humphry Wells, Charles Crawford, Robert Middleton or any two of them, do give notice and superintend the election of Officers of the three upper com- panies; and Seth John Cuthbert, Daniel Wallicon Jun' & Hugh McGee or any two of them, do give notice and superintend the election of Officers of the two lower Companies; and the Officers so chosen do meet and choose their Field Officers at a time and place that shall be appointed by Humphry Wells, Chesley Bost- wick and George Downs or any two of them, and that they super- intend said election.
The Council then adjourned to to-morrow morning 9 O'Clock. 11 r r-vol 2
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Wednesday August 1Stª 1779.
The Council met according to adjournment.
Present, John Wereat Esquire, President
William Gibbons. Myrick Davies. Humphry Wells Joseph Habershair
Seth John Cuthbert,
The Committee appointed to write to the Governor and Coun- cil of Carolina, the Chief Justice of this State & Colo. Hammond, made their report, and the letters being agreed to,
ORDERED, that the Clerk do copy the same in the minutes. The Committee also reported an addition to the letter to General Lincoln, which also was agreed to and ordered to be copied.
To the Governor and Council of South Carolina.
SIR, Since the reduction of Savannah and the lower part of this State by the enemy, many attempts have been made to con- vene the House of Assembly, but from our present situation, and the absence of a majority of the Members a House could not be made to proceed to business. It was therefore recommended to the inhabitants of the State, by the members who met on the 24th ulto. to delegate powers to nine persons to form an Execu- tive Council, which was adopted by a great Majority; and the choice having fallen on John Wereat, Humphry Wells, Joseph Clay, Myrick Davies, Seth John Cuthbert, John Dooly, William Few, Joseph Habersham and William Gibbons, we in con- sequence of the appointment beg leave to address you.
When the State was invaded at the close of the last year, im- mediately after the enemy from East Florida had marched through Liberty County, and before we could get a man from the back Country, five days only having passed between their arrival at Tybee, and the taking of Savannah; all the inhabitants
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 163
who escaped from the enemy and preserved their fidelity to the cause of America, were obliged to leave the Town and lower parts of the State, hoping Genl. Howe, would have had it in his power to have established a post at Ebenezer till he had been reinforced by General Lincoln; in this, we were greatly disap- pointed; as a few days after the affair of Savannah, he crossed the river with the remainder of the Troops leaving them no other alternative than either to return and submit to the enemy, or seek a retreat in your State; and though numbers have lost the greatest part of their property, and others the whole, the latter was prefered, in expectation that it would soon be in the power of our Sister State, with the northern Troops to re-establish them in their possessions.
General Howe's precipitate retreat, not only embarrassed the inhabitants about Savannah, but left the back Country entirely open to the ravages of the enemy; and in consequence of their marching up immediately, numbers in the interior parts of the Country were under the absolute necessity of taking protec- tion; others, higher up, had it in their power to cross the river, and join the army under Genl. Williamson.
When the enemy retreated from Augusta, those who had re- ceived protection, imagining that they would be deemed traitors. and treated as such, went down with them; to this we impute the cause of so many joining them. Since then, a number of the people of the Counties of Burke, Richmond, and Wilkes .under the command of Colonels Dooly, Few and Twiggs, have given repeated proofs of their zealous attachment to the cause of their Country; among others the Militia under the command of Colo. Dooly were very instrumental in defeating a large body of disaffected people from the back parts of your State, commanded by Colo. Boyd, which put a stop, in a great measure: to the enemy receiving the support they expected from thence; and while they were in Johns Island a party from Burke County under the Command of Colo. Twiggs, penetrated as low down as
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Ogechee Ferry, within fifteen miles of Savannah, and totally defeated a party of fifty picked regulars; at the same time near three hundred horse, under the Command of Colonel Dooly were on their March down the Country, and in all probability would have effected something of consequence had not a great part of the force of the enemy returned to Savannah.
These exertions of the people of the back Country have greatly exasperated General Provost, who declares he will have nothing unattempted, to ruin them.
We have intelligence on oath, that one Holmes, with three hundred Indians, and a number of white people are now on their march to the frontiers of this State, with an intention to fall on the inhabitants. while parties of the enemies horse and foot are in the neighborhood of Briar Creek to divert our attention in this quarter.
We suppose there yet remains in the upper part of the Country near eight hundred men, who are well affected, but should the enemy penetrate again as far as Augusta we have great reason to fear that the greatest part of them will be obliged to submit. The enemy do not now possess the Country more than twenty five miles above the Town of Savannah; but could they reduce the back parts and have command of the large stocks of cattle that are yet left, together with the great crops of in the vicinity of this place, which will soon be ripe, this part of the Country would become formidable to your State; as well as for the reasons above mentioned, as the ready communication of the enemy with the Indians and the disaffected in your back Country.
For these, and many other reasons, we doubt not, but you will readily afford all the assistance in your power, to circumscribe the enemies limits; or oblige them to abandon the State.
Being reduced to situation that we expected would be our lot whenever the enemy made this State their object, without a legis-
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
lative body, or the means of raising money, the greatest part of our Militia have received no pay since December last, which has occasioned much dissatisfaction amongst them; We are therefore, induced to apply to you for the loan of sixty thousand dollars for this and other necessary expences, till our Delegates can make application to Congress for support.
We are sorry to inform you, that frequent complaints have been made, of people on the North side of Savannah River cross- ing into this State and driving off the Stock, indiscriminately both of our friends and enemies, without the least authority for so doing, whereby many good people are greatly injured; And as these plunderers are out of reach of our civil authority, we are induced to make this complaint to you, and are well assured that the State of South Carolina will discountenance such illegal prac- tices.
We are informed that James Lambert, David Russell and Ferguson late of this State, and owing allegiance thereto, are in confinement on Board the prison ships at Charleston; the former of these persons, after having been a Member of the House of Representatives of this State, and Commanding a Company of our Militia, is charged with deserting to the enemy, and carrying over his whole company, crimes of a similar nature are alleged against the other two; We therefore request that the said persons may be delivered up to such guard as General Lincoln may order (to whom we have wrote concerning them) that they may be brought to this place in order to take their trials.
To the Chief Justice of the State of Georgia.
SIR, A number of the Members of the House of Assembly met here on the 24th ulto. and not being able to make a House, they recommended to the people, to choose an Executive Council, which recommendation was adopted and nine persons appointed accordingly, by a great majority of the inhabitants of the State,
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to whom power was delegated to adjust the public accounts, regulate the Militia, appoint special Courts to be held for the trial of criminal causes; appoint delegates to represent the State in Congress &C.
In consequence of which delegation, a Court is ordered to be held in the County of Wilkes on Monday the 23rd and at Augusta on Monday the 30" Instant; The Council are of opinion that your presence as Chief Justice will be necessary, but as you can- not be in time for the Court in the County of Wilkes, they hope you will not fail to be here by the time the Court is ordered to be held for this County, where you will be more wanted. I am directed by the Board to give you this notice.
To Colonel Hammond
SIR, We are informed that a considerable quantity of Salt, the property of this State, was removed, when the enemy came up to Augusta, to your side of the river and applied under your direction to the use of the Troops of your State. As this is an article, for which, from evident and unavoidable circumstances we are greatly distressed at this time, both on account of our Citizens and the Continental Troops in the State; and as we are informed that you have a considerable quantity of this Article coming up, we shall be particularly obliged to you to spare us an equal quantity; or if this cannot be done, that you will be so kind as to let us know. what will be the most expeditious way of getting it replaced, as it will be a great means of preventing discontent in the back Country, and of supporting any Military operations that we may be under the necessity of carrying on.
The report of the Committee with the addition of the letter to General Lincoln being agreed to, is as follows,
We are informed that James Lambert, David Russel and . ... Ferguson are on board the prison ships in Charleston, these men were citizens of, and owed allegiance to this State the former
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 167
having been a Member of the House of Assembly and a Cap- tain of a company of Militia, is charged with deserting with his whole Company to the enemy, and crimes of a like nature are alleged against the other two. As a Court is about to be held for the trial of criminal causes, we have made application to the State of South Carolina for those persons, and request the favour of you to order a guard to receive them and conduct them to Augusta, that they may be dealt with, according to law.
We have also applied to the Assembly of Carolina for the loan of some money in the present distressed situation of our affairs; if our application shall prove successful, we shall be glad if the money could come with the same guard."
Information being made to this Board, that a set of Mills be- longing to Mr. Henderson, who has joined the enemy, and is now within their lines, is at present out of repair; it also being represented to this Board, that if some person was appointed to repair and take care of said Mills, they will be of great service to the Troops and inhabitants in that neighborhood.
RESOLVED, That Mr. Davies, who is now at said Mills, have liberty to repair and take care of the same until further orders.
The Council then adjourned to Friday next 9 O'Clock.
Friday August 20th 1779.
The Council met according to adjournment.
Members present, John Wereat Esquire President
Humphry Wells Jos. Habersham William Gibbons Seth John Cuthbert.
RESOLVED. That Peter Pariss and Chesley Bostwick be adde.
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to the Committee appointed to superintend the election of Officers for the Augusta Company of Militia.
The Council then adjourned to Monday next 9 O'Clock.
Monday August 23ª 1779.
The Council met according to adjournment.
Present, John Wereat Esquire President
Seth John Cuthbert William Gibbons
Humphry Wells Joseph Habersham
Received a letter from Genl. Lincoln, dated 13th day of Au- gust, acquainting this Board of his having sent, by John Dennis : Joseph Maddox, Joel Saunders, Thomas Saunders, Abram Sand- ers and Mordecai Sanders; to take their trials.
ORDERED That the President do write to the Magistrates of the upper division of Richmond County to take their recogni- zances to appear at the next Court to be held for said County.
Received a letter from Colo. Dooly, dated 22ª Instant, to which the following is an answer.
DEAR SIR, We are very sorry to be informed of your indispo- sition and that the Indians have been so very troublesome on the frontiers. In this situation of affairs, the Council are of opinion it would not be prudent for you to march any part of your regi- ment this way. We shall make Genl. McIntosh acquainted with our reasons for countermanding his orders, and in future when- ever there is any occasion for the Militia, the Council will order them to be embodied, at present, as your people are out you will take such steps for the defence of the frontiers, as you shall judge best.
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The express is in such a hurry to return, that the Council have not had time to determine what ought to be done with respect to enlarging the representation from Wilkes County, however, you may inform the people that every step shall be taken to do them justice in this matter, and if you can possibly attend the Council, towards the latter end of the week or beging of next, we are in hopes you will have it in your power on your return not only to satisfy them respecting this business; but also, about their pay and the salt, for both of which the Council have wrote, and the express that was sent with the letters will return in a few days.
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