USA > Georgia > The Revolutionary records of the State of Georgia, Volume II Pt 1 > Part 12
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Extract from the Minutes.
GEO. SEIGAR C. G. A.
AND WHEREAS, the said resolutions being laid before the Board on the third day of December Instant, the same were transmitted to Brigadier General Elbert, and his answer and the recommenda. tion of a number of the Officers were received on the tenth in- stant and which are as follow.
His Honor George Walton Esq', Governor and Commander in Chief of the State of Georgia,
Augusta 10th December 1779.
SIR,
I am sorry on account of the bad weather that my indisposi- tion will not permit me to meet the Council to day as you desired. Inclosed is a copy of the paper signed by such Officers of the Brigade as were in Augusta at the last meeting. As there was not a dissenting voice present, and as I can undertake to answer that several who are at this time absent will agree to the same mode, am of opinion that Officering the one battalion of Infantry ; and one regiment of Cavalry from the line according to Seniority
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
of Commission will be conformable to the sentiments of a re- spectable majority of the Officers of the Georgia Brigade.
I have the honor to be with respect,
Sir, Your most ob Servt
S. ELBERT B' Gen1 Militia in Georgia.
We the subscribers, Officers in the Brigade of Continental Troops for the State of Georgia, having duly considered on the most equitable mode of Officering the one Battalion of Infantry and one regiment of Cavalry, intended to be kept on the establish- ment in the said State; do recommend, that the Officers to the above two regiments, be taken according to seniority, from the line in the State of Georgia, and do here presume to express a wish that the Gentlemen whose misfortune it is from being Ju- nior in Commission to retire from Serving their Country, may be put upon half pay and called into service as vacancies may happen.
Augusta Dec' 6th 1779.
S. Elbert. Colº 211 Batt.
Joseph Pannell Lieut. Colº
Clem. Mash Capt. 3. G. B. John Cunningham Capt. 2. G. B.
Littleberry Moseley .... Capt. 2. G. B.
Thomas Glascock . . Lieut. I. G. B.
Francis Tennell Lieut. 2. G. B.
Pat. Fitzpatrick Lieut. 4. G. B.
John Meanly. Lieut. 3. G. B.
John Morrison . Lieut. 2. G. B.
Cornelius Collins Lieut. 2. G. B. John Frazer Lieut. 3. G. B.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Nathan1 Pearce . Lieut. 3. G. B.
Thomas Payne
Lieut. 2. G. B.
Henry Allison
Lieut. 2. G. B.
Fred. Sheck . Lieut. 2. G. B.
Christopher Hillery Lieut. 4. G. B.
WVm MeDonald L .. G. L. D.
Robert Howe
Lieut 2. G. B.
Lach. McIntosh
Capt. I. G. B.
George Handley.
Capt. I. G. B.
. John Lucas
. Capt. 4. G. B.
A true copy taken from the original in my possession.
S. ELBERT.
The Board therefore, pursuing the direction of the said resolu- tions and taking into consideration the letter of Brigadier General Elbert, and the recommendation of the said Officers, do order and direct, that an exact return of the Officers belonging to the late Brigade of this State, specifying the real and relative rank of each be made and certified to the Governor and Executive Council, for the time being as soon as possible. And that a copy of these proceedings be furnished to Brigadier Genl. Elbert, and he be requested to complete and make such return during the sitting of this Board, if in his power.
RESOLVED, That when such return shall be made the Senior Officers shall receive Brevets.
RESOLVED, That His Honor the Governor be requested to write to the President of Congress, and point out the great use- fulness and necessity of such an establishment, and urge that it be speedily ratified; and that the Delegates of this State be or- dered to press its adoption, and the means of carrying it into effect.
AND WHEREAS, in our present dangerous situation, it is essen-
189
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
tially necessary for the well being of the State, and for the common safety, that there should exist mutual good will between the freemen of this State, and the confederate Troops. And whereas, it appears to this Board, unquestionably, that the people at large in this State, have such a repugnance to Brigadier General McIntosh, that in the event of any offensive operations on the part of the enemy, which should call for their services in aid of the Confederal Troops, they would not turn out under his Command.
RESOLVED Therefore, that it be earnestly recommended to Con- gress to direct General Washington to employ Brigadier General McIntosh in some other department; and that General Lincoln be informed in the meantime, that it is the opinion of this Board, that it will be for the interest of the State that some other Officer should have the immediate Command in it.
AND WHEREAS, Brigadier General Elbert, of the Militia of this State, and who is also an old Colonel in the confederal army, having rendered much personal service in the course of the War, and being esteemed by the people at large to be a gallant and good Soldier, and this Board verily believing that his liberation and promotion will be of particular and general utility, do therefore, advise and request, that Congress will offer Brigadier General Hamilton of the Convention Troops in exchange for him, and that thereafter he may be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in the confederal army.
RESOLVED, That the thanks of the Board be given to Colonel Richard Parker for his respectful deportment towards the civil authority; the good order in which he has kept the Troops under his Command; and for his unremitted services in defence of the State.
3
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Monday December 13th 1779.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley
John Hardy
Stephen Heard
John Twiggs
John Bilboe
Rob' Middleton
WHEREAS, the people of Wilkes County are obliged to enfort themselves, and are without salt,
RESOLVED therefore that Col. Richard Parker be authorized and requested to impress any necessary quantity of salt, that may . be in Augusta, for the public service.
RESOLVED also, that Colonel Parker be requested to enquire into the reason why the salt which was sent by General Lincoln to the Militia of that County, has not arrived there.
Joseph Atkinson and Joseph Reeves having been taken return- ing from the enemy at Savannah, with a number of British Goods upon them, and having confessed upon oath the truth thereof.
RESOLVED, That they be committed untill they shall give good and sufficient security to the Clerk of the Council in the sum of ten thousand dollars, for their appearance at the next Superior Court, which shall be holden in the State; and that Colº Parker be requested to keep them under guard in lieu of a prison.
.
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
.
December 1.4th 1779.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley Stephen Heard
Rob' Middleton John Bilboe.
WHEREAS, there are a small number of confederal Soldiers, belonging to the late Georgia Brigade who are barracked at the House commonly called the old Fort in Augusta, most of whoin claim their discharges alledging that the terms of their enlist- ment are expired, :
AND WHEREAS, the said house is wanted for other, and public -use
RESOLVED Therefore, that Colo. Parker Commander of the confederal Troops in Georgia, be requested to remove them from the said house immediately; And that-he will as soon as possible, cause a Court of Enquiry to .to be held to ascertain who are en- titled to their discharges; And that he will take under his care and command, those who have yet a further time to serve; and give discharges to such as shall appear entitled to them.
ORDERED, That Colonel Middleton and Mr. Bilbo be a Com- mittee to agree with, and engage some workmen to repair the said house, commonly called the old Fort, for the sitting of the Assembly in January next.
RESOLVED, That His Honor the Governor be requested to issue a proclamation, requiring the Members elect to meet at Augusta, on the first Tuesday in January next, agreeable to the Constitu- ·tion of this State.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
RESOLVED, That Joshua Inman be appointed Captain and Com- mander of an independent company of Horse Militia, not exceed- ing forty men; and that he be empowered to engage and embody the same forthwith.
RESOLVED, That when they shall be embodied they shall be allowed rations and Forage.
December ISth 1779.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley
Rob' Middleton
Stephen Heard John Bilbo.
WHEREAS, several complaints have been made to the Board, that the Ferry at the Sand Bar, is badly attended, and the Boat belonging to the same greatly out of repair.
RESOLVED, That Colo. Heard be appointed to agree with some person to keep the said Ferry and provide a proper Flat for the same.
Titus Hollinger having made application to the Board for public plank and scantling at Spirit Creek,
ORDERED, That the said Titus Hollinger be supplied with four thousand feet of plank, and one thousand feet of scantling, he to be accountable for the same.
193
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
December 21st 1779.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley
Stephen Heard
Robert Middleton John Bilbo.
ORDERED, That the Secretary do write to George Walton, William Hammet, John Freeman, James McLean, and Elijah Clark, requiring their attendance on the next General Assembly, to be examined respecting a paral of waggons, sent to Charles- ton by Colº Dooly, for the salt, for the Militia.
ORDERED also, That the Secretary do write to Titus Hollinger to forbid him to sell rum or other liquors to the Soldiers.
ORDERED, That the Sec' do write to Doctor Folliett informing him that the House in which he lives is wanted for publis : and do order him to leave the same on or before Monday the twenty seventh instant. And Colo Middleton be requested to em- ploy some person to repair the said House-
ORDERED, That the Church be put in repair for the Session of next Assembly; And that Colo Middleton be also requested to employ some person to complete the same.
The Governor having informed the Board, that he had since the receipt of General Lincolns letter, of the thirteenth instant, sent down into the enemy's lines, several spies in order to gain intelligence of their situation, strength and movements.
RESOLVED, That the Council do approve of the conduct of His Honor the Governor on this occasion.
13 rr-v.1 2
194 .
THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
The Board being informed that James Ingram Esquire of Richmond County has been publishing rumours among the good people of this State, tending to magnify the Strength and inove- ments of the enemy, and to discourage that laudable opposition which is necessary for our common safety.
ORDERED, That the Messenger be forthwith sent requiring the attendance of the said James Ingram on this Board.
ORDERED, That the Secretary do write to Thomas Marbury requesting his immediate attendance on this Board.
ORDERED, That Colº Twiggs be requested to hire or impress waggons and teams to carry plank from Spirit Creek, for the public buildings in Augusta.
December 23ª 1779.
The Board met
Present ·
His Honor the Governor
Stephen Heard
Rob' Middleton
Micajah Williamson
John Bilbo,
John Twiggs,
Richª Howley.
James Brown
Rob' Middleton Esq' a member of this Board having applied for leave of absence
ORDERED, That leave be granted to him until Tuesday next.
T
195
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
December 24 ** 1779.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley
Stephen Heard
Micajah Williamson James Brown
John Bilbo. Rob' Middleton
Mr. 1=gram waited on the Board agreeable to order, and the evidences which were summoned to attend not appearing, the Board ordered the said Ingram to give his parole to appear on Tuesday next.
Upon reading the petition of a number of inhabitants of the County of Burke, setting forth their distressed situation,
RESOLVED, That the inhabitants of Burke County be assured that this Board will give them every possible assistance, and lay . the matter before the ensuing Assembly for their determination thereon.
ORDERED, That a copy of William Littles letter be furnished Colº Parker and Twiggs. :
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS . . ...
.
January 3ª 1780.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Howley Robert Middleton
Micajah Williamson John Twiggs,
RESOLVED, That the Deputy Quarter Master General for the Continental Troops in this State, be requested to furnish Colonel John Twiggs for the use of the Troops under his command, with twenty five Wt of gun powder and fifty \'' of lead as a loan to this State.
RESOLVED also, That he be requested to furnish Colº Robert Middleton of the Militia of Richmond with six Weight of powder and sixteen weight of lead for the use of the Militia of the said County. The State to be accountable for the same.
RESOLVED also, That he be requested to furnish Robert Bon- ner with any quantity of nails he may stand in need of, for re- pairing the House known by the name of the old Fort, ordered to be fitted up for the Session of the next general Assembly.
The Board adjourned.
January 70 1780.
The Honorable Richard Howley Esq' having been appointed Governor, by the Honorable the House of Assembly of this. State. he informed the Board, that he had, agreeably to the. Constitution, waited on the Speaker and qualified as such.
197
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
The following Gentlemen appointed by the Honorable the House of Assembly as Members of the Executive Council for the several Counties, informed His Honor the Governor that they had proceeded to the choice of a President, and that Col' George Wells was duly elected, and had qualified himself before the Speaker accordingly.
Stephen Heard-Wilkes County. John Lindsay-Wilkes County. Humphry Wells-Richmond County.
The Board proceeded to the choice of a Secretary when Sam- uel Sterk Esq' was elected, and Daniel Danielly Messenger.
January 8th 1780.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
George Wells
Humphry Wells
Stephen Heard John Lindsay
His Honor the Governor laid before the Board a resolution of the Honorable the House of Assembly, respecting the public building in Augusta commonly called the Glebe being appro- priated for the accommodation of him and the Executive Coun- cil.
ORDERED, That Doctor Folliott, the present possessor, leave the same immediately.
WHEREAS, it appears to this Board, that Philip Higginbotham is at present confined in the main guard for certain crimes com-
198
. THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
mitted (as it is said) by him. And whereas, it does not appear to this Board, that he is confined by any legal authority.
RESOLVED, That the Commanding Officer of the confederal Troops in Augusta, be requested to discharge the said Philip Higginbotham from his said confinement.
John Sterk Esq' one of the Treasurers of this State, appointed by the Honorable the House of Assembly, waited on the Board and took the following oath, viz,
I, A. B. appointed one of the Treasurers of this State do sol- einly and sincerely swear and declare in the presence of Almighty God, that I will, during my continuance therein, well, faithfully and honestly, to the best of my knowledge and ability, execute the Office of Treasurer of this State; and that I will not, on any occasion or pretence, apply any monies which shall or may come to my hands as belonging to this State, to any private uses or purposes whatsoever.
So help me God.
WHEREAS, it appears by the certificate of the Honble. Col- onel Walton, that the sum of one thousand dollars was allowed to Samuel Sterk Esq' for acting as Secretary to the late Governor and Council, as well as the sum of one hundred and sixty dollars as perquisites.
.RESOLVED, That His Honor the Governor be requested to draw on the Treasury for the said sums of money in favor of the said Samuel Sterk.
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. 199
January 19th 1780.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
George Wells
Humphry Wells
John Lindsay Stephen Heard
ORDERED, That the Secretary of this State take and subscribe the following oath. Viz :
I, A. B. Secretary of the State of Georgia, do solemnly swear, and declare, in the presence of Almighty God, that I will in all things, to the best of my knowledge and ability, justly and hon- estly keep the records, deeds, parchiments and instruments of writing committed, and which shall be from time to time here- after, committed unto me, and in all other things, to the best of my knowledge, ability and understanding, faithfully perform the duty of my said Office of Secretary, without favor or partiality. So help me God.
RESOLVED, That the Militia which shall be ordered on duty by his honor the Governor, or in his absence, the President of the Council, be supplied with rations of every kind, by the Deputy Quarter Master and Commissary General, in such quan- tity and proportion as directed for the confederal Troops- That whenever any of the militia are ordered on duty, the same shall be made known by His Honor the Governor or in his absence, the President, to the Officers commanding in the con- federal line, for the time being; to the end that orders may issue from him to the Deputy Quarter Master and Commissary Gen- eral, for a necessary supply of provisions, forage, horses, wag- gons &C. for their use, to be received and dealt out in due pro- portion, by such persons as the Commanding Officer of the
.
200
THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Militia so on duty shall appoint. That no returns made to the Deputy Quarter Master and Commissary General, from any Officer of the militia shall be received, unless it be under the above regulations .-
RESOLVED, That the Honorable the Chief Justice be called on, and desired to inform His Honor the Governor whether James Greirson and Andrew McLean have entered in recognizance for their appearance at the next Court of Oyer and Terminer or Superior Court as the case may be, agreeable to an order issued by the Honorable the House of Assembly.
RESOLVED, That the Attorney General be directed to report to the House of Assembly officially, the disrespectful language uttered by James Greirson, respecting the dignity and justice of the Legislature, and to defend the rights of the State in support of its laws and resolves.
WHEREAS, an application has been made to His Honor tha Governor, and the Honorable the Council, by Colº Parker re- questing that two or three acres of ground be allowed for the pur- pose of planting a garden for the use of the Troops under his command. And as it appears to be useful and necessary for the preservation of the health of the Military, that such a measure should take place,
RESOLVED, That the Honorable the President of the Council and the Honorable Humphry Wells Esq. be requested to appor- tion two or three acres of ground for that salutary purpose.
WHEREAS, the dignity and authority of all government cal- culated for the support and maintenance of those rights and liber- ties, which should be secured to the inhabitants of a free com- . monwealth, depend on the veneration and respect which ought inviolably to be preserved by the citizens belonging to, and under the jurisdiction of the same.
-
201
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
AND WHEREAS, all wise Governments have ever had, and ought to have recourse to such necessary laws and sanctions, as may tend to support and uphold that dignity and veneration of free Government. This appearing in a strong and forcible light to His Honor the Governor and the Honorable the Executive Council.
RESOLVED, That it be earnestly recommended to the Honor- able the House of Assembly to pass a law, of most penal import, on all such person or persons who shall hereafter, citizens of this State, by writing, maintain, or advisedly speaking, support by words, contempts of and concerning the right and jurisdiction · of the Legislature of this State, with such other cautions as may be judged necessary.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
The President
Humphry Wells
John Lindsay
Daniel McMurphy
Myrick Davies
John Cunningham
Caleb Howell.
The four last mentioned Gentlemen, being appointed, by the Honoble. the House of Assembly, Councillors for the different Counties, attended, and took their seats at the Board accord- ingly.
The Honorable George Wells Esq. on the meeting of the Council this day, observed that there was not a full representa- tion in Council at the time of his being elected, therefore re-
202
THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
quested the Members present, to proceed to the choice of a Presi- dent, when he, the said George Wells, was confirmed in the aforesaid appointment unanimously.
The following oath was taken by the Continental Delegates appointed by the Honorable the House of Assembly.
I, A. B. do solemnly swear, that I will, to the utmost of my power, during the term of my being a representative of this State in Congress, support the dignity, soveignty, and independence, constitution and laws of the same; and that I will observe and enforce the resolves and instructions consistent therewith of the Legislature and Government thereof.
GEO. WALTON, EDWD. TELFAIR B. ANDREW W. FEW.
RESOLVED, That each of the Continental Delegates have any order on the Treasury of this State, for twenty thousand dollars, and likewise an order on the Treasury of the United States; for ten thousand dollars each, if necessary.
On a representation made to the Board by Colonels Dooly & Clark, of the necessity of having the new erected Forts in the frontiers in Wilkes County properly garrisoned.
RESOLVED, That His Honor the Governor be requested to issue orders to Colonel Dooly to order thirty men for the de-, fence of each Fort, including one hundred and eighty men in the whole, to be kept on constant duty, untill the further orders of this Board.
RESOLVED, That a Fort be built at Harris old Fort and that the sum of five hundred pounds be allowed for the building the same, and to be erected under the direction of Captain Zachariah
203
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. :
Philips agreeable to the regulations which were made with re- spect to the other Forts on that frontier.
John Hardy Esq. the other Treasurer, waited on the Board, and qualified himself agreeable to the resolution of the Honor- able the House of Assembly.
January 28th 1780.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
The President
Peter Deveaux
John Lindsay John Cunningham
Myrick Davis
H. Wells. .
The great difficulty of securing offenders appearing for the want of a place of sufficient strength
RESOLVED, That Colonel MeMurphy & Mr. Deveaux be a committee for the contracting with some person or persons for putting the Jail in Augusta in tenable order, and erecting a proper defence around the same.
WHEREAS, it appears by information to the Board that Thomas 1
Childers can make some useful discoveries in behalf of the State.
ORDERED, That he do attend on the eighth day of February next.
ORDERED, That John Shaw do attend on this Board the same day.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
I, A. B. do solemnly swear, or affirm, without any equivoca- tion or reservation of mind, that I do in truth and sincerity, cheerfully and desirously renounce and abjure the King of Great Britain, his Heirs & Successors, and also the Crown thereof for- ever. And I do solemnly swear, or affirm, that I will bear true allegiance to the State of Georgia, and do every thing in my power to support the independence of the same, agreeable to the declaration passed in Congress, on the fourth day of July, one thousand, seven hundred and seventy six; And that also, all treasons, combinations, and confederacies, or any movements of the British Troops, their Emissaries or Spies against it, which shall come to my knowledge, I will immediately made known to the nearest Justice of the peace. So help me God.
PETER DEVEAUX JNº CUNNINGHAM JOHN BILDO.
MYRICK DAVIES
SAM' STERK S. E. C.
RICHª HOWLEY
GOVERNOR &C
GEORGE WELLS President
H. WELLS JOHN LINDSAY.
WHEREAS, the General Assembly ordained a .... to be taken by the inhabitants of this State (except as therein excepted) and have recommended to His Honor the Governor and the Executive Council to appoint one or more Justices of the peace in and for every County within the Government of this State to administer the same.
ORDERED, that George Seigar and Samuel Sterk Esq' admin- ister the same to the inhabitants in and about Augusta, to be by them subscribed; William Candler and William Jackson for the upper parts of the said County; Hugh McGee and George
:
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ..
Wyche for the lower parts; For the County of Wilkes, Absolem Biddle and John Hill for the South side of little river; Barnard Heard and Colº Downes for Capt. Williamsons & Austins Com- panies; Henry Jones & Richard Aycock for Capt George Dooley & John Stewarts companies; and John Gordon and Thomas Carter for the upper parts of the said County. For the County of Burk Colo. John Twiggs and Daniel McMurphy.
ORDERED, That a copy of the said act be sent to each of the said Justices as soon as possible. .
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