USA > Georgia > The Revolutionary records of the State of Georgia, Volume II Pt 1 > Part 7
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John Lindsay
It being represented to this Board that Comodore Bowen is about leaving the State and hath refused or declined any longer to sign a ration Bill for the Gallies, so as to authorize the Con- tinental Commissary of issues to furnish the same
. It is Therefore Ordered That in future, if the said Comodore Bowen shall refuse or decline to sign the said Ration Bill, that the eldest Captain in Port do sign the same, which shall be a sufficient authority for the said Commissary of issues to furnish or supply the said rations as usual.
RESOLVED That the Treasurers do pay into the hands of Joseph Clay, Pay-Master of the Continental Troops in this State, the sum of £10,000, Georgia Currency in further part of the last vote of Assembly.
WHEREAS, there is a great want of several pieces of printing business to be done for public use, and there is but one press and the apparatus thereunto belonging to this State, which appears in some measure to be of public property, at least it was intended to be employed for public advantage. And whereas, the said press and apparatus are in the hands of a Man, to wit, William Lancaster, who will neither use them himself, or lend or sell them to others who will, whereby considerable damage hath resulted to the public by whom the said press and apparatus were put into the hands of the said William Lancaster,
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Therefore Resolved Under the particular circumstances of the case, that the said printing press, Types and Apparatus be im- pressed fo- public use by the Commissary of this State, and that they be placed in the hands of Edward Welch, he giving a receipt for the same, untill the next meeting Assembly, unto whom it shall be referred whether the said press, Types and Apparatus are public property or not, and in either case what to be done with, or in regard to the same. And it is further resolved, that the said press and Apparatus be duly and properly appraised, and if they shall hereafter appear to be the property of the said Wm Lancaster he shall be allowed a reasonable hire for the same and they shall be either returned to him without damage, or else he shall be paid the full value of the same agreeable to such ap- praisement.
ORDERED, That the Treasurers do pay to John Pourcen, two hundred and thirty six pounds, seven shillings and three pence in continental money for cordage supplied Capt. Newdigate for the use of the Gallies.
Friday 18th September 1778.
The Board met
Present his Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly John Lindsay
John Fulton.
ORDERED, That expresses be immediately sent off to Chesley Bostwick and S. Miller Esqrs. Members of this Board, and that the same be at their expence, and that such expence be paid before they take their seat at this Board.
A letter from the President of Sº Carolina, dated 9th Sept. In-
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,
stant, to the Governor, was laid before the Board, together with some resolves of the House of Assembly of that State, respecting Indian affairs.
RESOLVED First-That there is every reason, from the appear- ance of things at this time, to apprehend a war with the Creek- Indians is become unavoidable, they having actually killed sev- eral of the inhabitants of this State and taken and carried away a number of horses and cattle from the same.
Second-That it is prudent and necessary to make provision for such an event in the best manner the State can, and the Council advises that the Governor do order the Militia of the County of Wilkes and Richmond to be immediately drafted into two parts; the one to be called out and placed on duty, either in Scouts or otherwise, as the Field Officers of the said Counties respectively shall judge fit, and at the end of a fortnight to be relieved by the other; and that the detachments of these Counties do as circumstances require occasionally move to the assistance of each other; that nothing herein contained extend to prevent the Commanding Officer of each regiment from calling out and placing on duty, either in Scouts or posts the whole of his regi- ment, if an alarm or other intelligence shall so require; and that the Militia of the several other Counties be drafted into three divisions; the first division to be ordered out properly accoutred for action, and march to such place in their respective Counties as shall be fixed upon by the commanding officer of the County for a camp within four days after the draft and shall there con- tinne (unless otherwise ordered) for a fortnight; at the end of which time they shall be relieved by the second division, who shall continue out a like time and then be relieved by the third, and so on continually until farther or otherwise ordered whilst they shall remain in Camp; but in case of a general March or Movement, then reliefs are not to be expected in so short a space of time. That sufficient scouting parties be always kept out from the encampment towards the frontier of the County.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
3. Ordered, That the Conumanding Officer in each County appoint a fit person to act as Coinmissary to the division of his County which may be out on duty.
Fourth-That William Downer be appointed and directed to purchase and collect a quantity, not exceeding 500 barrels of wheat flour in and about Wrightsboro, at public expence; and that the same be lodged in some secure part of that district as a Magazine ready in case the same shall be wanted; and that the said William Downer for the said quantity of flour upon the Governor be paid by an order from him on the. Treasury of this State.
Fifth-That letters be written by the Governor of this State, to the Governor of North Carolina and Virginia informing them of the great probability there is
September 24th 1778.
The Board met
Present, his honor the Governor
William Maxwell John Fulton
John Lindsay John Keebler
A letter from Colo. Williamson dated 15th September instant to the Governor was laid before the Board in which Colo. Wil- liamson informs that he had brought into this State and marched to the frontiers of the same five hundred and forty six effective then to aid and assist in repelling the Indians, and that he was desirous a Commissary well acquainted with the Country, should be appointed to supply them and other men, the exigency of affairs should require to be marched to our assistance.
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
RESOLVED, that Colonel Williamson be requested and empow- cred to appoint some fit person in the county of Wilkes to act as Commissary for supplying his Men; that he make such agreement with him as appears just and reasonable; and give the said Com- missary a draft or certificate to the Governor for such sum as may be necessary in advance to enable the said Commissary to procure provision or contract for the same. And whereas, it is suggested in Colo. Williamsons letter that some persons, taking advantage of the situation of things, and notwithstanding their own danger hold their articles of provision at a higher rate than ought to be allowed.
It is Ordered, that the Commissary whom Colo. Williamson shall appoint have power and be directed, in case he cannot other- wise procure provision, to impress the same, allowing the owner in payment thereof what is just and reasonable.
ORDERED, That the Treasurers pay to Richard Wylly Esq' £205. being the amount of his account for his attendance in Council.
September 25th 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor, the Governor
Richard Wylly John Lindsay John Fulton John Keebler.
William Maxwell
Samuel Miller
The petition and Memorial of John Wereat Esq: Continental Agent was laid before this Board Setting forth that he had re-
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
ceived an express and positive instructions from the Marine de- partment of Congress, to send immediately to Philadelphia, a. quantity of Ship timber that is under the care of the said John WVereat, for the purpose of repairing two of the Continental Frigates that were partly destroyed by the enemy; and praying that this Board would grant him an order to impress a Brigantine now lying in the River Savannah, for the above purpose, setting forth in the said Memorial some particular circumstances that the said Brigantine was under in regard to a claim he, in behalf of Congress, had upon her.
ORDERED-That the said John Wereat as well as the present owners or holders of the said Brigantine do attend this Board on Tuesday next, and that the Merits of the said Memorial or petition be then considered.
Tuesday 29th September 1778.
The Board met
Present.
His Honor the Governor
John Fulton Samuel Miller
John Lindsay David Lewis
John Wereat Esq. Continental Agent, and Mr. Fournier, the owner of the Brigantine mentioned in the memorial presented by him to the Board, having attended agreeable to order, and being heard relative to the same
ORDERED That the same be postponed for a fortnight, for further consideration.
Application being made to this Board by Mrs. Sikes wife to a
,
107
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
person who has left this State and gone to East-Florida, setting forth the distressed situation of herself and three children, she having been ordered in, among a number of other persons from Ogechee, to prevent any intelligence being given to the enemies in East-Florida
ORDERED, That the Commissary General do supply her with a barrel of rice, and one hundred weight of beef; for the support of herself and family.
ORDERED, That the keeper of the Arsenal in Savannah. do deliver to Wr Sanders Command of the Pilot Boat for the Port and Harbour of Savannah, twelve wt of Ball for the defence of said Boat.
Wednesday 7th October 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor, the Governor
William Maxwell
Samuel Miller
John Fulton Richard Wylly
David Lewis.
RESOLVED, as the opinion of this Board, that Thomas Forbes Esq. a Commissioner for the exchange of prisoners, from His Excellency, Governor Tonyn, ought inimediately to repair on board the Flag of Truce in which he came, and there remain not higher up Savannah River than Cockspur until his business shall be compleated.
RESOLVED -- That Major Wylly, Samuel Miller and Samuel
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. THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Slut Esq" be appointed Commissioners, in behalf of this State, to go down to the Flag of Truce from Saint Augustine, and to negociate and settle all matters respecting the cartel with the Commissioners from Governor Tonyn.
RESOLVED --- That the Washington Gally be immediately or- dered down with the said Commissioners, and that she do lie as a guard until the said Flag of Truce shall sail, which it is ex- pected will be, as soon as the Commissioners have closed their business.
RESOLVED-That Mrs. Munro, Mrs. Young and Mrs. Trent- field have permission to go down and to return with the said Commissioners from this State; and that Mrs. Jemima Love, her son and Miss Ann Martin, have leave to depart this state, not to return again, in the Flag of Truce for Saint Augustine.
RESOLVED-That this Board cannot permit Simon Munro Esqr. to land or come on shore as prayed for by his letter.
ORDERED-That the Treasurers do pay Mr. Joshua Lockwood of Charles Town for 550 W' of Gun powder some time since purchased by the public, at the rate of a dollar a pound in Con- tinental Money.
109
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,
Thursday October 8th 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly
Samuel Miller
Chesley Bostwick John Lindsay
John Keebler
David Lewis
John Fulton.
The following resolution was received from the Honbl. House of Assembly by two of their Members viz, Arthur Fort and Charles Oddingsells Esqrs.
House of Assembly, Thursday Octº 8th 1778.
RESOLVED, That the oath of qualification of Magistrates is a sufficient qualification for persons appointed to act as assistant judges under the laws and constitution of this State: that the Governor be requested to qualify any of the assistant Judges that shall apply for that purpose and that a copy of this resolve be sent to his honor the Governor.
Y
Extract from the minutes
GEO. CUTHBERT C. H. A.
Agreeable to the said resolve Joseph Clay and Philip Box Esqrs. attended the Board and qualified as Magistrates for the County of Chatham.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Tuesday IIth October 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly
Samuel Miller
Chesley Bostwick
John Fulton
John Lindsay John Keebler.
His honor the Governor laid before the Board two letters received by the Polly Flag of Truce from Saint Augustine, one from Governor Tonyn, and the other from Captain Elphinston, and his answers to the same which were agreed to by the Board.
Thursday 15th October 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly John Lindsay
John Keebler John Fulton
David Lewis Samuel Miller.
Two petitions of John Wereat Esq' Continental Agent were laid before the Board, the one respecting the Brig Huschinbrook; and the other the Walenry Brig both taken by the Gallies in this state.
ORDERED. That they be referred to the House of Assembly.
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,
ORDERED. That thursday next be the day appointed for mak- ing enquiry, and taking into consideration the matters referred to this Board by resolve of Congress between John Wereat Esq' Continental Agent and Colo® Elbert and White and that the parties have notice thereof.
ORDERED. That the Treasurers do pay to Samuel Miller Esq. Member of this Board £42. for his attendance in Council-Also John Keebler £134. for his attendance; And also, David Lewis fio. for his attendance.
Monday October 194 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Charles Kent Chesley Bostwick David Lewis.
John Freeman
A letter to His Excellency Governor Tonyn inclosing a list of persons mentioned in the Bill of Attainder and Confiscation ; also a letter from the Governor to Thos. Forbes Esq' Commis- sioner for the exchange of prisoners from Governor Tonyn, demanding Francis Crosby to be delivered up, he having de- serted from the Service of this State, were laid before the Board and agreed to.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Thursday October 22nd 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly
David Lewis
John Lindsay
Holman Freeman
John Fulton
Charles Kent
Chesley Bostwick.
John Wereat Esq. and Colonels Elbert and White having at- tended agreeable to order of the .. day of Oct. instant by their Consel, the hearing of the matter was postponed by the consent of the parties till next Monday week.
RESOLVED. That it be recommended to the Honbl. House of Assembly to pass a vote authorizing and directing this Board to draw an order upon the Treasury for £5000. or upwards in favor of Will" Downer Esquire to enable him to
Wednesday 27th October 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Charles Kent
Chesley Bostwick
John Lindsay Holman Freeman
David Lewis John Fulton.
The several pay-rolls of the Militia of the County of Chatham being delivered in
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113
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ORDERED-That the same be referred to the Honbl. House of Assembly; and that they be requested to order immediate pay- ment thereof, the men assigning their not being paid, as a reason for not doing duty when called upon; particularly in respect to the Town Patrol, lately ordered by this Board.
The following were sent up from the Honbl. House of As- sembly.
GEORGIA.
House of Assembly, Oct. 24th 1778.
RESOLVED, That John Howard be appointed to purchase pro- visions in the County of Richmond; and that he receive a sum not exceeding five thousand pounds, for that purpose and that he store the same in Augusta. Brownsboro and Wrightsborough . as may be most convenient, or in such other place as his honor the Governor shall hereafter direct; and that he give security to be accountable for the same, to the Governor and Council.
RESOLVED-That William Downes be appointed to purchase provisions in the County of Wilkes, and that he receive a sum, not exceeding five thousand pounds, for that purpose; and that he give security to the Governor and Council, to be accountable for that sum; the said provision to be stored in such place or places as shall be most safe and convenient, or as the Governor and Council shall direct.
Extract from the Minutes
GEORGE CUTHBERT C. G. A.
House of Assembly, October 26th 1778.
RESOLVED, That Richard Guinn, for the County of Chatham; John Wynn Senr. for the County of Liberty, Benjamin Lanier, . for the County of Effingham, and Daniel MeMurphy, for the County of Burke; be appointed to purchase provisions, to be 8 rr-vol 2
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
stored in such place or places as may be most convenient or safe ; or as the Governor and Council shall direct, that they each receive a Sum not exceeding five thousand pounds, for that pur- pose; and give security to his honor the Governor, to be ac- countable for that sum.
RESOLVED-That Honor the Governor - be requested to give such instructions to the persons appointed by this House of As- sembly, to purchase and store up provisions in the different Coun- ties as he shall think proper; and that in case of the death, resignation, neglect or refusal of any of the said persons to act His honor the Governor be hereby authorized and empowered to appoint other persons, to act in their room.
ORDERED That the persons appointed in each County to pur- chase provisions, do make return monthly to His honor the Gov- ernor, of the provisions they have purchased, and where they have stored the same; and also produce their vouchers to the Governor, or such other persons as shall be, by him appointed, of the expenditure of the public money, paid for the purchase of said provisions.
Extract from the Minutes
GEORGE CUTHBERT C. G. A.
RESOLVED, That particular instructions be drawn up for each of the said Commissioners respectively to regulate their conduct the said business. that the fittest places for Magazines in each County be pointed out; and that proper security be taken from each of the said Commissioners for the faithful discharge of the trust reposed in them pursuant to the said resolves of Assembly ; , and that Richard Wylly, Charles Kent, and Chesley Bostwick Esqrs. be a Committee to prepare and report fully to this Board on this business, who are also to see the said security given as aforesaid.
The Committee appointed to draw up instructions for the gov-
115
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ernment of the persons nominated by the Honorable House of Assenibly to purchase provisions for the use of the State, and to report on the other matters referred to therein respecting the said purchases; do report,
That in order to procure the different kinds of provisions which are wanted, on the most reasonable terms your Committee propose the following mode.
That the Commissioners for Chatham and Liberty Counties, do purchase the quantity of rice necessary for the different coun- ties at such plantations as shall be most convenient for land or water carriage there to remain until wanted. That the Com- missaries for Effingham, Burke, Richmond and Wilkes Counties, do purchase and Store as hereafter mentioned; pork, flour and contract for live cattle, corn and peas to be delivered when called for. Pork to be salted in the proper season, and stored as well as flour at the following places viz, at Ebenezer, Telfairs, Tenats, Lawsons Fort, New-Savannah, Colemans, Heards & Dennises Forts, Augusta and Wrightsborough. Your Committee are fur- ther of opinion, that in order to prevent frauds and abuses, in- spectors should be appointed in each County whose business shall be, to examine all provisions purchased, and report to His honor the Governor thereon, also to transmit to him monthly all vouch- ers received from the Commissaries. Your Committee veg leave also to report, that they have enquired the prices at which the following articles may be purchased, and to which they think the Commissaries should be limited.
Rice 15/. to 17/6ª per 100". Pork, we are informed the Con- tinental Commissaries give from
Flour 20 to 40 dollars per 100138.
Steers from 2 to 3 years old not exceeding £25.
From three years and upwards not exceeding £30.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
Corn ten shillings per bushel.
Peas, fifteen shillings per bushel.
Your Committee are further of opinion that the Commis- saries be directed to purchase all such corn as may be brought into the Forts and places before mentioned at the expense of the proprietors, in preference to any others.
ORDERED-That a copy of the said instructions be delivered cach of the said Commissaries by the Clerk of this Board at the . time he shall receive draft on the Treasury for the money pro- vided by Assembly for him. -
RESOLVED. That the Inspectors of provision purchased by the Commissaries be as follows-For the County of Chatham Joseph Dunlap-for Liberty, John Kell-Effingham, Charles MICKay; Burke, Devereux Jarret and Roger Lawson-Richmond, Isaac Low and Britain Dawson; Wilkes, Thomas Lee and Stephen Heard.
Tuesday November 3ª 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
Richard Wylly Charles Kent
Chesley Bostwick John Lindsay
John Fulton David Lewis.
ORDERED That Joseph Woodruff Esq. be appointed Commis- sary of prisoners for this State; and that it be recommended to- the House of Assembly to provide a suitable salary for him.
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MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
ORDERED-That the Treasurers do pay Samuel Sterk Esquire £167.10 being for the like sum advanced by him to purchase six 'arrels of flour for the late Flag of Truce from St Augustine to this State; that the province of East Florida be debited there- with, and that the Commissary of prisoners do keep an account of the same.
An Affidavit and certificate were laid before the Board by Tliomas Lee relative to a caveat entered against him by John Dooly which had been heard twice before the President and Council, and given in his favour; and that the said John Dooly still keeps possession of the land and absolutely refuses to deliver the same up to him,
ORDERED-That the affidavit and certificate be transmitted to the Assistant Justices of the County of Wilkes, and that they or a majority of them do make a record of forcible detainer by the said John Dooly, and issue process to put the said Thomas Lee in possession of his land.
Wednesday, November 4th 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
William Maxwell
Chesley Bostwick
Holman Freeman
John Lindsay
John Fulton
David Lewis.
In pursuance of a resolve of the Honbl. House of Assembly of this day,
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
It is Ordered, that the Commissaries appointed to buy up and store provisions in different parts of this State do follow the in- structions already given them from this Board; and that the allowance of the said Commissaries for their trouble on articles not provided for, by the House, be as follows --- Corn, three pence per bushel; Peas, four pence per do.
WHEREAS, in consequence of the late expedition, the alarming situation of matters in the back part of this state for some months past, niany persons have been necessitated to let their warrants for lands lapse.
It is Therefore Ordered, That all such persons whose warrants are so lapsed, have three months from this day to pass or carry the same through the proper Offices; And the Surveyor Gen- eral, and other Officers, are ordered to govern themselves ac- cordingly ..
Monday November 16th 1778.
The Board met
Present
His Honor the Governor
John Fulton Samuel Miller
Chesley Bostwick John Lindsay
The following resolve was sent up from the House of As- sembly,
GEORGIA.
House of Assembly, November 15th 1778.
RESOLVED, That the letter written by Oliver Bowen Esq. to
MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL,
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His honor the Governor, dated the 13th instant, is a high con- tempt of the Executive authority of this State, and that His honor the Governor, be requested to suspend the said Oliver Bowen from a Command and employ within this State.
Extract from the Minutes GEORGE CUTHBERT C. G. A.
in pursuance of which resolve,
It is Ordered. That the said Oliver Bowen Esq. be and lie is hereby suspended from a Command or employ within this State ; And it is further ordered, that the said Oliver Bowen and the several Captains of the Gallies within this State, be served with a copy of this resolve, together with the above from the Honbl. the House of Assembly.
Wednesday November 19th 1778.
The Board met
Present
His honor the Governor
R. Wylly John Fulton
Jolin Lindsay
The Governor laid before the Board several dispatches, which he had received from Congress, containing intelligence of the enemys intended embarkation at New York, and that it was ap- prehended they were destined against these Southern States.
RESOLVED-That at least one-third of the powder and lead now lying in Savannah, ought to be immediately sent up to Ebenezer and there lodged in the magazine.
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THE REVOLUTIONARY RECORDS
ORDERED -- That the artillery belonging to the State, be im- mediately put into the best condition, and if necessary, that new carriages be procured for the same; And that it be recommended to the Commanding Officer of the Continental Troops in Savan- nah to place a guard of as many men as he can well spare, in the battery below the Town.
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