USA > Georgia > The bench and bar of Georgia: memoirs and sketches. With an appendix, containing a court roll from 1790-1857, etc., volume I > Part 50
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57
By order of the commander-in-chief :
ANTHONY PORTER, Secretary
XXIX .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO CAPTAIN RICHARD THOMAS.
OCMULGEE, September 19, 1814.
SIR :- I am directed by the commander-in-chief of this State to order some prudent and judicious officer, with a patrol of cavalry, consisting of twenty privates armed with guns, to explore the country between the Oc- mulgee, opposite Hartford, and Flint River, at, below, and above Hitchee Town. The object of the expedition is twofold :- first, to ascertain whether any hostile Indians are lurking in that quarter; second, to ascertain the best practicable route for a road from Hartford to Flint River, striking the latter below the mouth of We-cuy-wau Creek.
I have, therefore, with the public interest alone in view, thought proper to call on yourself. You will with the least possible delay take the afore- said number of privates, who will furnish themselves with about six or seven days' provisions, and arms as above directed, and perform the said tour of service ; and at the same time be careful to avoid any interruption with friendly Indians ; and immediately on your return make your report to the commander-in-chief.
Believe me to be, with the highest consideration and respect, sir, your humble servant,
D. BLACKSHEAR, Brigadier-General.
XXX .- EZEKIEL PARK TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
GREENSBORO, October 13, 1814.
SIR :-- It is anticipated that you will have the command of the new requisition of militia ordered into service by the United States from the State of Georgia. An old citizen of this place, (Dr. William W. Strain, ) quite eminent in his profession and other public business, is desirous of promoting his country's cause by tendering his services in the direct line of his profession. Should it be in your power to confer upon him the
-------- -
422
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
appointment of hospital-surgeon, you will highly gratify the solicitations of a number of his and your friends.
I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant,
E. PARK.
XXXI .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
HEAD-QUARTERS, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, October 21, 1814.
(General Orders.)
The commander-in-chief of the militia of this State, having been required by a letter from the Secretary of War, dated 25th September ultimo, to organize, arm, and equip two thousand five hundred of the militia of Georgia, detached conformably to the orders of the War Department of the 4th of July last, to be held in readiness to join Major-General Jackson, now in the Western country near Mobile, and by a second letter, dated the 10th of October instant, to put in march as soon as practicable the said detachment, orders and direets the following-deseribed regiments, or corps of the first class of militia, to be marehed by their respective com- manders to Fort Hawkins, on the Ocmulgee River, by Monday, the 21st day of November ensuing, viz. :-
The regiment detached from Major-General Daniel's division, com- manded by Col. David S. Booth, and the regiment commanded by Col. Ezekiel Wimberly, detached from Brigadier-General Blackshear's brigade, including the two companies of the first class from Brigadier-General Lee's brigade, in Jones county, and also a volunteer company of artillery commanded by Captain James Saffold, in Clinton, Jones county.
The commanding officers of the foregoing detachments will direet the captains of companies to require of their men to provide themselves with provisions, and employ a baggage-wagon to accompany their several com-' manders from the place of their march until they reach the rendezvous, for the purpose of transporting such articles of camping and cooking-uten- sils as may be provided by the men for their own comfort and convenience during the campaign.
At Fort Hawkins they will be furnished with provisions by the United States Army Contractor. They will likewise be furnished at the same place with arms and aecoutrements ; but it would be very desirable that all persons who can furnish themselves with rifles, shot-pouches, &c. to do so, as they might be formed into companies of riflemen after their arri- val at the rendezvous.
The officers commanding regiments and companies are therefore directed and required to use their best endeavors to procure as many of this species of arms as possible, because of their great value in the mode of warfare which will in all likelihood be pursued by our enemy. Substitutes may be received, provided they be able-bodied, strong, and healthy men, by the captains at or before their arrival at the place of rendezvous, but not after their march from thence.
Major-General John MeIntosh and Brigadier-General David Blackshear will command this detachment of militia.
By order of the commander-in-chief :
DANIEL NEWNAN, Adjutant-General.
423
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
. XXXII .- FARISH CARTER TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
FORT HAWKINS, November 23, 1814.
SIR :- Yesterday I notified the quartermaster of the regiment that I should be ready to issue provisions to them at sunrise, and, in consequence of the late hour they arrived to draw provisions, there is considerable com- plaint of the meat being killed last evening.
You will be pleased to make known to me the hour that provisions are to be issued, and will appoint some one to inspect the same before they are offered to be issued, as the loose way of doing business as heretofore, of every man inspecting the provisions, is not admissible by my contraet.
I have the honor to be, with respect and regard, sir, your obedient ser- FARISH CARTER, Army Contractor.
vant,
XXXIII .- FARISH CARTER TO GEN. BLACKSIIEAR.
FORT HAWKINS, November 23, 1814.
SIR :- Having applied to the commanding officer of this post for an escort for the protection of the cattle and hogs designed for the army, and having received for answer that it will be out of his power to comply with the requisition, owing to the limited force under his command, he requests that I should apply to you on the subject. The beef and pork are ready to start. You will oblige me by stating if it will be in your power to furnish the necessary escort in the morning.
Yours, with respect and regard, FARISH CARTER, Army Contractor.
XXXIV .- MAJOR-GENERAL MCINTOSH TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR,
(Detachment Orders.)
FORT HAWKINS, November 23, 1814.
Brigadier-General Blackshear will proceed to organize the detachment now assembled at this place into two regiments and a battalion, agreeable to the enclosed table, which will be his guide.
Col. Wimberly's regiment, being far short of its complement, must be completed by companies of the second class of militia from the counties of Jasper and Morgan. These will be entitled to choose a major.
The battalion will be formed of Captain Saffold's artillery-company, three riffe-companies, commanded by Captains Henry Lane, Samuel Lane, and Thomas Anderson, and one line-company of the second class from the county of Morgan. Col. Booth's regiment being full without Captain Anderson's rifle-company, which is directed to form a part of the bat- talion. The battalion will be entitled to elect a lieutenant-colonel and one major.
Major Philip Cook will inspect and muster the troops when thus organized.
The contractor will issue the rations in future at the camp, where regi. mental deposits must be provided for the reception of rations, and the regimental quartermasters will attend to receive their rations.
General Blackshear will appoint two discreet persons to inspect the beef or pork before it is issued ; and, should said inspectors reject as unwhole- some any part of the rations offered to the troops, the contractor is imme-
1
·
424
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
diately to be apprized of the same, being his property, that he may make the best disposition he can of any part of the rations legally rejected as unwholesome,-the troops having no control over what is not issued to them. The rations will be issued at sunrise every morning.
Returns of the state of the army must be made without delay, that the general commanding may be apprized of the delinquency in his command. The general flatters himself that every officer attached to his command will feel the necessity of his strict attention to the duties devolved on him from his station, and that good order, and a disposition to forward the interest and welfare of our country, will pervade the army he has the honor to command.
The Rules and Articles of War which govern the United States Army are to be the rule and guide of our conduct. They are therefore to be read to the army by the commanding officers of companies at least once a week. This order will be communicated through the adjutants of regiments.
By order of Major-General John McIntosh : THOMAS HATSON HARDEN, Aide-de- Camp.
XXXV .- MAJOR MARK HARDIN TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
CAMP COVINGTON, November 27, 1814.
DEAR GENERAL :- This is the third. time I have sat down to write you since the army has pitched its encampment. I was defeated, having been obliged to attend to other business. I did hope to have received an answer to my letter from Savannah (soon after my arrival at that place) ere this, but was always disappointed. I cannot account for this in any other way than that you have been as busy as I have, though I don't know this to be the cause; yet I am induced to believe it as the most plausible from what must have been, and must now be, your situation. I know you had a very correct idea of the trouble of managing a large body of raw troops before, which I presume you must by this time find realized. There is no doubt but an officer commanding militia in the service, and does his duty, fully carns his money.
There is a report here that Gen. Jackson has had another fight with the British and was victorious, having had it in his power to count four hundred of the enemy slain on the field, with the great disparity of loss of only one hundred on our side. God grant the truth of this report ! The privateer Gen. Armstrong has lately been taken, as you will see by the enclosed handbill. The Wasp has been doing great things lately. Oh, what a fine fellow Blakely is !
It appears that our affairs at the North are yet badly managed. What Gen. Brown had gloriously fought for during the summer, Gen Izard has been obliged to give up in the fall. This is truly unfortunate, for we shall again have to begin the work next year. Whether this misfortune is to be imputed to Gen. Izard or not, I am not yet sufficiently convinced, and hope it is not. One thing is certain : the general is not as popular in the country as he has been.
I am every day more confirmed in my good opinion of Governor Early. The stand which he has taken against the alleviating-system is sufficient to convince any reasonable man of his independence ; and his reasons for
1 1
-
425
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
not signing the bill is a substantial evidence of his correct knowledge of human nature, and judgment in the proper form of government. I am well aware that if the law is opened now it will distress a number of citizens : but there is another fact which long experience has taught us equally true ; that is, the longer the law is suspended the more deeply those citizens will be involved.
It is reported here that a battalion of the troops which are now at your head-quarters took Milledgeville in their route thither, and while there behaved most ridiculously, threatening to force the Legislature to act as they should dictate as soon as they got arms in their hands. On this occasion, it is said, the Governor gave an additional proof of his firmness by going to the officer who had command of them and ordering him to march immediately, or he would put him where he could be found again. I hope to God this is not truc. Though it is credibly reported, yet I can't believe that there are that number of the citizens of Georgia who are so hardened in corruption. If it is true, my God, what a motley face it will carry abroad ! It will place a stain on the character of a Georgian that the present generation will scarcely be able to wipe off, no matter how correct their conduct may be in future.
The wars in Europe appear to be reviving. It is said Austria has a large force in the field. France has also a large force ready for exigencies, and Lord Hill will be ordered elsewhere than to America. This augurs something in favor of us. Lord send that they may get to pulling each others' wool in Europe again ! This may be a wicked prayer, but I can't believe it ; for I do think that every prayer which is made for the good of our coun- try is a religious one, though it may be ushered from the heart and through the lips of one who is called by the professors of religion a sinner; and I do think that this prayer is for the good of our country, because it will compel (speaking ironically) our old friend King George to keep some of those invincible troops which he has been threatening us with, at home, for other purposes of more immediate importance to him, thereby leaving it more in our power to bring him to a speedy accommodation with us. Adicu, for the present, to the affairs of Europe : Stop ! I must ask you if you don't think Napoleon is only sleeping.
.
My dear sir, I have so little time for private correspondence that I can't copy this letter,-therefore must request that you will receive it with its blots as one that I can only offer in place of another without blots.
Our troops improve much in discipline. I drill the officers separately every morning, and the brigade at ten o'clock. This, in addition to the writing-part of my duty, I can assure you, is enough for any one man to attend to. I am informed that Major Easter is your assistant adjutant- general : he will make a good officer.
In writing to Mrs. Blackshear, I'll thank you to tender my respects to her and Miss Bush. You will be good enough also to give my respects to Col. Wimberly, Major Hamilton, and my uncle, John Hardin, together with others of my friends who may inquire after me. General Floyd has not been entirely well since he left home, but has been able to attend to his duties. IIc desires mne to give his respects to you. I should be very glad to be with you ; but there is no hope of such an event.
That you may reap laurels to the honor of yourself and your country is the sincere prayer of your sincere friend,
MARK HARDIN.
426
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
XXXVI .- BEDNEY FRANKLIN TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MORGAN COUNTY, December 1, 1814.
DEAR GENERAL :- I will take the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance Doctor Abner Franklin, who will hand you a copy of Bona- parte's Campaigns. If you will be encumbered with them, they are at your service.
I would be very much delighted to see you, as I am persuaded (at this time) you are in the avocation that nature designed you to act, and, it is trusted, conspicuously ; but my health will scarcely permit my coming down.
I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours, &c., B. FRANKLIN.
XXXVII .- MAJ. GEN. MCINTOSH TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
CAMP HOPE, December 8, 1814.
Brig. Gen. Blackshear will have Captains Williams's and Thomas's com- panics, of Col. Wimberly's regiment, consolidated into one company, and procced to have an election for company-officers. A major and two cap- tains, not being candidates, will preside, with a sergeant's guard to pre- serve order. The men attached to cach company will be permitted to attend and give in their votes. The general will order this election at as carly an hour as may be convenient, naming the officers to preside at said election.
By order of Maj. Gen. John McIntosh : DANIEL OTIS DUNHAM.
XXXVIII .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, MILLEDGEVILLE, December 9, 1814.
SIR :- I have this day written to Gen. McIntosh, and enclosed him a copy of General Jackson's letter to me. This letter contains a paragraph which appears to me to countenance, in a particular manner, the course which was decided on at our conference. The Seminole settlements lying sixty miles to the west of Flint River can, I apprehend, be most advan- tageously destroyed by a rapid march from some convenient point on that river, which shall be selected as a depot. The troops may carry provi- sions enough, without wagons, to last them until their return to the depot. This movement will probably have the advantage, too, of being unexpected by the enemy.
I intend to hold in readiness two hundred horsemen, who will be directed to overtake the infantry, after the latter shall reach the river and esta- blish their first depôt. The object will be to co-operate in the destruction of the Seminole settlements.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
PETER EARLY.
XXXIX .- MAJ. GEN. MCINTOSHI TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
CAMP HOPE, December 14, 1814.
(Detachment Orders.)
Brig. Gen. Blackshear will march, with Col. Wimberly's regiment of infantry, direct from this encampment to Hartford, on the Ocmulgee
---------
427
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
River, and proceed from thence by opening a road in the most direct way to the Flint River, bearing in mind that he must apprize me, from time to time, of the strength and movements of any hostile Indians that he may acquire a knowledge of on his march,-taking special care that the informa- tion sent me may be the best his means may afford or admit of, keeping in view the object of his march, -to wit, to deter any hostile or marauding party of Indians from committing acts of violence or making predatory . excursions on the frontiers of the State of Georgia most exposed to their savage fury, making every effort at the same time to arrive at the Flint River as speedily as possible, giving me the earliest information of that event.
Upon Gen. Blackshear's arrival at the Flint River, he will proceed to select a proper situation as a place of deposit for provisions, and throw up a small breastwork, with pickets around it, and two block-houses at right angles of the same, about sixteen or eighteen feet square, which will be sufficient to secure the work from assault on every side. A subaltern's command will be sufficient for this station, who will remain and occupy it until otherwise ordered or relieved. His Excellency the Governor will detach two hundred horsemen to join the general at this point, as soon as, in his opinion, a sufficient time has been allowed to this detachment to reach Flint River.
Major Blue, of the 39th Regiment, with about sixteen hundred mounted men, Choctaws, Chickasaws, and Creeks, were to march on the 1st inst. in pursuit of the Red Sticks and their allies. Col. Hawkins's warriors are likewise ready, and will join to chastise the Seminoles or any other hos- tile tribe of Indians that may be collected or collecting; and (if neces- sary) I will combine my whole force to that object,-which will depend on the intelligence I shall receive from you. If there should be the smallest grounds for believing a collected enemy in the route directed, the general will be particularly cautious to march in regular order, either in two or three columns, as he finds most convenient,-keeping an advance and rear guard, with double flankers in front, centre, and rear, to prevent surprise or ambuscade. The flankers ought to be relieved every hour, being an arduous duty.
The general's own prudence will suggest the propriety of securing his command from any advantage which the enemy might take in night- attacks, by felling trees and throwing up intrenchments wherever he encamps.
The general will keep in view the importance and necessity of my being well informed in all matters relative to his command, that I may act promptly as circumstances may require ; and he will report himself ready to join me as soon as he reaches the Flint River.
Before you march, you will order the regimental surgeon to report to you any of your detachment incapable of performing duty from indisposi- tion ; and, should there be any that require medical aid, a surgeon's mate must be left with them, and one or two attendants, if necessary, with orders to proceed on to Fort Mitchell as soon as the surgeon deems them able to perform the march.
By order of Maj. Gen. John McIntosh :
DANIEL OTIS DUNHAM, Aide-de-Camp.
428
MEMOIR OF GENERAL
XL .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO COL. ALLEN TOOKE.
CAMP HOPE, December 12, 1814.
SIR :- I have ordered Licut. Dean with a detachment of men to Hartford, for the purpose of building a flat on the river at that place ; and, as we are not provident of grindstones here, you will let them have the one that Maj. Elijah Blackshear purchased at Dublin for the road-cutting expedition, and which was carried to that place by Maj. S. Taylor. Should they stand in need of any other tools to accomplish the object of their mission, you will furnish out of those left by Maj. Blackshear's orders, and which, I understand, were put in your carc. They are public pro- perty, and, be in whose care they may, you can command them. I have spoken to the Governor on the subject, and should be glad if you would furnish Lieut. Dean with any information that may facilitate his busi- ness. I expect to see you in a few days.
I am, sir, with the highest consideration and respect,
D. BLACKSIIEAR, Brigadier- General.
XLI .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, MILLEDGEVILLE, December 14, 1814.
SIR :- It is desirable that I should be particularly informed of the time of your movement, to the end that I may prepare the reinforcement con- templated. If that reinforcement is to consist entirely of mounted men, I apprehend they need not leave Hartford until you arrive at Flint River and establish your depot. I fear, however, that it will be found very dif- ficult to forage two hundred horses, and would suggest the propriety of one hundred mounted men and one hundred infantry, the latter to garrison your depôt. Your ideas in detail on the whole subject would be very acceptable. I wish to go up the country early next week, and must make all the arrangements before I leave here.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PETER EARLY.
XLII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO THE OFFICERS OF HIS COMMAND.
CAMP HOPE, December 16, 1814.
(Detachment Orders.)
The third regiment, under the command of Col. E. Wimberly, will hold themselves in readiness to strike their tents and take up the line of march to-morrow, at eight o'clock A.M. The regiment will march in two columns. The first battalion, commanded by Major Lawson, will take the right. The officers will be responsible for the good order of their respective com- mands, to see that the men do not break their ranks, leave their com- panics, and stroll out of the army. Should any officer or soldier be so regardless of the duties incumbent on them as to leave the army without special permission from the officer of the day or commander-in-chief, or commit any depredation on the person or property of any citizen of the country through which he may pass, he may rest assured that he will be punished according to the nature of his offence. But the general has a fond hope that none of his detachment will, regardless of his orders, sub- jeet him to the painful necessity of even reproving them.
429
DAVID BLACKSHEAR.
XLIII .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSIIEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, December 16, 1814.
SIR :- I have just received, by Major Grey, your letter of yesterday. You will consider yourself authorized to take with you such of the State's tools at Hartford as you may deem necessary or useful.
Captain Thomas's troop of cavalry in the county of Pulaski is in a con- stant state of readiness for service, and his company must be the one which shall attend you. You will therefore apprize him of this as carly as possible, and issue to him the necessary orders. The time at which it may be most advisable for him to leave Hartford and pursue you must be left to your judgment. The length of time it may be expedient for him to remain with you, depending on events yet to happen, cannot now be prescribed. But, whenever the objects of your movement down Flint River shall be accomplished, it will be proper that he should return. I enclose you the chart made by Captain Thomas of his route last Sep- tember.
The company of infantry intended to garrison your depôt must be drawn from the first class remaining in the county of Twiggs or Pulaski, or from both, as you may deem most advisable. And, as those counties are within your brigade, you will issue the necessary orders accordingly. I presume that if this company shall overtake you by the time at which you shall have completed your fort it will be sufficient. The arms and accoutrements necessary for their use must be taken from those belonging to the State at Hartford.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PETER EARLY.
XLIV .- MAJOR-GENERAL MCINTOSH TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
CAMP HOPE, December 19, 1814.
DEAR GENERAL :- I think it expedient to give you immediate intelli- gence of information I have this moment received through Col. Hawkins, that may be relied on.
The British have determined to meet us half-way and contend the point of superiority with us. The following is the substance of the com- munication through Mr. Linebaugh, dated 15th November last, camp near Fort Mitchell :- " Power Hanjoe says, a runner which he sent from his town to Forbes's Store to learn the truth about the Red Sticks and the movements of the British, said runner gave Power Hanjoe the following talk :- ' Ten British vessels are at anchor near Deer Island; seven of them are very large, and the British say each of those vessels have two thou- sand men on board, which will make fourteen thousand men. The other vessels are of a smaller size, and loaded with ammunition and presents for the Indians. The British have built a powerful strong fort at Forbes's Store, and the British landed and put three hundred men in the fort, which he saw with his own eyes. He further states that he expects the whole force will land there. He was down there, and saw the ten ships. Numbers of the troops are negroes. The British have invited all the Indians to come and receive presents ; and all the Red Sticks have arrived there, and all runaway negroes have gone to the British."
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.