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 53
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The invasion of the State by such a formidable force, and the confusion and distress resulting to our eitizens, not only warrants this order of his Exeelleney, but makes it his imperious duty to eall on such forces as ean with most promptitude avert impending devastation. I shall, therefore, mareh with the utmost expedition to the scene of distress-the place invaded, or about to be invaded-as may in future be deemed proper.
As the objeet of the enemy is not yet satisfactorily known, and as it is possible that his movements may make it necessary that you and myself should unite our forees, or in some other way co-operate, I have thought proper, with the adviec of the Governor, to acquaint you that I am or- dered to march to the relief of the scaboard of this State, and that it is our duty to reciprocally communicate such information as may enable us to derive advantages from our respective positions, as well as such other information as would enable cither of us, severally or conjointly, to con- duce to the defeat or repulse of the enemy.
Presuming that much will be committed to our care and diseretion, I think it by no means wise or patriotic to pause at nieeties or dread re- sponsibility. I shall, consequently, render you all the aid in my power which ean tend to accomplish the grand object, hoping and believing that you will not, on your part, act with injudicious reserve.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, D. BLACKSHEAR, B. Genl.
LXXVI .- GEN. BLACKSIIEAR TO GOV. EARLY.
CAMP, TWELVE MILES EAST OF FLINT RIVER, January 14, 1815. ·
SIR :- On the receipt of your Excellency's despatch by Captain Lane, with the order of Gen. McIntosh, I made arrangements to march to Flint River and to pursue the objcet it contained so soon as my supplies would justify me. But I hope your Excellency will not suspeet I was surprised on opening a paeket, express from Gen. McIntosh, which arrived this night at ten o'clock, to find another report from Col. Hawkins, stating intelligence from one of his Indians-a confidential man sent for the purpose-that there were twenty whites and forty blacks below the forks of the river, without any fort or diteh; had built one house, and were to build another. They came up by land, and one boat came up with provision. He saw thirty whites and sixty blacks at Forbes's Store, and a good deal of such stuff, -on which was founded a general order of the 9th to send one of my battalions immediately to join head-quarters on the road to Mobile.
In the same packet I received another general order, dated the 11th, directing me imperatively to march my whole force to General MeIntosh,
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and join him on the road to Mobile. I shall accordingly take up my march and pursue the general until I receive orders to the contrary.
Duty to my country impels me to apprize your Excellency that while such reports can transform a British army of fourteen thousand from one number to another until it is reduced to fifty whites and a few blacks, the citizens of Georgia may be scalped with impunity. I beg leave to remark that the colonel has arranged every thing to his mind. He has furnished the Indians with arms, ammunition, rations,-for all sorts and denominations ; has as many under pay as soldiers as he may choose to break sticks for, (a muster-roll being out of the question.) In doing this, it was necessary to make reports of various kinds, and as variable in their features, until Gen. McIntosh has gone on to Mobile and left an imperious general order for me to pursue him. And then he can make just as many British or hostile Indians as are necessary to keep himself and Indians under pay and rations; and in one night he can receive reports from" confidential runners and civilize all the rest, and nothing to do but to break another bundle of sticks, and take his new civilians into pay and rations, and stay at their homes quietly, while we are beating through the wilderness, making roads to transport provisions and funds to such of his most happy and favored people as he may choose to point out.
When the militia are called into service, they must be mustered by an officer of high responsibility; every man must be present and inspected, and, if not able to perform drudgery, he is sent home, and is glad to return without pay or rations. If he is able-bodied, he must do duty, be frequently inspected, reported every day, and punished if he fails to do his duty, (which is right.) But contrast this with the situation of the colonel and his scalping myrmidons. By this your Excellency will perceive that all your indefatigable exertions and arrangements for the defence of our beloved State are broken in upon by the artifice of that one old man, who does nothing but write and talk, and talk and write.
Pardon me if I discover too much zeal for the defence of Georgia, exit the subject. It is almost indispensable that I should see you before I leave this State; but I cannot leave my little detachment, two of whom died last night. I shall obey my orders at all events. I have made choice of you to convey my private sentiments ; and this is only intended as a confidential, private communication, and a small proportion of facts of which I have an ample fund.
LXXVII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO MAJ. GEN. MCINTOSII.
CAMP, TWELVE MILES EAST OF FLINT RIVER, January 14, 1815.
SIR :- On the 12th I had the honor of receiving yours of the 5th inst., in which you stated the impracticability of our forming a junction, and directing me to co-operate with Col. Ilawkins in subduing any hostile Indians or British in that quarter where Georgia would be affected.
Enclosed I received at the same time a copy of a letter from Col. Hawkins, and a line from the Governor directing me to carry your order into effect. I accordingly march again for Flint River. This night, at nine o'clock, I received your two orders of the 9th and 11th, directing me to march with my whole force, in obedience to his Excellency's orders of the 6th inst. I shall immediately retrace my steps and take your road at Fort Hawkins, which route I deem it best to pursue from a want of provisions.
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LXXVIII .- TIMOTIIY BARNARD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
FLINT RIVER, January 14, 1815.
SIR :- I received a letter for you from the Agency last evening by express, which I send on to you this morning by a red man of Chehaw. I had to promise him four dollars before he would undertake the business, which you will please pay him on delivery of your letter. He says he will take the value in homespun if you do not wish to pay money.
If the Chehaw man I send you had not been here, I know not how I could have got your letter to you, as I could not have got one of the Uchees to have undertaken the business if I had offered them ten dollars, as they say some of the red people in that quarter are much displeased with them for acting as spies here and at the Agency. I have given the bearer a strict charge : therefore I hope you will get your letter safe delivered.
Remain, sir, your most obedient, &c. &c., TIM'Y BARNARD. LXXIX .- GEN. BLACKSIIEAR TO GOV. EARLY.
CAMP, TWELVE MILES EAST OF FLINT RIVER, January 15, 1815.
SIR :- I have the honor to acquaint your Excellency that on the last evening I received by express from Gen. McIntosh imperative orders, dated 11th inst., requiring me, with my whole force, immediately to pursue him on the way to Mobile.
Pursuant to these orders, I shall to-morrow morning begin to retrace my route to Fort Hawkins, and then march on to Mobile. Consequently your Excellency may perceive the propriety of making some alterations in the arrangements last contemplated.
I have the honor to be, very respectfully,
D. BLACKSHEAR, Brig. Gen.
LXXX .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, January 16, 1815.
SIR :- Your favor of the 13th inst. has been duly received. A copy of Gen. McIntosh's final orders to you of the 11th inst. has been trans- mitted to me.
I can enter into your sensations on this varying business; and indeed · my own feelings are little short of those which you must feel. I shall have to send a detachment on State account immediately to effect the object you were in pursuit of. It will consist of about five hundred mounted infantry, and, I hope, may be commanded by Major Freeman.
I am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
PETER EARLY.
LXXXI .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, January 19, 1815.
SIR :- I received your letters of the 14th and 15th insts. by express. A great crisis in our State has occurred, which has determined me to assume a responsibility in relation to yourself and the regiment under your command which no other condition of things would justify.
Our State is actually invaded by the enemy, in large force. It is invaded in its most vulnerable point. I have official intelligence that two
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ships-of-the-line, seven frigates, and a number of smaller vessels have entered St. Andrews' Sound, made a landing on Cumberland Island, and are there establishing themselves. I have further intelligence that their barges occupy all the sounds and inlets between St. Mary's and Bruns- wick, inclusive.
The defence of our own land is the first and most imperious duty. Were the regiment under your command without the State, on its route to Mobile, I should not interfere with it; but, under existing circum- stances, I should think it criminal inattention to my own greatest duty to suffer the force to pursue its destination. You are already in the field, prepared at all points, and at the very spot most favorable for marching to the relief of the sea-coast. Before other troops could be collected, organized, and marched there, insurrection on one side, and Indian mas- sacre on the other, may have produced their full measure of ruin. The enemy have black troops with them.
Under all these circumstances, I take on myself the responsibility of ordering you with the force under your command to shape your course, without delay, to the point invaded. You shall hear from me further on your march. Your route, I presume, will be down the river-road through Telfair, across the Oconee at Bell's Ferry, and then to Fort Barrington. The road which was cut last year by Major Blackshear would be nearer, but I suspect could not, at this season, be passed by wagons. Besides, the other is through an inhabited country and near the river down which your supplies will have to be sent.
I shall give immediate notice to the contractor and quartermaster, both now at Fort Hawkins, of this arrangement. I think it advisable for you to take the earliest measures to have your detachment regularly sup- plied with provisions while on your march and at any given point of destination.
Being ordered on a separate and distinct command from Gen. McIntosh, the contractor will obey your orders for supplies, and the quartermaster's department likewise for transporting them.
I shall, by express, immediately inform Gen. McIntosh of the step I ' have taken, and transmit to him a copy of this letter.
I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, PETER EARLY.
LXXXII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO FARISH CARTER.
CAMP, FIVE MILES BELOW HARTFORD, January 21, 1815.
SIR :- Imperious circumstances make it necessary that your attention be given to the delivery at Hartford of thirty thousand complete rations, contemplated in a requisition from Gen. McIntosh; and, as I am ordered to operate within the settled limits of Georgia, you will take such steps as will enable you to keep the detachment under my command constantly furnished with thirty thousand rations in advance until the 1st of May next, provided this detachment continues to operate within the limits of your contract, or unless you are notified to do otherwise.
Our country is invaded; and I hope in God you will use every exertion in your power to facilitate the movement of the troops to check the insur- rection and depredation that will ensue should we delay for want of pro- vision.
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LXXXIII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO CAPTAIN LANE.
CAMP, FIVE MILES BELOW HARTFORD, January 21, 1815.
SIR :- You will, before this reaches you, have received intelligence of my route being again and again changed, and that I am now on my way down this river to Barrington on the Altamaha. I expect to continue this route until I do something. You will therefore use every exertion in your power to facilitate my movements.
The quartermaster-general's department will forward on the supplies furnished by the contractor, agrecably to the requisitions he may have received, and call on the ordnance department for at least five hundred pounds of best powder in his possession, and at least ten reams of cartridge- paper, and transmit it to me without delay. You are well apprized of the quality of the powder he has furnished. I think you or Major Fannin had best come on, that I can have an understanding with your department. I shall proceed down as soon as possible.
LXXXIV .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO MAJ. GEN. MCINTOSH. CAMP, FIVE MILES BELOW HARTFORD, January 21, 1815.
SIR :- In obedience to your orders of 11th instant, I retraced my steps by way of Hartford, and on my way up this river this day received an order from his Excellency Governor Early, a copy of which, he informs me, was forwarded to you by express.
Knowing, as I do, the high sense you entertain of his Excellency's patriotism, and the imperious necessity of checking the pillage of that marauding foe who has already set his polluted foot on the most vulnerable part of our seaboard, and at the same time being greatly in your rear, with- out the least intention or inclination to deviate from your orders, I have changed my route, fully anticipating your sanction of the proceeding of his Excellency. But, should circumstances so present themselves as to induce you to order to the contrary, I am still ready cheerfully to obey, and hope your conclusion will be that, if I have erred, it was with the purest intentions, which could only be resisted by a man less attached to his country's interest.
LXXXV .- GEN. BLACKSIIEAR TO GOV. EARLY.
CAMP, FIVE MILES BELOW HARTFORD, January 22, 1815.
SIR :- Yesterday, five miles above Hartford, I received your order to tack and shape my course for the seaboard. Notwithstanding it was counter to the last orders of my major-general and might implicate me for disobedience of orders, I, knowing the patriotism of my major-general, and your Excellency vouching for the responsibility, reflecting at the same time on the necessity of anticipating his orders, did deign to change my route, and am now on my way down this river in pursuance of your orders.
From this place, where I arrived last night, if the contractor and quarter- master-general's department will only be vigilant, I have made a requisi- tion on the ordnance department for five hundred pounds of good powder and some cartridge-paper. The quality of what I have you are apprized of. If the ordnance-officer is on the spot and has not given out all the good powder to Col. Hawkins for his Indians, perhaps I may get some ; but it is even doubtful then. With the powder we have, our bayonets will be our main dependence. The country abounds in provision, and the
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two rivers calculated to raft it down, that, with proper exertion in the proper departments, we need not suffer.
I shall be at the point where I can begin to render my country some service as soon as possible. I have a good number sick and many de- serters ; but nothing shall stop me but want of provision. Great part of my deserters, I think, will return, and of whom I shall treat more particu- larly in my next communication.
LXXXVI .- MAJOR-GENERAL MCINTOSH TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
FORT DECATUR, January 22, 1815.
SIR :- I arrived at this station to-day with the balance of my detach- ment from Fort Mitchell. Colonel Boothe, who had the superintendence of building boats for the transportation of the army down this river and the Alabama, has exerted himself beyond my expectation, and in eight or ten days will have sufficient boats to convey fifteen hundred men, bag- gage and provisions, to Mobile.
I hope before that period you will have joined us. As it is all-import- ant that you should make use of every effort to accomplish a junction with me, the artificers with you will very much accelerate our object of speedy departure from this place; and a few days gained may afford us au opportunity of rendering essential services to our invaded country.
We learn that General Jackson has for several days been skirmishing with the enemy near Orleans, and that he has uniformly had the supe- riority, although with a far inferior force.
It will be necessary for you to send as many pioneers in advance of your army from Fort Bainbridge to this place as you can furnish with tools, to repair the road for your wagons. It was with the greatest diffi- culty I got on, the road being the worst I ever saw.
You will, on receipt of this letter, despatch an express to me, stating the probable period of your arriving here.
I am, sir, respectfully, your most obedient servant, J. MCINTOSH, Maj. Gen. Commanding, &c.
LXXXVII .- MAJ. GEN. MCINTOSH TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
CAMP, NEAR FORT DECATUR, January 23, 1815.
SIR :- I received your letter of the 14th instant, dated twelve miles east of Flint River, stating that you would immediately march, retracing your steps, and take the road after me from Fort Hawkins.
It is unnecessary for me to repeat to you the necessity of pressing for- ward with all diligence,-which if you do, I hope you will join me at the Tallapoosa, Fort Decatur, on the 5th or 6th February, when I expect to be ready to take my departure in boats to Mobile. If you should not arrive at that period, I shall be at a loss to give you instructions, as I should, in that event, consider the services of the detachment under your command lost to the General Government. You will, as stated in my letter of 22d, despatch an express to me.
I am, respecttully, your most obedient servant,
J. MCINTOSII, Major-General, &c.
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LXXXVIII .- MAJOR A. B. FANNIN TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
FORT HAWKINS, January 24, 1815.
SIR :- Your letter of the 22d instant by express was handed to me this morning. I had previously been informed of the incursion of the enemy on our coast, and of your destination in that direction by the Governor of Georgia.
I learn that the contractor has been ordered to supply thirty thousand rations per month at Hartford for your consumption. I presume he has by this time furnished for one month, which you can take with you on your march. For the second month it should be deposited at Fort Bar- rington, or some other eligible place on the Altamaha, in readiness for your reception. It would be well to point out to Carter the spot immediately, that he may have no room to equivocate and say the requisition is not in form. The contract requires the place of deposit to be set forth, and yours just received is in general terms.
I have no authority to appoint an assistant in my department : that authority alone is vested in the President of the United States. The brigade-quartermaster attached to your command will represent that officer. It is his duty, and I have given him orders and instructions accordingly. The disposition made of the members of the department will not admit of any one of them to accompany you. Major Gray, who should be here, is with Gen. McIntosh; Captain Lequerse is at Fort Mitchell, superintending the building of boats for the supplying of Col. Hawkins's command down the Chattahoochee; and Capt. Lane is engaged in the purchase of forage and the forwarding of provisions in the Nation. I am hourly engaged in making settlements. When my funds are exhausted- which is nearly the case-I shall come on to the sea-coast.
It is with regret that I hear you complain of the incapacity of the forage-masters attached to your command. They are men whom I never knew. If there have been any wanton improprieties or neglect of duty by any member of my department, you owe it to yourself and country to have it redressed as pointed out by the regulations of the army.
The ordnance department are not capable to furnish at this place one pound of powder nor any cartridge-paper. I would recommend that you make known your wants on that head to Gen. Floyd, Savannah. I shall write to the Governor to know whether he can spare any from the State Arsenal, and, if so, will send it down the river in a boat intended to be chartered with corn,-as it will be difficult to procure that necessary article in the country you are to operate in.
Mr. Slaughter, one of our best forage-masters, with instructions, is ordered to accompany you on your march. He will do his duty, and will be under your immediate control. I advanced him two hundred dollars until further aid can be obtained. If you have more wagons in service than are necessary, please have them discharged.
I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient, humble servant,
A. B. FANNIN, Deputy Q. M. Genl. U. S. Army.
N.B .- The two forage-masters complained of are ordered to this post to settle their accounts and retire from the service. A. B. F.
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LXXXIX .- GOV. EARLY TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, January 25, 1815.
SIR :- Your letter of the 22d instant has been duly received. The promptness with which you have proceeded to meet the enemy in our country is truly laudable. According to my calculation, this will reach you somewhere in the neighborhood of Bell's Ferry.
My latest intelligence of the enemy's movement is from General Stewart, at Riceboro, on the 19th. All the country south of the Altamaha is in their possession. The people have fled, and the militia and regulars ro- treated across that river. It is by some supposed that the aim is a march by land to Savannah.
The part you have to act must necessarily be left to your own discretion. You ought immediately to communicate with General Floyd ;* and it will be highly proper that you employ vedettes to observe and inform you of the movements of the enemy. Should he be marching on Savannah, you will of course, if possible, fall on his rear and harass him on his march. Should he remain south of the Altamaha, I apprehend you should esta- blish a depôt at St. Savilla, and operate as circumstances may admit. I have heard, verbally, that a considerable reinforcement from South Caro- lina was some days ago within a short distance of Savannah, but know not whether the account is to be credited.
Captain Conner, f of Tattnall or Montgomery, commands a volunteer company of mounted riflemen. I think it probable that he may be em- ployed to advantage in protecting the Indian frontier from Fort James on toward the St. Mary's. You will be better able to judge; and if he ean, in your opinion, be serviceable in that way, you will order him accordingly. The ammunition you write for will be sent off to-day from this place. There is none in store at Fort Hawkins.
I am, with high respect, your obedient servant, PETER EARLY.
XC .- ANTHONY PORTER TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MILLEDGEVILLE, January 25, 1815.
DEAR SIR :- I take the liberty of sending to you enclosed a Savannah Republican of the 17th instant, in which you will find two letters from Capt. Massias at Point Petre to Gen. Floyd at Savannah, and one from Col. Scott at Jefferson, Camden county, detailing the operations of the enemy in the neighborhood of St. Mary's. It was by these documents,
* See No. 75.
t The Rev. Wilson Conner, who had been with the "Patriots" in Florida under the command of Gen. John Houstonn McIntosh, was appointed Delegate from the Provisional Government in Florida to the Congress of the United States; and, while on his way to the city of Washington, hearing of the disavowal by President Madison of the treaty negotiated by Governor Mathews, he desisted from the further prosecution of his journey, as his official character was at an end. Mr. Conner was physically of majestic mould, with features, voice, and expression of countenance to correspond, impressing the beholder with great dignity and reve- rence. For the last twenty years of his life, or more, he was a distinguished minister of the Baptist Church. At the close of a sermon he fell dead in the pulpit, some ten or fifteen years ago, realizing the wish he had often expressed to his friends to leave the world in this triumphant manner. His education was defective, yet his style was pleasing and generally correct. What he lacked in polish was more than made up by uncommon vigor of mind and unction of delivery.
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communicated to the Executive by express, that you were ordered to that quarter of the country.
You will readily see what distress the people of that section of the State must be in. They will hail you as their protector and deliverer.
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