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 55
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I expect to remain in this neighborhood a day or two, or until I can hear from you. I shall, however, proceed to Barrington as soon as I can have the exposed points on the south branches of this river so picketed as to prevent the enemy completely from stealing a march on this place, except it shall be your pleasure, or that of Gen. Pinckney, to order me otherwise,-which I am at all times, in any circumstances, ready to obey, and, in the mean time, to afford any exertion to protect the persons and property in this part of the country.
CVII .- GEN. PINCKNEY TO GEN. FLOYD.
HEAD-QUARTERS, SIXTH MILITARY DIVISION, SAVANNAH, February 14, 1815. (General Orders.)
The militia troops of Cuthbert's brigade, called into the service of the United States, and assembled at Sisters' Ferry, including the two com- panies of riflemen under marching-orders, will be discharged as soon as mustered. Any part of these troops not joined are hereby countermanded. The senior officer at Sisters' Ferry will take the most prompt and effectual means to publish this order, that those who have not joined may not unnecessarily turn out. The draft from this brigade being countermanded, those who have already assembled will be mustered without observing the proportions of commissioned and non-commissioned officers and privates directed by the general orders.
Lieutenant-Colonel Austin, an officer commanding a regiment of South
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Carolina infantry called into United States service and ordered to ren- dezvous at Two Sisters' Ferry, will obey the requisition of Brigadier- General Floyd, commanding troops in the United States service in Georgia to move into Georgia, and, on his arrival there, will report to Gen. Floyd and obey his orders.
By command of Major-General Pinckney : JOHN EWING, Assistant Adjutant-General.
CVIII .- JAMES MONROE TO MAJOR-GENERAL PINCKNEY.
DEPARTMENT OF WAR, February 14, 1815. (Copy.)
SIR :- It is with great satisfaction that I have to inform you that a treaty of peace was concluded between the United States and Great Britain, at Ghent, on the 24th December last. A copy of this treaty was received to-day, by Mr. Carroll, has been examined by the President, and will, I have no doubt, be ratified.
I give you this information that hostilities may immediately cease between our troops and those of Great Britain. It will be proper for you to notify this to the British commander in your vicinity.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant,
(Signed,) JAMES MONROE.
CIX .- ORDERS FROM GEN. BLACKSIIEAR.
CAMP NEAR DARIEN, February 16, 1815.
The military-store keepers will, in future, be held responsible for the quality and condition of all provision which they may receive from the contractor's or other department, at the time such provision may have been received. And should it appear that any such provision so received by them was unfit for the use of the army at the time it was receipted for, it shall be their loss, and not the loss of the United States; and of this order all whom it may concern will take notice.
CX .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO MAJOR F. HOPKINS.
CAMP NEAR DARIEN, February 25, 1815.
SIR :- Captain Burke arrived last night, two days from Charleston, with intelligence of peace,-a copy of which is enclosed; and it is or- dered that hostilities should cease. Capt. Burke is gone with despatches to Cumberland, to the commanding-officer of the British forces at that place.
Captain White, with his command, will therefore immediately return and join camp; and Major Hopkins will dispose of the local militia under his command, in pursuance of his orders from Gen. Floyd,-which, I pre- sume, under existing circumstances, will be to discharge them. Of the propriety of this Maj. Hopkins will judge.
I have the honor to be your humble servant,
D. BLACKSHEAR, Brig. Genl.
CXI .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAH, February 25, 1815. (Private.)
DEAR SIR :- The official accounts of a peace having been concluded between our country and Great Britain appear to have filled the hearts of
والكــ
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the populace here with joy. The accounts were received on the evening of the day which the mayor had proclaimed should be celebrated by illumination and music, in commemoration of the illustrious Washing- ton's birthi, and in celebration of General Jackson's victory over our im- placable enemy at Orleans.
This strange coincidence of circumstances afforded all parties an oppor- tunity of expressing their joy. But I presume that many whose hearts throbbed for the fallen bands of the world's last hope congratulated themselves at the close of the drama which might, if continued, have brought them in their proper colors on the stage. Joy gleamed on every countenance. The night was gloomy and calm. The streets were crowded with people of all colors, sorts, and denominations, who, with lighted candles, on foot and on horseback, enlivened the streets.
The crowd, led by the military, traversed the streets in procession, ac- companied by all the music of a martial kind that the city afforded. The vessels in the harbor were illuminated, and the air resounded with loud huzzas and firing of small arms. The seamen had a small ship, which they carried through the streets, decorated, exclaiming, "Don't give up the ship!"
Private letters from Washington state that the treaty was ratified on the 16th instant. This evening's mail will probably bring us the Presi- dent's proclamation on that subject. In England, such was the joy, that the horses were taken out of the stage which conveyed the intelli- gence through the country towns, and the stage drawn through the towns by the populace.
I presume that the militia of my brigade will shortly be disbanded. I have sounded General Pinckney to know whether he will permit you to pay our red friends a visit, by the way of winding up the show. I shall communicate to you the result.
I dislike the cession of the Floridas to the English. They will be a thorn in our side so long as we suffer them to remain,-which, I trust in God and my country, will not be long. Time will not allow me to say more at present. Accept my best respects. Present me to your officers, and believe me to be, with sentiments of high regard, your friend and fellow-citizen, JOHN FLOYD.
CXII .- GEN. FLOYD TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAH, February 27, 1815. (Division Orders.)
Officers commanding regiments and separate corps of militia in the service of the United States within the State of Georgia will, imme- diately on the receipt of this order, cause estimates to be made out of the pay due to their regiments and corps up to first March, and transmit them without delay to the United States paymaster in this State.
In pursuance of general orders of 25th instant, all the militia in ser- vice within the State will be discharged as soon as they shall be mustered and settlements made with the paymasters. They will be marched to their regimental rendezvous, and there discharged.
Commanding officers of regiments and corps are authorized to give per- mission to such officers, non commissioned officers, and privates, as are desirous to proceed home without transportation being furnished them by the public.
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The quartermaster-general's department will furnish the necessary transportation on the requisition of officers commanding regiments, corps, or detachments, and afford every accommodation to the sick (on requisi- tion of a medical officer) to enable them to get to their homes. Those who cannot at present move will be accommodated at the present hos- pitals, and supplied with hospital-stores until they are able to move. Commanding officers of separate commands will detail a sufficient number of surgeons to attend them.
The quartermaster-general's department will provide stores, if neces- sary, and appoint proper agents to receive army-accoutrements, ammuni- tion, camp-equipage, and articles of every description belonging to the United States, from the officers to whom they were issued, and make re- turns thereof to the proper departments.
The ordnance and ammunition at Camp Covington will be immediately returned to the authorities from which they were received.
Officers granting furloughs will keep a regular entry of all officers and men to whom those indulgences have been granted. All avoidable loss of arms, &c. will be placed to the account of officers who have receipted for them.
The lieutenant-colonel commanding the 2d and 3d regiments, and all officers commanding detachments and corps, will direct muster and in- spection rolls to be made out without delay, preparatory to their discharge.
By order of Brig. Gen. Floyd, commanding :
MARK HARDIN, Assis't, Ad)'t Genl.
CXIII .- GEN. JOHN HOUSTOUN MCINTOSH* TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
THE REFUGE, April 2, 1815.
DEAR SIR :- A day or two after we left you, one of our carriage- horses took sick on the road and died. This accident, together with the badness of the roads, prevented us from reaching here until the latter part of last week. The bearer, (Mr. Saltonstall,) who, I believe, is a very good man, tells me that he intends living in your neighborhood; and being now on his way up, I embrace the opportunity of dropping you a line,-which I do the more readily as our mails, since the war, have been extremely irregular.
The conduct of the British, (particularly of the officers,) both at St. Simon's and St. Mary's, exceeds even what you and I believed of them in flagitiousness. Nothing was of too little value to tempt them; and every thing was grasped, let it belong to friend or foe, widow or orphan. Mrs. Shaw, however, is an exception to this general rule. Cockburn, though her negroes were the first to join him, had them all returned to her, together with a quantity of cotton, some of which belonged to other persons. She also had influence enough to get her cousin Ray Sands's negroes also returned. The report of her being so distressed was only until the arrival of Cockburn. Shortly after this event, it is said, she was remarkably lively; and, if Cockburn was master of the house and every thing in it, she was certainly mistress.
* Commander-in-chief of the "Patriots," who took possession of East Florida in 1814, and maintained a quasi government for about twelve months at their camp, within a few miles of St. Augustine. The Gen. John McIntosh under whose orders Gen. Blackshear served was a different personage, though a relative of the other. VOL. I .- 30
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i
The account of the Patriots having killed a great many of them is correet. The officers found it necessary, after they were fired upon from two bluffs, to douse their epaulettes and all the marks of an officer. Cockburn was so enraged when his six boats returned, with two-thirds of their crews killed and wounded, that he made a signal for all the boats and marines to come from the vessels, and swore that he would burn St. Mary's and every house between the Altamaha and St. Mary's. But the arrival of Maj. Burke with the account of peace prevented him from putting his threat in execution. I have no doubt but that he would have burnt St. Mary's; but I am confident that you would have pre- vented him from trusting his men any distance out of their boats.
I am anxious to hear what your brother has done with -; and I sincerely hope he will agree to no compromise after the unworthy treat- ment he has received. Pray, remember me affectionately to the major, and tell him I never think of him without gratitude for his hospitality and attention, and that I have taught all my children to play "Mau- rice," which I call, after him, "Blackshear,"-a name certainly as pretty as that of " Maurice." Remember me also kindly to your brother the colonel, and tell him I have not yet seen Mr. Sands, but will certainly attend to his business as soon as I do.
Our seasons have been in this part of the country uncommonly wet. I hope they have not been so with you. We had, a night or two ago, cold almost enough for a frost.
Mrs. McIntosh and my daughters are all well, and join with me in kind and best remembrance to your amiable lady, Mrs. Bryan, Miss Bush, and yourself. We all expect that Miss Bush will shortly lose her name, though not her verdure. That she and you all may never change your situation but for the better is the wish, my dear sir, of your sincere friend and obedient servant, JOHN H. MCINTOSHI.
CXIV .- TIMOTHY BARNARD (INDIAN CHIEF) TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
FLINT RIVER, December 2, 1815 .*
SIR :- I received yours last evening by Mr. Volice and Mr. Jas. Joice, and fully observed the contents. I send on your letters this morning to the Agency, by express to Gen. McIntosh. The general, I expect, got to Fort Mitchell last evening. I had some information yesterday by a red man which I believe is true,-that is, that the British have erected their forts near the forks of these rivers, and one down at Forbes's Store, and that there is a number of British landed there. It is reported by the red people from that quarter that the red people do not wish to join the British in these wars. The Chchaw people-near where you will arrive on Flint River-are all inclined to be peaccable and assist our army. A man arrived from there yesterday, requesting me to send the chiefs a few lines to show you when you arrive on Flint River, that you may know your friends. The chiefs of Chehaw say they will be glad to furnish you with all the beef and hogs they have to spare, and render you any other
* This is evidently a wrong date. It must have been intended for 1814, because on 2d December, 1815, Gen. Blackshear was on his farm, having discharged his com- mand in March, 1815, soon after peace with Great Britain was proclaimed. The letter is given as a proof of the fidelity of the respected author of it, who was known as the "white man's friend."
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service in their power. I expect one of my sons will be down there, to assist you, that speaks our language.
CXV .- JOEL CRAWFORD* TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
MILLEDGEVILLE, September 15, 1818.
DEAR SIR :- By yesterday's mail I received from the Secretary of War, in answer to inquiries made pursuant to your request, the communication contained on the first page of this sheet. Though far from being satis- factory, it is about such a reply as might have been expected. I have aseertained by much experience that the gentlemen about the eity all have a way of their own in doing business which is a great deal more convenient to themselves than any one else. I am sorry the Secretary has so soon fallen into those habits of evasion which have ever been fashionable in the city of Washington.
However, sir, if you will draw up an explicit letter to Mr. Calhoun, as nearly conformable to his already-expressed wishes as practicable, I will take charge of it, and, on arriving at Washington, press a proper attention to it.
I am, very respectfully, yours, J. CRAWFORD.
[ENCLOSURE.]
WAR DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1818.
SIR :- I have received your letter of the 19th of July. To obtain satisfactory information, it will be necessary to furnish the names of the commanding-officers of the respective companies, because, in some eases, the rations were issued complete, and in others the provisions were delivered in bulk and issued by the quartermasters.
I have the honor to be your most obedient servant,
J. C. CALHOUN.
Hon. JOEL CRAWFORD.
CXVI .- GOV. RABUN TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, GEORGIA, MILLEDGEVILLE, June 30, 1819.
SIR :- I have been this day waited upon by -, who has deposited in this office a petition or declaration containing a number of exceptions to the proceedings of a court-martial held in -, on the 15th of last month, before which he was accused of sundry high crimes and mis- demeanors, which were alleged to have been committed by him while in the public service, in the months of March and April, 1818. It appears from the statement of -- that he has been oppressed and borne down by the strong arm of power, contrary to the Constitution, laws, and usages of our country, and on charges and speeifications which he alleges to be frivolous and unfounded.
a
Being desirous to hear both sides on this subject, I have deemed it my duty to call on you to furnish me a ecrtified copy of the whole proecedings of the court-martial held in - for the trial of Captain -, of the - troop of cavalry.
The reasons which have induced me to adopt this course are, that if the
* Then a Representative in Congress.
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charges exhibited against Captain - were for any misconduct which occurred while in actual service, then, according to the 29th section of the militia-law, the proceedings of the court must receive the approbation of the commander-in-chief before the sentence can be complete. But, if the charge was only for an "offence against military orders and decorum," then, according to the 27th section of the militia-law, the approbation of the brigadier-general was sufficient to perfect the sentence.
You will probably view this as a novel proceeding; but I can assure you that the duty I owe to the State, and the respect I have for your uniform conduct, has urged me to pursue this course, in order that impartial justice may be administered, and, if possible, to arrest the public clamor that has been excited respecting this decision.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. RABUN.
CXVII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO HIS SON JAMES .*
MILLEDGEVILLE, May 14, 1821.
DEAR JAMES :- I again write you by Mr. Golding, although I have written by Major Meriwether, and by whom I have sent you some money. I expect to leave this place to-morrow for home. I have heard that your mother is yet complaining of the asthma. The rest of the family are getting better.
When you receive the money, take care that you do not spend or other- wise dispose of it only as you are obliged to do. Be sure to keep out of bad company, and do not be persuaded to do any thing that is improper. Be advised by your cousinst and those gentlemen I recommended you to in my last. Never place yourself in a situation to deny what you know to be true, and always have a strict eye on what will support a good cha- racter. You can hardly conceive how easy it is for a youth to injure his character, which is rarely ever recovered ; that is, if you should do any thing with other boys, you will all be implicated, and when you become a man it will not be forgotten. If you conduct yourself well, you will always be respected by good people. I have great solicitude for your welfare; and, having written you so lately, have nothing more.
Your loving father,
D. BLACKSHEAR.
CXVIII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO HIIS SON JAMES.
SPRINGFIELD, ¿ October 4, 1821.
MY DEAR JAMES :- I received yours of the 7th ult., and am glad to find that you are pursuing your studies with a knowledge of the necessity
* James Hamilton Blackshear, the eldest son of the general, was at the time a student of Franklin College. He afterward married a daughter of Gen. John Floyd, and represented the county of Laurens several times in the Legislature. He was highly intelligent, and was much beloved for his noble qualities. He died in 1845, leaving many friends, who will ever cherish his memory with the warmest affection. This letter, and other letters from the same source, though written of course in all the freedom of privacy, are given to the public for the excellent advice they contain for young men.
t The two brothers, Thomas Jefferson Bryan and Blackshear Bryan, of Twiggs county, both since deceased.
# The name of Gen. Blackshear's residence in Laurens county.
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of having an education. Continue to persevere, and remember the advice I have ever tried to impress on your mind,-that you are now laying the foundation of a character by which you will be judged all the rest of your life.
I have no doubt but you have your anxieties to see your mother and little brothers, and even amusements about home. But learning is worth more than these little temporary amusements, and particularly when you can hear from home so often as you do. Our election is over,-myself for Senate, Major Thomas and Mr. Horn for the House.
*
My respects to Jefferson, and tell him I hope he will continue at school until he gets an education, and particularly while you and he can progress as fast as the rest of your schoolmates.
I have it in contemplation to let you come home and see us next vacation ; but do not let the thought of it interfere with your studies. Press on as fast as possible to the last day. Make my compliments to Mr. Moore, and tell him I should be glad he would write me at times when he can conveniently do so, as I am anxious to hear from that quarter more than you have an opportunity of knowing.
CXIX .- COL. E. F. TATTNALL TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
WHITEMARSH ISLAND, October 16, 1821.
DEAR GENERAL :- A vacancy has occurred in the station of Brigadier- General of the First Brigade. Cols. Daniell and Harden, of Chatham, and Col. Dunham, of McIntosh county, are the candidates to fill it. The former I wish particularly to recommend to your support. I do not know whether you are personally acquainted with each other; but, as I have long and intimately been acquainted with him, I can, with confidence, assure you that he is brave, chivalric, and gentlemanly; that he is ambitious of military distinction and loves the soldier's character. In short, that he is all which you, as an old soldier, could wish a man to be.
I do not mean to disparage the claims of either of the other candidates ; but were I acting under oath, and had I to give a vote to either, it should conscientiously be given to Col. Daniell. With Col. Dunham I have been but slightly acquainted, but I have always seen in him the evidence of his deservedly high and respectable standing in his county. With Col. Harden I have been intimate, and my esteein and respect for him is great ; but my decided preference is to Col. Daniell.
I will also, as I am on the subject of elections, suggest to you that a gentleman of the Savannah bar (N. P. Bond, Esq.) will be a candidate for the office of solicitor-general at the ensuing session, vice William Law, Esq., resigned. Ile is a fine, promising young Georgian, and his talents and worth are inferior to none in the State. His opponents are Levi S. D'Lyon and J. C. Nicoll, Esqs.
From all I can learn, our election goes on well. God grant we may succeed ! Our State has been too long deluded by the factious and design- ing. It is time for us to restore it to that rank in the Union which it ought to hold and which the rancor of party-spirit has so long removed it from. Col. Troup, it would seem, must be elected; but I hope we shall continue active and alert on our post, for ideal security may defeat us again, as at the last election.
I hope to see you at the opening of the session, as I shall probably be in Milledgeville before I travel to the North. Pray communicate such
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part of this letter as relates to Col. Daniell and N. P. Bond, Esqs., to your Representatives, and beg them to excuse the liberty which I take as a stranger.
Be assured, dear general, that I am, with the highest esteem and respect, your friend and obedient servant,
EDW'D F. TATTNALL.
CXX .- COL. TATTNALL TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
SAVANNAH, November 8, 1821.
DEAR GENERAL :- I with much pleasure avail myself of an opportunity of introducing to you my very intimate friend, who was in the same service with yourself during the late war, and whose character as a gentle- man, a man of talents, and a soldier will, I am sure, make him a pleasing acquaintance, in your estimation.
Captain Hunter, the gentleman alluded to and the bearer of this intro- ductory letter, is the present Cashier of the United States Bank. His official duties carry him to Milledgeville. Of these I have nothing to communicate, as I know nothing of them. I am, however, desirous of making him feel easy during his stay in Milledgeville, and I know no one who would feel more for a stranger than yourself.
Accept, my dear general, the reassurance of my highest regard and esteem.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, EDW'D F. TATTNALL.
CXXI .- PETER CRAWFORD* TO GEN. BLACKSHEAR.
Sunday morning, Dec. 9, 1821.
DEAR GENERAL :- I know you are in the habit of visiting Col. Moughon. He has invited me to dine with him. This is the only day that I can command or call my own. Will you honor me this day with your company to the colonel's? If you will, any hour that may be agree- able to you to set out will suit me. Let me know by the boy whether I shall have the pleasure of your company, and the hour.
Your friend, &c., PETER CRAWFORD.
CXXII .- GEN. BLACKSHEAR TO IIIS SON JAMES.
SPRINGFIELD, March 22, 1822.
DEAR JAMES :- I have only received one letter from you since you left me, and this is the first that I have sent you. You seem to have forgotten that I required you to write every fortnight.
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