USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia, Volume II > Part 3
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TIIE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
by sickness disabled from marching, be received into the Indian towns and kindly used until they recover, and then be allowed to return to Fort Prince George: That the Indians do provide for the garrison as many horses as they conveniently can for their march, agreeing with the officers and soldiers for payment : That the fort, great guns, powder, ball, and spare arms, be delivered to the Indians without fraud or further delay on the day appointed for the march of the troops."
In accordance with these stipulations the fort was surrendered, and the garrison, attended by Occonostota, Judd's friend, the prince of Choté, and several other Indians, marched out, taking the route for Fort Prince George. At nightfall the command had journeyed fifteen miles. Having encamped on a plain about two miles from the Indian town Taliquo, the English were sur- prised to find themselves speedily deserted by their escort. Deem- ing this a suspicious circumstance, a strong guard was posted by the officers. No disturbance occurred during the night, but at daybreak the next morning a soldier from an outpost ran in and communicated the intelligence that many Indians, painted and plumed for battle, were advancing upon the camp. Scarcely had the order been issued for the men to stand to their arms, when the savages from various quarters and with terrific yells poured in a destructive fire before which Captain Demere, three officers, and twenty-six privates fell. Enfeebled, dispirited, and panic- stricken, many of the men fled into the woods where they were captured. Captain Stuart and those who remained with him were seized, pinioned, and brought back to Fort Loudoun, where they were confined. Learning that his friend, Captain Stuart, was a prisoner, Attakullakulla hastened to the fort and, giving his rifle, clothes, and personal effects by way of ransom, purchased him from his captors. Taking possession of Captain Demere's house, he there maintained him as a member of his family, sharing his provisions and shelter with him. The soldiers endured mis- erable captivity until they were, at great cost, ransomed by the province of South Carolina.
Pending their release, Occonostota determined to attack Fort Prince George, and for this purpose summoned the Cherokee warriors to meet him at Stickoey old town. By accident ten bags of powder and ball, which the officers had secretly buried in the fort to prevent their falling into the enemy's hands, were discovered by the savages. This circumstance would have cost Captain Stuart his life had not the interpreter succeeded in con-
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ESCAPE OF CAPTAIN STUART.
vincing the Indians that he was ignorant of and wholly uncon- nected with the concealment of these warlike stores. Thus pos- sessed of an ample quantity of ammunition, the Cherokees re- solved to lay siege to Fort Prince George. A council was called at Chote. Captain Stuart was compelled to attend. There he was reminded of the fact that his life had been spared, and was informed that he and his men must take charge of and work six cannons and two coehorn mortars. with which they were about to bombard Fort Prince George. He was further required to address a communication to the commanding officer of that fort demanding its immediate surrender, and threatening, if this de- mand was not acceded to, that the prisoners in their custody would be burnt one after another. Thoroughly alarmed at his situation, and resolved not to bear arms against his country- men, Captain Stuart determined to make his escape ot to per- ish in the attempt. This design he privately communicated to his friend Attakullakulla, and invoked his immediate assist- ance. Responding to the appeal, this aged chieftain, in order to free his captive from his embarrassments, announced to the Cher- okees that he intended to be absent for a few days upon a hunt- ing expedition and that he would take Captain Stuart with him. Moving rapidly day and night through a pathless wilderness, they arrived, on the tenth day of their journey, at the Holston River, where they fortunately fell in with Colonel Bird, who, with a party of three hundred men, was advancing for the re- lief of such soldiers as had made their escape from Fort Lou- doun. Proceeding on until he reached Colonel Bird's permanent camp on the frontiers of Virginia, Captain Stuart there dismissed the generous chief, loading him with presents, entreating him on his return to protect the unhappy prisoners until their ransom could be accomplished, and praying him to exert his influence among the Cherokees for the restoration of peace.
Escaped from the savages, this officer at once began to con- cert measures for the relief of Fort Prince George. Governor Bull was informed of the sad disaster which had overtaken Fort Loudoun, and of the enemy's designs against Fort Prince George. Captain Thomson, commanding the militia on the frontiers, was ordered to throw into that fort provisions sufficient to sus- tain its garrison for ten weeks, and to notify the officer in charge of the impending danger. Attakullakulla was requested to inform the Cherokees that Fort Prince George was impregna- ble, and that powder had been disposed of in vast quantities in
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
its vicinity to blow up any parties who might assault it. Pres- ents were forwarded with which to redeem the prisoners at Fort Loudoun, and such of them as survived the ill usage to which they had been subjected were released and delivered up to the commanding officer at Fort Prince George.
It was hoped that the treacherous conduct of the Cherokees towards the garrison upon the surrender of Fort Loudoun would have been regarded by them as satisfaction for the unjust im- prisonment and cruel massacre of their chiefs ; but the expecta- tion was vain. Although their lower towns had been devastated by Colonel Montgomery, the spirit of the Cherokees was still un- subdued. Hearkening to the French, who supplied them with guns and ammunition and poisoned their minds with the most iniquitous suggestions against the English, the Indians remained intent upon war. Lewis Latinac, a French officer, proved among them an indefatigable instigator to revenge, mischief, and slaugh- ter.
Persuaded that the savages were about to renew their hostil- ities in greater numbers and with undiminished hate, Governor Bull applied a second time to General Amherst for assistance. Lieutenant-Colonel James Grant was detailed with the High- landers to repair to Carolina and concert measures for the subju- gation of the Cherokees. Landing at Charlestown early in 1761 he there encamped with his command. In order that the pro- jected campaign might be productive of the most decisive results, a provincial regiment was raised and placed under the command of Colonel Middleton. Supplies of all sorts were accumulated to facilitate the equipment, transportation, and support of the army. The sympathies of the Chickasaws, the Catawbas, and the Creeks were enlisted by a generous distribution of presents.
When mustered, the forces under Colonel Grant aggregated about two thousand six hundred men. Arrived at Fort Prince George on the 27th of May, 1761, he was met by Attakullakulla, who, renewing his professions of amity, besought the English commander to advance no further with his army until he ascer- tained whether the Cherokee nation could not be persuaded to sne for peace. Declining to comply with this request, Colonel Grant, on the 7th of June, put his column of invasion in motion. Provisions for thirty days were transported with the army. Ninety Indians, and thirty woodmen attired and painted to re- semble Indians, under the leadership of Captain Quintino Ken- nedy, marched in advance to scour the forests. Then came the
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DEFEAT OF THE CHEROKEES.
light infantry which, in turn, was followed by the main body. On the fourth day the locality was reached where Colonel Mont- gomery had been attacked the year before. Here the savages, rushing down from a hill, fired upon the advance guard, which, being reinforced, drove them back until they recovered their position upon the heights. Along the foot of this hill the army was compelled to march for a considerable distance. On the left was a river from the opposite bank of which a large party of Cherokees fired briskly on the troops as they advanced.
"Colonel Grant ordered a party to march up the hill and drive the enemy from the heights, while the line faced about and gave their whole charge to the Indians that annoyed them from the side of the river. The engagement became general and the sav- ages seemed determined obstinately to dispute the lower grounds, while those on the hill were dislodged only to return with re- doubled ardour to the charge.
" The situation of the troops was in several respects deplor- able - fatigued by a tedious march in rainy weather, surrounded with woods so that they could not discern the enemy, galled by the scattered fire of savages who, when pressed, always kept aloof but rallied again and again and returned to the ground. No sooner did the army gain an advantage over them in one quarter than they appeared in another. While the attention of the com- mander was occupied in driving the enemy from their lurking place on the river's side, the rear was attacked, and so vigorous an effort made for the flour and cattle that he was obliged to order a party back to the relief of the rear guard. From eight o'clock in the morning until eleven, the savages continued to keep up an irregular and incessant fire, sometimes from one place and sometimes from another, while the woods resounded with hideous shouts and yells to intimidate the troops. At length the Cherokees gave way ; and, being pursued for some time, popping shots continued till two o'clock when they disappeared."
Colonel Grant's army sustained a loss of between fifty and sixty killed and wounded. The casualties encountered by the enemy were not ascertained. The slain having been sunk in the river to prevent the Indians from finding and scalping them, and the wounded having been mounted upon horses, the army pressed on to Etchoe which was reduced to ashes. Fourteen Indian towns, constituting the Middle Settlements of the Cherokees, shared a similar fato, and the women and children were merci- lessly driven from their homes. The entire region was deso-
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
lated. For a whole month did Colonel Grant remain in the heart of this Indian territory. He then retired to Fort Prince George where he paused to refresh his army and to ascertain the effect which his recent punishment would exert upon the mind of the Cherokee nation. There he was waited upon by Atta- kullakulla and several Cherokee chiefs who, after alluding to the severe sufferings of their nation and protesting their determina- tion to have nothing more to do with the French by whom they had been sadly deceived, desired a restoration of peaceful rela- tions with the English. Treaty stipulations looking toward a general pacification were then prepared and submitted, all of which were approved except one article, proposed by Colonel Grant, which contemplated the surrender of four Cherokee In- dians to be put to death in front of the army. Attakullakulla, having no authority from his people to assent to such a condition, repaired to Charlestown with his companions to interview Gov- ernor Bull and ascertain whether he would consent to the abroga- tion of this demand. A council was called by the governor at Ashley Ferry who there delivered the following address : -
" Attakullakulla, I am glad to see you, and as I have always heard of your good behaviour, that you have been a good friend to the English, I take you by the hand, and not only you but all those with you also, as a pledge for their security whilst under my protection. Colonel Grant acquaints me that you have ap- plied for peace. Now that you are come, I have met with my beloved men to hear what you have to say, and my ears are open for that purpose."
A fire having been kindled and the pipe of peace lighted, all present smoked for some time solemnly and in silence. At length Attakullakulla arose and thus spake to the governor and coun- cil : -
" It is a great while since I last saw your Honour. Now I am glad to see you and all the beloved men present. I am come to you as a messenger from the whole nation. I have now seen you and smoked with you, and I hope we shall live together as brothers. When I came to Keowee, Colonel Grant sent me to you. You live at the water side and are in light. We are in darkness, but I hope all will yet be clear with us. I have been constantly going about doing good, and though I am tired, yet I am come to see what can be done for my people who are in great distress." Here he produced the strings of wampum he had re- ceived from the different towns of the Cherokee nation, all denot-
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TIIE CHEROKEE WAR ENDED.
ing an earnest desire for peace. Continuing, he added, "As to what has happened I believe it has been ordered by our Father above. We are of a different colour from the white people. They are superior to us. But one God is father of all and we hope what is past will be forgotten. God Almighty made all people. There is not a day but some are coming into and others are go- ing out of the world. The great King told me the path should never be crooked, but open for every one to pass and repass. As we all live in one land, I hope we shall all live as one people."
Thereupon a treaty of peace was formally ratified: all present uniting in the hope that the friendship thus reestablished would continue as long as the sun shone and the rivers ran.1
Thus ended the war with the Cherokees, which not only in- flicted much loss of life and property upon South Carolina but, during its continuance, subjected the province of Georgia to con- stant alarm and apprehension. Sadly was the strength of the Cherokee nation impaired, and many of the chosen seats of this people were rendered desolate.
1 Sce An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Caro- lina and Georgia, vol. ii. pp. 214-254.
VOL. II. 2
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CHAPTER II.
GOVERNOR WRIGHT'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS. - RESPONSE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. - SAVANNAH IN 1760. - DEBRAHM'S SYSTEM OF FORTIFICA- TIONS. - WHARVES. - HEALTH OF SAVANNAH. - POPULATION AND PROD- UCTS OF THE PROVINCE. - GOVERNOR WRIGHT'S REPORT TO TIIE LORDS COMMISSIONERS OF TRADE AND PLANTATIONS. - GEORGE III. PROCLAIMED KING. - GOVERNOR BOONE ATTEMPTS TO APPROPRIATE . THE LANDS LY- ING SOUTH OF THE ALATAMAHA. - PROTEST AND CAVEAT OF GOVERNOR WRIGHT. - HIS COMMUNICATIONS TO THE EARL OF EGREMONT. - ACTION OF THE HOME GOVERNMENT.
THE gratulations extended to Sir James Wright upon his arrival in Savannah were mingled with regrets at the depart- ure of Governor Ellis 1 who, by a gentle, firm, conservative, and honest administration of public affairs had accommodated former disagreements, maintained amicable relations with the aborigines, advanced the interests of the colonists, and confirmed himself in their esteem and affection.
On the 5th of November, 1760, Governor Wright delivered the following inaugural to the General Assembly : -
" His Majesty having been pleased to permit his Excellency Governour Ellis to return to Great Britain and to honour me with the appointment of Lieutenant Governour of this Province, the Administration is now, on his Excellency's departure, de- volved upon me. I am not insensible of the Merit and Abilities of that Gentleman, and consequently of the Disadvantages I may be under in succeeding him.
" But let me assure you Gentlemen, that I shall, with the ut- most Diligence and Integrity, discharge my Duty to his Majesty and, consistent with that, will at all Times and in every Respect, with very great Sincerity endeavour to promote the true Interest and Prosperity of this Province : in the Pursuit of which I am well persuaded I shall always meet with the Approbation and Aid of all worthy Men and true Lovers of their Country, and therefore cannot fail of your candid Assistance.
" The very short Time that I have been amongst you Gentle- men, has not been sufficient for me to acquire that Knowledge of
1 Hle left the province November 2, 1760.
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GOVERNOR WRIGHT'S INAUGURAL.
the State and Condition of the Province necessary to enable me to suggest to you every Circumstance that may be proper for your present Consideration, and which might have made a further adjournment convenient.
" But there is one Object which is very striking and which re- quires our immediate Attention : I mean the Dangers this Prov- ince in general is exposed to from the Creek Indians ; the yet defenceless Condition of the Town; and the necessity of put- ting it into some better State of Security by finishing the Works already begun, and erecting such other within the Lines and else- where as may appear necessary for that End : for, although a great deal is already done,'yet much is still wanting, and a Sup- ply of proper Guns and Ammunition for the Block Houses and small Forts in order to render the several Works effectual : and therefore I have thought it expedient to continue Sitting at this Time.
" From our Situation and Circumstances our Plan must chiefly be that of Security and Defence, and although the very great Success with which it has pleased God to bless the Arms of our most gracious Sovereign in the North Part of this Continent is a most interesting and important Event in general, and to us in particular as it gives us sanguine Hopes that this Southern Fron- tier will very speedily be strengthened, yet Gentlemen, let us not be wanting to ourselves, let us act as becomes us, and every Consideration, every View in which we see our present Circum- stances must incite us to exert our utmost Efforts at this critical Conjuncture.
"The Success of the Cherokees against our Sister Colony, which the Savages well know to be populous, rich, and powerful, has greatly extended its Influence amongst our Neighbours the Creeks and made them most insolent and daring; but I trust those Dangers that we are exposed to from thence will animate us and convince us how necessary it is to be vigilant, to be ac- tive.
" Gentlemen, from your usual and well known zeal for his Majesty's Service and Readiness on all Occasions to promote the Welfare of this Province, I doubt not but you will chearfully concur with me and make such Provision as will be sufficient for the immediate Execution of these salutary Measures on which the Safety and Tranquillity so much depend. I must likewise recommend to your Consideration tho Condition of the Light House on Tybee Island, and also what Laws are near expiring and may require an immediate Continuance."
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To this, on the ensuing day, the following response was re- turned by the Upper House of Assembly :- " May it please your Honour.
" We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Council of Georgia in General Assembly met, beg leave to return your Honour our unfeigned Thanks for your Speech to both Houses of Assembly, and to present our hearty Congratulations to your Honour on your safe Arrival in this Province.
" However sensibly we regret the Departure of his Excellency Governor Ellis, we do with great Sincerity assure your Honour that it is with the highest Satisfaction we see your Honour ap- pointed to preside over us. The Ability and Integrity with which you have served our gracious Sovereign and his Subjects in the neighbouring Province, though in a less elevated Station, and the unblemished Probity with which you have discharged the Du- ties of private Life, as they have gained you his Majesty's Ap- probation and the Esteem of all worthy Men, so they are to us the surest Presages of Prosperity and Happiness under your dili- gent and virtuous Administration.
" We do with the utmost Pleasure congratulate your Honour on the very great Success with which it has pleased God to bless his Majesty's Arms in the different Quarters of the World, and particularly on the happy Reduction of all Canada; an Event equally honourable for our glorious Sovereign and important and interesting to his American Subjects. Nor do we on this occa- sion ouly participate in the general Joy. We flatter ourselves that as this Province is now the only Frontier to our European Enemy it will speedily be strengthened, and the Insolence of the neighbouring Savages effectually repressed.
" We are thoroughly sensible of the Dangers which this Colony is exposed to from the Creek Indians, the yet defenceless Condi- tion of the Town, and the necessity there is for putting it and the other Parts of the Province in a better State of Security ; and we do assure your Honour that nothing on our Part shall be wanting for enabling you to carry into Effect so salutary a Meas- ure, and on all Occasions consistent with our Duty to the King shall chearfully concur in every Thing that shall tend to render your Administration easy and honourable, and the Colony happy and flourishing." 1
One of the earliest topics engaging the attention of the General Assembly embraced the fortification of Savannah, the repair and
1 MS. Journal of the Assembly, pp. 437, 438, 440, 441.
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DEBRAHIM FORTIFIES SAVANNAH.
erection of forts at necessary points within the limits of the province, and the development of the military strength of the colony. Earnest consideration of this subject was rendered all the more important because of the existing war between South Carolina and the Cherokees, and by reason of the fact that Geor- gia was forced to rely upon her own resources and exertions for self-protection. The town of Savannah at this time contained between three and four hundred houses, nearly all of them small and builded of wood. The most imposing structures were Christ Church, an Independent meeting-house, a council-house, a court- house, and a filature. Using the present names of the streets, Savannah was bounded on the north by the Bay, on the east by Lincoln Street, on the south by South Broad Street, and on the west by Jefferson Street. Its extreme length from east to west was two thousand one hundred and fifteen feet, and it extended from north to south one thousand four hundred and twenty-five feet. Six squares or market-places were included within these limits, each three hundred and fifteen by two hundred and seventy feet.'
Upon his return from Fort Loudoun, in 1757, Surveyor-General DeBrahm, at the instance of Governor Ellis and of the General Assembly of the province, "proposed with a well palissadoed In- trenchment to envelope the City so as to make it a Receptacle and Shelter for all the Planters, their Families, Slaves, &c." Savannah being open to the north, and the river affording facile communication with South Carolina whence, upon an emergency, supplies of food and ammunition might be obtained, the Indians would never be able to do more than burn the dwellings in the country, and kill such cattle and steal such horses as might be left upon the plantations. Their families being secure within the intrenchments of Savannah, where they could be supplied with requisite stores and where they would enjoy the protection of the governor and council, the male inhabitants would be free to oper- ute in the field and devote their energies to the expulsion of the marauders. DeBrahm's advice met with general favor, and he accordingly laid out " two Poligons with three Bastions " for the protection of the southern exposure of the town. "With four Poligons more (two on the east and two others on the west side of the City, each ending with a demi Bastion)," he completed the environment of the place. Northwardly the eastern and
1 Sco History of the Province of Georgia, ote., by John Gerar William DeBrahm, p. 36. Wormsloo. MDCCCXLIX.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
western intrenchments terminated at the river. The soil of Savannah being very sandy, in order to preserve the breastwork the outside talus was faced with pine logs set in the ground. Wooden towers were erected in the corner bastions with strong platforms in their first stories to support twelve-pounder can- nons. These fortifications were in an incomplete condition when Governor Wright assumed the reins of government. That they might be finished at the earliest practicable moment, the governor, James De Veaux, Lewis Johnson, William Francis, Joseph Gib- bons, James Read, and Edmund Tannatt were nominated by the Commons House of Assembly as a supervising committee. To this board were added from the Upper House, the Honorable James Habersham, Colonel Noble Jones, James Edward Powell, and William Knox.1 The work progressed rapidly, and Savannah soon afforded within its intrenchments an asylum whither the adjacent planters, upon occasions of alarm, might betake them- selves with their families and personal property and find refuge from the rifle and scalping-knife of the Indian.
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