USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia, Volume II > Part 49
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MOVEMENT OF PICKENS AND LEE.
dered to a man. Behold the temper and the faith of the loy- alists !
The investing force of the Americans was somewhat enfeebled at Augusta by a detail sent into the upper portion of Georgia and South Carolina to drive back some Indians and loyal refu- gees who were committing depredations upon the frontier.
Such was the posture of affairs, and such were the events which transpired in the vicinity of Augusta just prior to the advent of General Pickens and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee. - Fort Motte had fallen. So had Fort Granby. Within less than a month General Greene compelled Lord Rawdon to evacuate Cam- den, and forced the submission of the adjacent British posts. He was now moving forward for the close investment of Ninety-Six. The capture of Augusta was determined upon, so that by one continuous and decisive campaign the deliverance of the States of Carolina and Georgia from the domination of the king's forces might be thoroughly compassed, save in the cases of Charlestown and Savannah which could not, at the time, be readily assailed because the enemy ruled at sea. Meanwhile Colonel Cruger was busily engaged in strengthening his defenses at Ninety-Six, and was resolved to hold his post to the last extremity.
General Pickens and Lieutenant-Colonel Lee were ordered to repair with their commands to Augusta and reduce that town. The latter officer, having narrowly observed the operations of the enemy at Ninety-Six and reported fully the condition of affairs to General Greene, took up his line of march across the country for Augusta. On the third day he arrived in its vicinity. He had been preceded by Captain Ferdinand O'Neale, who, with a party of light horse, was detached to collect provisions and ac- quire all information which might facilitate the consummation of the military operation immediately in hand. By this officer Colonel Lee was advised of the arrival at Fort Galphin of the annual royal present intended for the Indians. It consisted of powder, ball, small arms, liquor, salt, blankets, and other articles which were sadly needed in the American camp. For the pro- tection of these valuable supplies two companies of infantry had been detailed by Colonel Brown from his command at Augusta, and they were, at the moment, garrisoning Fort Galphin. With a view to the possession of these coveted articles, and that Brown's force might be permanently weakened by the capture of these two companies, Colonel Lee resolved upon the immediate reduc- tion of the fort at Silver Bluff. Of his proximity to Augusta
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
the enemy seems not to have been aware. His movements had evidently been rapid and well concealed. Quick action was im- peratively demanded. Leaving Eaton with his battalion, the artillery and the exhausted men of the legion to follow on more leisurely, and mounting a detachment of infantry behind his dragoons, Colonel Lee pressed on by a forced march toward Fort Galphin.
This work, situated on the left bank of the Savannah River about fifteen miles below Augusta, consisted of the substantial brick residence erected by George Galphin, the famous Indian trader, surrounded by a stockade. Dreadnaught the English called it, and the bold bluff near which it stood had long been known as Silver Bluff.
The morning of the 21st of May, 1781, was sultry beyond measure. For miles not a drop of water had been found to quench the violent thirst of trooper and horse. Men and animals were sorely oppressed as they halted beneath the pines which skirted the field surrounding the fort. Ignorant of the approach of Colonel Lee and his command, the enemy was resting quietly within the stockade. The fierce rays of the sun smote everything with a blinding and paralyzing influence which forbade all exer- tion not imperatively demanded. But the prize was at hand and moments were precious. Pausing but a little while for his com- mand to recover breath, Colonel Lee dismounted such militiamen as accompanied the expedition and ordered them to demonstrate against the fort from a direction opposite to that then occupied by him. Confidently conjecturing that the garrison, upon the appearance of the militia, would speedily issue from the stockade and resist the threatened attack, Colonel Lee resolved to seize upon the instant and, by a rapid assault, capture the post when
thus bereft of its defenders. To that end Captain Rudolph (whom an ill-defined tradition identifies as the famous Marshal Ney in disguise), with such infantry as was capable of quick ac- tion, was held in readiness at the opportune moment to rush upon the fort. The remaining foot-soldiers, supported by a troop of dragoons, took a position whence the militia could be surely and readily shielded, in their retreat, from any injury which the pur- suing garrison miglit seek to inflict. Such was the strategy devised by the accomplished Light Horse Harry. Most success- fully was it consuminated.
As had been anticipated, at sight of the demonstrating militia- men the garrison flew to arms and, rushing from the fort, ad-
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CAPTURE OF FORT GALPIIIN.
vanced to repel the threatened attack. After a show of resist- ance the militia retreat, drawing the garrison after them in hot pursuit. Just then Captain Rudolph with his detachment sweeps rapidly across the field and envelops the stockade. The resist- ance offered by the few defenders remaining within is feeble and is speedily crushed. The dragoons, foot-soldiers, and rallying militia close in upon the enemy in the field, and quick surrender follows. The Americans lost but one man during the engage- ment, and he perished from excessive heat. Only three or four of the enemy fell in the affair. The capture of the entire gar -- rison, and the possession of the valuable stores concentrated within the stockade, proved a rich reward for the toil and suf- fering involved in the adventure. The entire affair, its concep- tion, the strategy employed, and its consummation were alike creditable to the young Virginian and his brave followers.
But a few short hours did Colonel Lee tarry with his command at Fort Galphin. Suitable provisions having been made for se- curing the fruits of his dashing triumph, he hastened on to join Pickens and Clarke and to participate in those operations which eventuated in the surrender of Brown at Augusta.
Compared with many other engagements which occurred within the confines of the Carolinas and of Georgia during our eight years' struggle for independence, this capture of Fort Galphin will perhaps be reckoned as the small dust of the balance, and yet it was not devoid of significance or lacking in important con- sequences. It supplied a needy army with stores which it sadly craved. It weakened the royal forces in Augusta and conduced most materially to the capitulation of that town. It inspired the Revolutionists with fresh courage, and nerved their arms for further exhibitions of valorous emprise.
Major Eaton, meanwhile, with the rest of the legion formed a junction with General Pickens at the Cherokee ponds, six miles from Augusta. Together they moved forward and united with the forces engaged in the investment of that town. Having rested his infantry, Colonel Lee dispatched Major Eggleston at the head of his cavalry to cross the Savannah River at Wallicon's ferry,1 three miles below Augusta, and to cooperate with Pickens and. Clarke. That officer's instructions were to make himself thor- oughly acquainted with the situation of the enemy, as his com -- manding officer desired definite information upon which he could promptly act upon arrival. He was further enjoined, without de-
1 Now known as the Sund-bar ferry.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
lay, to send in a flag communicating the fact of the near approach of a portion of General Greene's army, informing Colonel Brown that Ninety-Six was closely invested by the main body led by the commanding general, and urging the propriety of an immediate surrender. Brown had previously refused to receive flags coming from, or to hold any communications with, militia officers. Eg- gleston being the senior continental officer there present, Colonel Lee, in view of all the circumstances, deemed it best that he should be deputed to attempt this negotiation. Colonel Brown treated the flag with contempt, refused to answer the dispatch, and forbade a renewal of the interview.1
Colonel Lee arrived during the evening of the 21st, and took post with Pickens and Clarke in the woods bordering Augusta on the west. This town was then small, containing only a few hundred inhabitants. At a short remove from the habitations, the valley in which Augusta was situated was covered with dense woods, withi cleared fields here and there. Cornwallis, the prin- cipal fort occupied by the enemy, was situated in the northerly portion of the central part of the town, having complete command of Savannah River and the adjacent territory.
In after years the ground upon which it stood was set apart for holier uses. Here was erected a temple dedicated to the worship of the God of Peace, and St. Paul's Church, of blessed memory, now proclaims its message of salvation where formerly thundered the malignant guns of this war-begrimed fort.
Half a mile to the west the plain was then interrupted by a lagune or swamp which connected Beaver Dam Creek with the Savannah River.2 On the northwestern border of this lagune, and near its confluence with the Savannah, a second fort 3 was located, called Grierson in honor of the loyalist colonel who com- manded its garrison. British regulars were stationed in Fort Cornwallis, while the tenure of Grierson was confided to militia.
Colonel Lee confesses that he was "considerably ruffled " at the contemptuous treatment which Major Eggleston received, and that his determination was to enter into no communication with the British commander until it was solicited by himself.
1 See Lee's Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department, etc., vol. ii. p. 92. Philadelphia. 1812. McCall's History of Georgia, vol. ii. p. 372. Savannah. 1816.
2 The trend of this lagune, commencing at the Beaver Dam, was generally along the present line of Cumming Street. Be-
fore reaching Broad Street it turned west- wardly into what is now called Kollock Street, and followed the direction of that street to the Savannah River. It was known as Campbell's Gut.
8 The site of this fort is now occupied, or very nearly so, by the Riverside Mills.
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CAPTURE OF FORT GRIERSON.
After a careful consideration of the situation it was resolved to drive Grierson out of his fort and either capture or destroy him in his retreat upon Cornwallis. To this end arrangements were speedily made. General Pickens and Colonel Clarke, with the militia, were to attack from the north and west. Major Eaton, with his battalion, was to approach the fort from the south and cooperate with the militia, while Colonel Lee, with the infantry and artillery, moving southeast of the lagune and par- allel with Eaton, was to hold himself in readiness either to sup- port his attack, if required, or to attend to the movements of - Brown should he quit his defenses and interpose for the salvation of Grierson. Major Jackson with his Georgia militia was to ac- company and act under the orders of Major Eaton. The cavalry under Eggleston were ordered to draw near to Fort Cornwallis, keeping under cover of the wood and prepared to fall upon Brown's rear should he advance against Lee. Promptly did the commands respond to the duties to which they were respectively assigned.
Most vigorous were the attacks by Pickens and Eaton. Lee's movement being open to view, Brown, withdrawing his garrison and leading out two field-pieces, advanced as though he purposed delivering battle in aid of Grierson. Upon second thought deeming it too hazardous to persevere in this attempt, he checked his forward movement and confined his interposition to a cannonade which was returned by Lee, little effect being pro- duced on either side. Finding his resistance fruitless, Grierson determined to evacuate his fort and escape with his command to Fort Cornwallis. Throwing open the gate the garrison rushed down the lagune to the river bank and under its cover endeav- ored to make their way to Cornwallis. In the perilous attempt thirty were killed and forty-five wounded and captured. Com- paratively few succeeded in escaping. The major of the garri- son was killed and the lieutenant-colonel captured. After sur- rendering, Colonel Grierson himself was shot to death by a Georgia rifleman. So cruel had been his practices, and so odious was his character, that the troops could not be restrained from inflicting this summary punishment, wholly unjustified as it was by the rules of civilized warfare. Although a reward was offered by the American commanders for the naming and appre- hension of the party by whom the deed had been committed, no disclosure occurred. Captain McCall 1 intimates that he was 1 History of Georgia, vol. ii. p. 374. Savannah. 1816.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
shot by one of the sons of the venerable Mr. Alexander in revenge for the indignities heaped upon that aged patriot. Doubtless it was well known in the army whose hand pulled the fatal trigger ; but, as the information was not officially brought to the attention of the commander, no notice was taken of the affair beyond the vain offer of the reward to which allusion has been made. "The militia of Georgia under Colonel Clarke," says the author of ' Memoirs of the War in the Southern Depart- ment of the United States,' " were so exasperated by the cruelties mutually inflicted in the course of the war in this State that they were disposed to have sacrificed every man taken, and with great difficulty was this disposition now suppressed. Poor Grierson and several others had been killed after surrender, and although the American commandants used every exertion and offered a large reward to detect the murderers, no discovery could be made. In no part of the South was the war conducted with such asperity as in this quarter. It often sunk into bar- barity."
Although the American loss was trivial, it involved the death of Major Eaton of North Carolina, an excellent and beloved officer, who " fell gallantly at the head of his battalion in the moment of victory."
Perceiving that he had to deal with officers skilled in the art of war, and that the investing force was bent upon his capture, Colonel Brown expended every energy in adding to the security of his position. With fiendish malignity he placed in the bas- tion of his fort most exposed to the fire of the American rifles the aged Alexander and other prisoners who had long pined in captivity. Among the companies closely investing Cornwallis was one commanded by Captain Samuel Alexander. It was a hellish deed, this subjecting a parent to the chances of death at the hand of a devoted son.
Nothing now remained for the Americans but, by regular approaches, to compel a surrender. Accordingly the troops were set to work with all the tools which could be collected from neighboring plantations, and with such as had been captured at Fort Galphin. Fort Cornwallis being near the Savannah River, and the bank of that stream affording additional protection to the enemy, it was resolved to break ground in that quarter and to extend the works of the besiegers towards the left and rear of the fort. Brigadier-General Pickens, with the militia, took post in the woods on the British left, while Lieutenant-Colonel Lee
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SIEGE OF AUGUSTA.
with his corps established himself in a large brick building, the mansion-house of a gentleman 1 who had joined the enemy, situ- ated just south of the confluence of the lagune with the Savan- nah River.
The condition of the wounded prisoners required medical stores and attention which could not be supplied in the American camp. Privilege was asked to apply to Colonel Brown for this needed assistance. Pickens and Lee answered "that after the ungra- cious determination to stop all intercourse announced by the commandant of Fort Cornwallis, disposed as they were to obey - the dictates of humanity, it could not be expected that any con- sideration would prevail with them again to expose the American flag to contumely." To the captive officer who preferred the re- quest permission was granted to wait upon Colonel Brown, with the pledge that he would immediately return so soon as his reply was had. A letter was prepared expressing the regret with which the American commanders allowed a flag to pass from their camp, though borne by a British officer, after the treatment ex- perienced on a recent occasion, and assuring the commandant of Fort Cornwallis " that no consideration affecting themselves or their troops would ever have led to such a condescension." To this letter Brown returned a polite response, offering excuses for his former conduct.
Although the American works progressed with commendable rapidity and began to assume formidable proportions, so level was the ground that it was found to be a very difficult matter to se- cure a platform sufficiently elevated to render the only reliable field-piece in camp effective in casting its projectiles within the fort. Under the circumstances it was deemed proper to construct a " Mayham tower," which had proved so valuable in the reduc- tion of Fort Watson. Orders were issued for cutting and trans- porting the necessary timber.
While Colonel Brown had up to this point patiently contem- plated the American approaches, the heaps of fresh earth seen day by day within the fort indicated that he had been busily en- gaged in some counter operations. On the 28th, at midnight, he fell with great vigor upon the American works in the river quarter and drove out the guard. It was only after a severe conflict, in which Captain Handy, commanding the support, played a conspicuous part, that the trenches were regained and the enemy forced to seek shelter in the fort. This vehement
1 Probably Mr. Edward F. Campbell.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
attempt to destroy the approaches induced Colonel Lee to detail his infantry for their protection during the night-time. To this special service were they assigned, being relieved from all other duty. " On the succeeding night Brown renewed his attempt in the same quarter, and, for a long time, the struggle was continued witli mutual pertinacity till at length Captain Rudolph, by a combined charge with the bayonet, cleared the trenches, driving the enemy with loss into his stronghold."
During the night of the 30th, and on the ensuing- day, the tower was raised nearly on a level with the parapet of the fort. Its interior was filled with fascines, earth, stone, brick, and every available material calculated to impart strength and solid- ity to the structure. " At the same time the adjacent works in rear of the fort were vigorously pushed to the enemy's left to connect them with the tower which was the point of their ter- mination."
Perceiving the danger which threatened, Brown resolved to destroy this tower. In anticipation of the execution of such a purpose the lines in that quarter were doubly manned, and Handy's infantry was conveniently posted in support. Captains Handy and Rudolph were placed in charge of the lines, and a company, armed with muskets, was detailed for the protection of the tower. Before midnight, on the 31st of May, the British commander, with the strength of his garrison, made a desperate sortie against the American works, which, although it entailed considerable loss, was eventually repulsed. Foiled in his efforts, he resorted to the construction of an elevated platform in the angle of his fort just opposite the " Mayham tower." Upon it two of his heaviest pieces of ordnance were mounted. With these he opened fire upon the tower. Regardless of this an- noyance, the builders continued their labors. On the 1st of June the tower was completed, an embrasure cut, and the six- pounder gun lifted into position. From its elevated platform this gun speedily dismounted the two pieces in the fort, raked its interior, and commanded it entirely, with the exception of the segment nearest the tower and a few points sheltered by trav- erses. Wishing to shun needless slaughter, and confident that their operations would speedily eventuate in the reduction of Fort Cornwallis, General Pickens and Colonel Lee, on the 31st of May, sent a flag to Colonel Brown covering this communica- tion : -
" SIR, - The usage of war renders it necessary that we present
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BROWN'S STRATAGEM.
you with an opportunity of avoiding the destruction which im- pends your garrison.
" We have deferred our summons to this late date to preclude the necessity of much correspondence on the occasion. You see the strength of the invading forces, the progress of our works : and you may inform yourself of the situation of the two armies by inquiries from Captain Armstrong of the Legion who has the honour to bear this."
Colonel Brown's response was characteristic of the man : -
" GENTLEMEN, - What progress you have made in your works I am no stranger to. It is my duty and inclination to defend this place to the last extremity."
Balked in his attempts to destroy the " Mayham tower" by force of arms, Brown resorted to the following stratagem. Dur- ing the night of the 1st of June a wily Scotchman, a sergeant of artillery, made his appearance in the American camp in the character of a deserter from Fort Cornwallis. Brought before General Pickens and Colonel Lee, and being interrogated with regard to the effect produced by the six-pounder gun and as to the situation of the enemy, he answered that the erection of the tower gave an advantage which, if properly improved, would not fail in forcing a surrender, but that the garrison had not suffered as much as might have been expected. He added that it was amply supplied with provisions and that it was in high spirits. " In the course of the conversation which followed," says Colonel Lee, " I inquired in what way could the effect of the cannonade be increased? Very readily, replied the crafty sergeant : that knowing the spot where all the powder in the fort was deposited, with red hot balls from the six-pounder, directed properly, the magazine might be blown up. This intelligence was received with delight, and the suggestion of the sergeant seized with avid- ity, although it would be very difficult to prepare our ball as we were unprovided with a furnace. It was proposed to the sergeant that he should be sent to the officer commanding our battery and give his aid to the execution of his suggestion, with assurances of liberal reward in case of success. This proposition was heard with much apparent reluctance, although every disposition to bring the garrison to submission was exhibited by the sergeant who pretended that Brown had done him many personal injuries in the course of service. But, he added, it was impossible for him to put himself in danger of capture, as he well knew he should be excented on a gibbet if taken.
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TIIE IIISTORY OF GEORGIA.
" A good supper was now presented to him with his grog: which, being finished, and being convinced by the arguments of Lee that his personal safety could not be endangered as it was not desired or meant that he should take any part in the siege, but merely to attend at the tower to direct the pointing of the piece, he assented, declaring that he entered upon his task with dire ap- prehensions, and reminding the lieutenant colonel of his promised reward. Lee instantly put him in care of his adjutant to be delivered to Captain Finley, with the information communicated, for the purpose of blowing up the enemy's magazine.
" It was midnight, and Lieutenant Colonel Lee expecting on the next day to be much engaged, - our preparations being nearly completed, - retired to rest. Reflecting upon what had passed, and recurring to the character of his adversary, he became much disquieted by the step he had taken, and soon concluded to with- draw the sergeant from the tower. He had not been many minutes with Captain Finley before an order remanding him was delivered, committing him to the quarter guard." 1
Fortunate was it that this pretended deserter was quickly placed in confinement. It subsequently transpired that he had been sent out by Colonel Brown for the express purpose of de- stroying by fire the Mayham tower. Colonel Lee at first was entirely deceived by him, and unwittingly issued an order which exactly coincided with the scheme of the sergeant and afforded him a favorable opportunity of fulfilling his mission.
On the morning of the 2d of June the besiegers were sa- luted with another exhibition of the activity and strategy of the British commander which came very near inflicting frightful loss. Between the quarters of Colonel Lee and the fort stood four or five deserted houses, some of them so near the latter that they would afford convenient shelter to riflemen delivering their fire from the upper stories. They had been suffered to re- main because Pickens and Lee hoped to utilize them upon the final assault for which preparations were being made. Sallying out just before the break of day, Colonel Brown burned all of these dwellings save the two nearest the fort. Why these were spared many were at a loss to conjecture. The reason became manifest at a later stage of the operations.
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