USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia: containing brief sketches of the most remarkable events, up to the present day, Vol. II > Part 10
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1778. 151
The general therefore thought proper to pro- pose the following questions.
Ist. " As driving the enemy out of Georgia, and demolishing fort Tonyn, were the objects principally aimed at; have not these purposes been effected ?
" Resolved unanimously in the affirmative.
2d. " As it appears from information above recited, that the enemy do not mean to oppose us in force on this side of St. John's river ; is there any other object important enough in our present situation to warrant our proceeding ?
" Resolved unanimously in the negative.
3d. " Is the army in a situation to cross St. John's river, attack the enemy, and secure a re- treat in case of accident, though they should be aided by the militia, now embodied under gover- nor Houstoun and colonel Williamson ?
" Resolved unanimously in the negative.
4th. " Does not the sickness which so fatally prevails in the army, render a retreat immediately requisite ?
" Resolved unanimously in the affirmative.
" The general then proceeded to inform the council that the governor had denied him the right to command the militia, even if a junction had been formed between them and the continent- al troops, notwithstanding the resolution of con- gress declaring that as to the propriety of under- taking distant expeditions and enterprizes, of other military operations, and the mode of con-
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ducting them; the general or commanding -officer, must finally judge and determine at his peril."
The general therefore thought proper to put the following questions:
Ist. " Can he with propriety, honour and safe- ty to himself, or consistent with the service relin- quish the command to the governor ?
" Resolved unanimously in the negative.
2d. " Can the army whilst the command is divided, act with security, vigour, decision or benefit to the common cause ?
" Resolved unanimously in the negative.
" Agreed to and signed by all the officers, who composed the council of war."
Thus ended general Howe's expedition, on the success of which the fate of Georgia was sus- pended. He ordered the sick and convalescents on board of the gallies and such other boats and vessels as could be procured, under the direction of colonel C. C. Pinckney, to proceed by the in- land passage to Sunbury, and with the remainder which had been reduced by disease and death, from eleven hundred to three hundred and fifty ; he returned by land to Savannah. Governor Houstoun and colonel Williamson, proposed a plan of proceeding. with the militia as far as St. John's river, but this arrangement was fortunately abandoned, and their commands returned to Geor- gia and dispersed. Several died at St. Mary's, many on their return, and some after they had reached their homes. Colonel Pinckney proceed-
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ed by the inland passage from Sunbury to Port. Royal in Carolina, where he landed those who were able to proceed by land, and carried the feeble remains of his regiment by water to Charleston.
Though this expedition cost the states of South- Carolina and Georgia many lives and much treasure ; yet perhaps the experience which was . purchased at such a dear rate, may have had its advantages in the final success of the American cause. It had the effect of teaching the govern- ment, as well as the commanders of the armies, that it was as practicable for one human body to act consistently under the capricious whims of two heads, as for one army to act advantageously under many commanders.
The number of troops in the first instance was not more than equal to one complete brigade; at the head of which was a heterogeneous association, consisting of a state governor, a major general, an illiterate colonel of militia, and a commodore of three or four gallies, with troops unaccustomed to a sickly ciimate at the hottest season of the year : it is astonishing that they effected a retreat without being defeated or cut off. The reduction of St. Augustine was considered absolutely necessary for the peace and safety of Georgia, and the hope of such a conquest ivas still cherishe .1, The new plan proposed, was to commence the operations in the month of November ; to prepare a number of batteaux, packsaddles, and bags to carry flour, The batteaux were to convey most of the troops,
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artillery, and baggage, under convoy of the gallies, by the inland passage to St. John's river. The beef cattle to be conducted under a strong guard of horsemen and light troops. The whole force to form a junction at St. John's river, about forty miles from Augustine, where they were to halt and prepare for offersive operations, while the men were fresh and fit for action. Three thousand men and a small train of field artillery, with bat- tering cannon to attack the castle, were consid- ered equal to the execution of that important service.
After the return of the troops from St. Mary's, colonel John M'Intosh was posted at Sunbury with one hundred and twenty-seven men; and the feeble remains of colonels Elbert's and White's regiments returned to Savannah, with the hope of restoring them to health, and preparing them for the field. Before the convalescents had gained strength enough for active service, a rapid and unexpected incursion was made by the enemy into the southern part of Georgia.
General Augustine Provost, who commanded at St. Augustine, was informed by the British gene- ral at New- York, that a number of transports with . troops on board, would sail from thence, direct, for the coast of Georgia, and was ordered by him · to send detachments from his command to. annoy the southern frontier of that state, and divert the attention of the American troops from Savannah, By these measures, the possession of that town
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would be obtained with little loss, the retreat of the American troops cut off, and their capture ren- dered. probable. Re enforcements were promis- ed to ensure success to the enterprise. General Provost, in obedience to his orders, detached a part of his troops, and some light artillery, under the orders of lieutenant-colonel Fuser, by water to Sunbury, with orders to possess himself of that post; and detached lieutenant-colonel James Mark Provost, with one hundred regular troops, by the inland navigation to fort Howe, on the Alatamaha, where he was joined by colonel M'Girth, who advanced by land and crossed St. Mary's at fort Tonyn with three hundred refugees and Indians. On the 19th of November, lieutenant-colonel Provost advanced into the settlements, and made prisoners of all the men found on their farms, and plundered the inhabitants of every valuable article that was portable.
The spies, who had been posted on the fron- tier to watch the movements and approach of the enemy, communicated to colonel John Baker in- telligence of the junction of Provost and M'Girth, and their subsequent advance, which indicated an attack upon the settlements. Baker assem- bled a party of mounted militia on the 24th, with the intention of annoying the enemy on their march. He proceeded as far as Bull-town swamp, where he fell into an ambuscade, which had been laid by M'Girth on the preceding day ; a skir- mish ensued for a few minutes, when the Ameri.
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cans retreated. Colonel Baker, captain Cooper, and William Goulding, were wounded : if the enemy sustained any loss it was not known. Co. lonel John White collected about one hundred men, continental troops and militia, and with two pieces of light artillery, took post at Medway meeting-house. He constructed a slight breast- tork across the great road, a: the head of the causeway, over which the enemy must pass, where he hoped to keep them in check until he should be re:enforced from Savannah. He sent an express to colonel Elbert, to inform him of his small force, and the advance of the enemy. Major William Baker, with a party of mounted militia was detached to skirmish with the enemy, when opportunities might present. He disputed every pass with them, when there was a pros- pect of retarding their progress. In one of these affairs, Charies Carter was killed. On the morning of the 24th, general James Scriven, with twenty militia, joined colonel White. Find- ing that the enemy was near, a small party of whom appeared in front, it was determined to meet them in ambush, on an advantageous piece of ground, about a mile and a half south of Med- way meeting-house, where the main road was skirted by a thick wood. The two field pieces . were served by captains Celerine Brusard and Edward Young, under the orders of major Roman De Lisle : major William Baker with his party tyas formed on the left, and colonel White placed
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Himself at the head of the main body : in this or- der the Americans advanced. Colonel M'Girth, who was well acquainted with the country, and understood the position of the Americans, had advised colonel Provost of the advantages of plac- ing a party in ambush, at the same place which had been selected by colonel White for the like purpose, and to advance the party above noticed, with intention to draw White from his works, and if practicable, to decoy him into the ambuscade. When the Americans approached the ground which they intended to occupy ; general Scriven accompanied by his aid-de-camp lieutenant Glas- cock, inclined to the right to examine the ground, and colonel White made his dispositions for ac- tion. The British and Americans arrived on the ground, and were spreading their snares for each cther about the same time. A firing commenced. General Scriven had advanced but a short dis- tance, when he fell in with a party of the enemy ; and unfortunately for himself and for his country, he received a mortal wound, of which he died the ensuing day. Major Baker, who commanded the left flank, pressed the enemy with such vigour, that they gave way for a short time, but they were soon re-enforced and returned to the contest. As colonel Provost was crossing the road, a shot from one of the field pieces passed through the neck of his horse and he fell. Major Roman supposed that the commanding-officer of the enc- my was killed, advanced quickly with the field
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pieces to take advantage of the confusion which ensued ; and major James Jackson called out vic- tory, supposing that the enemy was retreating: but Provost was soon re-mounted, and advanced in force. Colonel White finding himself engaged by a great superiority of numbers, and having no prospect of a re-enforcement, thought it prudent to secure himself and his troops, by a retreat to the meeting-house : he kept out small parties to annoy the front and flanks of the enemy, and broke down the bridges as he retired. When he had regained his position, at the meeting-house, he was informed that the enemies force consisted of five hundred men. A retreat was indispensa- ble, and knowing that the enemy would press upon his rear, he determined to oppose stratagem · to numbers ; he prepared a letter, as though it had been written to himself, by colonel Elbert, directing him to retreat, in order to draw the Bri- tish as lar as possible ; and informing him, that a large body of cavalry had crossed over Ogechee river, with orders to gain the rear of the enemy, by which their whole force would be captured. This letter was dropped in such way, as to ensure its getting to colonel Provost's hand, and to attach to it the strongest evidences of genuineness. It was found, handed to Provost, occasioned a variety of conjecture, and excited some alarm : it was believed to have been so far effectual, as to deter the enemy from advancing more than six or seven miles. M'Girth had been or-
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dered with a party to reconnoitre Sunbury, and ascertain whether lieutenant-colonel Fuser had arrived ; but he returned without having gained- the wished for intelligence. When colonel El- bert received colonel White's letter, at Savannah, he forwarded it to general Howe, at Zubley's ferry, and marched with two hundred men to the river Ogechee, where with the assistance of Mr. Savage's negroes, he constructed a temporary breast work by the time White had accomplished his retreat to that place. The day after the action, near Medway, captain Phillips and a lieutenant were killed in an attempt to bring off a British sentinel. 1
Colonel Elbert sent a flag to colonel Provost by major John Habersham, requesting permission to furnish general Scriven with such medical aid as his situation might require ; supposing that he had fallen into the hands of the enemy. . He was also instructed to propose some general arrange- ments, to secure the country against pillage and conflagration. Doctors Braidie and Alexander were permitted to attend general Scriven ; but on their arrival his wounds were found to be mor- tal, and that any exertions made by them would be adding a useless increase of pain, to what he already experienced, for the few hours he had to live. Colonel Provost refused making any stipu- lations for the security of the country ; observing that the people had voluntarily brought on their impending fate, by a rebellion against their sove-
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reign. He enquired of major Habersham, and begged leave to put him upon his honour in giv. ing an answer, whether any British transports had appeared off the coast of Georgia. Habersham at once discovered the policy of giving a correct answer to the question in the negative.
Upon hearing that no re-enforcements of Bri. tish troops had arrived off the coast of Georgia, he retreated early the next morning toward St. Augustine. On his return, Medway meeting- house, and almost every dwelling-house in the country were left in smoaking ruins. Rice barns and rice in the stack, shared the same fate. Plate, bedding, wearing apparel, and other articles which could be carried off, were taken by the enemy.
Head winds had prevented colonel Fuser's arrival at Sunbury, as soon as he had expected, and colonel Provost had retreated before he enter- ed the harbour. On the 1st of December, Fuser anchored off Colonel's Island with several small vessels laden with battering cannon, light artillery, and mortars, with five hundred men. After mak- ing the necessary preparations to attack the fort by land and water, he demanded a surrender, ac. companied by declarations that he would not spare a man to relate the consequences of a refusal.
Lieutenant colonel John M'Intosh, who had the command, thought it best to exhibit a bold front, though his works would not have been tena- ble for an hour. He determined on opposition to the last extremity, expecting immediate relief
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from Savannah, and knowing that Provost had retreated ; he answered the summons in four words, " Come and take it !" There are strong grounds for the belief that this spirited and laco- nic answer discouraged Fuser from making the assault ; which from the weak and defenceless condition of the works and garrison, must have fallen into his hands without much loss. Fuser had detached parties into the country to forage and ascertain the position of Provost. His ear was soon saluted with the unwelcome intelligence of Provost's retreat, and the advance of troops from Savannah. He was puzzled to comprehend the causes of the former, while the latter excited alarm. Hearing nothing respecting the arrival of the expected re-enforcements from the north, and supposing that Provost had been opposed by a superior force, he thought it prudent to follow his example. Accordingly he raised the siege, re- embarked, and returned to St. John's river, where he met with Provost, each charging the other with misconduct, to which the failure of the expedi- tion was attributed. It appears that it was not well understood, when these two officers left St. Augustine, which of them was to have the com- mand in case of a junction, or probably they were not expected to unite before they had joined the re-enforcements from New- York.
General Howe collected his force and march- ed to Sunbury, and as was his custom, pointed . out the defenceless condition of the works, with-
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out resorting to any effectual remedy for their repairs. He ordered general Moultrie's regiment to march without delay, or Georgia must soon be in the possession of the enemy. He also ordered colonel Huger's regiment to follow, and to supply themselves with provision, transportation, and ac- commodations by impressment. Colonel Thomp- son's and colonel Henderson's regiments were ordered to march to Purysburgh, so as to be ready to oppose the landing of the enemy in either state, as occasion might require. Colonel Owen Ro. berts, of the Carolina artillery, embarked his re- giment in small boats and vessels, with such ordnance and stores as were judged requisite for the service. As the threatend invasion of Geor- gia, presaged an attack upon Carolina, to which the motions of the enemy furnished a probable prelude, the necessary arrangements were also made for the defence of Charleston and Beaufort.
General Howe complained in his letters to congress, of the confusion which prevailed in the military arrangements in the southern department; and expressed great regret, that he was unable to produce any thing like order out of such a chaos ; that the sea coast was threatened with a certain prospect of invasion, all the military works in ruins, no tools, nor any apparent disposition to make the necessary repairs ; that the militia came and went when and where they pleased, and that he had more trouble with the officers than with the men. Upon these subjects, his complaints
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fiad been incessant to congress, and as he had rendered hinself unpopular in Georgia, the in- fluence of the state had been directed toward his removal from the command of the southern army. Congress had not yet discovered any prominent traits in the character of general Howe, which would justify the change which had been solicited, therefore, it was a matter of some delicacy to re- move an officer of his rank, without assigning some substantial reason for it.
When Fuser retreated from Sunbury, he left the regular troops of his command, at Frederica, on St. Simon's island, where the old military works of general Oglethorpe were temporarily repaired for defence. The loyalists proceeded with Fuser to St. John's, and thence to St. Au- gustine, where the booty was deposited in safety, and preparations made to return to Georgia with a more formidable force. General Provost having been disappointed in this expedition, determin- ed to suspend further operations until he should receive certain information of the arrival of the transports from New-York ; in the mean time, he held himself in readiness for that event.
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CHAPTER VII.
THE Metropolis of Georgia was in the most defenceless condition imaginable. A battery had been thrown up at the eastern extremity of the city, upon which a few guns had been mount- ed; but it was only calculated to defend the wa- ter. Large vessels could not approach within three miles of it, there not being a sufficient depth of water to admit their passage. Every other part of the city was exposed, and the ground afforded no advantage against an equal force. On the 3d of December, one of the transports of the enemy put into Tybee and anchored off the light-house. A deserter escaped by swimming to the shore and gave a particular account of the intended descent upon Georgia, and confirmed what had been considered probable, that the troops in Florida were only waiting the arrival of the fleet to second their efforts. A number of can- non had been heard at sea in different directions, which appeared to have been signals from the different ships of the fleet, that had been sepa- rated in a storm. The number of men stated by the deserter, could not have been brought in so few.transports, yet they were thought to be suffi. ciently numerous, to place the safety of Georgia , at great hazard, in its unprepared condition. The militia ordered into service, were embodied in
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such positions, that by rapid movements they might be brought to any given point as circuni- stances might require. The continental troops had been called from South- Carolina to the aid of Georgia, except some detachments at the batte. ries on the sea shore, who understood gunnery ; and the militia of that state were also ordered to take the field.
" Examination of William Haslem, a deserter from the British transport ship Neptune, captain M'Dougal commander. He stated that he arriv- ed in the above ship two days before off Tybce, having been out from Sandy-Hook three weeks ; that she was one of the fleet consisting of twenty sail, which were lying at the Hook ready for sea ; that the Neptune and another ship parted from their anchors in a storm which compelled them to put to sea. After they came out, captain M'Dou- gal opened his orders, which were to proceed to Tybee in Georgia, and there remain for forty- eight hours, and if the remainder of the fleet did not arrive in that time, that he was then to proceed to St. Mary's, and there wait until he should be informed that the fleet had arrived. That he un- derstood that the army on board of the transports consisted of five thousand men, and supposed they would sail the next day after the Neptune came out. That the fleet was under convoy of the Phoenix, a forty-four gun ship ; the Vigilant, a large floating battery ; a row galley ; and one or two sloops of war. That the army was com-
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posed of three battalions of the seventy-first regi- ment, the Jersey volunteers commanded by gene- ral Skinner ; and other corps of loyalists, com- manded by colonel Allen. That the Neptune had on board one hundred men with their families, who came to pass the winter in Georgia, exclu- sive of marines ; and that the ship could only be defended by musketry, having no cannon mount- ed on her decks. That three weeks before they sailed, a fleet had left New-York, destined as was understood, for Virginia with ten thousand men ; but heard nothing said about Charleston or South- Carolina. That on the 4th and 5th of December, he heard a number of guns at sea, which he sup- posed to be signals for the union of the fleet. He also understood that their orders were to burn and destroy the property of all those who refused sub- mission to the royal government."
The foregoing examination was taken before governor Houstoun on the 6th of December, at Savannah, and a copy of it forwarded by express to general Howe at Sunbury ; who received ano- ther express from the southward, informing him that general Provost was on the march from St. Augustine with all his force against Georgia.
The militia of North-Carolina were ordered to Charleston. Notwithstanding hostilities had been commenced, three years previous to this call, the militia of that state were without arms or any other munitions of war and took the field with an entire dependance upon the resources of South-
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Carolina. Governor Houstoun's apprehensions for the safety of Savannah, were encreased by the alarming intelligence which he received from eve- ry quarter. The security of the public records, demanded immediate attention. The governor ordered captain John Milton, secretary of the state ; to have the books and papers appertaining to his office, packed up without delay and remov- ed to a place of safety. They were accordingly put on board of the Hinchenbrook, a vessel which had been taken from the enemy by colonel Elbert at Frederica, but her draft was too great for the depth of water and it was found necessary to re- move them in small boats to Purysburgh, and thence to the Union ; the residence of Mr. Bryan, where they remained until the British army arriv- ed at Tybee.
The weather proving unfavourable to the de- signs of the British fleet, they put to sea, and the first alarm had measurably subsided, under the belief that Savannah was not the real destination of the enemy. Influenced by this impression, the governor ordered captain Milton to return to Sa- vannah with the records. Fortunately for the state, captain Milton disobeyed the order, and re- monstrated to the governor against a step so haz- ardous to their safety. He repaired to the city for the purpose of waiting upon the governor to explain his motives ; when certain information was received by the governor, that the British fleet and transports again appeared of the bar.
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Milton was directed to return to the Union and proceed to Charleston with the papers, where they were deposited. Captain Milton joined gen- eral Lincoln's camp, and was appointed one of his aids.
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