Part 19

[172] The following members of that Congress came from the Parish of St. John: James Screven, Nathan Brownson, Daniel Roberts, John Baker, Sr., John Bacon, Sr., James Maxwell, Edward Ball, William Baker, Sr., William Bacon, Jr., John Stevens, and John Winn, Sr. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 106.

[173] See McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 7. Savannah, 1816.

[174] The Medway, in the county of Kent, is a noble stream. Its trunk and branches cover thirty square miles of the surface of the county, and its length is nearly sixty miles,—of which forty are navigable. This river well deserves the name of _Vaga_, by which the Britons described its wanderings. The Saxons added the syllable _Med_, the sign of middle, because the river runs through the centre of the county, and thus gets its present name of _Medway_. Encyclopædia Britannica, 8th Edition, vol. XIII, Article Kent, p. 65. See also vol. VIII, p. 716.

[175] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, pp. 150, 152.

[176] Under the writs of election issued by Sir James Wright in 1761, Thomas Carter, Parmenus Way and John Winn were returned as members from Midway and Sunbury in St. John’s Parish. McCall’s Georgia, vol. I, p. 286.

[177] DeBrahm says: “The Beach-Hill Congregation settled upon the Heads of the two Newport Rivers early in the year 1752, when they left Carolina in a great Body, they continued drawing their Effects and Cattle after settling all other Concerns in their native Province until 1755, many rich Carolina Planters followed the Example of that Congregation, and came with all their Families and Negroes to settle in Georgia in 1752: the Spirit of Emigration out of South Carolina into Georgia became so universal that year, that this and the following year near one thousand Negroes was brought in Georgia, where in 1751 were scarce above three dozen.” History of the Province of Georgia, &c., p. 21. Wormsloe, 1849.

[178] See Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 21. Philadelphia, 1859.

In his letter to Lord Halifax, written in 1763, Sir James Wright says: “I judged it necessary for his Majesty’s service that Sunbury,—a well settled place, having an exceeding good harbour and inlet from the sea,—should be made a Port of Entry; and I have appointed Thomas Carr, Collector, and John Martin, Naval Officer for the same. There are eighty dwelling houses in the place: three considerable merchant stores for supplying the town and planters in the neighborhood with all kinds of necessary goods; and around it for about fifteen miles is one of the best settled parts of the country.”

[179] When visited by an English traveller in 1743, this island was inhabited by eight or ten families of _Indians_, who had considerable tracts of open land, and were largely engaged in the cultivation of corn. It abounded with game, “on which,” says the writer, “the good Indians regaled us, and for Greens boiled us the Tops of China Briars, which eat almost as well as Asparagus.” London Magazine for 1745, pp. 551, 552.

[180] McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 214, 215. Savannah, 1811.

[181] See Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 453, 454.

[182] See Sanderson’s Biography of the Signers, vol. III, p. 120. Philadelphia, 1823.

[183] McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 255, 256. Savannah, 1811.

[184] See Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 161, et seq. Savannah, 1873.

[185] Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, &c., p. 5. London, 1792.

[186] His Observations were published in 1792.

[187] Idem, pp. 9, 10.

[188] See Watkins’ Digest, p. 144.

[189] See Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 92. Philadelphia, 1859.

[190] See Sanderson’s Biography of the Signers, vol. III, p. 55. Philadelphia, 1823. McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, p. 41. Savannah, 1816.

[191] Sir Thomas Browne’s Hydriotaphia.

[192] See Letter of the 9th of February, 1775, signed by Lyman Hall, Chairman. White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, pp. 520, 521. New York, 1855. Sanderson’s Biography of the Signers, vol. III, p. 54. Philadelphia, 1823.

[193] The apparent tardiness and hesitancy on the part of the Colony of Georgia in casting her lot with her Sister Colonies at the inception of those movements which culminated in a declaration of independence, may be excused or accounted for when we remember that she was the youngest and the least prepared of all the Colonies, and recall the fact that Schovilites, leagued with Indians, were scourging her borders and awakening in the breasts even of the most patriotic and daring, gravest apprehensions for the safety of their wives and children. “The charge of inactivity vanishes,” says Captain McCall, “when the sword and hatchet are held over the heads of the actors to compel them to lie still.”

During the progress of the Revolution the term Schovilite which, at first, was used to designate not only the bandit follower of Schovil, but also every adherent of the Crown in the Southern provinces, was dropped, and that of Loyalist and Tory substituted. The Revolutionists were known as Whigs, Rebels, and Patriots. Many Loyalists who had fled from the Carolinas and Georgia secured a retreat in East Florida whence, having associated with themselves parties of Indians, under the name of Florida Rangers, they indulged in predatory incursions into Georgia to the great loss and disquietude of the southern portions of the Province.

History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 4. Savannah, 1816.

[194] See White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, pp. 517, 518. New York, 1855.

[195] Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 445, 446. New York, 1847.

[196] Journal of Congress, vol. I, p. 375. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 151. Philadelphia, 1859.

Three days afterwards Congress appropriated $60,000 for the support of the battalions thus ordered to be raised.

[197] It is not improbable that some of these guns may have been brought from Frederica; for the Council of Safety had ordered all warlike stores at that place to be secured.

[198] In compliment to Captain Morris, commanding a company of Continental Artillery raised for coast defence. By this company was the fort garrisoned upon its completion.

[199] For the accompanying plan of Fort Morris, I am indebted to a recent survey made at my suggestion by Sam’l L. Fleming, Esq., of Liberty County.

[200] The following orders were issued by Colonel S. Elbert, for the fuller instruction of the Artillerists stationed at Sunbury. See MS. Order Book of Col. Elbert.

“HEADQUARTERS SAVANNAH, 5th Dec’r, 1777.

“ORDERS TO CAPTAIN DEFATT OF THE ARTILLERY.

“You are to proceed immediately to the Town of Sunbury, in this State, where are a corps of Continental Artillery posted, which you are constantly to be employed in teaching the perfect use of Artillery, particularly in the Field. Both Officers and Men are hereby strictly ordered to attend on you for the above purpose, at such times, and in such places as you may direct; and the Commanding Officer of the Troops in that place on your shewing him these Orders, will furnish Men to do the necessary duty in the Town & Fort; so that there will be nothing to prevent Captain Morris and his Company from being perfected in the Business for which they were raised. Such pieces of Artillery as you approve of, have mounted on Field-Carriages; and for this purpose you are empowered to employ the necessary Workmen, and procure Materials. Your drafts on me for every necessary Expense, accompanying the Vouchers, will be duly honored.

“I am, Sir, your most Obdt Servt,

“S. ELBERT, Col. Commd’g.”

[201] McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, p. 96. Savannah, 1816.

[202] See McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, p. 153. Savannah, 1816.

[203] During the year 1777 American privateers were busy off the Georgia coast and among the inland passages. They cruised as far south as St. Augustine and made frequent captures. In his communication of the 8th of October, Sir James Wright informs Lord George Germain that a short time previous a privateer from Sunbury, mounting ten guns, had taken five prizes; two of which were safely carried in. He urges upon the Secretary of War the expediency of stationing a twenty-gun ship or a frigate at Cockspur, two sloops of war in the Savannah river, and one at Sunbury.

From Sunbury, on the 1st of May, 1777, did Col. Elbert embark in transports his troops destined for the expedition against Florida undertaken at the instance of Governor Button Gwinnett.

Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, pp. 246, 248. Savannah, 1873.

[204] He had been for some time stationed at Sunbury, and commanded not only the Continental troops there concentrated, but also all detached companies operating to the southward. Captain Morris’ artillery company constituted the permanent garrison of the Fort.

[205] The following lines descriptive of the desolations wrought by this invading force, are extracted from a quaint old-fashioned poem composed by John Baker, a son of Colonel John Baker, and found among the MSS of the latter:

“Where’er they march, the buildings burn, Large stacks of rice to ashes turn: And me [Midway] a pile of ruin made Before their hellish malice staid.

“Nor did their boundless fury spare The house devote to God and prayer: Brick, coal, and ashes shew the place Which once that sacred house did grace.

“The churchyard, too, no better sped, The rabble so against the dead Transported were with direful fumes, They tore up and uncover’d tombs.”

[206] Bancroft’s History of the United States, vol. X, p. 294. Boston, 1874.

[207] Mr. John Couper, in a letter dated St. Simon’s, 16th April, 1842, and written when he was eighty-three years of age, gives the following anecdote of the famous and eccentric Captain Rory McIntosh who, at the time, had attached himself in a volunteer capacity to the infantry company commanded by Captain Murray, forming part of the 4th Battalion of the 60th Regiment. Captain Murray’s company was in the lines which Colonel Fuser had developed around Sunbury and its Fort. “Early one morning,” writes Mr. Couper, “when Rory had made rather free with the ‘mountain dew,’ he insisted on sallying out to summons the fort to surrender. His friends could not restrain him, so out he strutted, claymore in hand, followed by his faithful slave Jim, and approached the fort, roaring out, “Surrender, you miscreants! How dare you presume to resist his Majesty’s arms?” Captain McIntosh knew him, and, seeing his situation, forbid any one firing, threw open the gate, and said “Walk in, Mr. McIntosh, and take possession.” “No,” said Rory, “I will not trust myself among such vermin; but I order you to surrender.” A rifle was fired, the ball from which passed through his face, sideways, under his eyes. He stumbled and fell backwards, but immediately recovered and retreated backwards, flourishing his sword. Several dropping shots followed. Jim called out, “Run, massa—de kill you.” “Run, poor slave,” says Rory. “Thou mayest run, but I am of a race that never runs.” In rising from the ground, Jim stated to me, his master, first putting his hand to one cheek, looked at his bloody hand, and then raising it to the other, perceived it also covered with blood. He backed safely into the lines.” White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 472. New York, 1855.

[208] The Legislature of Georgia, in acknowledgment of the conspicuous gallantry of Colonel McIntosh on this occasion, voted him a sword with the words _Come and take it_, engraven thereon.

[209] See White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, pp. 523, 524. New York, 1855. McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, pp. 155, 161. Savannah, 1816. Moultrie’s Memoirs of the American Revolution, &c., vol. I, p. 189. New York, 1802.

[210] The inhabitants of Sunbury seem, at times, to have been considerably annoyed by the lawless conduct of the troops quartered in their midst. So marked were these violations of good order, that General Howe on the 16th of January, 1778, deemed it proper to call attention to them in a General Order, from which we make the following extract:

“Complaints have been made to the General that some of the Soldiers have injured the Buildings in the Town; and his own observation convinces him that these complaints are but too well founded. Actions like these disgrace an army, and render it hateful. Any Soldier who either offers Insult or does Injury to the Persons or Property of the Inhabitants will be punished in the severest manner. And officers of every degree are injoined to exert themselves to prevent such Enormities for the future if possible, or to detect those who may commit them, that they may receive that punishment which such Actions so richly deserve. Officers of Companies are to take particular care that their men are made acquainted with this Order.”

[211] If we may credit a contemporary writer, the population of the Midway settlement was considerably demoralized.

“Fields once her [Midway’s] glory and her pride, Weeds, grass, and briars now do hide. And worst of villains make their home Where flames had happen’d not to come.

“Instead of preaching, prayers, and praises, Now on the Gospel holy days They race, and fight, and swear and game, Without regard to law or shame.

“They arm’d, disguis’d, with faces blacked, Do many villainies transact; The few, few honest that are here, Do often rob and put in fear.”

MS. DIARY OF BENJ’N BAKER.

[212] For this disobedience of orders Major Lane was subsequently tried by a Court Martial and dismissed the service. McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, p. 177. Savannah, 1816.

[213] This island lying in front of Sunbury, divides Midway river into two channels known respectively as the front and back rivers.

[214] McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. II, pp. 177, 179. Savannah, 1816.

General Moultrie, then at Purysburg, before the news of the surrender of Sunbury and its fort had reached him, wrote to Colonel Pinckney: “I fear we have lost Sunberry and the two gallies that took shelter under that battery, last Thursday or Friday, as we heard a very heavy cannonade from that quarter. The officer commanding had about 120 Continentals and some inhabitants within the fort,—refused to evacuate the post; notwithstanding his receiving positive orders for that purpose he, Don Quixote-like, thought he was strong enough to withstand the whole force the British had in Georgia, for which, I think, he deserved to be hanged.” Memoirs of the American Revolution, &c., vol. I, p. 259. New York, 1802.

[215] Memoirs of the American Revolution, &c., vol. I, p. 259. New York, 1802.

[216] McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. II, pp. 235, 237. Savannah, 1816.

[217] McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, pp. 270 and 271. Savannah, 1816. White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, pp. 533, 537. New York, 1855.

[218] History of Georgia, vol. II, p. 283, et seq. Savannah, 1816.

[219] See letter of Sir James Wright to Lord George Germain, under date Savannah, 20th August, 1780. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 314. Savannah, 1873.

[220] General James Screven, who fell in the skirmish near Midway Meeting House.

[221] This monument has never been reared. The obligation is as binding now as when thus solemnly recognized.

[222] Quoted in White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 530. New York, 1855.

[223] See Watkins’ Digest, pp. 298, 618.

[224] See White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 528. New York, 1855.

[225] See Historical Address before the Liberty Independent Troop by the Rev. Dr. Charles Colcock Jones, pp. 10, 11. Savannah, 1856.

[226] See Watkins’ Digest, p. 431. Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, pp. 128, 129.

[227] Clayton’s Digest, p. 213.

[228] Clayton’s Digest, p. 243.

[229] “Notes and Observations on the Pine Lands of Georgia,” &c., p. 65. Augusta, 1801.

[230] Watkins’ Digest, p. 380.

[231] Clayton’s Digest, pp. 115, 246.

[232] See Watkins’ Digest, p. 618.

[233] Gazetteer of the State of Georgia. Philadelphia, 1829.

[234] Lamar’s Digest, p. 84.

[235] To Mr. G. W. J. DeRenne are we indebted for the following memoranda from H. M. Public Record Office, Georgia, Vol. 35, B. T., touching the primal settlement, and naming of _Hardwick_:

“May 13, 1754.—The Neck of Land called the Elbow on Great Ogeechee River—which (on the 10th Day of this Month) they had named George-Town.”

“4 Feb., 1755.—His Excellency was pleased (with the approbation of the Board) to name the Town lately laid out at a Place commonly called the Elbow on Great Ogeechee River, Hardwick.”

“_Minutes of the Proceedings of the Governor in Council._”

[236] Board of Trade. V. 167. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 405, 406. New York, 1847. White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 183. New York, 1855.

[237] This river was then called the GREAT HOGOHECHIE, which responds more nearly to its original Indian name than the appellation subsequently adopted.

[238] See Plans and Elevations of the Forts necessary in Georgia, forwarded with Governor Reynolds’ letter of the 5th of January, 1756, and now on file in the Public Record Office, London; Maps B. T., vol. XIII, No. 14.

[239] The design of transferring the Capital of the Colony from Savannah to Hardwick, conceived by Governor Reynolds, was adhered to by his successor, Governor Ellis. “The depth of water in the river, its more central position, its greater distance from Charleston—the proximity to which, he argued, restricted the commerce of Savannah—the convenience of its harbour as a naval station, and the fertility of its adjacent lands, were the principal motives which operated with him to enforce the plan suggested by his predecessor. As a consequence of clinging to this scheme of removal, Governor Reynolds had neglected repairing the public buildings of Savannah, and its inhabitants had ceased enlarging and beautifying a town so soon to be deserted. The Filature was out of repair, the Church was so decayed that it was only kept from falling down by surrounding it with props, and the prison ‘was shocking to humanity.’

“The removal of the Seat of Government to Hardwicke, which had received the favorable notice of former Governors, was discouraged by Sir James Wright, who argued that if the object of a removal was to obtain a more central position, Hardwicke was too near; while, on the other hand, a removal there would be very disadvantageous to the present capital which was conveniently settled for intercourse with the Indians and for trade with South Carolina. The project was therefore abandoned, and the attention of the Assembly was directed to enlarging and strengthening the City which Oglethorpe had founded.”

Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, p. 433. Vol. ii, p. 19.

[240] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., p. 25. Wormsloe, 1849.

[241] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, p. 151.

[242] Watkin’s Digest, p. 339.

[243] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, p. 167.

[244] Jonathan Bryan.

[245] Careful search fails to disclose a map of this survey either among the records of Bryan County, or in the State Archives.

[246] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, pp. 544, 546.

[247] Idem., p. 160.

[248] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, p. 174.

[249] Lamar’s Digest, p. 211.

[250] Page 65. Augusta, 1801.

[251] Page 116.

[252] Travels through North and South Carolina, Georgia, &c., pp. 321, 322. London, 1792.

[253] Watkins’ Digest, p. 325.

[254] See Watkins’ Digest, p. 444.

[255] Watkins’ Digest, p. 658.

[256] Clayton’s Digest, p. 58.

[257] Clayton’s Digest, p. 92.

[258] Clayton’s Digest, p. 182.

[259] “Notes and Observations on the Pine Lands of Georgia,” &c., pp. 62, 63. Augusta, 1801.

[260] The original name of this village was the _Town of Lincoln_. See Sibbald’s “Notes and Observations on the Pine Lands of Georgia,” &c., p. 63. Augusta, 1801.

[261] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, p. 177.

[262] Dawson’s Digest, p. 450.

[263] Dawson’s Digest, p. 109.

[264] Clayton’s Digest, p. 606.

[265] Pamphlet Laws of 1836, p. 103.

[266] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, part I. Savannah, 1848.

[267] Miscellanies of Georgia, part I, p. 67. Columbus, 1874.

[268] Wormsloe, 1849, pp. 25, 26.

[269] p. 235. A. La Haye, 1755.

[270] DeBrahm’s History of the Province of Georgia, p. 30. Wormsloe, 1849. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 406, 407. New York, 1847.

[271] Travels Through North and South Carolina, Georgia, &c., pp. 35, 36. London, 1792.

[272] For further notices of these villages see “Moore’s Voyage to Georgia,” p. 32. London, 1744. “An Account Shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia,” &c., p. 35. London, 1741. “A State of the Province of Georgia, attested upon Oath,” &c., p. 10. London, 1742. “Extract of the Rev’d Mr. John Wesley’s Journal,” &c., p. 61. Bristol, n. d. “A True and Historical Narrative of the Colony of Georgia,” &c., p. 109. Charles-Town, 1741. “An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia,” &c., p. 51. London, 1741.

[273] “A Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia,” &c., vol. II, pp. 166, 318, 319. London, 1742.

[274] London Magazine for 1745, p. 552.

[275] Idem, p. 604.

[276] Stephens’ Journal of Proceedings, vol. II, pp. 472, 492, 497. Idem, vol. III, pp. 13, 16, 17, 124, 206. London, 1742.

INDEX.

Abercorn, 14. Its location and settlement, 137. Saltzburgers refreshed at, 138. Mr. Stephens’ visit to, 138-139. Occupied by Col. Campbell, 140. Feeble life of, 139-140.

Abbott, John, 240.

African slaves, 171.

Alexander, Dr., 222.

Allen, Rev. Moses, 222.

Alligators, 58.

Amelia island, 59, 77, 97.

Anastasia island, 85.

Andrew, Benjamin, Sr., 206.

Antrobus, Isaac, 157.

Argyle, the Duke of, 91.

Augspourguer, Samuel, 26.

Bachelor’s redoubt, 96.

Bacon, Francis, 244.

Baillie, Kenneth, 145, 146.

Baker, Benjamin, 194, 222.

Baker, John, 188.

Baker, Captain John, 178. Colonel, 185, 222.

Baker, Major William, 186, 200, 222.

Barba, Captain Antonio, 108, 109.

Barker, Joseph, 19.

Barrimacké, village of, 97, 249.

Bartram, William, visits Frederica, 128-129. His visit to, and description of Sunbury, 169, 170. His description of Fort James, 233, 247.

Belfast, Captain Spencer’s exploit at, 199.

Bergman, Rev. John Ernest, 40.

Bermuda, emigrants from in Sunbury, 156.

Bermuda-grass, 217.

Bermuda island, 157, 169, 171.

Bethany, 30.

Bewlie, 250, 251.

Black-Sloop, the privateer, 99.

Blandford, the man of war, 67.

Bloody-marsh, affair of, 108, 109.

Bolzius, Rev. John Martin, 11, 14, 18, 25, 27, 31.

Bosomworth, Thomas, 155.

Bosomworth, Mary, 155.

Bowen, Commodore Oliver, 202.

Braddock, Captain, affair with the Dunmore, 202.

Brandon, village of, 245, 247.

Brewery on Jekyll island, 96.

British exactions, 197-199.

Brooks, Francis, 78.

Brownson, Governor Nathan, 222.

Bryan, Jonathan, 178, 183.

Bull, Lieutenant-Governor, 102.

Bulloch, Archibald, 174.

Bull-Town Swamp, affair at, 185.

Cadogan, Lieutenant, 110.

Call, Richard, 205.

Campbell, Colonel, 140, 192, 194, 197.

Canal, through General’s island, 96. To connect Midway and North-Newport rivers, 158.

Carney, Captain Arthur, 130.

Carolina, refuses to aid Georgia, 102.

Caroline, Queen, 26.

Carr, Mark, cession of lands to, 143, 144. A marked man in the Colony, 143. Conveys land to Trustees for Town of Sunbury, 145.

Carr, Thomas, 155.

Cathcart, Ensign, 88.

Chappell, A. H., 242, 243.

Christ Church, Parish of, 35.

Cochrane, Lieut. Col. James, 66.

Colonel’s island, Fuser lands upon, 189.

Commissioners for the port of Sunbury, 208.

Commissioners of Frederica, 132, 133.

Cook, Lieut. Col., 104.

Cooper, Colonel, 178.

Couper, John, 190.

Cornish, Captain, 50, 52.

Cotton, 24.

Counties in Georgia in 1777, 172.

Coweta-Town, 75.

Craemer, Christopher, 36.