Savannah, Georgia - History (part 10 of 16)

"On Tuesday morning last, between the hours of one and two, the usual signals communicated an alarm of fire. It commenced in the livery stable of Mr. Boon, on a trust lot of the estate of Isaac Fell, Esq., situated in the Baptist church square * and in the immediate vicinity of Market square, around which for a considerable distance in every direction the buildings were almost exclusively of wood, and in the most combustible state. The fire had gained a great height before the citizens and fire companies could assemble or organize any efficient plan of action ; and even when the most strenuous exertions were made, the flames advanced with a widening and appalling violence that seemed to deride resistance. Burning cinders were carried by the wind which was strong and steady at W. N. W. to the remotest parts of the town, where the root's of houses were repeatedly on fire. When we consider the mass of wooden buildings which had been exposed for years to the influence of the sun, and the almost total absence of rain for several months past, it is surprising that the progress of the devouring element should have been arrested at all before it had swept every house in the direction of the wind. When the fire reached Market Square two heavy explosions of gunpowder occurred from the vaults of stores where that article was kept in large quantities, in violation of the ordinance of council and the common feeling. of humanity. # * * From Jefferson street, where the fire began, to Abereorn street, where it was stopped, there are included four streets bearing nearly N. or S., but it is to he observed that the building lots being of an oblong form there was a larger number of tenements between these latter streets than between those running N. and S. The ground included * * * describes a complete parallelogram with its longest sides on Bay and Broughton streets, and on a line drawn from Bay street nearly through the centre of this figure stands the Exchange, the Seat of Commercial business. Within its limits also was comprehended the market, where the quantity of retail stores gave an extravagant value to every inch of ground. Excepting a few solitary buildings at the extreme corners of this figure above described, (among which we are happy to say are the Episcopal church, the State and Planters' Bank and Washington Hall) all that contained was burned down to the ground.*

"Ninety-four lots were left naked, containing 321 wooden buildings, (many of them double tenements) 35 brick ditto exclusive of those owned by the Presbyterian church, and by Messrs. Gibbons, Shad, Morrison, Johnston and Hunter, which comprised 30 tenements - making altogether 463 tenements exclusive of out-buildings !

"The fire was extinguished between twelve and one o'clock A. M., and, if possible, the scene became still more painfully interesting. Wherever an open space promised security from the flames, property of every description had been deposited in vast heaps. Some were gazing in silent despair on the scenes of destruction, others were busily and sorrowfully employed in collecting what little was spared to them. Alas ! never did the sun set on a gloomier day for Savannah, or on so many aching hearts. Those whose avocations called them forth that night will long remember its sad and solemn stillness, interrupted only by the sullen sounds of falling ruins. During the excitement, while the heart of the city was wrapt in flames, each one was too busy for reflection, but when the danger was past, and the unfortunate sufferers had leisure to contemplate the extent of their losses, o generous mind may conceive, but it is impossible to describe, their feelings of despair."

The year 1820 was one of great disaster to Savannah. The fire of the early part of the year was followed in the summer by a terrible epidemic of yellow fever, the most serious, perhaps, that had occurred since the founding of the city. That disease must have appeared before that date, in a milder form, or, at least, with less pronounced results. There are traditions of such epidemics in the earlier part of that ceu-

* The State Hank (Bank of the State of Georgia), stood where the Citizens and Southern Bank now stands, the Planters' Bank faced Reynolds Square, bounded by Abereorn, Bryan, St. Julian and Drayton Streets, and Washington Hall was on the lot in which the Commercial Bank now stands, and just to the east of that bank, on Bryan Street.

The first record we have in connection with that disease is set down in the journal of 'William Stephens, secretary to the trustees of the colony whose remarks applied especially to Charleston, South Carolina, hut whose words indicate that at the date of writing certain deaths were caused by yellow fever. On the 23d of October, 1740, he said: "This Fall of the Leaf produced a sickly season with us of various kinds. Fluxes, dry Gripes, lingering Fevers, &e., that within two months past has carried off seven or eight People, which is more than died in one whole year before: And from Charles Town. we hear of a dangerous distemper there which they call the yellow Fever, from the corpse immediately so changing after death; and it is observed to have proved most fatal to new comers, whereof many have been taken off; such as we have lately lost have been weakly People, and children for the most part."

The year 1819 was one of considerable sickness in Savannah, and the newspapers mentioned the cause of death in many instances as the "prevailing fever." While it was not stated that there were cases of yellow fever in the city, it is probable that the disease so-called was such, as the same papers noted the fact that yellow-fever was epidemic in Charleston. Whatever may have been the nature of the fever of 1819 in Savannah, it is certain that it was looked upon as alarming in its effects, and efforts were made to prevent its spread. At that period the ordinances of the city were strict in the matter of forbidding excavations, or turning up the soil in the summer season.

About that time steps were taken looking to the erection of monuments in memory of Gen. Nathanael Greene and Count Casimir Pulaski, and it was with that object in view that the suggestion was made that the remains of the former be found so as to place them beneath such memorial. It then probably never occurred to any one that there was a doubt as to the statement that the body of the latter had been buried at sea. In ordei to assist in the recovery of the bones of General Greene, the city council, at a meeting held July 26, 1819, adopted this minute :

"The frequent inquiries made by citizens and strangers 'Where lie the remains of the gallant General Greene who died and was buried in your city?' and the acknowledged want of information on the subject imply a neglect highly reproachful to the known patriotism and feelings of the inhabitants; and whereas it would be desirable, and, in fact, almost our duty, to satisfy public curiosity in this instance, and thereby give an opportunity to the people of this State, among whom the General lived and died, to testify a share of their gratitude for the noble and important services rendered in the Revolution by this great and eminent soldier and patriot, and tho' this be done late it is yet but a common respect to his memory for this body to claim his precious remains and remove them from the vault where they are now supposed to be deposited and mingling with those in no wise akin to him, and have them interred under the order, sanction and special protection of this Board so as to enable the Legislature, or the public, hereafter to erect some monument worthy the memory of this great and good man ;

''Resolved, That the Mayor and Aldermen [Charles] Harris and [John II. ] Ash be a committee to ascertain by all means in their power the vault where the remains of General Greene have been deposited, and, on identifying the same, to have such remains placed in a neat mahogany coffin, and thereupon report to council for their further proceedings on this interesting subject." A further resolution required that the action of council be "communicated to the representatives of the deceased who may now be in the State, and also to the proprietors of the vault to be opened, to obtain leave for the committee to carry this resolution into effect." Provision was made to have the expenses of the search paid by the city.

As already stated Savannah was a place of considerable sickness in 1819, and the sanitary regulations at that time were very rigid. It was the general impression that General Greene's remains were in the vault owned by the family of John Graham whose confiscated estate had been given to that officer. In addition to the unfit condition of the city at what was then regarded as a most sickly season, there had been a burial in the Graham vault during that same year of Mr. Philip Young, a relative of the Mossman family who were connected with the Grahams. For those reasons it is doubtful whether a search was made in that vault, and the committee appointed made no conclusive report which caused the city council to appoint another committee the following year (1820) with Alderman Ash still a member. The year 1820 was the year of the great yellow fever epidemic, and it is improbable that the committee made an investigation, as it never tiled a report; and thus the matter stood for many years. This subject will be further considered, and the story of the finding of General Greene's remains will be told in its proper place. It was introduced here only in connection with the yellow fever incident which will now be resumed.

Before entering upon a detailed account of that disastrous plague, the following extract from the report of Dr. William R. Waring, one of Savannah's most illustrious physicians and at that time an alderman, may be deemed peculiarly interesting as an attempt at accounting for the epidemic at this time when the whole world has come to the belief that yellow fever is spread entirely by one particular species of the mosquito. The report was made in 1821, the year following the epidemic. He wrote: "To sum up then all which I have suggested, it appears that the causes of the fever of 1820 have been: 1st. A general epidemic condition of the atmosphere, of extraordinary virulence, either proved to exist, or produced, by an uncommon deficiency of the electric fluid; 2d. The early establishment of that condition of the atmosphere, by the reduction of the winter of 1819-20, to the temperature of spring, and the reduction of spring to the heat of summer; thus bringing upon us in the spring the usual evils of summer; in the summer a combination of these evils, with the usual evils of that season, and, in the fall, an agitation of the evils which are usually incident to it, with this extraordinary combination of those which preceded them; 3d. The prevalence of easterly winds which has been predominant, and uncommonly injurious, in consequence of the general abundance of moisture and miasmata; 4th. The growth of the city within a few years, and the rapid increase of its population, thus producing a source of internal putridity, and incorporating it with the soil; 5th. The unnecessary luxuriance of the trees, by the shade and protection which they afford to dews and fogs, and moisture of the atmosphere after rain; 6th. The great number of small wooden houses unpainted, and in a complete state of putrescence; 7th. Uncovered vaults and cellars, the consequence of the tire ; 8th. The remarkable number of foreigners and persons unaccustomed to the climate, producing not an aggravation of the cause of the disease, but of its general grade and character; 9th. The high position of the city, on the border of extensive marsh grounds, thus attracting and concentrating upon itself their products of unwholesome vapor and miasmata. All these causes together give a compound origin to the disease which is internal and external."

The statistics giving the number of deaths prepared in the form here pi-esentecl will show at a glance the effect of the disease during what were then called ''the sickly months:"

This fact should be borne in mind in contemplating the effect of the yellow fever on the population. At that time the census showed the total number of residents to be 7,523; but on the appearance of the disease many fled from the city, and while it was at its height the population was thereby so materially reduced that it numbered only 1.494. A vessel arrived in the harbor from the West Indies on the fifth of September with yellow fever among her crew, and only a few days thereafter cases were reported among the citizens.

It took some time for the city to recover from the effects of the fever and the fire, and there is not much of importance to record in her history for several years from that time.

fact that lie was re-elected in 1805 and 1806. and that in the former of those years the only associates of his who had been members of the hoard in 1804. were Adam Cope and Wm. Davies, the other aldermen in 1805 being James .Marshall. John II. Morel, Balthasar Shaffer, James Hunter, Samuel Howard and John Love. In 1806, besides Mayor Noel the city fathers were John Pettibone, John Gumming, Fingal T.' Fleming, Oliver Sturges, John P. Williamson. Benjamin Ansley, Samuel Stackhouse, Edmond Harden, Wm. Davies, Thomas W. Rodman and Christian Gugel. Alderman Wm. Davies succeeded Noel in 1807 as mayor, and he had with him on his aldermanic board his former colleagues, B. Shaffer, E. Harden, J. P. AVilliamson, B. Ansley and J. H. Morel, the new members being John Y. White, John Tebeau, Edward Stebbins, Thos. Rice, and Thos.- Bourke. After five years experience as an alderman, John P. AVilliamson stepped into the mayoralty in

1808, supported by aldermen E. Stebbins, Jeremiah Cuvier. Thos. Alendenhall, Thos. Rice, John Grimes, John Pettibone, Norman McLeod, Jas. Bond Read and Asa Iloxey. Air. AVilliamson retired altogether in

1809, when AVm. Bellinger Bulloch took the chair at the head of the city council, having the support of aldermen Shaffer. AIcLeod, Cope, J. B. Read, Grimes, Gardner Tuffts, George Alyers, Jas. Eppinger, R. J. Houstoun and AVm. A. Aloore. Air. Bulloch served again as mayor in 1810, and Alessrs. Isaac Fell, Geo. ILarral, Thos. Alendenhall. Wm. Davies, Isaac Alinis, G. V. Proctor, G. R. Duke, Thos. Bourke, N. G. Rutherford. Thos. Rice, John Y. White and Steele AATiite composed the aldermanic board. Air. AlendenhalFs experience as a city father in 1808 and 1810, made him so popular that in 1811 he was called to act at the head of the board and he has as able co-workers Alessrs. T. Bourke, J. B. Read, T. U. P. Charlton, G. V. Proctor, J. Y. AVliite, A. Pemberton, Jno. Pettibone, AT. A\r. Hughes and I. Alinis. The year 1812 brought Dr. George Jones to the mayoralty, and he had in the administration of the city's affairs the valuable assistance of such experienced aldermen as J. B. Read, G. R. Duke, Chas. Harris, AI. AAT. Hughes, T. U. P. Charlton, Archibald Stobo Bulloch, Isaac Alinis, G. Ar. Proctor, Matthew AIcAllister and Frederick S. Fell; and in the following year (1813), Dr. Jones served again at the head of the board, with Thos. Decheneaux, Isaac Fell, E. Harden, J. B. Norris and J. Hersman, newly elected, and Alessrs. Harris, Hughes, Alinis, Proctor and AIc- Allister retired. Air. AIcAllister was mayor in 1814. with an aldermanic board composed of J. B. Norris, T. U. P. Charlton, J. Hersman, Hampden Alclntosh, I. Fell, E. Harden. J. B. Read, A. S. Roe, Robt. Mackay, Geo. Jones, Thos. Bourke and AVilliam B. Bulloch. After four successive terms as alderman the Hon. T. U. P. Charlton was chosen mayor in 1815, and he had a board of aldermen in which we find these names; Charles Harris, Isaac Fell, Jacob Hersman, AVm. Davies, Geo. Ar. Proctor. J. B. Norris. Geo. L. Cope. John II. Ash, Samuel Russell, Hampden Alclntosh. Edward Harden, Robert Mackay. Judge Charlton was mayor again in 1816. with aldermen G. II. Duke, 11. Alclntosh. Levi S. D'Lvon. Jacob P. Henry, Geo. L. Cope, Gardner Tuffts, Steele AVhite, Chas. Harris, Thos. N. Morel. Geo. Ar. Proctor, and Isaac Fell. The year 1817 saw the Hon. James Aloore

Wayne placed at the head of city council, with an aldermanic hoard composed of James Johnston. Wm. Davies. Hazen Kimball, John Tanner, James Mork, James S. Bulloch, Geo. L. Cope, Frederick Densler, Paul P. Thomasson. Wm. R. Waring and Geo. W. Owens. Judge Wayne was re-elected in 1818. and the aldermen serving with him that year were Adam Cope, Moses Herbert, Ebenezer S. Rees, Isaiah Davenport. John II. Ash. P. P. Thomasson, Tlios. Bourke, Geo. L. Cope, Wm. R. Waring, T. U. P. Charlton. Steele White, Mordeeai Sheftall, senior, and ('has. Harris. The Hon. T. U. P. Charlton again sat at the head of the council table in 1819, sharing the responsibility of conducting the municipal affairs with aldermen Chas. Harris. Moses Herbert, Thos. Bourke. Isaiah Davenport, Geo. L. Cope, Jas. Morrison, W. R. Waring, E. S. Rees, M. Sheftall. senior. Steele White, J. P. Henry, John Kelly and L. S. D'Lyon. Again in 1820 Thos. U. P. Charlton was Savannah's mayor, and he had all his old associates with him except Isaiah Davenport, E. S. Rees. Mordeeai Sheftall. Sr., and John Kelly, whose places were taken by Messrs. Thos. E. Lloyd, Thos. N. Morel, Moses Sheftall and Michael Brown.

From the time that the charter was granted until 1823 the mayor of Savannah served without compensation. In 1821 it was deemed proper to make a change in this matter, and a committee of aldermen was charged with the duty of preparing an ordinance to fix the salary of that office; but a report was made that an act of the legislature of February 10, 1787, stood in the way, and it became necessiarv to have a special act passed to authorize the payment. The new act was passed, but even after the adoption of an ordinance granting the salary the amount of the same was not fixed until December 26, 1822. by which the mayor received compensation to the extent of $1,000 in the year 1823.

For many years it had been believed that the planting of rice opposite and to the east and west of the city, involving the cultivation of the grain by the wet culture process, was considered very detrimental to the health of the city, and in 1817, on the 24th of March, an ordinance providing for what were known as the "dry culture contracts," was adopted. It was entitled "An ordinance to improve the health of the City of Savannah, and for other purposes," and is as follows:

"Whereas, any plan calculated to improve the health of this city will greatly add to its population, ' and increase its prosperity in every respect; and whereas the citizens in town meeting assembled on the eighteenth day of the present month did adopt certain resolutions annexed to a report of the committee previously appointed, which report and resolutions recommend a change of culture of the low lands contiguous to this city as essential to the health of the inhabitants, and to effect that object also recommend that contracts be entered with the proprietors of said low lands for a perpetual change of the wet to the dry culture, that the city do authorize and direct the proper officer of the corporation to sign and execute said contracts; that a sum to be raised by loan on the faith of. the city property which the said contracts may require; that a certain portion of the resources of the city may be set apart and appropriated for the punctual payment of the interest and gradual extinguishment of the sum obtained; and that a board of commissioners be organized, of which the Mayor shall be a member ex-officio, to direct the application of said loan, and to be invested with all necessary powers in relation to the health of the city upon the aforesaid plan of a change of culture ;

"And ivliercns it does appear to council that the measures recommended in said report will have the effect of so ameliorating the health of this city as to check, if not to prevent, the ravages heretofore produced by autumnal fevers, and to render it a safe and healthy residence which,

"And irhereas an object of more importance could not occupy the attention of Council, or justify more satisfactorily the application of the funds and resources of the city;

"The Mayor do forthwith sign and execute such contracts with the proprietors of the low lands in front and on the eastern and western extremities of this city as he. in conjunction with the commissioners hereinafter appointed, shall approve: the condition of said contents to he a perpetual change of the present wet to a dry culture, under such penalties and with such reservations as to occasional irrigations and overflowing the lands as said Mayor and Commissioners may agree to and designate.

"As soon as the said contracts shall have been entered into and duly executed by the Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Commissioners associated with him, each of said contracts shall be delivered to the Clerk of Council, to be by him kept among the records of the cor-

Savanna Ii And South Georgia

"Annexed to each contract there shall be an accurate and exact survey of the land upon -which a dry culture is to take place, designating its quality and number of acres, which shall be referred to and specified in the contract.

"The sum of seventy thousand dollars be, and is hereby appropriated for the purpose of complying with t he payments which may be mentioned and contained in said contracts, and the said sum shall be raised and obtained in the following manner: The said sum shall be converted into stock to be called 'City Land Stock,' and payable in certificates or scrip, signed by the Mayor and countersigned by the City Treasurer each; certificates shall have the following form: to be extinguished by annual instalments within ten years, pursuant to the directions and provisions of an ordinance passed the 24th day of March, 1817.

"The said sum of seventy thousand dollars shall be divided into certificates of one thousand, five hundred, and one hundred dollars each, and the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to deliver to any member of said Board of Commissioners who may be appointed for that purpose by the Board, the certificates to the full amount of stock hereby created, to be by him deposited in any bank or banks of this City, and that each member of said Board be, and he is hereby, also authorized to insert the name or names of payee or payees and the date when interest is to commence, when a loan or loans shall become necessary.

"The faith of the City of Savannah and the public property are hereby pledged as a security for the redemption of the aforesaid stock, to be effected within ten years as by the appropriation of the annual revenue and taxes of the City hereinafter mentioned.

"In aid of the foregoing pledge for the purpose of paying the interest of said stock, and the gradual extinguishment of the principal, the rents of the city lots are hereby set apart and specifically appropriated.

"The annual surplus revenue of the City, together with said rents and other taxes, shall be, when collected, paid over to the said Board of Commissioners by the City Treasurer to the amount of ten thousand dollars annually, to be by them so appropriated and applied as may within the time mentioned honorably extinguish the interest and principal of the debt thus contracted by the Corporation of Savannah."

The necessity for such a system as that adopted was a matter of serious discussion for some years. In 1823 Dr. James P. Screven who had traveled in the south of Europe, made a report to council on his return, in August, on the effect of dry culture in the countries he had visited, and the committee to whom it was reported announced that "it was well calculated to set the question of the utility of a system of dry culture permanently at rest."

The city having escaped the dangers of an epidemic in 1821, September 15th and December 12th were observed as days of thanksgiving by the people.

Until 1823 the appointment of a health officer to Savannah was made by the governor of the state, but the legislature passed an act placing the appointment with the city council, and under that act Doctor Screven was elected on the 8th of January, 1824.

The next distinguished person to visit Savannah after President Monroe was General Winfield Scott, in the year 1822, at which time the city council appointed a committee to see to his proper entertainment and to accompany him on a tour of inspection of the defenses of the city.

In 1823 Commodore David Porter was a guest of Savannah when the mayor and three aldermen composed the committee to tender him a public dinner which he politely declined. The committee however proposed to present his crew with fruits and fresh vegetables, which the commodore gratefully accepted.

The tour of the country by General La Fayette in 1824-25 was one of the most important events in the history of the United States, in connection with visits by distinguished persons and heroes, and Savannah took a part in that affair by which she not only did credit to herself but gratified the honored guest to an unusual degree. On receiving information of La Fayette's intended visit to the United States council determined to bid for the inclusion of Savannah among the places in his itinerary, and a formal invitation was made on the 5th of August, 1824. The legislature of the state took action in the matter and it was decided that he should be the guest of Georgia whose governor at that time, George M. Troup, should represent her and her people in the way of showing him all honor and respect. The city then invited Colonel Warren, of Pendleton, South Carolina, a veteran of the Revolution who lost a leg during the siege of Savannah, to be her special guest; but illness prevented his attendance. The following account of this most interesting event is taken almost in its entirety from a pamphlet published shortly after La Fayette's visit.

The City Council, the citizens, and the military, each appointed committees which united in one body under the name of the La Fayette Committee. That committee was composed of Win. C. Daniell, Mayor ; Joseph W. Jackson. Chairman; Aldermen Chas. Harris. Isaac Minis, Geo. Milieu, and Wm. R. Waring, from the City Council; George Jones, Ebenezer Jackson, Alexander Telfair, John Shellman, Sheftall Sheftall. Robert Habersham and John Screven, from the citizens; and Col. James Marshall, Major Wm. Thorne Williams. Capt. James Hunter. Capt. Chas. A. Higgins. Capt. Robt. W. Pooler. Capt. Edward F. Tattnall, and Lieut. George Sibley, from the military. The arrangements made by the committee were perfect in every respect, and it is doubtful whether anything more could have been clone than was done to make the occasion a happy

"At half past 5 o'clock, by a signal from the Chatham Artillery, the military were warned to repair to their several parade grounds. The line was formed at c8 o'clock, soon after which, there being no appearance of the boat, the troops piled their arms, and were dismissed until the arrival. At an early hour the French and American flags were hoisted on the Exchange Steeple ; the Revenue Cutter Gallatin, Capt. Matthews, was also decorated with flags, and the merchant vessels were dressed in the same manner. On Bay street, on each side of the entrance to the city from under the bluff, were placed two French brass' pieces, one of which, tradition informs us, was received in this country by the same vessel that brought over La Fayette ; they were manned by a company of masters of vessels and others who volunteered for the occasion. The resort to the eastern part of the bluff was general at an early hour of the morning, continuing to increase during the day, and at the time of the arrival was crowded with ladies and citizens on every part which could command a view of the landing. A temporary landing was erected at the wharf, consisting of a flight of steps and a platform. During the morning many an eye was strained in the hopeless task of transforming the fog banks and mists which hung over the low lands between Savannah and Tybee into the steamboat bearing the guest of the nation. About 9 o'clock, however, the mists dispersed, the skies were cleared, and the remainder of the day was as pleasant and delightful as spring and a balmy atmosphere could make it. At this time the weather cleared up, a gentle breeze arose, blowing directly up the river, as if to add speed to the vessel which was to land him on our shores. At an early hour the Committee of Reception, deputed from the Joint Committee, together with Colonels Brailsford and Randolph, aides to his Excellency Governor Troup, proceeded to Fort Jackson in three barges, decorated with flags, and rowed by seamen in blue jackets and white trousers, under the command of C'apts. Xicholls, Campbell and Dubois.

"The first notice of the arrival of the welcome vessel was by a few strokes of the Exchange bell. A few minutes after, the volume of smoke which accompanied her was perceptible over the land ; she was then about twelve or fifteen miles off. but rapidly approaching. The intelligence, 'the boat's in sight,' spread with electrical rapidity, and the bustle which had in some measure subsided, recommenced, and everyone repaired to the spot where his landing was to take place. The troops were immediately formed and marched to the lower part of Bay street, where they were placed in position on the green, in front of the avenue of trees, their right in East Bay. A more gallant and splendid military display we have never seen; the effect was beautiful: every corps exceeded its customary numbers: many who had not appeared under arms for years shouldered them on this occasion, and the usual pride of appearance and honorable emulation was increased by the occasion. Those who know the volunteer companies of Savannah will believe this to be no empty compliment.

was addressed by the Chairman, George Jones. Esq. An address was also delivered by Col. Brailsford in behalf of Governor Troup. To both these addresses the General made an appropriate reply, expressive of the pleasure he felt on visiting Georgia. The boat now came up in gallant style, tiring by the way, and with a full band of music on board playing the Marseilles Hymn and other favorite French and American airs. Her appearance was imposing and beautiful, to which the splendid and glittering uniforms of the officers from South Carolina, who attended the General, greatly added. As the steamboat came up to her anchorage, a salute was tired by the Revenue Cutter Gallatin, C'apt. Matthews. General La Fayette was now assisted into the first barge, accompanied by the Committee and others, the other boats being occupied by the remainder of the suite. As the boats reached the shore the excitement in every face increased. A line was then formed from the landing place on the wharf, facing inwards, composed of the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, the clergy, the judges and officers of the District Court, the Superior Court, and the Court of Oyer and Terminer,* the Union Society, deputations from the Hibernian Society, with their badges and banners ; from the St. Andrew 's Society, with their badges.; and from the Agricultural Society, with their badges; and citizens.

"The officers and gentlemen who accompanied the General in the steamboat from Charleston, besides the Governor of that State, were Col. F. K. Huger, Major-General Youngblood. Gen. Geddes, Adjt.-Gen. Earle, Col. Keith, Col. Butler, Col. Cliesnutt, Col. Brown, Col. Clounie, Col. Fitzsimmons, Col. Taylor, Major AVarley, Major Hamilton, Capt. Moses, and Messrs. Bee and McCord. Col. Huger and Alajor Hamilton alone accepted the invitation of the Committee to land and participated in tha ceremonies of the procession; the Constitution of South Carolina having prohibited the Governor of that State from passing its limits obliged him to decline the civility of the Committee ; and courtesy to the chief magistrate of their state, no doubt, was the dominant motive with the officers who accompanied him in likewise declining the invitation to join in the review and procession.

"As the General placed his foot upon the landing place, a salute was fired by the Chatham Artillery in line on the bluff, with four brass field pieces, 4 and 6 pounders, one of which was captured at Yorktown. He was here received by Dr. AYm. C. Daniell. Major of the City. Six cheers were now given by the whole of the Citizens who were assembled on the gratifying occasion; for which the General expressed his grateful acknowledgements to those nearest him. Supported by the Mayor, and attended by the Committee of Reception, he now ascended the bluff, followed by his suite, the members of the Corporation, the Societies and Citizens. Here he was again enthusiastically cheered. On arriving at the top of the bluff: on the green he was presented to Governor Troup,

* This Court was established by an Act of December IS, 1819, and called "Court of Common Pleas and Oyer and Terminer," which "should have cognizance in assumpsit, debt, covenant, trover and ol' actions on the case, when the damages or cause of actions did not exceed the sum of .+J0I) nor less than $~>0." It is now the City Court of Savannah. At the time of I. a Fayette's visit the lion. John C. Nieoll was judge; Robert W. Pooler, clerk; and Abiaham I. D 'Lyon, sheriff.

The speech of welcome by Governor Troup, short as it is, is a gem in the way of an address of the sort, and well deserves a place here. It follows, together with the response of the distinguished guest, the Marquis de LaFayette, which also is a noteworthy production, and should not he omitted from this account. Governor Troup spoke thus:

"General: Tis little more than ninety years since the Founder of this State first set foot upon the bank on which you stand. Now, four hundred thousand people open their arms to receive you.. Thanks to a kind Providence, it called you to the standard of Liberty in the helplessness of our early revolution - it has preserved you, that, in your latter days, the glory of a great empire might be reflected back upon you, amid the acclamations of millions-.

"The scenes which are to come will be, for you, comparatively tranquil and placid - there will be no more of dungeons - no more of frowns of tyrants. Oh, Sir, what a consolation for a man who has passed through such seas of trouble, that the million of bayonets which guard the blessings we enjoy stand between you and them.

To this kind and hearty welcome LaFayette made this reply : "The kind invitation I first received from your Excellency, and which, on the meeting of the General Assembly, was bestowed on me by both houses in terms most gratifying, could not but confirm my eager resolution to visit the State of Georgia. This State, Sir, I had not the good fortune to serve on its own soil ; but our more northern movements were not unconnected with its Safety and rescue. 1 have long been attached to' it by my sense of its patriotism, suffering and exertions, by personal obligation, and private affections. Permit me here to express a regret at the rapidity of my happy visit through the several States. The celebration of the greatest of all birth days at the seat of ttie General Government could not be omitted; and although I have been obliged to sacrifice the motives of propriety and the feelings of personal friendships which called me to witness the inauguration of the executive branch of the Union, I could not so give up the honourable part conferred upon me, on the half secular Jubilee of Bunker's Hill, at the representative, being the only surviving Major General of the Revolutionary Army. My dear Sir, 1 am happy to witness the improvements which, within less than a century of existence 'and fifty years of independence, have attended, in this State, the blessings of Republican institutions. Accept, if you please, for yourself and the two houses of the legislature my most affectionate and respectful thanks."

After the speech of welcome and the response, the account given in the pamphlet from which we quote goes on: "He was then introduced to several revolutionary soldiers; among those present were General Stevens. Colonel Shellman, Ebenezcr Jackson, Sheftall She f till 1 and Captain Rees. The utmost animation appeared to sparkle in the eyes of the General at this time. This was particularly the case when the latter, addressing him with a cordial grip of the hand, said: 'I remember you, I saw you in Philadelphia,' and proceeded to narrate some trifling incidents of the occasion; to which the General replied, 'All, 1 remember!' and taking Captain Rees's hand between both of his, the eyes of each glistening with pleasure, they stood for a few moments apparently absorbed in recollections of the days of their youth.

"The officers of the brigade and. of the regiment were then introduced. While these introductions were going on. a salute was fired along the whole line of infantry. The General and Suite, together with the Governor and Suite, the Revolutionary officers. Mayor, Committee of Reception, guests, General Harden and Suite, Col. McAllister and the Field Officers for the adjoining counties, proceeded on foot down the front of the line, in review. After passing the troops the General ascended the carriage prepared for his reception, and the procession moved up East Broad street to Broughton street, from there to AVest Broad street, down that street to Abercorn street, and through Abercorn street to Oglethorpe Square."

11. E. Bourquin, fourth marshal, the Union, the Hibernian, the St. Andrew's, and the Agricultural Societies, in ranks of eight. Citizens in ranks of eight. Sam M. Bond, fifth marshal. Jos. S. Pelot, sixth marshal.

15. Company officers of the First and other regiments. Lieutenant-Colonel, Chatham Artillery, United States troops. Savannah Fencibles, Savannah AMlunteer Guards, Georgia A'oluuteers. Republican Blues. Savannah Juvenile Guards, major and regimental staff.

"AYhen the procession commenced moving a third salute was fired by the marine corps. About half past five o'clock in the afternoon the General arrived at the lodgings appropriated for him at Mrs. Maxwell's, the same in which Governor Troup resided. The time of his landing was 3 o'clock; so that the reception and procession took up about two hours and a half. The troops then tiled off to the South Common and tired a national salute, after which they returned to the quarters of the General, to whom they paid the marching salute. During the passage of the procession, the windows and doors, as well as the spacious streets through which he passed, were crowded to excess; and the expression of enthusiastic feeling was repeatedly displayed by all, from the highest to the lowest. He was saluted by the ladies from even' place affording a view of the procession, by the waving of handkerchiefs; which lie returned by repeated and continual inclinations of the head, bowing in acknowledgment. At sundown, another salute was tired by the Marine Volunteer Corps."

The house kept by Airs. Maxwell in which LaFayette was entertained is that situated in Oglethorpe square, bounded north by State street, south by President street, west by Lincoln street, with the front or east side facing Abercorn street. It passed into the possession of the Owens family, and is now owned and occupied by Mrs. M. W. Thomas, widow of Dr. J. G. Thomas and daughter of the late Mr. George Owens.

It is proper here to state that among the military companies uniting to do honor to the nation's guest were the Liberty County Independent Troop, commanded by their revered Capt. William Maxwell, and the Darien Hussars, with Capt. Charles West, their friend and guide at their head in the procession.

When the reception committee boarded the steamboat at Fort Jackson, their chairman, George Jones, Esq., addressed General LaFayette, and, as it was the first greeting received by the guest on Georgia soil and is itself worthy of preservation, it is now given, although somewhat out of its regular order. Mr. Jones said:

"General: This committee, the representatives of a general committee of the City Council and of the civil and military citizens of Savannah, offer you on behalf of themselves and their fellow citizens congratulations upon your safe arrival, and a sincere welcome to the State of Georgia. They invite you to accompany them to the spot where their ancestors, with their beloved Oglethorpe, first landed; and thus afford them an opportunity of discharging the pleasing duty assigned them of presenting you to his Excellency the Governor of the State and the civil authority of the city, who, with a grateful people, anxiously wait to receive you with a heartfelt welcome."

The reply of LaFayette to this address has not been preserved. Colonel Brailsford also addressed the General, but neither that nor the leply fittingly made to it has been recorded.

During the visit of LaFayette to Savannah the time was chosen as the most fitting occasion for the presentation to the First Regiment of State Volunteers of a stand of colors made for it and intended as a gift to it by Mrs. Harden, the wife of Gen. Edward Harden, commander of the brigade to which the regiment was attached: and Governor Troup was selected to make the presentation speech in the presence of LaFayette, all of the military of the city and a very large number of citizens being also present. This is the speech of the governor: - of colors for the First Regiment, worked by her own hands. It is a tine offering from the fair to the brave, in the presence of the veteran hero whom all hearts delight to honor. I am happy to be the instrument of unfurling them for the first time before the Regiment. They are consecrated by the fair donor and the presence of the Nation's guest. The hand which executed this beautiful work has painted, in indelible colors, the emblems which will guard them. Look on this picture, or on that - this repels dishonor, that animates to patriotism and to deeds of valor. They cannot be tarnished. Death before their inglorious surrender. ' '

The references in the speech may be understood . by reading the following description of the flag: ''The principal emblems were, on one side, the arms of the State, the Constitutional arch being supported by three female figures representing 'Wisdom. Justice and Moderation;' and, on the reverse, a bust of LaFayette, (in the old Continental uniform.) and which is being crowned with a laurel wreath bv the American .Eagle."

The dinner given in honor of LaFayette was served in the council chamber in the Exchange. It was an affair of more than usual importance, and a very large number attended. When we consider the part taken by the man whom our whole country then delighted to honor in the long war which brought us our independence, it is not to be wondered at that he was treated as a great hero and that no expense was spared in showing him that we loved him for what he had done. With that feeling of respect and veneration for the man, there need be no excuse for recording in detail every step taken by our citizens in the plan laid out for his entertainment, and so we give the full account of the dinner which he attended and which he evidently enjoyed to the very end.

"The dinner of the citizens, which was prepared at four o'clock, owing to the late hour at which General LaFayette arrived, was necessarily delayed. It however took place at seven o'clock, when the company sat down in the Council Chamber which was prepared for the occasion with afcehes, branches, &c., of which we shall have occasion to speak hereafter. It comprised a profusion of substantial fare, and every delicacy of the season. The company, including the guests, were at least three hundred in number. The Mayor presided, assisted by George Jones, 1st Vice-President; Charles Harris, 2d do.; W. B. Bulloch, 3d do.; Dr. John Gumming, 4th do.; AV111. Davies, 5th do.; and George Anderson, 6th do. Among the guests, besides General LaFayette, were Col. Francis K. Huger, George Washington LaFayette, Monsieur Le- Vasseur, and the officers from So. Carolina who accompanied the General, viz.: Major-General Youngblood, General Geddes, Cols. Keith. Butler, Chesnut. Brown, Clounie, Fitzsimmons, and Taylor, Majors Hamilton and Warley. C'apt. Moses, and Messrs. Bee and M'Cord; there were also present Col. Murat. General Stewart. Capt. Rees, Col. McAllister, Capt. Maxwell, and the other officers of the Liberty and McIntosh Cavalry, and the several clergymen of the city. In the centre window back of the seats of the Mayor and General LaFayette appeared a transparency, representing Gen. LaFayette, over which was a scroll inscribed 'He fought for us;' in the opposite window Washington inscribed in like manner, 'The Father of his Country.' The centre window, in front, presented an allegorical transparency representing a monument, surmounted by a bust of LaFayette; on one side Liberty, on the other History, presenting a tablet inscribed with the dates of the arrival in America of LaFayette, of his appointment as Major-General, of his being wounded at Brandywine, and that of the surrender at Yorktown. The following is a copy of the toasts which were given:

"2d. Georgia - Rich in her resources, rich in the bounties of nature, and rich in the spirit and enterprise of her people; we look to the wisdom of her rulers for the improvement of these advantages.

"3d. Washington - A name associated with every ennobling quality of man; his fame is identified with our history, and its lustre will be reflected upon ages to come.

"4th. LaFayette - The name shall be a badge worn in the hour of peril by freemen in every quarter of the globe, when our rights are assailed by oppression.

"General LaFayette expressed his acknowledgments for the affectionate welcome he had the happiness to receive from the citizens of Savannah, and particularly for their honourable and so very gratifying toast; after which he begged leave to offer the following sentiment:

" 'The City of Savannah - And may her young prosperity more and more show to the Old World the superiority of Republican Institutions and self government.'

"6th. The President of the United States - Although chosen amidst the conflict of public sentiment, the nation receives him as her chief magistrate, and is ready to support him in the spirit of the Constitution.

"7th. The Republics of Mexico and South America - We hail them as the nations of the earth, and may the voice of freemen ere long thunder from the Andes of Brazil the rights of man.

"10th. Wm. II. Crawford - His greatness is founded upon the qualities of his mind and the virtues of his heart : Public Station has only served to illustrate it. and private life cannot detract from it.

"11th. The People - The spontaneous burst of their gratitude to one of the early champions of their country's freedom speaks a moral lesson to the nations of the world that will not be disregarded.

"12th. The Army and Navy of the U. States - Niagara, New Orleans, the Lakes and the Ocean proclaim their victories and perpetuate their glory.

"13th. Woman - The graces of her mind refine our manners, the virtues of her heart correct our morals, and civilized man derives his strongest impulse to excellence from the hope of her approbation.

"The deputation was composed of Cols. Brailsford and Randolph, aids of his Excellency Governor Troup, hearing a complimentary message from him; and of a committee from the Citizens composed of Richard W. Habersham, Esq., Col. E. F. Tattnall, Major W. T. Williams and Capt. R. W. Pooler.

"Governor Manning received the deputation with great politeness, expressing his regret that the Constitution of his own State should have prohibited his landing on the shores of another, and thus deprive him of the pleasure of participating in the festivities of the day.

"The President, on the return of the committee, communicated to the company the circumstances of the deputation, and gave as a toast 'The Governor of South Carolina' which was received with the warmest approbation. Upon which, Major-General Youngblood, of South Carolina. proposed, as a volunteer toast, 'The State of Georgia.'

"By Gov. Troup - The Guest of the Nation, in union with the Volunteers and Citizens of Georgia; a Father surrounded by his Children, it is as it should be ; who can say that his civil and military virtues have contributed most to the benefit of mankind.

"By Col. Francis K. Huger - The youth of the U. S. may they see and feel that the admiration, esteem and gratitude of the nation are the highest and most honourable rewards of ambition.

"The State of Georgia - Founded by one of the most chivalrous and enterprising spirits of the age in which he lived, she has received a kindred impulse from his character; may her prosperity be equal to the patriotism and gallantry of her sons.

"By Col. E. F. Tattnall, in reply - The memory of General Marion; distinguished for everything chivalric, for everything patriotic, for everything Carolinian.

"By Major-General Youngblood - The memory of Genei'al Montgomery; in the cause of Freedom and self-government our country', when in a sinking condition, made large drafts on the sons of Erin - they were always honored.

"By the President - Col. Warren - We sincerely regret that his bad health has deprived us of the pleasure of the company of a soldier who lost a limb in attempting to rescue this city from its oppressors.

"By Charles Harris. Esq., 2d Vice-President - General James Screven, who fought for liberty, and was killed by its enemies in defense of its sacred cause.

"By Win. B. Bulloch, Esq., 3d Vice-President - General James Jackson, than whom a purer and more disinterested patriot Georgia never produced.

"By Dr. Jno. Gumming, 4th Vice-President - The memory of Colonel Joseph Habersham; the first in Georgia who raised his arm against royal power.

"By Major Williams - DeKalb. Steuben. Pulaski, and yet another and a greater - the chivalry of other lands concentrated in the cause of ours their names are hallowed by the glory of their deeds, and ten millions of freemen express their gratitude to the survivor.

"By Capt. Wm. Law - Our Republic: Constituted for the freedom and happiness of man. its stability is founded in the intelligence of its people, and the virtues of its rulers.

"By Robert Campbell, (after the President had retired.) The Mayor, W. C. Daniell, who has presided with so much ability and propriety at the present interesting festival.

"By Lieut. -Col. D 'Lyon - Andrew Jackson, the people's choice for the Presidency - though intrigue and bargaining have defeated his elevation, yet in their hearts he stands first among the independent republican patriots of our Country.

"By Jos. V. Bevan. Esq - The memory of Col. Baker - one of the most eminent partisans known to our own or to the history of any other State; one indeed, who had the additional merit of belonging to that County which gave to Georgia its first, determined feeling for Liberty.

Monsieur A. LeVasseur, LaFayette 's secretary during his journey, wrote an account of the tour, and in his book he described rather fully the proceedings in Savannah. The account is too long to be quoted as a whole. After describing the arrival in the . Savannah river and the parting with the governor of South Carolina, the writer says: "Some minutes after, we were in Georgia, at the entrance of Savannah, when the General was received and addressed by Governor Troup, in the midst of an eager crowd. The triumphal bars and arches, the acclamations of the people, the wreaths and flowers scattered by the ladies, the sound of bells and cannon, everything proved to LaFayette that though he had passed into another State, he was. nevertheless, among the same friendly and grateful people." He described the dinner, and ended the description thus: "A hymn to liberty, to the air hi Marsellai.se, terminated the banquet, and we returned to our quarters by the light of an illumination which blazed over all the City." He thus described the city as it then appeared to him:

"Savannah is the most important city of the State of Georgia. It is situated on the right bank of Savannah river, and about seventeen miles from its mouth. Its large and straight streets cross at right angles, and are planted on each side with a row of delightful trees, called the Pride of India, and for which the inhabitants of the South have a marked predilection. Although elevated forty feet above the level of the river, the situation of Savannah is unhealthy; an autumn seldom passes without the yellow fever making cruel ravages. Commerce is notwithstanding very active there; its port, which can admit vessels drawing forty feet, annually exports more than six million dollars worth of cotton. Its population is 7,523 inhabitants, divided thus: 3.557 white individuals, 582 free people of Colour, and 3,075 slaves. The number of persons employed in the manufactories nearly equals that of those occupied in commerce, which is about six hundred."

His information, of course, was derived from answers to questions, and his informant must have been one possessed of little accurate knowledge of the subject. To say nothing of the rest of the statement, bis assertion that yellow fever was a disease which made its appearance annually almost without exception was as much exaggerated as that declaring that vessels drawing forty feet could enter the port.

LaFayette's visit was made the opportunity to lay the corner stones of monuments to the memory of Gen. Nathanael Greene and Count Casimir Pulaski. On this point we resume our quotations from the pamphlet already mentioned :

Stone of the Monument to be erected in honour of General Greene should be laid in the middle of the eastern section of Johnston's Square; and that in honour of Gen. Count Pulaski in the middle of the eastern section of Chippewa Square; and sub-committees were appointed to request the co-operation of the several Masonic bodies, and to make the necessary arrangements for the ceremonial.

"Accordingly the Masonic Brethren formed a procession at their Grand Lodge Room at 9 o'clock on' Monday morning 21st March, accompanied by a band of music, and waited upon General LaFavette at his lodgings. *- * The procession then moved to the site selected for the Monument to General Greene. Upon reaching the arch opening into the Square, the military escort wheeled to the left and formed fronting the Square. The procession then halted and opened to the right and left to allow the rear to pass through it. The head of the procession on entering the enclosure wheeled to the right and passed around the circle.

"Here a most beautiful and interesting sight was presented. Around the interior of the enclosure the children from the various schools, upwards of five hundred in number, in neat and appropriate costumes, were arranged with baskets of flowers with which they strewed the path of their venerable benefactor. The crowd of spectators outside of the enclosure entirely hid these innocent little creatures from view, and they burst upon the sight like the creations of enchantment, on entering the area. Pleasure brightened in every eye, and happiness beamed in every countenance as they received the paternal salutations of an affectionate Guest."

The stone bore this inscription: " 'This Corner-Stone of a Monument to the memory of MAJ. GEN. NATHANAEL GREENE was laid by GENERAL LAFAYETTE, At the request of the Citizens of Savannah, on the 21st of March, A. D., 1825.'

"The Deputy Grand Master William Schley, who was deputed by the Grand Master to act, applied them to the Stone, and pronounced it to be 'well formed, true and trusty.'

"The gold and silver vessels were then brought to the platform, and delivered to the Deputy Grand Master and the two Wardens who successively presented them to General LaFavette. The General then poured, according to the ancient ceremony, the corn, the wine, and the oil contained in them, upon the Stone; repeating, according to the prescribed ceremony, the following:

"Gen. LaFavette then descended to the stone which he struck three times with a mallet; after which the public grand honours were given by the brethren. * * *

"Upon leaving the consecrated spot the procession moved around the circle and through the tasteful arch by which it entered the Square. From this arch, beautifully ornamented with myrtle and cedar, was suspended a shield, on one side of which was inscribed : ' Greene, The friend of LaFayette, and the Saviour of the South.' On the reverse: 'Greene died near Savannah, 19th June, 1786.'

"The original order of the procession being resumed, it moved to Chippewa Square, at the entrance of which an arch, similar in design and decorations, was erected, from which, in like manner a shield was suspended; on the one side was inscribed: 'Pulaski, Always valiant, but always Foe to Kings.' On the opposite side was inscribed: 'Pulaski fell at the Siege of Savannah, 9th October, 1779.'

Without going into details, let it be stated that the proceedings in Chippewa square were about the same as those in Johnson square where the corner stone of the Greene monument was laid. The Pulaski monument corner stone bore this inscription: "On the 21st day of March, A. D., 1825, was laid by General LaFayette, at the request of the Citizens of Savannah, This Foundation-Stone of a Monument To the Memory of Brigadier Count Pulaski."

The monument to Pulaski, intended to be erected in Chippewa square was eventually erected, as is well known, in Monterey square, and the corner stone was laid there on the 11th of October, 1853. At that time suitable arrangements were made, on a grand scale, for the ceremony, and we will say more on the subject when we reach that period in our history; but as a matter of information which may well be related at this point, the following quotation is made from Hie report, subsequently printed, relating all the circumstances connected with that matter:

"On the 21st of March, 1825, General LaFayette, while on a visit to Savannah, performed, at the request of our citizens, the ceremony of laying the corner stones of two monuments, to be erected to the memory of Major-General Greene and Brigadier-General Count Pulaski. One was laid in Johnson Square and the other in Chippewa Square. In the course of ten or twelve years a sufficient fund had been eolleett d to erect the monument now [1853] standing in Johnson Square, and, as it was believed that the efforts to raise tin* necessary means to civet another would be fruitless, the one which had been built* was called the Greene and Pulaski Monument, and the corner stone which had been laid in Chippewa Square was removed to Johnson Square, and placed by the side of that dedicated to General Greene.

"The Commissioners, however, to whom the Legislature of Georgia had entrusted the duty of raising the necessary means, determined to renew their efforts; and having, at the session of the Legislature in 1837, procured a renewal of their grant, with some additional powers, proceeded energetically in their work, and, for fifteen years, pursued with untiring devotion their disinterested task, until a fund of $20,000 had been accumulated."

The writer of the above does not explain how the sum of money for the erection of the Pulaski monument was raised. The committee having the burden of raising the funds for the two monuments was composed of Messrs. John Shellman, John Stevens, V. B. Bulloch, J. A". Bevan, R. AV. Habersham, A. Porter, James P. Screven, AVilliam Gaston, Alexander Telfair, A. B. Fannin and Jas. Bond Read. They obtained the permission of the city council on the 31st of March, 1829, to place the monument to the memory of both Greene and Pulaski in the center of Johnson square, instead of on the spot where the corner stone had been laid by LaFavette. They had secured the passage of an act by the legislature of Georgia chartering the "Greene and Pulaski Alonument Lottery," on the 26th of November, 1826. the commissioners named in the act for conducting the lottery were John Stevens, AATm. B. Bulloch. Jas. B. Read. Richard AV. Habersham, James P. Screven, Alexander Telfair, Abraham B. Fannin, Mordecai Myers, John Shellman, AVilliam P. Marshall, Anthony Porter, Samuel B. Parkman, and Joseph Arallance Bevan. The commissioners, instead of managing the business of the lottery themselves, disposed of their right to others who had perhaps better ideas in regard to the business, by which transaction the purchasers were bound to pay to the monument fund the sum of $1,000 annually; and to the amount so raised the state added an appropriation.

The monument which served a double purpose for so many years as a memorial to the two distinguished officers of the Revolution was without any inscription whatever until the year 1886, when the two bronze tablets, one with an inscription and the other with an alto relievo portrait of General Greene, were unveiled in connection with the celebration of the centennial of the Chatham Artillery.

In 1821 James Morrison was elected mayor of Savannah, and the board of aldermen serving with him were the same as the associates of his predecessor, Charlton, except Dr. AV. C. Daniell. AI. Shcftall, Sr., Jacob P. Henry, Frederick A. Fell and Joseph Gumming. Air. Alorrison was mayor for the second time in 1822. with a board of aldermen composed of R. AV. Habersham, AVm. C. Daniell, AVm. Davies, Aloses Shcftall, Glias. Harris. Tsaiah Davenport. Chas. II. Hayden. F. A. Fell, Tlios. Clarke. A. B. Fannin, Aloses Herbert. Oliver Sturges and Gardner Tuffts. For a third time successively Air. Alorrison was the mayor of the city in 1823, bis aldermen being R. AV. Habersham, Aloses

Herbert, F. S. Fell, Geo. Sibley, C. II. Hayden, Fred'k Densler, Moses Sheftall, Win. Davies, Janies S. Bulloch, Philip Braseh, Tlios. N. Morel, Oliver Sturges and Gitas. Harris. Dr. Win. G. Daniell filled the office of chief magistrate of Savannah in 1824. assisted by aldermen Wm. B. Bulloch, Geo. Slack, Cbas. Harris, Jos. W. Jaelcson, Geo. Miller, Jas. Morrison, J. B. Gaudry, Isaac Minis, Wm. R. Waring, Jos. Clay Habersham, Fred'k Densler. -Jos. Gumming and Wm. G. Wayne. Dr. Daniell again served as mayor in 1825, with aldermen Chas. Harris, Geo. Miller, Jas. Morrison, Jos. W. Jackson, Win. Thorne Williams, J. B. Gaudry, Wm. R. Waring, Jos. Gumming, Wm. C. Wayne, I. Minis, S. B. Parkman, Sam'l Philbrick and Chas. Gildon.

In the year 1826, shortly after LaFayette's visit, steps were taken in the matter of digging a canal to connect the Ogeechee with the Savannah river, and eventually to extend it to the Altamaha. In February the citizens met in mass meeting at the Exchange to discuss the matter of a grant which had been made to E. Jenckes, but it seems that there was not sufficient enthusiasm at that time to produce favorable results. The first real step in advance was made on the 21st of October when council consented to the cutting of the canal through the city lands, on petition of the commissioners of the Savannah, Ogeechee and Altamaha canal, when the president of the company showed in a letter to the board that the canal would surely "open new sources of profit to enterprising men, and thus add to the aggregate wealth of the city. It is," he said, "an enterprise undertaken as a measure of public benefit imperiously required by the declining commerce of the City." The city was induced, through the report of a committee appointed to look into the matter, to subscribe for $7,000 of the stock of the company, which represented seventy shares at $100 per share, and that subscription was later on increased to $10,000. The city was interested in the project for many years, but does not seem to have made anything out of its investment. In 1843 council appointed a committee to look into the affairs of the company, and to report upon the feasibility of the city's taking the canal under its care and completing it; but no report of that committee can be found.

The next matter of public interest in chronological order is the beginning of the building of Fort Pulaski on Coekspur island. The site for this fort was chosen, we are told, by Major Babcock, of the United States Engineer Corps, and it was built by Captain Mansfield of the same corps, work having been begun in 1831, and the cost of it amounted to nearly one million dollars.

As A Military Post

Locating the Oglethorpe Barracks (1834) - Military Parade Ground - Military Headquarters of Confederacy - United States Takes Oglethorpe Barracks - History of First Georgia Volunteer, Continued - Mayors and Aldermen, 1826-1834.

It is known that before the year 1823 certain companies, of United States troops had been stationed in Savannah. We have no means of ascertaining where they were quartered; but on the 4th of April of the year just mentioned, the troops having been in part previously removed, council petitioned the secretary of war to make Savannah a military post and consented to furnish land for- the location of barracks.

Nothing seems to have been done by the government at that time, and the remaining troops were withdrawn early in 1824. Dissatisfied with that action, council resolved, on the loth of April, to correspond, through a committee, with the war department, urging that at least two companies be kept on duty here at all times. To that appeal the secretary responded that, provided suitable quarters could be secured, he would send the troops back, and another committee was appointed, to take the matter up with him ; but no report was made by the committee.

The next step was taken by the secretary of war in March, 1826, when he inquired as to the best place for the building of a proposed barracks. Then council took a more decided stand, and appointed the mayor, Dr. Win. C. Daniell, and Aldermen John Shellman and William Thorne Williams a committee to proceed in the matter; and they recommended for the purpose a point on the Great Ogeeehee road a little beyond the one-mile post as the best they could find, and that it could be purchased for about ^3.000. They further reported that the city could furnish, free of charge, as long as it should he used for military purposes, a site on the south common, should that be preferred. The location of this tract of land is just where the city now extends from Gummett street to Park avenue. The offer of the city was accepted, and, on the 17th of January, 1827, Secretary James Barbour transmitted to congress estimates for "an appropriation for barracks and other buildings at Cantonment Oglethorpe, Georgia; soldiers to perform labor; amount of material required."

The buildings were erected by the government and Cantonment Oglethorpe was the abode of the United States troops until the building of barracks on the splendid site where the DeSoto hotel now stands and which barracks stood there from about 1834 to the time they were torn down to make room for the hotel.

At the first session of the 22d congress on the 22d of March, 1832, the following correspondence was submitted to the house of representatives, and, notwithstanding the adverse reports, the barracks were erected two years afterwards.

"Mr. Drayton, from the Committee on Military Affairs, to whom was referred the memorial of the mayor and aldermen of the city of Savannah, relating to the expediency of erecting barracks in that city for the United States troops who are stationed in its vicinity, reported :

"That they have had communications with the War Department upon the subject of the above memorial, as will be seen upon an inspection of the papers herewith tiled, marked A, B. and C, from the tenor of which they are of opinion that it would be inexpedient, at this time, to authorize the erection of barracks in the City of Savannah. They therefore submit to the House the following resolution :

"Resolved, That the Committee be discharged from the further consideration of the memorial of the mayor and aldermen of the City of Savannah.

"To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled : The memorial of the mayor and aldermen of the City of Savannah showeth : That it has been the practice of late years to remove the United States troops from Cantonment Oglethorpe, near Savannah, to a distant post for several months in summer. Your memorialists are informed, and have reason to believe, that this course has been pursued solely in consequence of the extreme unhealthiness of the situation: and the permanent location of United States troops among them being of importance to the community they represent, they respectfully invite the attention of Congress to this subject. You memorialists do not ask for the continuance of the troops at the post, they now occupy to the imminent hazard of their lives, but they would with due deference submit to the' consideration of Congress the expediency and necessity of forming another military establishment, to be located in this city. For years past Savannah has been favored with as much health as most of our Atlantic cities, and has been exempt from any malignant disease; and the professional gentlemen who have been consulted on the occasion are decided in the opinion that, under proper restrictions, the troops might enjoy a good degree of health in a position within its limits. An eligible site for barracks could be obtained at a fair valuation; and your memorialists respectfully and earnestly solicit your honorable bodies to authorize the purchase of ground, and the erection of buildings of durable materials, within the city of Savannah, sufficient for the accommodation of at least one hundred men, in order that this community might be benefited by the residence of United States troops among them, and particularly at a time when, from the periodical emigration of many of our white population, a military force is most needed. And your memorialists will ever pray.

"Department of War, March 23, 1832 - Sir: I have the honor to transmit a letter from Major-General Macomb, which contains the views of this department in relation to the subject referred to in j-our letter of the 4th instant.

"Headquarters of the Army, Washington, March 1th 1832 - Sir: In pursuance of your directions as to the expediency of abandoning the barracks lately built near Savannah, and erecting new quarters within the city, as proposed by the mayor and aldermen, as set forth in the memorial addressed to Congress and transmitted to you by the honorable chairman of the Military Committee of the House of Representatives in his letter of the 4th instant. I have to state that, although some years since the present position of the quarters of the troops stationed near Savannah for the protection of that city was visited with disease, it is possible that, owing to the newness of the station, or to some accidental cause which might not occur again, the unhealthiness may be attributed as well as to the fact that the troops were unaccustomed to the climate. As the erection of the barracks in the city would be attended with great expense, and as it is doubtful whether, taking all things into consideration, the troops would enjoy better health in the city than in Gieir present quarters, I would respectfully recommend that they continue to occupy the barracks in which they are now quartered, with a view of ascertaining whether there be any improvement in the salubrity of their position; but should it turn out to be sickly the commanding officer may be authorized to hire quarters in the city in case there should appear among the troops any disease of a character to render the removal to the city proper, or quarters in the city might lie hired immediately and the troops stationed in them. Then should the city, after a year or more experience, prove to be more healthy than the present barracks, a suitable lot might be purchased, and permanent barracks biuR.

"Quartermaster-General's Office, March 14. 1832 - Sir: I return you the letter of the honorable Mr. Drayton, chairman of the Military Committee of the House of Representatives, covering a memorial from the City Council of Savannah, praying for purchase of a site and the erection of permanent barracks at that place, and have the honor to state, in reply to the inquiry as to the cost of complying with the request, that the expense of erecting barracks and quarters for the accommodation of two companies would be above fifty thousand dollars. With respect to the cost of the necessary ground 1 have no means of forming an estimate. The memorial represents that an eligible site could be obtained at a fair valuation, but what that would be it is impossible at this time to say.

The ordinance following was passed in council on- the 22d of August, 1833: "Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah and the Hamlets thereof, in Council assembled, and it is hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That upon the payment into the City Treasury of the sum of twelve thousand dollars, a conveyance be made in fee simple to the United States for the purpose of erecting barracks thereon for the accommodation of the troops of the United States, of all that piece of ground or parcel of land situate, lying and being on the South Common of said City, extending from the southern line of Liberty street, as herein after defined : two hundred and twelve feet six inches southernly, and from the eastern line of Bull street continued, three hundred and two feet six inches to the western line of Drayton street continued, embracing within said limits a space equal to the opposite tything, in Brown Ward, .including the lane.

"Section 2. And be it further ordained, That the width of Liberty street shall be one hundred and forty feet, measured from the southern line of lots on said street and extending to the northern line of the piece of ground hereby granted."

The buildings to be occupied by the troops at Oglethorpe barracks must have been erected just after the action of council in granting the land. The military force of the United States armv took possession in 1834. " '

Upon the completion of the new Oglethorpe Barracks in 1834 the United States troops abandoned the old cantonment ground which was unoccupied until 1852, at which time the city assented to its being sot apart as a parade ground for the military companies of Savannah; but the actual dedication was not made until the passing of an ordinance in the following year.

Long before that time, namely, on the 7th of July, 1821, a memorial was presented to council by a regimental court of inquiry asking that a part of the South Commons be granted for a term of years for that purpose but nothing was definitely settled. Later on, in 1843, a committee of council recommended the grant of a parcel of land "along the eastern side of Abercorn street 651 feet from the lane south of Liberty street, thence eastwardly 845 feet, so as to form the northern boundary of the negro cemetery, thence northwardly 651 feet until the intersection of the said lane" as the northern line of the parcel of land; and, in 1814. an

In November. 1851, the officers of the volunteer companies asked for the twenty acres just purchased by the city, a part of Springfield plantation, for use as ;a military parade ground. In May, 1852, the city proposed to purchase from the United States the site of Oglethorpe cantonment, and in January following, 1853, the government granted that site to the city of Savannah.

"Be it ordained by the Mayor and Aldermen, etc., That nineteen acres of the land know n as the old cantonment, lately, granted by the United States to the city of Savannah, bounded on the north by the southern line of Gwinnett street, from Whitaker street to Montgomery street, on the east by Whitaker street, up to New Houston street [now Park Avenue], from Whitaker street to Montgomery street, and west by the eastern line of Montgomery street from New Houston street [now Park Avenue] to Gwinnett street, to be set apart as a parade ground for the volunteer companies of the City of Savannah, and the same is hereby dedicated to that purpose, under the conditions and limitations in this ordinance hereinafter contained.

"Section 2. That the control, custody and management of the said parade ground shall be vested in the captains for the time being of the several volunteer companies of the City of Sav'annah who shall have exclusive charge thereof, subject nevertheless to the police regulations of Savannah.

"Section 3. That the grant of the aforesaid parade ground and dedication thereof is made under the condition that the several volunteer companies shall have the said parade ground properly cleared, and a neat and sufficient fence placed around the same, within five years from the day and date of the passage of this ordinance, and shall always keep the same in proper order, and the fences in good and sufficient repair, and in case of their failure to do so, or in case they shall use or attempt to use the said parade ground for other purposes than that to which it is dedicated, that the same shall revert to the city, and again fall into the common public domain, and all grants, privileges, and advantages in the first section of this ordinance continued shall cease and become void and of none effect." words in the third section 'and a neat and sufficient fence placed around the same within five years from the day of the date of the passage of this ordinance, and shall always keep the same in proper order and the fence in good and sufficient repair, and in case of their failure to do so, or,' and by adding the word 'and' before the words 'in case they shall use' in the same section." Again, on the 6th of February, 1867. council ordained that "the piece of ground known as the Military Parade. Ground, containing nineteen acres, more or less, and bounded on the north by Forsyth Place, on the east by Drayton street, on the south by New Houston street [now Park Avenue], and on the west by Whitaker street, is hereby added to said Forsyth Place, and made a part of the same, and that said Forsyth Place, so extended as aforesaid, is hereby forever set apart as a public place to he called and known as Forsyth Place, in the same manner as the said ground now enclosed is and has been so set apart. "

There was much difficulty in getting a definite place for the providing of a suitable parade ground for t lie Savannah military companies. On the 9th of June, 1859, an appointment of a committee of freeholders was made to investigate the subject, and on the 13th an appropriation of $2,000 was made by council as a contribution towards the expense of erecting a fence around what was supposed to constitute the place that should be used for military purposes, which was settled upon as the space comprised within the boundaries of Gwinnett, New Houston [noev Park Avenue], Montgomery, and Whitaker streets: but before building a fence the officers of the companies, upheld by many civilians, found reasons for suggesting a change of locality, and, on the 4th of August, of the same year, Col. Alexander R. Lawton, commander of the First Regiment of Georgia Volunteers, and Capt. John W. Anderson, of the Republican Blues, asked for a hearing before council on a petition desiring that in exchange for the parade ground previously dedicated to that purpose the land just south of Forsyth Park, as far as New Houston street be granted, "so that there should be one large park, instead of two open places so near each other. " Council did not act directly on the petition, but referred it to a committee of which aldermen Thomas Holcombe, John M. Guerard and Martin J. Ford were members, and the result was a favorable recommendation, provided that Hall street extend through it and not be enclosed. Although the report was adopted, the military declined to accept it on such condition; whereupon Council, in November, decided to grant the petition as it went to them originally.

We have seen how, in 1867, the military parade ground was made a part of Forsyth Park, and thus became a part of the public domain constituting a pleasure ground for the people of Savannah, and it may be further stated here that on the 31st of December, 1873, Mayor Edward C. Anderson even suggested that "the southern half of the extended park be portioned oft' into city lots, under a just arrangement with the owners of property bordering thereon, from the northern line of Bolton street to New Houston street, 40 lots, the proceeds arising to be specially appropriated and set apart as a sinking fund to meet maturing bonds." That recommendation was made a year and a half after the following communication was made by the Savannah military to council, and it shows that council did not then consider the "Park extension" as in any way to be regarded as having passed into the hands of the volunteer companies. This petition was laid before council on the 5th of June. 1872. "The undersigned commanding officers of a number of the military organizations of this city, beg leave to represent that by an ordinance passed in Council the 11th day of August, 1853, nineteen acres of the site of tin* old Oglethorpe barracks, which had shortly before that time been conveyed to the city by the secretary of war. under a resolution of congress, were 'set apart as a parade ground for tin* Volunteer Companies of the City of Savannah,' and 'dedicated' for that purpose under the condi- tions and limitations set forth in that ordinance. The second section of the ordinance was as follows: 'The control, custody and management of the said parade ground shall be vested in the Captains for the time being of the several volunteer companies of the City of Savannah who shall have exclusive charge thereof, subject nevertheless to the police regulations of Savannah.' The third section prescribed the conditions referred to in the second section, and they were simply that volunteer companies should have the ground cleared, and that if they should use, or attempt to use. the ground for any other purpose than that for which it was dedicated, it would revert to the city.

"The land above referred to lay south of the jail, but on November 10, 1859, a petition was presented to Council by a Committee of the volunteer corps of the city, requesting Council to exchange for that land the land south of and immediately adjoining Forsyth Place. The petition was granted, and it cannot be doubted that the land thus described and now known as the 'Park Extension' became thereby subject to the uses specified in the ordinance of 1853. It was improved largely, if not wholly, at the expeiiee of the volunteer corps. It was used as a parade ground and for no other purpose, and was exclusively controlled and managed by the Commanding Officers of the Volunteer Corps until the war. Notwithstanding these public proceedings of Council and the use of the ground for the purpose specified and the universal recognition of the dedication, an ordinance was passed in Council February 6, 1867, adding the parade ground to Forsyth Place, and declaring that the 'said Forsyth Place, so extended, was thereby forever set apart as a public place to be called and known as Forsyth Place,' etc. Upon the publication of this ordinance for information after its first reading, a communication was addressed to the then Mayor by several of the undersigned, requesting his attention to the facts herein before stated. The then condition of the State in its Federal relations, and the apprehension that the land might be lost to the city and the volunteer corps induced the signers of that communication to refrain from a public protest against the ordinance, and to confine themselves to a request that their communication might be filed in order that they might have the benefit of it at the proper time. At that time the volunteer corps were not in a position to assert their rights. But the recent repeal of the act of congress which prevented them from exercising their ordinary functions has been followed by a general re-organization under the sanction of the Governor who will supply them with arms as soon as they can be procured. Having thus a near prospect of again making use of the parade ground for the purpose for which it was dedicated, and desiring to resume that exclusive control of it which was conferred upon their predecessors by the original dedicating ordinance, the undersigned beg leave to submit to your consideration the propriety of a repeal of the ordinance of 1867, and of a discontinuance of the planting of trees and the placing of other obstructions upon the ground which may tend to defeat the use for which it was designed.

The communication was referred to the committee of council on parks and trees, and a strict search of the minutes reveals the fact that there was no record made of any report on the subject by the committee. The matter has remained since then entirely unsettled, the only incident in connection with it by which an opinion may lie formed being the fact that in the consideration by coiuicd. on the 17th of August, 1891, of the subject of paving Hall street through the Forsyth Park extension, Judge Samuel B. Adams advised council that in order to accomplish the work, consent must be first obtained from the military; and the paving was not done.

Unsettled though the question may he as to any actual formal title by which the military can hold to the claims of ownership, it does seem to be by common consent both of the council and the military, backed by the citizens generally, a settled fact, that the plot of ground in which stands the monument erected in memory of the Confederate dead, called sometimeSjPark Extension, but almost universally known as the "Parade Ground," is the proper place for all military displays and reviews; and, in evidence of this let it be distinctly understood that for such purpose no one ever thinks of asking the consent of council to its use, and the people believe, almost unanimously, that it belongs to the volunteer companies of Savannah and do not see any reason why there should be doubt on that point. No one in council will probably ever again spring the question against the will of the people, and it is very doubtful whether that body will ever attempt to plant trees in the place or otherwise attempt to make it like the other part of the park.

On the 5th of November, 1833, in consideration of the sum of $12,000, the city of Savannah, through council, transferred to the United States the piece of land bounded by Liberty, Bull, Harris and Drayton streets, and on that land Oglethorpe Barracks were built, and troops were quartered there from 1834. on their completion, until 1853, when they were removed to Fort Pulaski. The old Cantonment Oglethorpe having been abandoned for many years, the secretary of war, Chas. M. Conrad, on the 22d of February, 1853, by virtue of a .joint resolution of congress (approved Jan. 20, 1853) relinquished all interest of the United States in that tract to the city of Savannah. The resolution was in these words: "That the Secretary of War be and he is hereby authorized to convey to the City of Savannah, Georgia, the site of the old Oglethorpe Barracks adjacent to said City which said site lias long been abandoned by the Government, and, in consideration of the liberality of said City in surrendering to the Government heretofore certain lands now known as the new Barracks in said city." The description of the old Cantonment Oglethorpe site in the deed of transfer as well as in the deed from the city to the United States. April 3, 1827. is in these words: "All the northern half part of that lot or parcel of land lying and being in the County of Chatham and State of Georgia near the City of Savannah known as farm lot No. 1, bounded north by the Commons of the City of Savannah and garden lot. west by farm lot No. 2, south by farm lot No. 5, and east by the road leading from White Bluff district to the City of Savannah, the said lot containing in the whole fifty-six acres, three roods and fourteen perches."

On the removal of the United States troops from the new Oglethorpe Barracks, in the year 1854 the city arranged to have the police force quartered in the recently deserted premises, and Mayor James P. Screven, in 1851, recommended to council the practicability of purchasing the houses on that land for the use of the police force who had used them "since 1854. through permission of the government, the troops having been removed to Fort Pulaski."

At the commencement of the War of Secession the Confederate States government took possession of the property which then became the military headquarters of this military district and remained so until Sherman's entry into the city on the 21st of December, 1864. At the time the Confederates took possession of Oglethorpe Barracks, the police force moved to quarters prepared for them in the City Exchange, remaining there until the erection of the city police barracks at South Broad [now Oglethorpe avenue] and Habersham streets.

Again the United States government took possession of Oglethorpe Barracks through the result of the war, and held such possession until 1879, and then finally abandoned the property forever, and later on sold all interest in it.

For reasons deemed sufficient it was determined that Savannah should no longer be used as a military post, and all troops were taken out of the city.

Although somewhat out of regular chronological order, the following account of the manner in which the United States lost possession of the property is quoted at length, a place for the same being made at this point, mainly for the purpose of showing just what the property consisted of :

" War Department, Washington City, May 22. 1880. - The Secretary of War has the honor to inform the Senate that the military post of Savannah, which was established about 1834, and which is known as 'Oglethorpe Barracks,' located in the City of Savannah. Ga., having been no longer needed for military uses, was abandoned in April. 1879, and to recommend such legislation by Congress as will authorize the sale to the highest bidders, after public advertisement, of the site and buildings occupied by said barracks.

"Post of Savannah (Oglethorpe Barracks) Georgia. (Established about 1834). Information given by G. A. Dc Russv, Major Third Artillery, April. 1870. commanding officer at the time.

"Quarters - One barrack. 130 by 30 feet, two stories, built of brick. Two companies could be crowded into the garrison, or two companies could be easily provided for, if laundresses were otherwise quartered.

"Officers' quarters - One building. 63 by 33 feet, two stories, built of brick, and containing one room for quartermaster and commissary stores. There is at the post one stable, built of brick, also one small building built of brick, used as the commanding officer's office.

"Hospital, guard-house, etc. - Two-story building, built of brick and wood; foundation and first story, 59 by 24 feet; second story, 79 by 42 feet. Accommodation for sixteen patients.

"Oglethorpe Barracks. Savannah, Ga. - Garrison withdrawn April 18-23, 1879, and post left in charge of Ordnance Sergeant Charles A. Campbell.

"Supposed to lie in good condition. General Sherman, in June. 1879, reported that they could not be built for much less than +60,000 or +80.000.

"Applications also made to vest the title in the City of Savannah, but, upon recommendation of the General of the Army, the Secretary decided to recommend sale of buildings at next session of Congress.

Reference having been made to the first regiment of Georgia volunteers, we will now enter into an explanation of the organization of that command. We have heretofore mentioned the Chatham Artillery, the Savannah Volunteer Guards, the Republican Blues and the Georgia Hussars as Savannah military companies, and we at this point add the Phoenix Riflemen, organized in 1830; the Irish Jasper Greens, founded in 1843; the German Volunteers dating their beginning in 1846: and the De Kalb Riflemen, dating in 1850. In January, 1856, the Oglethorpe Light Infantry began its useful and honorable career; and the Savannah Cadets, a company of youths, was organized for service in the War of Secession in 1861. These all belonged to the first regiment, being admitted at various dates as parts of the organization. There were other companies which were admitted at some time, but their existence was only temporary, and we do not bring them into this history. The Phoenix Riflemen, and De Kalb Riflement, after making a good record, have passed cut of history. On the 20th of January, 1852. the governor of Georgia approved "an act to organize a volunteer Battalion in the City of Savannah, to be called the 'Independent Volunteer Battalion of Savannah'," by which it was enacted: