Savannah, Georgia - History (part 11 of 16)

"1. That the volunteer companies now existing in the City of Savannah, and belonging to the First Regiment. First Brigade, First Division, Georgia Militia, be and the same are hereby organized and erected into a separate Battalion, which shall he called the Independent Volunteer Battalion of Savannah and be no longer a part of the said First Regiment.

"2. That any other volunteer companies, of foot, which may hereafter be organized in the City of Savannah shall be attached to said battalion until the number of companies in said battalion shall be eight (8), when the said companies shall be organized and erected into a regiment which shall be called tiie 'Independent Volunteer Regiment of Savannah,' and said regiment shall not consist of less than eight (8) or more than fourteen (14) companies.

"3. That the said battalion shall be commanded by a Lieutenant- Colonel who shall be elected by the members of the companies composing said battalion, in the manner prescribed by the Militia Laws of this State, and commissioned by the Governor, and the said Lieutenant- Colonel shall be entitled to a staff as full and complete as if the said battalion were a regiment.

be elected and sworn, and perform the duties, exercise the powers, and be subject to the instructions prescribed by the Militia Laws now governing the First Regiment, First Brigade, First Division, Georgia Militia.

"6. That the said battalion shall be regulated by the Militia Laws of this State, so far as the said laws are compatible with the provisions of this Act; except, in addition to the regular annual parade, it shall be subject to the orders of the commanding officers at any and such other times as he may deem necessary or expedient, and the said battalion shall be exempt from the effect of all such laws as militate against the provisions of this Act."

At the time that law was enacted the first division of Georgia Militia was composed of the companies, in the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn. Liberty, McIntosh and AVavne, and the volunteer companies of Savannah were a part of the first regiment of the first brigade in the division.

Upon the organizing of the Oglethorpe Light Infantry and its becoming a part of that military organization the law providing for a regiment became effective, and, with eight companies the First Independent Volunteer Regiment of Savannah was formed. Then the law was attended so that under the first section the regiment became "The First Volunteer Regiment of the State of Georgia, authorized to consist of as many infantry corps formed in Savannah as might choose to accept the conditions attached to the joining of the regiment. Under the second section the full field and staff were provided for. Section 3 provided that the rights and privileges accruing to the regiment should not +'ai 1 through the consolidation of two or more companies, or the withdrawal or dissolution of one or more companies, but that the same should vest in and be enjoyed by the corps comprising the Volunteer Regiment. And Section 4 took the regiment from the First Brigade of Georgia Militia, placing it under command of its own officers."

Col. Joseph W. Jackson was Savannah's mayor in 1826. and lie was ably supported by a board of aldermen composed of Messrs. Charles Harris, James Proctor Screven, Edward Harden. A. J. C. Shaw, Charles Gildon, John Spellman. Thomas Clark. Michael Brown. William Clifford Wayne, William Thorne Williams, Moses Sheftall, George Shick and James Morrison.

Colonel Jackson was again chief magistrate in 1827 with Thomas Clarke, J. P. Screven, A. J. C. Shaw. G. Shick, and W. T. Williams of the old board, while the places of the other aldermen were filled by Messrs. Geo. W. Anderson, L. S. D'Lyon, J. P. Henry, Win. P. Hunter, II. McLeod, I. Minis, Geo. W. Owens'and Samuel B. Parkman.

Col. William Thorne Williams became mayor in 1828, with a board of aldermen whose names follow: Richard R. Cuvier, William R. Waring, Geo. W. Owens, William Law, A. J. C. Shaw, Moses Sheftall. Tims. Clarke, J. P. Screven, A. J. C. Shaw. G. Shick, and W. T. Williams Wayne, Jos. W. Jackson and F. II. Welman.

Again in 1829 Col. W. T. Williams was elected mayor, backed by Aldermen W. R. Waring, J. B. Gaudry, G. W. Owens, M. Brown, Geo, W. Anderson, Geo. Sbiek, R. R. Cuvier, F. II. Welman. Tlios. Clarke, Chas. Gildon. Samuel Hiller Bond, Jacob Shaffer and Moses Sheftall.

Savannah honored Dr. Win. R. Waring in 1830 by placing him at the head of the city government, and ids colleagues were Aldermen Thos. Clarke, G. W. Owens, Geo. Shirk, I. Minis, J. B. Gaudry, A. J. C. Shaw. F. Densler, James Eppinger, Wm. Morel, Jno. II. Ash, Amos Scudder and F. H. Welman.

For the second time Dr. Waring served as mayor in 1831, when the aldermanie board comprised Messrs. Geo. Shirk. Jas. Eppinger, Geo. W. Owens, Richard Dennis Arnold, Jacob Shaffer, F. H. Welman, I. Minis, Thomas Clarke, A. J. C. Shaw, J. B. Gaudry, F. Densler, Amos Scudder and John H. Ash.

Mr. Geo. W. Owens succeeded Mayor Waring in 1832 with a board composed of Aldermen Geo. Shick, Thos. Clarke, Jas. Eppinger, Jno. II. Ash, Jacob Shaffer, F. Densler, W. T. Williams, Amos Scudder, A. J. C. Shaw, Thos. Purse, Wm. Robertson, E. De La Motta and Richard D. Arnold.

Col. William Thorne Williams was again called to the mayoralty in 1833, when services were rendered as aldermen by the following named gentlemen: Jacob Shaffer, Jas. Eppinger, Wm. Washington Gordon, Jos. W. Jackson, Thos. Purse, Thos. Clarke, Phineas Miller Kolloek. A. J. C. Shaw, Nicholas J. Bayard, Wm. Robertson. Geo. W. Owens and Jno. II. Ash.

Mayor William Washington Gordon sat at the head of the board of city fathers in 1834, with co-laborers of some experience, most of them having served before, namely, Thos. Clarke, Jacob Shaffer, Robt. Milledge Charlton, Geo. W. Owens, Wm. II. Cuvier. Thos. Purse, Adam Cope, Henry McAlpin, Amos Scudder, Chas. S. Henry, P. M. Ivollock, A. J. C. Shaw, and Matthew Hopkins.

Central Railroad Of Georgia

Survey from Savannah to Macon - Macon Depot Opened for Business - 'William Vt. Gordon, First President - First Year's Operations - Celebrating the Completion to Macon - Connecting Savannah with Augusta - Ocmulgee and Flint River Railroad - The Monroe Railroad - Status of Railroads in 1842 - Memorial to AV. AV. Gordon - The Savannah Hospital.

Georgia was not slow in giving encouragement to the building of railroads, and the Central Railroad of Georgia was among those built at an early date in America. The account of the early history and building of that enterprise given in the "Statistics of the State of Georgia" by the Rev. George White, is so well done that it is here given as it appears in that work :

"In the report of L. O. Reynolds, Esq., Chief Engineer of the Central Railroad, there is much information in regard to this work achieved in a comparatively short period 'under the most discouraging circumstances and in the face of a doubting public.'

"In the summer and fall of 1834, an experimental survey was made under the direction of Colonel Cruger, at the request and cost of the City of Savannah, to ascertain the practicability, and approximate the cost of constructing a railroad from this City to Macon. The survey was made and the practicability of the road demonstrated. In April, 1836, the company was formed, and preparations made for commencing the road without delay. The line leaves the depot in the southwestern part of Savannah, and continues straight X. 77 deg. 10 min. AV. for 13 miles - then curving slightly to the left, on a radius of 150,000 feet, it approaches within a mile and a half of the Ogeechee, then bending to the right, on a curve of 5,000 feet radius, it follows tin' general direction of that river, and at a mean distance of about three miles from it. through the flat lands of Effingham County, until it reaches the County of Screven; then taking the hammocks bordering on the river swamp, it follows them to Brinson's Alii 1 Creek; then takes the valley of this creek which leads out from the river; having passed around ParamOre

Hill, and across Buck Head Creek, the line again resumes the river flats, and continues over them through the County ot' Burke, crossing the Ogeechee at the point before mentioned about 12 miles from Louisville. From this point it follows the valley of Williamson's Swamp, and crosses that stream near the Double Bridges, then taking the southernmost of the two southern prongs ascends the summit of the ridge separating the waters of the Ogeechee from those of the Oconee, which ridge it crosses about 2y2 miles south of Sandersville. Having passed the summit, the line goes along the valley of a prong of the head branches of the Ohoopee for a short distance; then along the head of Sand Hill Creek by which a descent is made to the Oconee river. This river is gained near a spot called 'Rag Point,' three miles above the mouth of Commissioner's Creek, and 16 or 18 miles below Milledgeville. The river swamp is here about one mile wide on the E., and two miles on the W. The grade is here supported at a mean height of about 16 feet above the level of the swamp for about three miles; one-third of this distance is of trestle work, and the remainder of embankment.

"The river is crossed by a bridge 266 feet long, supported by stone abutments and a pier in the center. Having passed the Oconee river, the road proceeds near the mouth of Commissioner's Creek, and then crosses the south side of this creek, and follows its valley for 26 miles; then leaving it. the road passes, by a cut of 31 feet, the highest point of land it crosses being about 500 feet above tide water, into a prong of Big Sandy Creek; following this stream about two miles it crosses it, and takes another branch of the same creek which it keeps for about the some distance; then crossing the main branch of Sandy Creek, it ascends to the summit between the Oconee and Ocmulgee rivers; then following a branch of Swift Creek for a mile and a half, it crosses the main creek; then taking another branch of Swift Creek, it reaches Boggy Branch which leads it to the Valley of the Ocmulgee. After reaching the river valley about three miles below the city of Macon, it keeps along the low grounds, and enters the river swamp near the great mound, and terminates at East Macon, the whole distance being 190 miles 3,900 feet.

"The road was extended to Macon on the 13th of October, 1843, and the Macon depot was opened for regular business on the 1st of November following.

"The superstructure of the road for the distance of one hundred miles is laid with the common plate rail. This has become much worn by the heavy increase of tonnage which the road has sustained for the past year, and the Directors, availing themselves of the present low price of iron, have ordered a sufficient quantity of heavy rails to re-lay the whole of this part of the road.

"A considerable quantity of the new iron is already received and is now being laid down. When this shall have been accomplished the efficiency and capacity of the road for business will be much improved.

"The work on this road is done in a superior manner. The arrangements for the comfort of passengers are surpassed by few roads in the United States.

*'The conductors, some of whom have been in the service of the company from its commencement, have acquired an enviable reputation for their courtesy and attention to passengers.

"The first President, William W. Gordon. Esq., is justly entitled to the gratitude of the citizens of Georgia for the great interest which he took in this enterprise. With industry which nothing could weary; with a spirit undaunted by opposition; and with talents which eminently qualified him for the direction of a work of this character, he devoted bis whole time to the duties of his office.

"Richard R. Cuvier, Esq., the present President of the company, is a gentleman to whom much credit is due for his indefatigable attention to the interests of the road.

"We cannot, in justice to another officer of this company, conclude this notice without mentioning the name of L. 0. Reynolds, Esq., Chief Engineer, who has faithfully performed his duty to the company from its very beginning.

is one year since the charge of the operation of this department was committed to me, and I now have the honor to present you a report of the same.

"It is proper that I should first state the progress that had been made, and the condition of the work at the time it was placed under my direction.

"In the summer and fall of 1834, an experimental survey was made under the direction of Col. [Alfred] Cruger, at the request and cost of the city of Savannah, to ascertain the practicability, and at a moderate cost, of what we have since denominated the 'Northern Route.' A full report has been published, with which you and the public generally are well acquainted.

"In April, 1836. this company was organized, and preparations made for commencing operations without delay. A chief engineer was appointed, and under his order a more minute and careful examination of the 'Northern Route' was commenced at Macon on the loth of September of that year, by a party under my direction. The Board of Directors as well as the stockholders were by a large majority in favor of this Route, in preference to one further South, provided it could lie pursued without too great a sacrifice of distance and expense.

"The general features of the Route of this second survey were similar to the first, with such variations as a knowledge of the county, gathered from the first examination, suggested.

"In the southwestern part of the City is our Depot, a tract of five acres, which was bestowed on the Company by the City Council of Savannah."

At the time of the agitation of the question of building the road Mr. Wm. W. Gordon was mayor of Savannah, and was deeply interested in the project. On account of his interest and his investment in the stock of the company he was elected not only a director hut the first president of the corporation. As mayor he was, on the 10th of January, 1835, authorized to learn from capitalists on what terms the city could "borrow money based on its good faith and its interest in the undertaking." A resolution was offered in council on the 19th of February of the same year, pledging the city to a subscription for 5,000 shares of stock; and the citizens of Mac-on, in public meeting, authorized the city council "to transfer all the title and interests and control which the corporation of Macon has in and to a charter for a railroad or canal granted by the legislature of Georgia in the year 1833, to the corporation of the city of Savannah, provided that should the city authorities of Macon offer to and secure to the city of Savannah within eighteen months from the time of said transfer a good and sufficient security, to be adjudged so by the city authorities of Savannah, for stock in said railroad or canal to the amount of 8200.000, then and in that event the city authorities of Macon shall become and be entitled to all the rights, benefits and privileges to which the corporation of the city of Macon would have been entitled under the before recited Act as though no such transfer had been made." The city council of Savannah did not agree to that proposition, but did secure the rights controlled by Macon without such restrictions as were proposed. A report was made to the Savannah city council by a special committee to which belonged Mayor Gordon and aldermen Thomas Purse, Wm. II. Cuvier and Amos Scudder, showing a most prosperous condition of Savannah's affairs, and that the time was ripe "for undertaking work which, although involving a heavy expenditure in the first instance, cannot fail to place this city in a high rank and to give the citizens of this state those facilities to a marked degree which are so much needed. Macon is not in a condition to participate, and Savannah is thrown on its own resources. It can offer to capitalists disposed to a safe investment of money such security as will make a loan of the same which the city is pledged to subscribe. If books are opened this committee felt assured many citizens would subscribe and sufficient soon be taken to authorize the commencement of the work." On opening the subscription book it was required that the sum of five dollars a share should be paid on all shares taken at the time subscriptions were entered. Mayor Gordon was authorized to enter the city as a subscriber for 5,000 shares. A charter was obtained for the company, and at first opposition was made to the granting of banking powers to the concern, but finally the legislature passed the requisite measure, and on the 14th of December, 1835, a meeting of council was held to hear a letter from the mayor giving the joyful news of the passage of the act, and the Exchange was that night illuminated in honor of the event.

On the 6th of October, 1843, the mayor and aldermen as well as the citizens of Savannah, were invited to Macon to attend a festival there given to celebrate the completion of the Central Railroad to that city. A committee of the Savannah council attended. This was' what the Macon Telegraph of the 21st of May, 1839, had to say about Savannah's part in the completion of the road: "After a long and almost fatal slumber old Yamacraw has at length put out her front, determined to go ahead. She had slumbered so long it was almost feared by her friends they might as well provoke the river to run up' stream as to arouse her ' into action. * * * But Savannah once aroused it requires no mighty effort to keep her on the qui vice. Since the commencement of this gigantic Central Railroad other works, scarcely less imposing, have been accomplished, are in progress, or under consideration. She has erected a number of splendid public buildings, she has put several additional steam mills in operation, she has established various steam packet lines, she proposes to construct one expensive bridge across the Savannah river, etc., etc. Had she shown the same spirit, possessed the same enterprise, twenty years ago, she would now have been at the very head of Southern Cities."

The project for connecting Savannah with Macon by railroad having proved to be popular and successful, the next step proposed was to connect Savannah with Augusta in the same way. That design was set on foot bv action of the city council of Savannah on the 6th of June, 1839, in giving to Mayor Robert M. Charlton power to confer with the mayor of Augusta as to the propriety of subscribing for stock in the Waynesborough Railroad, but that action was taken only after a favorable consideration of the matter by the citizens of Savannah in public meeting. The city council of Augusta was requested to unite with Savannah in a memorial to the legislature asking the state for a loan to each city of $100,000 to be invested in the proposed railroad, and to that proposition Augusta consented with the understanding that no investment should be made by her unless by consent of her council, but Savannah, in proposing it, demanded that the Chatham county representatives prepare the bill so as to provide that the scrip could only be used for that one purpose, and that should either city refuse to perfect or to commence the proposed work within a time limited it should forfeit its right to use the scrip which in that case should be for the use of the city not so in default.

Late in the year 1842 Savannah's citizens recommended that the council extend its help to the Ocmulgee & Flint River Railroad to the extent of indorsing that company's note for $5,000. That was done, and another meeting of citizens was held in October at which the city was urged to subscribe for $50,000 of the stock of the Monroe Railroad and Banking Company, to be paid in bonds of Savannah. The road so named was intended to connect the Central Railroad with the Western & Atlantic, known as the Georgia State Railroad, giving Savannah, through the Central, uninterrupted communication to the Tennessee river. The result was that an ordinance was passed authorizing t lie issue of bonds to the amount of $50,000 to aid said railroad. In November, 1843, it was reported to council that the Monroe Railroad had been built to Griffin, sixty-one miles and that forty-one miles more would make it connect with the Western & Atlantic at Whitehall. Then it was stated that a branch road from Rome to the State road, about seventeen miles long, was in process of construction, then reaching a point seventeen miles above the terminus of the State road at the Etowah river. The report stated that ''when the State road is extended through this seventeen miles the Rome road will lie put in operation,- and this will put Savannah within sixty miles of the Tennessee river. A fair prospect is opened up of a communication with the great West, the great object of our hopes, which is to crown our labors with complete success. It becomes the city to preserve her credit by the imposition of the necessary taxation and her citizens to bear these burdens with cheerfulness under the assurance that they are but temporary, and that they have been created for the wise purpose of increasing in the end their wealth, prosperity and happiness, and of elevating the city of their affections to the position of greatness and renown which nature intended her to fill."

In 1843 the Flint & Oemulgee- River Railroad proposed to mortgage its road and pledge its receipts to the city of Savannah to secure the payment of bonds amounting to $100,000 which Savannah was asked to guarantee, that amount to be used to complete the road: but council refused to grant the request after hearing the report of a committee appointed December 14th of that year.

In 1845 the Monroe Railroad was levied on and was advertised to be sold in order to satisfy executions against it to the extent of $135,000; and the representative of Savannah, Mr. L. (X Reynolds, reported on the 15th of May, that it had been decided to let the sale take place for the purpose of re-organization which meant the loss of Savannah's $50,000, or as Mr. Reynolds stated it, "an entire sacrifice of the amount paid by the city. "

While on the subject of the interest of Savannah in railroads, the following paragraph from the report of ex-governor Wilson Lumpkin, agent of the Western & Atlantic Railroad, to the legislature of Georgia, dated November 4, 1842, may lie of interest to the reader:

"Notwithstanding the extraordinary times through which we have passed, and the embarrassments thereby brought upon railroad companies, in common with the rest of the community, nevertheless, the companies most intimately connected with our state enterprise have still persevered and progressed. In the course of twelve months, it is claimed that the Central and Monroe railroads will he in complete operation, and the fifty-two miles of the eastern portion of the Western & Atlantic Railroad being in operation, will give to our people a continuous line of railroad of 350 miles, commencing at our largest sea port, Savannah, and running diagonally through the state to the rich and beautiful valleys of northwestern Georgia. The fifty-two miles of the State Road being in operation, will be able to sustain itself under proper management, as soon as it is intersected by a road from the Atlantic. The Central and Monroe Railroads are entitled to all the aid and encouragement which the State may be able to extend them. The State' now has a direct interest in their speedy completion. And the Georgia Railroad will certainly be completed at a day not far distant. The importance of that work, its present progress, and the enterprise and capital enlisted in its accomplishment, insures its speedy success. Of the speedy and ultimate completion of these roads I do not entertain a doubt. It is true that the state, as well as private stockholders in such works, is at this time severely pressed, and a state of despondency overspreads the minds of many of our most valuable citizens. Nevertheless, the state of our common country will be permanently benefited and elevated in character by the present sacrifices of our enterprising and patriotic citizens. The name of Gordon, in connection with the Central Railroad, will live in honor on the pages of Georgia's history so long as the English language shall be read ; and the patriotic and successful exertions of Hearing and Griffin, in accomplishing so much in carrying forward the Georgia and Monroe Railroads, will survive any detraction from their efficient services in connection with these works."

The reference in the foregoing to the services of William Washington Gordon in connection with the successful enterprise of the Central Railroad of Georgia, now known as the "Central of Georgia Railway." furnishes a fit occasion for the recital of the facts as to the building of a monument in memory of that gentleman by the company which he so faithfully served. Having determined, though tardily, to erect such a monument, the city council, on the 21st of December, 1881, on appeal from the directors, granted to the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia permission "to erect in the center of Wright square a memorial monument to the late William W. Gordon, first President of that Company." The monument stands on the very spot where history records the body of the great Indian Chief Tomo-chi-chi. friend of Oglethorpe and of Georgia, was interred on the 5th of October, 173!).

The monument is one of beauty, and is greatly admired by visitors - to our "forest city." It was placed in position in 1883, and on the south side a panel bears this inscription: "In Memory of William Washington Gordon. Born June 17, 17!)t). Died March 20. 1842.

"The Pioneer in works of internal improvement in his native State, and President of the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia, to which he gave his time, his talents, and, finally, his life."

Shortly after the death of Air. Gordon his services in connection with the road were thus referred to by Chief Engineer L. 0. Reynolds in his report for the year 1842: "The steadiness and determination with which he pursued the great object of benefiting his native state and this City, and promoting their prosperity, ought to give his name a place among the most distinguished of public benefactors. It was an object which was remembered in his latest aspirations to heaven, but a few moments before he yielded up his spirit to Him who gave it."

Among the "public buildings referred to as having been built in Savannah about this time by the Macon Telegraph, quoted a little farther back, was the Savannah Poor House and Hospital, now known as the Savannah Hospital. As early as 1795, it was deemed necessary that a hospital should be built in the city, and a lottery was authorized to raise the means for such an institution. In the month of February, 1803, commissioners were appointed by the justices of the inferior court to build a Seaman's Hospital and Poor House on a lot granted by council, and in 1805 the city donated the sum of $3,000, with which to purchase a building. The mayor and one alderman were appointed to attend to that business, and the money was spent in the purchase of a house from Dr. Lemuel Kolloek. A petition was sent to the legislature in 1809, signed by council, asking for a charter for the hospital, and it is known that in the year 1811, as many as 240 persons were inmates or treated as patients, and that of the total number "131 were cured, 8 were taken out by the collector [of the port], 5 relieved, 5 left the hospital, 29 remained at the close of the year, 19 were out-of-door patients, and 43 died."

Authority was given by the legislature in 1815 for three lotteries for the benefit of the hospital. In 1817 the managers, through Hr. L. C. Dunning, their chairman, asked for aid to build a new edifice, and the appeal brought a contribution from the city of $4,000.

In 1791, lots thirty-three and thirty-four, Washington ward on Broughton street, were granted to a hospital by an ordinance dated January 12th, and those lots were held until March 10, 1817, when council authorized the president and managers of t he poor house and hospital to sell them so as to increase the fund for putting up a new building. The managers, in 1818, asked the city to grant to them certain lots in Brown ward. That was in January. In June the Georgia Medical Society asked council to set apart five acres of land for building an institution of the kind under consideration, specifying a spot either near the Fair Lawn tract (now the location of the East Broad Street Colored School) or in the western part of the city, and three aldermen were appointed to act with the committee of the society in choosing a - site which it was understood the city would pay for. The persons so authorized reported on the 29th, that they had selected a site on which the hospital was finally built, and from that time the history of the institution was marked with a variety of misfortunes. The building was erected in 1819, and "in 1852 in order to carry out the plan of

Forsyth ward it became necessary to exchange some land for other. As a result, on May 6, an ordinance was passed to exchange certain parts of the public domain then occupied by the Savannah Poor House and Hospital for an equivalent on certain conditions. Mayor Arnold was authorized to execute a conveyance to the Poor House and Hospital of the domain between Gaston street on the north, and Huntingdon on the south, Abercorn on the east and Drayton on the west, in consideration of the relinquishment of all and every claim by it to any portion of the public property or domain of the city of Savannah, and on the express condition that the lands therein before described and directed to be conveyed should never be improved or used for the purpose of pecuniary profit, or for any other purpose than the care and comfort of the poor and sick according to the charitable intentions of the founders of the Poor House and Hospital, and on the further condition that the said land should not be in any manner subject to the debts contracts or engagements of the said Savannah Poor House and Hospital, but in case that corporation should at any time attempt to sell or in any way encumber the said lands, or in case of the insolvency or dissolution of the said corporation, the said land and all the improvements thereon should at once revert to the Mayor and Aldermen of the City of Savannah."

The institution was incorporated in 1835, and in 1877 the buildings were re-modeled so as to make an almost new affair, and it is managed entirely by its directors, relying for its support mainly on the interest upon its investments, but receiving annual appropriations from the city of Savannah and Chatham county.

Newspaper Mention of Boat - Statements by Francis Sorrel, Agent - Advertising the Fatal Trip - First News of Disaster - Poem on the Lost "Pulaski."

The summer of 1838 had scarcely begun when Savannah, in common with other communities of the South, was called upon to mourn over the results of one of the greatest disasters she has ever known. The recent sinking of the new and powerful steamship "Titanic," is fresh in the minds of the people of all the world, and the loss of life by her destruction brought pain and sorrow to the whole world because of the fact that her passenger list included citizens of prominence, not from one particular locality, but from many places. The loss of the steamer "Pulaski," in June. 1838. was a disaster which, though small in comparison with the destruction of life by the sinking of the "Titanic," taken in connection with the percentage of loss of life of Savannah citizens, caused a greater degree of mourning among our own people than can be shown by any single city whose citizens went down in the latter.

The steamer "Pulaski" was mentioned several times during the latter part of 1837 by the Savannah Georgian when news was printed in that paper, as having been received through the arrival at Charleston of that vessel from Baltimore. In the shipping news of that paper on Monday, February 26. 1838, it was announced that the "Pulaski" had arrived at Savannah two days before, in eight hours, and in the editorial column this item appeared: "By the steamer 'Pulaski.' Capt. Dubois,

"From a passenger we learn that the boat left the wharf at 9 o'clock precisely - passed the outer buoy at 12 minutes before 10 - lost sight of the light (the atmosphere being smoky) at 25 minutes before 11 o'clock - made Tybee light ten minutes before 3, and passed the bar at five minutes past 3 o'clock, and reached the city quarter before 5; making seven hours and three-quarters from Charleston to Savannah. We also learn that but for the strong current in our river the boat would have reached the city half an hour earlier."

The next we hear of that new steamer is through the following, taken from the Georgian of March 1, 1838: "We are rejoiced to learn from the following communication that this splendid steam packet, identified in name, as her owners are in affection and in interest, with our soil, is not to leave our waters except to hear from or to our wharves the traveler for pleasure or for business. As a regular packet between this city and New York, via Charleston, inducements will be held out in her superior accommodations to the citizen or stranger, which must make them prefer a conveyance in which speed and comfort are combined. Her recent voyage from Charleston evinces -her power in the water, while a visit to the steamer will convince all of the superiority of her accommodations.

"We cherish this noble steamboat as a standard of that spirit which in 'enterprises of great pith and moment' will not 'lose the name of action,' but increase until Savannah in her prosperous state - her great railroad, and her splended steam vessels, will silence the idle taunts of jealous scribblers. As the "Pulaski" will not probably commence her trips to New York until April, we suggest, for the consideration of the directors, a trip or more to Charleston or elsewhere, on a pleasure excursion, in which we expect many would participate."

"The long mooted question of the future destiny of this splendid steam packet has been finally settled. The directors, with patriotism worthy of citizens of Savannah, have assumed the responsibility entrusted to them bv the stockholders of running the boat and employing her according to the letter and spirit of the act of incorporation, as a means of communication between this city. Charleston, and New York. With our railroad on one hand, and steam packets on the other, who shall fix the limit to the rapid increase of our beautiful city in population, and in wealth ? To the directors we would say, well done! 'All's well that ends well.' "

The next time the steamer is mentioned is in an advertisement of the "agent and treasurer of the Sav. and Charleston Steam Packet Company." Francis Sorrel, in the newspaper of March 12th, announced that she would leave Savannah "on the 14th, at 9 o'clock a. m. precisely and return the day after, or remain in Charleston one day," provided "a sufficient number of passengers offer:" and the shipping news next day recorded as having departed "Steamboat Pulaski, Dubois, Charleston." She returned to Savannah on Friday, the 16th, in seven hours. After making several round trips to Charleston, in the nature of excursions, the company determined to place her regularly on the line from Savannah to Baltimore, including the stop at Charleston, and we take the following from the announcement to that effect as advertised in the Georgian, beginning April 10, 1838 : "For Charleston and Baltimore. 'Steamer Pulaski,' Capt. Dubois.

"For the greater convenience and despatch of travellers going north and south, the Savannah and Charleston Steam Packet Company have built at Baltimore a splendid Steamer called the "Pulaski.' No expense has been spared to have a vessel to answer the purpose she is intended to accomplish. Her engine is one of the best ever made in this Country, of 225 horse-power: her boilers are of the best copper, and of great strength. She lias ample accommodations, and everything that is requisite for the comfort of passengers. Her qualities as a sea vessel, for ease, safety, and speed, are superior to any steamer that ever floated on the American waters. This superb steamer will begin her regular trips to Baltimore, touching at Charleston, on Wednesday, 2d day of Hay next, and on every other Wednesday thereafter, from Baltimore and from Savannah. The "Pulaski' will run as follows" - - then is given the schedule up to the ISth of July when she was to leave Baltimore coming south, and ending with the words '"and so on during the season." The schedule was strictly adhered to until Wednesday, the 13th of June, 1S38, when she departed from Savannah in the afternoon, arrived at Charleston on time, took on passengers and left for Baltimore, which place she never reached, for reasons which will be shortly given.

On the 14th of May a communication signed by Mr. Francis Sorrel, agent of the "Pulaski," appeared, in which he begged leave to assure the public, on the statement of Captain Dubois and several of the passengers who were on board the "Pulaski," that during the whole passage [from Baltimore to Savannah] the steam was never raised above twenty-six inches, and more frequently not above sixteen to nineteen inches, whereas she could with the greatest safety carry thirty inches. * * * The directors are unwilling that the "Pulaski' should ever be

He went on to say in regard to the rivalry between the owners of the "Georgia" and those of the "Pulaski"; "It will be borne in mind that the present position of the two boats before the public was not sought by the Savannah and Charleston Steam Packet Co. * * * It must be obvious to all that the course pursued by the owners of the 'Georgia' is to compel all other boats to subserve the interest of their monopoly to the Chesapeake Bay. It would be needless for the owners of the 'Pulaski' to change her day of departure, which they would do at once, and thus remove every apprehension as to any race being run; but it is known on good authority that the agent at Charleston has positive instructions to alter the day for the 'Georgia' to any day and hour that may be fixed upon for the 'Pulaski.' Further comments are unnecessary. - Francis Sorrel, Agent."

This matter was further written up by the Georgian on the 19th of May when a long editorial appeared, showing the determination of the owners of the "Georgia" to keep up the fight on the "Pulaski." The article is too long to lie reproduced. Gut it began with the statement: "The owners of the "Georgia' steam packet have greatly mistaken their own interest in ordering that boat to start, as advertised, on 'the same day and hour with the " 'Pulaski.' " It is a contempt of public opinion which the public will resent, for there is no blinking the matter; it is well known that the object is monopoly. * * * The contest between

'Pulaski.' As appears by their publication in the Courier, were they to change the day for the departure of their boat, the orders are for the 'Georgia' to alter her day accordingly, to ensure the race."

On the 28th of May, the Georgian announced that "The steam packet 'Georgia' will not hereafter leave Charleston at the same hour with the 'Pulaski,' but in the afternoon. The advertisement published in our columns speaks of the 'superior speed of the Georgia.' We doubt it, and were the owners of the 'Pulaski' willing to endanger the lives of the officers and crew for a temporary gratification, we doubt not a purse could soon be made up to test the 'superiority.' But other motives actuate them, and she will continue to run as a safe packet for the convenience of the public."

In the same issue appeared the advertisement in these words: "For Baltimore, via Charleston - Only one night at sea, and passing Cape Hatteras by day light, the new and splendid steamer 'Pulaski,' Capt. Dubois, is now receiving engagements for passage to Charleston and Baltimore. She will leave here preciselv at 6 o'clock on WEDNESDAY MORNING, 30th inst.

It happened that on the 30th of May the tide made it necessary for the "Pulaski" to "drop down below the wrecks previous to her time of departure" and that the steamboat Florida had to be engaged to take the passengers down in order to board the "Pulaski" there; and that was the last successful trip of the ill-fated steamer. She reached Baltimore on Saturday, June 4th, making the run from Charleston in 4S hours. On the return trip they reached Savannah June 10th, making Charleston from Baltimore in 46 Y-> hours and running from Charleston to Savannah in 7 hours.

The advertisement of the leaving for the north on the 13th of June - her fatal trip - contained the statement of her being "only one night at sea," coupled with the announcement that persons could secure "passage to Charleston and Baltimore, and also to Philadelphia, as an arrangement has been made with the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Rail Road Company to carry passengers of this boat in the ears that leave Baltimore only at half past six and half past nine in the morning, and arrives at Philadelphia in six hours."

On Thursday, June 14th, the Georgian printed the following list of "Passengers tier steam packet 'Pulaski,' for Baltimore and Charleston - Mrs. Nightingale and servant, Mrs. Fraser and child, Mrs. Wilkins and child, Mrs. Win. Maekav, child and servant. Mrs. Wagner, child and servant, Miss A. Parkman, Miss C. Parkman. Miss 4'. Parkman. Mrs. Hutchinson, two children and servant, Mrs. Lamar. Miss R. Lamar. Miss M. Lamar, Miss R. J. Lamar, Miss E. Lamar, Miss C. Lamar, Mrs. Dunham, Mrs. Cummings and servant. Mrs. Stewart and servant, Mrs. Woart, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Williamson, Messrs. S. B. Parkman. G. B. Lamar, C. Lamar, \V. Lamar. T. Lamar, R. Hutchinson, R. Brower. Dr. Wilkins, S. Livermore, B. W. Fosdiek, II. Eldridge, C. Ward, G. Ilunt- ington, J. II. Couper, Col. Dunham, Rev. E. Crofts, H. B. Nichols, A. Lovejoy, L. Bird, W. W. Foster, Dr. Cummings, Dr. Stewart, J. L. Woart, Col. Hodson, \V. A. Stewart, Dr. Ach, A. Hamilton, S. Alii ler, R. \V. Pooler, R. \V. Pooler, jr., W. Robertson, A. Stanchfield, Carter, Burns, Maj. J. P. Heath, and Master Parkman; for Charleston, Messrs. J. Middletown, King, Travers, M. II. [McAllister, Goddard, and others."

The first news of the terrible disaster was received in Savannah on the 20th of June, and the Georgian of the 21st appeared in deep mourning, with this editorial:

"We hasten to lay before our readers all the information received in regard to a calamity which has befallen our city, but one the parallel to which we have never before been called on to announce. We have no words to express our feeling. Sympathy even for the survivors of those who have perished would be poor consolation in this the hour of their bereavement.

"Our city has sustained a loss which years cannot efface. Many families have been suddenly whelmed in sorrow, we mourn the valued companions ami bosom friends of yesterday, while our whole city sympathize, deeply sympathize, with the survivors.

"Other sections of our state, as well as our sister city - Charleston - were great sufferers on this melancholy occasion. The boat was uncommonly full, near sixty having probably embarked at Charleston, besides the large number from this city.

"Some of our most respected and valuable citizens, principally engaged in commercial pursuits, and others retired from business, have, we fear, met a watery grave, for, many of them having most of, if not all, the members of their families with them, they were compelled to share their fate.

"Letters received from Capt. K. W. Pooler and Col. Kobertson, of this city, by yesterday's mail, confirm this heart-rending intelligence, while they announce their own safety, that of Capt. Pooler's son and of Mr. J. Hamilton Couper, and ladies under his charge, Mrs. Nightingale and Mrs. Fraser, of St. Simon's, who are mentioned with others, in the Charleston and Wilmington extras, as saved.

"We must await anxiously further tidings, and trust that surviving friends may still be allowed to hail the deliverance of some cherished relative or friend from the fated wreck who may have been picked up by the vessels or reached the shore on pieces of the wreck." Then the Georgian inserted a postscript from the Charleston Courier, dated June lit, S A. M.. with headlines in large capitals worded: "Awful Steamboat Accident!!! Loss of the Steam Packet, Pulaski, and the destruction of between 160 and 170 Lives."

The account further stated that "at 11 o'clock on the night of the 14th inst. one of her boilers exploded with such violence as to destroy the whole of the midship of the boat, including so much of the hull that the water rushed in with such violence as to sink her in three-quarters of an hour." The account to the paper had been sent from a point ten miles south of New River Inlet, North Carolina, and, continuing, said: "Two small yawls with 2:1 persons, after remaining three-quarters of .an hour near the wreck to pick up as many of the sufferers as they could safely carry, in landing near this place yesterday evening, after losing five ol the number from the swamping of both of the boats in passing through the breakers.

The Wilmington Advertiser , in an extra issued June 18th, gave an account of the disaster under headlines announcing the loss of the steamer "with a crew of 37, and 150 or 160 passengers."

Mr. Win. Robertson wrote from Stump Sound Coast, North Carolina, June 16th. a letter, in which he said "Of about 200 persons on board but 21 escaped from the wreck, of whom 5 afterwards perished in the surf on this miserable coast."

The Hon. Robert M. Charlton wrote a poem on the loss of the "Pulaski" which deserves, and shall have, a place here. He used to great advantage throughout the stanzas the words of the advertisement of the sailing of the vessel given as an inducement to travellers to take passage in her. The poem was sent to the Georgian accompanied with a letter explaining the circumstances which directed him in the writing of the lines. He wrote:

"In the advertisement which announced that the Steamer Pulaski was ready to convey passengers to her destined port a strong inducement held out was that she would be 'only one night at sea.' The terrible consequence of the 'one night' we all know and shudder at. The words I have alluded to were made the subject of a very forcible and eloquent commentary by the Rev. Edward Neufville, of Christ church, in a sermon delivered on the last Sabbath. An extract from that discourse was handed to me yesterday afternoon, with a request from a friend that I would give it a poetic form. I have complied, under the pressure of sterner duties, and with many misgivings that I have but faintly embodied the touching language of the reverend author."

Georgia Historical Society

In 1839 the Georgia Historical Society was organized, at the suggestion of Mr. Israel Keech Tefft, who had devoted many years of his life to the collection of autographs. He was joined by Dr. Richard D. Arnold and Dr. [afterwards Rt. Rev.] William Bacon Stevens.

In relating the facts connected with the society's origin, in an address before that body on the 24th of July, 1871, Dr. Arnold said: "It was in the spring of this year that a new movement was inaugurated to establish another society, for the purpose of rescuing from oblivion the records of the past, and furnishing authentic data for the history of Georgia. The origin of this society is given so accurately and fairly by Dr., now the Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens, of Philadelphia, that I shall cpiote it as given by him in the appendix to the 2d volume of the Georgia Historical Collections:

" 'The necessity of some historical institution had long been felt by literary men, but no regular effort had ever been made for its establishment.

" 'The splendid autographical collection of I. Iv. Tefft, Esq., together with the many valuable documents in his possession pertaining to the colonial and revolutionary history of Georgia, suggested the importance of such a society, and it was immediately determined by Mr. Tefft and Mr. Wm, B. Stevens to proceed without delay to its foundation. This measure was first decided on towards the close of April. 1839. and at the suggestion of Mr. Tefft the latter endeavored to prepare t he way and awaken attention to the subject by two articles on Ibis topic, which appeared in the Savannah Georgian of .May following. These individuals were now joined by a third, Richard D. Arnold, M. D., and after many conferences as to the best method of procedure, they resolved to address

Continuing, Dr. Arnold said, "On the 24th of May, 1839, a meeting was held at the Savannah Library Society's room, in pursuance of a call made through that circular, which was signed by I. K. Tefft, R. D. Arnold and W. B. Stevens, for the purpose of organizing an Historical Society for the State of Georgia.

"To this list were added the names of twenty-seven gentlemen who were not able to be present, but who had signified their desire to cooperate and become members of the Society.

"The adjourned meeting took place on the 4th of June, 1839, and the Society was fully organized by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following officers:

"The Society immediately set to work to collect from every available source every document, Mss or printed, which could illustrate the history of Georgia. At the session of the Georgia Legislature of 1839 the Society' was duly' .incorporated, and it was made the custodian of the copies of the Mss in the State Paper office at London, relating to the early' history' of Georgia, which had been transcribed by the Rev. C. W. Howard as agent of the State."

The charter was assented to by Gov. Charles J. McDonald on the 17th of December, 1839, and in it the objects of the organization were set forth by declaring it to be "a society instituted in the City of Savannah for the purpose of collecting, preserving and diffusing information relative to the history of the State of Georgia in particular, and of American history generally."

In section 5 of the act of incorporation it was stipulated "that the Governor he and he is hereby authorized and requested to confide to the care and keeping of the proper officers of said Society the transcripts of the Colonial records lately taken by the Rev. C. \V. Howard in London, until further disposition of the same shall be made by the General Assembly.

It was further declared in the charter "that it should he the duty of the Governor of the State to transmit, or cause to be transmitted to the said Society a set ol the Acts and also of the journals of the present and future session of the legislature, and also conies of all other documents, papers, books, and pamphlets that shall hereafter be printed under, or by virtue of. an act of legislature, or joint resolution of both branches thereof, unless such act or resolution shall otherwise provide, and that the said Society may, by their agent or agents, have access at all reasonable times to the several public offices of this State, and at the corporate town and cities thereof, and may cause such documents to be searched, examined and copied without paying office fees as they may judge proper to promote the object of the Society."

Air. I. K. Tefft was the moving spirit in the forwarding that important and honorable institution, and it is conceded that the first proposition in that direction came from him. He was the first corresponding secretary of the society and served in that capacity until his death in IS62. It was evidently an oversight on Dr. Arnold's part to have omitted to say more than he did concerning that man and to accord to him the praise due his memory in the address from which we have quoted; but, convinced of his mistake, he took the occasion of the dedication of the society's new home, Hodgson Hall, on the 14th of February, 1876, to correct his error and to make Mr. Tefft the subject of a special address, in order, as he said, to "show the effect which his literary tastes had in securing him an honorable position during life, and affectionate memories after death."

In the course of his remarks Dr. Arnold mentioned several matters illustrating periods of historical interest to those who care for facts relating to Savannah; and what he said concerning Mr. Tefft 's connection with the newspaper called The Georgian is well worth reading. "On the 25th of November, 1818," said Dr. Arnold, "the first number of The Georgian was issued by Dr. .John M. Harney, an erratic son of genius, whose remarkable 'Curse upon Savannah' has given him an undying notoriety amongst us. Harney was a brilliant bohemian, and he exhausted the patience and the purses of his friends, which were both on a liberal scale."

Continuing, the speaker said: "Mr. Tefft saw his opportunity. The late distinguished actor. Harry James Finn, came to Savanfiah in the fall of 1818. in the dramatic company of Mr. Gilbert, when the present Savannah Theatre was first opened. That company was a bright galaxy of histronie talent. On the 21st of March, 1821, The Georgian appeared with the name of Tefft & Finn at its head.

"Mr. Finn did not continue long in his vocation as editor. He resumed his profession, and adopted an entirely new line of acting, and when ultimately death occurred, from his being burnt up on a steamer on Long Island Sound, he had acquired the reputation of the best representative of genteel comedy who had ever graced the American stage.

"Mr. T eft' t edited tlie paper alone for some time, when he sold it to Mr. George Robertson, who afterwards associated his brother. William Robertson, with him ; Mr. Tefft ever showing a lively interest in the prosperity of the paper, and my first intimacy with him commenced when, in January, 1833, l became joint editor and proprietor with my esteemed friend William II. Bulloch. In 1822 Mr.' Tefft entered the State Bank* as a clerk. He was gradually promoted to the tellership and finally to the eashiership, which latter office he held at the time of his death. He was elected cashier in 1848, and he died at his residence, southwest corner of Jones and Bull streets, on the 30th of June, 1862.

"When Mr. Tefft gave up The Georgian he did not give up his literary pursuits. He took an active part in trying to develop American literature, which we all know was then in its very cradle * * * His literary researches took the form of autographs. The collection of autographs, particularly those illustrating our Revolutionary history, became a passion with him. Quietly, unostentatiously, he worked this literary mine. Patience and perseverance reap their usual reward. Gradually he accumulated a rare and valuable collection. Ilis repu- -tation as a successful autograph collector became spread abroad. He had been particularly fortunate in his material for Revolutionary history. He had not obtained mere signatures, but very many long and interesting letters upon contemporary affairs from the hands of some of the most distinguished men of those times. His correspondence with various distinguished collectors in all parts of the cultivated world became extensive. His rich collection, as to Revolutionary matter, enabled him to supply his correspondents with many valuable originals- in exchange for others of a different era. Thus his autograph collection became one of great extent and value, and there was no individual in Savannah who had a more varied and extensive literary acquaintance than Mr. Tefft."

The reference in the above to Dr. Harney furnishes the opportunity to reproduce a l this point the curious but clever parting words of that eccentric character on his departure from the city whose people had treated him well, but from whom he wished to exact more than patience could endure.

Returning to the founding of the Georgia Historical Society, it seems proper that the names of the persons asking for a charter in the act of incorporation he here given. They were: John McPherson Berrien. James M. Wayne. Matthew Hall McAllister, 1. K. T elf t , Win. B. Stevens.

Again quoting from Dr. Arnold's sketch: "From the time of its organization in 1839, up to 1841, the Georgia Historical Society continued to hold its meetings in the room of the Savannah Library Society, on the northwest corner of Bay lane and Whitaker street.* It was the reading-room of the Library Society. This was done free of rent up to the first of February, 1843, when the Georgia Historical Society rented the room for its exclusive use."

The city of Savannah granted a lot to the society, known as No. 73 Liberty street, La Fayette ward, on the 28th of November, 1844, and exempted it from ground rent, but, on request, council passed an ordinance on the 6th of August, 1846, permitting the society to exchange it for another lot. Again, on the 22d of July, 1847. the city granted to the society the first mentioned lot. in LaFayette ward, in fee simple, but in the following month of August, permission was given to substitute the word Crawford for LaFayette, making the change only in the ward, the lot in Crawford corresponding in number and location with the former. Then the society disposed of it. and used the proceeds of sale in putting up a building of its own of which we will new give an account.

Doctor Arnold relates that, "In the spring of the year 1845, the attention of the Society was called by the President, the Hon. James M. Wayne, to the eligibility of what was known as the Custom House lot. which was owned by the United States Government, and was then covered by the debris of the brick building which had been burned in the great fire of 1820.

''The Society continued to meet at the room of the Savannah Library Society. In January, 1846. Dr. Arnold offered a resolution as to the practicability of purchasing the shares of the Savannah Library Society for the use of the Georgia Historical Society. * * *

"On the next anniversary, the 12th of February, 1847. the Society met at their new rooms in Owens' building, on Johnson's (better known as Monument) Square. It had been under the same roof with the Savannah Library Society for nearly eight years, and certainly had but a precarious pecuniary foothold. What was wanting in funds was made up by energy and perseverance.

''On June 14th, 1847, it was determined to purchase the Custom House lot, and means were ordered to be taken to raise the money "In the meantime the union of the two Societies had not been lost sight of. The ground was ready for the seed. The Library Society had literally sheltered the Georgia Historical Society for nearly eight years. Most of the shareholders in the former were also members of the Georgia Historical Society. It was the predominant feeling that the sphere of action of both societies would be widely extended thereby, and their usefulness consequently increased."

The Savannah Library Society was an old institution, organized as early as January 6, 1809. It had done a good work for Savannah, hut, according to the writer from whom we have so liberally quoted "that Society languished, in 1837 it nearly collapsed." and in 1847 its condition was very much like that of the Georgia Historical Society and at the meeting of the latter on the 14th of June, 1847, "the President (Judge Wayne) stated that, acting on a suggestion formerly made, he had proposed to the Savannah Library Society to form a union with this. A committee, consisting of Messrs. Win. Crabtree. Holmes Tupper. and Solomon Cohen, had been appointed by that Society to confer with any which might be appointed by them."

Following that statement, Doctor Arnold offered this resolution which was adopted: "Resolved, That the President appoint a committee of three, himself to be one, to confer with the committee of the Savannah Library Society, with full powers, to negotiate a union of the two Societies, and that they report at an ensuing meeting." With the president as chairman, Messrs. A. A. Swets and Edward J. Harden formed that committee.

"The two committees met and agreed upon a plan of union which was ratified by the Savannah Library Society at a meeting held on the 17th of June, 1847. and by the Georgia Historical Society, at a called meeting held July 12. 1847. Certain rights w< re reserved by the Library Society in case of the non-fulfilment by the Georgia Historical Society of certain conditions; but all the conditions imposed, and all t he obi i -rations entered into have been fulfilled, and as the union has lasted without a ripple * * * it may be fairly considered indissoluble." according to plans drawn by Architect Norris which was occupied by the society until 1871. when it was found too small for the large and steadily increasing library, and at that time the society leased Armory Hall, the property of the Chatham Artillery, from that company for five years, and the library was promptly removed, the books being placed on shelves specially made for them at considerable expense. Before the expiration of the lease the building erected for the society by Mrs. W. B. Hodgson as a memorial of her husband and named the W. B. Hodgson Hall was finished, and the books were again taken from their shelves in Armory Hall and carried to the elegant new building where they still remain.

The society has done good work in the matter of collecting and publishing "information relating to the history of the State of Georgia," as its charter provides, and it is now in as prosperous condition as it has ever been. The latest step taken by it in making it a means of education to the people was its agreement with the city of Savannah, in March, 1903, whereby its valuable library became a part of the free public library established at that time by the city government and now entirely supported by the latter.

Just before the founding of the Georgia Historical Society the building on Johnson square in which the congregation of Christ church worshiped", became unfit for use and was pulled down to make way for the present building which has since its erection in 1838, been remodeled. The edifice razed in 1838 had been injured by fire the previous year after having served as a place of worship from the year 1810. The Georgia Historical Society, as we have seen, purchased the lot near that church, on Johnson square, from the United States. The Right Rev. Bishop Stephen Elliott was made the first bishop of the Protestant Episcopal church in Georgia, and served also as rector of Christ church. He died suddenly on the 21st of December, 18G6, at which time he was the president of the Georgia Historical Society.

From the Georgian, Tuesday, February 27, 1838: "The interesting ceremony of laying the corner stone of the new edifice to be erected for the Congregation of Christ Church, was performed yesterday at 12 M. A very numerous assemblage walked in procession from the 'temporary building' in Court House square to the site of the Church, where, after the performance of appropriate religious exercises, the Rev. Edward Neufville, rector of the Church, who officiated on the occasion, made the following announcement :

"'In the name and in behalf of the wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, I deposite in a glass vessel, within this stone, a copy of the Holg Bible - of a volume which we hold next in estimation, to wit: the Book of Common Pragcr - a journal of the Convention of the Diocese of Georgia held in 1837 - the Ch arch man's Alamanac for 1838 - the newspapers of the dag - Sundrg Cains - and a roll of parchment containing the following inscriptions:

This corner stone laid (February 26th, 1838.) of a new edifice to be erected (according to a plan furnished by James Hamilton Couper, Esq. of Georgia,)

"After the placing of the stone, followed by a prayer, the singing of the last two verses of the 90th psalm, and a short address, the assembly was dismissed."

The fact that the steamship "Savannah" was the first vessel using steam to cross the Atlantic has been told so often and the circumstances attending the incident are so well known that it is strange to find that the story has been repeatedly desired and is still being called for. In some of the books written on the subject of steam navigation, although the truth is told in part, the statement is made that credit should not be given the story about the "Savannah" because a part of the time her sails were used in aiding her passage.

"The following we extract from the Baltimore American : 'An aricle has been going the routnls of the newspaper press in which it is state<l that the English steamer "City of Kingston, ' 'at present lying in our harbor, is the "first steam vessel that has ever erosseii the Atlantic.'' in this there is certainly a mistake. In the year 1818 or '1!', there was a steamship built in New York, called the "Savannah," which, after being supplied with her engines in New Jersey, proceeded to Savannah, Georgia, where she was owned. From Savannah she went under the command of Capt. Rogers to Liverpool, where she arrived after a passage of 22 days, during 14 of which her engines were in operation.

" 'From Liverpool she proceeded to St. Petersburg, and thence returned to Savannah. The experiment being found to be unprofitable, was not repeated. It will thus be seen that our own country lost the credit of- having been the first to apply steam machinery to the navigation of the Atlantic. As our Fulton was the first person whose ingenuity demonstrated the practicability of propelling vessels of large dimensions by steam, so it was reserved for our hardy and fearless seamen first to prove to northern Europe ami the world at large,, that even the stormy ocean that reaches the Russian strand could not check their enterprise nor cause their courage to quail. To some this may appear a matter of little moment, but we confess that as Americans we are always gratified to sustain the just claims of superiority to which our countrymen may be entitled.' "

In the year 1839. one of Savannah's historic buildings, of little pecuniary value, it is true, but with an interesting record, nevertheless, Was destroyed.

The year 1839 was in its infancy when several attempts were made by persons who were probably led by spite to burn a number of houses in the city. For some time all such attempts were brought to naught bv the prompt appearance of the tire department, and the tires were soon put out; but, on the 25th of March there were two fires starting from one source but not, however, of incendiary origin, which made such rapid headway that, before they could be subdued, much damage was done. In fact, the results of these two conflagrations were almost as disastrous as were those remarkable tires of 1796, and 1820. It was at this time (March 25, 1839) that the old Filature which had stood since the early days of the colony of Georgia was destroyed, and for that reason we give the account of the Georgian tf the next day, March 26, in full: "About four o'clock yesterday afternoon, a tire broke out in the yard of the Savannah Steam Saw Mill Company, on the other side of the river, opposite the yard of the Steamboat Company of Georgia. It proceeded from an old building from one to two hundred yards below the mill, and about 100 feet long by 30 feet wide, the roof of which ignited from a spark from the mill pipe, the wind at the time blowing strong from the North West. The building was immediately in a blaze, and the Are communicated in ten minutes, or less, to the Schooner 'Medora,' of Providence lying at the wharf near. The fire was by the wind rapidly extended to a cargo of white pine boards on the wharf, owned by Captain Win. Crabtree, Jr., to which gentleman and George Hall, Esq., both of this city, the building in which the tire originated also belonged.

"In this building (on which there was some insurance, not yet ascertained, in the Howard Insurance Company of N. York.) there was a new engine intended for a new Steam Saw Mill about to be erected, which was owned by the same gentlemen, and which we are happy to learn is partially injured. This engine was not insured.

sions as the former, the property of the Estate of the late Robert Isaac, which was also totally consumed, as also a portion of a pile of 200 Chaldrons of Liverpool coal on the wharf, the property of Messrs. Crabtree & Hall. The wharf heads have also been more or less injured. .

"The Schooner 'Medora' was the property of Col. R. J. Arnold, of Bryan County, valued about $3,000, and, we regret to learn, not insured. Two men on board at the time endeavored to loose her from her moorings, but before she could be got adrift, they were compelled by the flames to desei't her, in one of the boats. She was afterwards scuttled, and when our informant left her had been burnt to the water's edge. The mill was fortunately preserved.

"While the second building was in flames, and before engines could be carried across the river, the alarm was again sounded, and when we reached the scene, the old building on Reynolds Square, on the lot known as the old filature lot, was in flames, the roof having caught from a spark wafted several hundred yards across the river, which, ignited like tinder, threatened a serious conflagration. The engines were, however, on the spot, and though t he element was very obstinate, by the timely aid of water well directed by the firemen, and by the exertions of many citizens, the fire was arrested, after destroying the double tenement wooden building occupied by Mrs. Russell as a boarding house, and by Mrs. Austin, and extending to a small double tenement also of wood on St. Julian street, occupied by Airs. John and Mr. P. Cartier, which was totally consumed with outbuildings on the lot. The large building owned by Mr. Thomas Clark, and by Mr. Amos Scudder, was under insurance, as we learn, $800, made by Mr. Clark. Mr. Scudder had not insured on this building or on the other tenement which belonged to him. His loss, we regret to state, is therefore heavy, as two other dwellings (not insured) on the lot, one a double tenement on Lincoln street, were more or less destroyed by the axemen to arrest the conflagration. The dwelling of Mrs. Bourke, Mr. Sibley, and Mr. Thos. S. Wayne were, with other contiguous buildings repeatedly on fire, but preserved by great exertion. We regret to learn that much furniture was lost by Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Austin, and that two of their boarders, Messrs. Roberts, lost considerable, as also a Mr. Gardiner.

"We congratulate our eilizens that it proved not more serious in its effects, and would urge upon Council the necessity of procuring more hose, some of which proved very deficient, and of keeping in good repair the cisterns, from two of which in the vicinity material benefit at this fire was derived."

The next day a correspondent, writing to the Georgian urging the citizens to contribute to the relief. of certain of the sufferers by the fire, referred to the building on the Filature lot as "being very old and combustible - originally built as a silk manufactory, was rapidly consumed by fire, from a spark lighting on the roof, wafleil from the fire at the lumber yard." appeal was made to the Georgia legislature to give an amount of mflney for that purpose, including the removing of the sand bars between the city and Augusta, and in 1845 the latter joining Savannah in presenting a petition to the general assembly asking for an appropriation to deepen the river between the two cities for the improvement of navigation; but no response was made to the demand. In addition to that enterprise, at the same time came the question of building a bridge across the Savannah river, and, on the 23d of May the mayor. Hon. R. M. Charlton, was induced to call a public meeting of the citizens to receive a report of a committee previously charged with the duty of estimating the cost of the work should it be declared feasible. A favorable report was made by the committee, recommending that the bridge be built "to bring Savannah into direct communication with South Carolina," and advising that another meeting be called to discuss the advisability of the work being done by the city of Savannah.

In calling the attention of the people to the importance of attending the meeting that day. the Georgian of the 28th of May said: "We hope it is not necessary to dwell on the importance of a measure of this nature. It would promote that social intercourse which is so desirable among sister States. It would improve our market, and it would do many other things of public benefit;'' and in commenting on the result of that meeting, the same paper said in its issue of the 30th: "It was the greatest meeting ever held in this City at this season of the year for the purpose of advancing the prosperity of our City and our State We have been convinced with Mr. McAllister that 'now is the time to strike the blow; now will Savannah, like the strong man whose arms were bound, arise in her might and burst her bonds asunder.' And we have been convinced with him, and every day shows the fact more clearly, that 'Georgia is the gate through which the great trade of the mighty West is destined to pass to the Atlantic Ocean.' Could our fellow citizens of the interior but witness the enthusiasm, the determination that exists in Savannah to forward the true interests of Georgia, they would shake off that apathy which seems to have made them rather indifferent to the fate of the great seaport of their State." Others who addressed the meeting in support of the measure besides Mr. McAllister were Judge John M. Berrien, Judge John C'. Nieoll, and Mr. Richard R. Cuyler.

At the meeting it was stated that South Carolina had appointed a commission to ascertain whether Georgia would build a bridge across the river to unite with a road which South Carolina contemplated building which road should commence at some point on the old Charleston and Savannah stage road and extend to Savannah back river, and to report to the legislature of their state; whereupon, the following resolutions were adopted by the Savannah meeting:

"Resolved, by the citizens of Savannah in public meeting assembled. That they duly appreciate the mutual benefits which will result from establishing the communication proposed by the citizens of South Carolina, and will cordially unite with them in the accomplishment of that object by the construction of a bridge or bridges to connect the road proposed to be constructed by the citizens of South Carolina to Savannah back river, with the city of Savannah.

" Resolved , That the Committee appointed at a former meeting of the Citizens of Savannah employ an engineer to make such surveys and estimates as they may deem necessary in the execution of the duty confided to them, and that the corporation of the City be requested to provide for the payment of the same a sum not exceeding $500."

The matter seems to have dropped there, and there is no evidence on record that the city ever appropriated the amount asked for in the resolution.

Chapter Xxviii

On the 7th of April, 1763, a lot was set apart by the colonial assembly, in Ellis square, for a public market, and there a market house was built; but it was destroyed by fire in 1788.

On the 16th of October, 1787, while the old building was still standing, the wardens of Savannah made a contract with Messrs. Thomas Newell and Robert Bolton. Jr., copartners and merchants, for the building of a market on the public slip under the bluff at the foot of Bull street, of wood, the dimensions of which should be forty by eighteen feet and ten feet high. That market was separate and distinct from the regular market and was established for the convenience of persons bringing produce to the city by water which "by reason of the steep ascent of the bluff cannot, without a great labor and charge be conveyed to the regular city market."

On the destruction of the Ellis square building in 1788 a special tax was ordered by ordinance of December 16th to raise money to rebuild, but the new edifice was to be forty feet square. Under the contract with Newell & Bolton the building and lot used by them at the end of Bull street were to be used by them and their successors for fifteen years and the rates of commissions on articles to be sold were fixed by the words of the contract. When that agreement expired in 1802 the city built a market for the convenience of the eastern district in Warren square and that new building was forty feet long, thirty feet wide, and had a steeple. It was built by William Worthington at a cost of $953. The building was removed in 1811, and a new one built opposite the Exchange dock just where the former building stood and which had been known as the fish market.

The tire of 1820 destroyed the market in Ellis square, and +he question of changing its location in rebuilding was submitted to the people with the result that 375 were in favor of a change while 275 voted against it. The election was held in January, immediately after t lie fire, and on the 24th of that month an ordinance was passed authorizing the building to be placed in the center of South Broad street at its intersection with Barnard street. The house was to be 11714 feet in length by twenty-two feet wide, with a pavement four feet wide all around, and the price agreed upon by contract was $5,982. The stalls were rented, and t he income to the city amounted to $2,622 annually. The name of South Broad street was changed on the 17th of June, 1820, to Market street, but on the 20th of December, 1821, an act of the legislature was approved which authorized the erection of a market house on the lot originally used for that purpose as granted in 1763, where a market house had been erected and used until its destruction in 1820, and the citizens, in public meeting held January 20, 1821 '(before the passage of the act just mentioned), having expressed their desire to erect at their own expense another building at that place the work was immediately commenced and, when finished, it was accepted by council on the 13th of August. 1822, and the name of Market street was again changed to South Broad bv ordinance passed the 30th of December, 1822.

Another effort was made, in 1854, to have the market removed or, if retained on its old site, to be rebuilt. The committee, on the 29th of June, recommended that something be done as the building was too small, and in May, 1855, instructions were given to the market committee to have designs made for a new market house to be built either in Ellis square or on some other site more desirable. The plans were drawn, and the finance committee of council received instructions to provide for an issue of bonds amounting to $40,000 for the building; but the matter was brought to a stop when the finance committee of the council of 1856 made an adverse report to the bond question.

The next time the matter was discussed was in the year' 1869. and in February the city advertised for fifteen plans and estimates for a market house with a city hall in the building, with the proposal that the bidders state what amount in city bonds they would be willing to take in payment; and on the 20th of July, 1870, the market committee, as instructed, advertised for ''bids for the erection of a market under plans prepared by Schwaab and Muller,'" not to exceed $60,000. Eight days later the amount was increased to $75,000. Contracts were awarded on the 28th of September. The city proposed to issue $500,000 in bonds for local improvements out of which amount the market was to be paid for. It was estimated that the building would cost $75,000, but the amount actually expended on it was much more. It was begun in November, 1870, and finished in June. 1872. During its erection sheds built in Barnard and St. Julian streets were used in the place of stalls.

The first record in relation to the building of a jail by the city is what the minutes of council in March, 1743. reveal. At that time provision was made for the building of a pair of stocks under the old exchange at the foot of Bull street. The exchange was d-stroyed by fire in 1796. In 1794, however, it was ordered that a jail be built, and

A new jail was begum in 1801, the legislature having, on the 30th of November of that year passed an act placing the control of the county jail in the hands of the mayor and aldermen, and it was finished in the next year, when John Peter Oates was elected keeper. Council paid for the building, but looked for re-imbursement from the state by the authorization of the levy of a special tax. Concerning this matter Mayor John Y. Noel commented thus in his report of July, 1804: '"Despite the liberal resources of which this city has had the benefit during several years, that its revenues should still be scanty and inadequate to extensive improvements is due to the erection of the goal and rebuilding the courthouse for the use of the county with funds of the city, producing a deficit of more than $30,000. This use of the city funds for a purpose so beneficial and important was made in reliance on the good faith of the State in imposing an annual tax on the County for the purpose of gradually refunding to the City the sums which it might expend upon these County buildings. For want of this just provision the corporation has necessarily been employed during several years past in putting into execution one resource after another until it is ascertained that our revenues still continue in a slate of depression from which nothing but the- justice of the Legislature can relieve it."

The expense of maintaining the jail was so great that in October, 1822, the Chatham county representatives in the legislature were asked to have the law which gave the city council control of the jail and courthouse repealed; and on the 21st of December an act was passed by which such control was transferred to the justices of the inferior court and the sheriff of the county, at which time the city was considering the question of building a new courthouse in Chippewa square. The jail and courthouse property belonged to the city by reason of the expenditure by the council in erecting the same of $50,000, and a relinquishment of the keys was refused until that sum was repaid. An appeal was made to the superior court by the justices of the inferior court and the sheriff resulting in the issuing of a writ requiring the city to deliver possession to the appellants. The city was duly represented by Mayor Morrison, Recorder Gordon and Mr. John C. Nicoll, but on the 20th of February, 1821, the court granted a peremptory order of mandamus upon which the city gave up to the sheriff the property in dispute.

With the purpose of getting control of the jail again, the city succeeded on the 4th of December, 1834, in having an act passed again making that institution a part of the corporation's affairs, and when demand on the sheriff and justices was made for possession bv the mayor and aldermen who, by ordinance, had been created commissioners of the jail, they wore met with a refusal when they obtained 4 heir desire by writ of mandamus; but the building was found in such a state of ruin that it seemed a waste of time and trouble to have resorted to such a measure to secure possession.

Until 1846 the jail of Savannah stood on Lafayette square, on the lot bounded by Abereorn, Harris, Dayton and Macon streets, and, as we have seen, it was sometimes a question whether the institution should be controlled by the county authorities in the persons of the justices of the inferior court, or by the mayor and aldermen representing the city. In 1841 the former took the matter of the building a new jail into consideration, at which time a plan was submitted by architect C. B. Clusky. and on the 20th of July a resolution was adopted calling for "proposals for contracts'' to be published in the Savannah papers as well as in Augusta, Charleston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. On the first of November the proposals received were opened, but as all were higher than expected a delay was caused, and it was determined to call for other plans which resulted finally in the acceptance of the one submitted by Mr. Benjamin Gardner, of Wilmington, N. C., on the 27th of January, 1845. On the 19th of February "after mature consideration it was resolved that the separate proposals for each species of work and each kind of material being deemed preferable to making the entire contract with one party that the proposals of the following persons be accepted and the securities named be approved." Then followed the names of the successful bidders for the various kinds of work. "It was further resolved that Mr. Justice [Anthony] Porter be instructed to address the mayor and aldermen announcing that being now ready to proceed with the building that the justices will confer with the proper committee of council in laying out the ground.

"Between Whitaker and Barnard streets, continue near the South line of the Common parcel of land marked A. B, C, D, on the map of the new town lately presented by the Surveyor containing 300 feet by 222 1 -> feet a true extract.

of the Jail having so far been completed as to bo prepared for the corner stone, it was this day laid in presence of the Justices, accompanied by R. W. Pooler, Clerk of the Superior & Inferior Courts.

"The stone was excavated to receive a copper box in which were deposited the following articles, after which the box was soldered, and a stone top fitted to the cavity with hydraulic cement.

"Inscription on parchment: - 'The corner stone of this Jail Erected By the County of Chatham, State of Georgia was laid on the 26th day of March in the year of our Lord 1845, and the 70th year of the Independence of The United States of America. In the presence of their honours Anthony Porter, Francis Sorrel, William Thorne Williams,

Elias Reed, Robt. M. Goodwin, Justices of the Inferior Court of the County and Robert W. Pooler, Clerk, & Ben.) 'n Gardner, Architect and Superintendent. President of the United States James K. Polk, Vice President, George M. Dallas; Governor of Georgia, George W. Crawford; Mayor of the City of Savannah, Richard Wayne.'

At a meeting of the justices, held on Tuesday, the 12th of May. 1846. Mr. Gardner reported the jail "to he entirely completed, except locks'' and "Mr. Gardner's duties as Superintendent having terminated, it was deemed proper before his departure to give the Mayor & Aldermen an opportunity of inspecting the building and to receive all requisite explanations, it was therefore

"Resolved that the Judges and officers of the Circuit and District court of the United States, the Judge & Officers of the Inferior Court, the Judge & Officers of the Court of Common Pleas, the members of the Bar, the Grand Jury of the Superior Court now in session, and the County Treasurer he likewise invited.

the building was submitted by Mr. Gardner.* The exterior of the building is in the castellated style of Gothic architecture. Its length, including the prison and keeper's house is 129 feet. The Keeper's house has 46 feet front and forty feet flank. An octagonal tower ornaments the northeast and northwest corners, one of which is appropriated to the stairway and the other is fitted up with rooms for the use of the family.

"The second floor has three chambers, a sitting-room for the family, and a private stairway leading from the chambers directly into the garden. The roof is of tin.

"The prison is two stories high, 89 feet long. 41 feet wide and has 24 cells on each floor, five feet wide, ten feet long, eight feet four inches high, and double ceiled on the inside with plank. The cells are surrounded by a hall five feet wide, and have a ventilating passage between them two feet wide, into which the apertures for the admission of fresh air open into each cell. At the south end of the cells are four wing rooms 12 by 24 feet. Three of these are intended for the detention of United States prisoners, free persons of colour taken from vessels, and witnesses. The other has two large bathing places made in the floor with concrete, and plastered with cement. The Jail roof is composed of galvanized iron, secured to iron rafters with iron clamps. This roof has a declina-

* The picturesque old building stood tor many years near the corner of Hail and Whitaker streets, and is still remembered by many persons now living. Its appearance was so much like that of an old castle that strangers asking its origin were surprised to learn that it was a prison.

tion to the centre of the building where there is a reservoir that will contain 2,490 gallons of water which may be filled with rain water, or with well water supplied by two force pumps erected for that purpose. The reservoir supplies ten hydrants - three to the scullery, two to the baths, and five to the wing rooms and hall at the south end of the prison.

"The first floor of the prison, cells and halls is constructed of flag stone. On the second floor the cells have flag stone floors, but the halls and wing rooms have floors made by building brick arches between castiron joists, and levelling off with concrete. The cells are well ventilated, and are provided with two doors, one an iron-grated door, and the other a close wooden door, to be used when required. Each cell has an iron bedstead so hung that when not in use it can be hooked up to the side of the cell.

"There are cast iron pipes passing horizontally through the whole length of the cells, furnishing a water-closet in each. The pipes are to be kept constantly full of water from the reservoir, and are prevented from overflowing or becoming dry by means of cast iron boxes - the one at the northern end is called the receiving box, and is furnished with a valve and float; the one at the south end is the discharging box, and contains only a valve which is to be lifted when the pipes are to be emptied. These pipes, as do those attached to the sinks, empty into a sewer under the prison, and the sewer discharges into a cess-pool provided for the purpose.

"A dividing wall runs from east to west, separating the enclosure and yards of the keeper from that of the prison, having a recreating yard for the prisoners 300 by 172 feet, and giving two yards to the Jailor 50 by 78. There are two buildings, one at the north-east and the other at the southwest corner of the enclosure 50 by 20, one story and a half high, to be used as out-buildings.