Savannah, Georgia - History (part 5 of 16)

About to make use of certain information given in a plan of the city of Savannah, made at an early date by John Gerar William De Brahm, a word or so in regard to that man may well serve here as a preface to what follows. In the dedication of his "History of the Three Provinces of South Carolina, Georgia and East Florida" to the king, he says: "By your Majesty's Commission, dated the 26th of June, 1764, I had the Honour to be appointed Surveyor for the Southern District of North America, and was ordered to make General Surveys both of the inlands and sea coasts, with the soundings as well on the coasts as within the harbors, to obtain their latitudes and longitudes, and to make such remarks as might conduce to the security and information of your Majesty's subjects who may navigate those seas." Further on, he says "The author begins his remarks in the year 1751," and that the history "is concreted from abstracts of journies, astronomical observations, actual surveys and voyages performed by the author from the year 1751 to 1771." There is no way by which the date of the plan of Savannah accompanying the work may be ascertained, but it is reasonable to suppose that the buildings indicated thereon were either in existence at the later date or had been erected previous to that year. Thus, he locates an Exchange on the spot where a building so-called was located and was demolished to make room for the present city hall in recent years, and which building we know was erected in 1799; but of an earlier edifice with the same name we have no other information than that of De Brahm in his plan. Some things we learn from his sketch will properly be mentioned here in connection with the building of the new council house in the time of Governor Reynolds. He locates the "Old Council House" on the lot now occupied by the postoffice and United States courthouse on Wright square, which is bounded by Bull, York, "Whitaker and President streets, while he places the "New Council" on the lot bounded by Abercorn, Congress, Lincoln and St. Julian streets on Reynolds square. The governor's house was on the lot bounded by Barnard. State, Jefferson and President streets on what js now Telfair Place, which was continued as such until the end of Sir James Wright's administration; hut he gives the place of residence of

John Reynolds as the lot bounded by Abereorn, York, Lincoln and President streets, on Oglethorpe square, while bis own home was on the lot just across President street from that of Reynolds, namely, bounded by Abereorn, President. Lincoln and State; and of his residence he says: "The author had built, in the lowest part of the city a house in the year deep, wherewith he obtained eighteen inches water, and after three hours in vain digging for sinking the curb deeper in the quicksand, he at last had the well wall set up, and his well water proved not only of the best neighbors in time of scarcity." Tomochichi's tomb was located in the very center of Wright square, thus proving that the account of the burial of that chief by writers who lived at the time was taken as absolutely correct at this short time thereafter and the correct location of the grave preserved on this plan for the information of all following generations. He shows the "Old Prison" just across President street from the old council house, on Wright square, bounded by Bull, President. State and Whitaker streets, where Armory Hall, the home of the Chatham Artillery, now stands. There was in his day a "Beef Market" where our present city market now holds a place. A dial then marked the spot where General Greene's monument is, and there was a well at the intersection of Bull street and Oglethorpe avenue. The block now occupying the lot bounded by Barnard. Bryan, Whitaker and St. Julian streets was then called "Indian Meeting;"* while the lots whereon the courthouse and the Southern Church of the Ascension now stand were then called respectively "Old Basilua" and "New Basilua." The Filature stood there when it was first erected and where it always stood from the time of its erection in 1751 until its destruction by tire in 1839, where C'assel Row is now located, on the lot bounded by Abercorn, President, Lincoln and Bryan streets, on Reynolds square, and that was the building to which Governor Reynolds' council moved when the old council chamber collapsed on the 4th of November, 1754.

The administration of Governor Reynolds was not a long one, nor was it a successful one. He wrote an account of his arrival in the province and his cordial reception, and then described Savannah as "well situated and contains about a hundred and fifty houses, all wooden ones, very small, and mostly very old. The biggest was used for the meeting of the President and Assistants, wherein I sat with the Council for a few days, but one end fell down whilst we were all there, and obliged us to move to a kind of shed behind the Court House, which, being quite unfit I have given orders, with the advice of the Council, to tit up the shell of a house which was lately built for laying up the silk, but was never made use of," etc. He held a conference with the Indians endeavoring to keep them in a state of friendliness; called for an infantry force of one hundred and fifty men, and for cannon, small arms and ammunition for the better defense of the territory ; and, during an inspection of the southern portion of his dominion, became so much impressed with the location of the little place called Hardwieke, on the Great Ogeeehee river that he suggested it to the lords commissioners for trade and plantations as the only place in his opinion ''fit for the capital and strongly urging the removal of the seat of government from Savannah thither. His successor, Gov. Henry Ellis, had the same opinion in regard to this matter, but the home government did not heed the recommendation, and Hardwieke never became the important place so confidently expected by those two royal governors. It may be proper to remark here that the name was given to this place by Governor Reynolds in honor of his kinsman, the lord high chancellor of England, and that the place was selected by him as a proper place for a town and as "the only fit place for the capital" and the name given on the 4th of February, 1755, but it had first received the name of the "Elbow on Great Ogeeehee River," and changed on 5 lay 10, 1754, to "Georgetown." In the same letter to the lords commissioners, of the 1st of May, he said "There are many objections to this town of Savannah being so [the capital] besides its being situated at the extremity of the province, the slowness of the river, and the great height of the land, which is very inconvenient in the loading and unloading of ships."

The favorable impression made by Governor Reynolds on the people of Georgia at his first coming soon gave way to a decided feeling of disappointment which grew into a positive dislike and repugnance, the outgrowth of a disagreement between the man and his council. He was selfish, and demanded of the home government an increase in his salary, on the ground that living was expensive and that it would cost him at least all of his present salary "to live as a private gentleman without any regard to the dignity of his office, the perquisites whereof he perceives will be extremely low." He charged the general assembly with disrespect of himself and his office, and, among other things, plainly showed that he considered some of their number as not only incompetent, but even unfaithful in the performance of their duties as legislators. Offsetting these charges it was held that Governor Reynolds did not give as much of his personal attention to his office as he should; that soon after taking the oatli he practically committed the affairs of his administration to William Little, a surgeon in the navy, brought over by the governor as his private secretary who was unfit for the responsibilities of the office and'"of the most despotic principles." The council, at a meeting held September 30, 1755. adopted a paper remonstrating against the further employment of Little and demanding his dismissal in these words: "That the Council cannot sufficiently lament the possibility that it should be in the power of a man of a bad head and worse heart (for he must have both to fit him for t he undertaking) to lessen or invalidate your Excellency's wonted confidence in your natural Councillors who have collectively and individually given incontestable proofs of their loyalty to his most sacred Majesty, of their zeal for your Excellency's Government and of their affection for your person; yet they confess that the Council can only attribute to such an influence, an unfortunate influence to this infant Colony, should it in the least prevail, that your Ex- eellency is pleased to issue proclamations without their advice and consent, even in affairs in which they are to have the honour of co-operating with your Excellency ; by means whereof they are precluded from giving their opinion as it is there duty to do;" and, charging Little with forgery, illegal commitments and arbitrary behavior, they stated that the only remedy for the whole unsettled state of affairs was the prompt dismissal of the man. The remonstrance was of no avail and Governor Reynolds refused to comply with the demand.

Representations were made to the lords of trade of such a nature that they felt obliged to take notice of the matter, and a letter written by them on the 5th of August, 1756, but not received by him until February 16, 1757, made the demand on him "that he should return to England, to the end that an account of the present situation and circumstances of the province, and of his conduct in the administration of the government there, might be laid before his Majesty for his further directions, and to resign the Government of the Colony into the hands of Henry Ellis, Esq." That letter was written in response to an order from the king, at Whitehall, directing that the lords commissioners for trade and plantations "should immediately direct Governor Reynolds to come to England to answer for his conduct in his Government," and in that order was the "recommendation of Henry Ellis, Esq., to be appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Georgia during the absence of Mr. Reynolds." Promptly on the receipt of the letter Reynolds sailed for England in a merchant ship, the Charming Martha ; but before his departure the following transaction took place by which the government passed out of his hands never to be resumed :

"Present: His Excellency John Reynolds, Esq., and Henry Ellis, Esq., and Sir Patrick Iloustoun, Bart.: James Habersham, Francis Harris, Jonathan Bryan, James Mackay, James Edward Powell, James Read and Patrick Mackay, Esqs.

"Mr. Ellis then produced a letter which he told his Excellency he was ordered to deliver to him, and after his Excellency had perused the same he acquainted Mr. Ellis he was informed that his Majesty had been pleased to appoint him Lieutenant-Governor of this Province, that he was ordered to go to England, and he should accordingly obey his Majesty's commands.

"Mr. Ellis then produced his most sacred Majesty's Commission, bearing date at Kensington the fourth day of August, 1756, in the thirtieth year of his Majesty's reign, appointing him Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of Georgia, and in case of the death or during the absence of his Majesty's Captain-General and Governor-in-Chief of the said Province now and for the time being authorizing him to exercise and perform all and singular the powers and directions contained in his Majesty's Commission to the said Captain-General and Governor-in- Chief according to such instructions as have been or may hereafter be received from his Majesty, which said commission was read and duly

"Then Mr. Ellis took all the state oaths appointed by law, declared and subscribed the test, and also took the oaths for administering the government and for securing the Acts of Trade and Navigation. * * * Then John Reynolds, Esq., delivered to his Honor the Great Seal of the Province, and also acquainted his Honor he should deliver to him the papers he was possessed of agreeably to his Majesty's orders, and thereupon left the Council Chamber."

The reception of Governor Ellis was as hearty and as demonstrative as that accorded to his predecessor, and the expectation of the people that he would prove to be more friendly to them and more inclined to respect their wishes and to look after their welfare was fully realized. A pleasing incident connected with his reception was the cordial welcome extended him by an association of school-boys banded together as a military company who, through their commander, after parading and passing in review before the governor, presented to him an address in these words: "Sir: - The youngest militia of this Province presume by their Captain, to salute your Honour on your arrival. Although we are of too tender years to comprehend the blessing a good governor is to a province, our parents will doubtless experience it in its utmost extent, and their grateful tale shall fix your name dear in our memories."

It is said that Governor Ellis always looked back through the fortyeight years of his after life to this as one of the most gratifying acts connected with his life in the province.

At the first meeting of the assembly following his inauguration, held June 16, 1757, he opened the session with this address: "I can with unfeigned sincerity declare that I enter upon this station with the most disinterested views, without prejudice to any man or body of men, or retrospect to past transactions or disputes, but animated with the warmest zeal for whatever concerns your happiness or the public utility, sincerely inclined to concur with you in every just and necessary measure, and fully resolved that, if unfortunately my wishes and endeavors prove fruitless, to be the first to solicit my recall." Replying to those words, council assured him "that they congratulated him upon his arrival into the Province, and that they promised themselves, from his distinguished abilities, acknowledged probity, and unwearied application, that the day of his arrival will prove the era of the prosperity of this colony."

Ilis stewardship proved all that his constituents desired, and the termination of his incumbency, brought about by ill-health which necessitated his request for a recall, was a matter of regret on all sides. Of his administration Bishop Stevens has written these choice words: "The period of his connection with Georgia will ever be in her history like the calm hour of sunshine after a tempest has blackened the sky." It was during his term of service that the troublesome Bosomworth litigation was finally settled, and that alone is sufficient to cause his name to be held in remembrance by all Georgians who take an interest in the history of the illustrious commonwealth. That his administration of the affairs of the province was entirely satisfactory to the people proof exists in the reference made to him by the council in the speech of that body addressed to his successor, Sir James Wright.

Awaiting the time when he could hand over to the newly appointed governor the great seal of the colony, Ellis, suffering under the injurious effect of the climate upon his health, had to remain at his post until the arrival of Gov. James Wright whose commission had been signed in time for him to leave England in the fall of' 1760, and insured his arrival at Savannah in the month of October. Wright first appeared in the assembly on the 5th of November (the departure of Ellis having occurred on the 2d), when his assumption of the duties devolving upon him is thus recorded in the journal of the upper house of that day: "His Honour James Wright, Esq., Lieutenant-Governor and Commanderin-Chief of this Province, came to this House and sent a message to the Commons House of Assembly by the master in chancery requiring their attendance in this House immediately." The two houses having assembled in joint session, the governor's address was then delivered. It began with these words: "His Majesty having been pleased to permit his Excellency Governor Ellis to return to Great Britain and to honour me with the appointment of Lieutenant-Governor of this Province, the administration is now, on his Excellency's departure, devolved upon me," etc. In reply, the council made an address beginning "We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loving subjects, the Council of Georgia in General Assembly met, beg leave to return your Honour our unfeigned thanks for your speech to both Houses of Assembly and to present our hearty congratulations to your Honour on your safe arrival in this Province.

"However sensibly we regret the departure of his Excellency Governor Ellis, we do with great sincerity assure your Honour that it is with the highest satisfaction we see your Honour appointed to preside over us," etc.

The departure of Henry Ellis was a source of the deepest regret to every citizen of Georgia, and numerous complimentary addresses were presented to him by such bodies as the merchants and citizens of Savannah and Augusta and the Georgia Society. The Union Society, under whose care the Bethesda Orphan House had passed, presented him with a handsome piece of plate.

Probably the most important event in the Ellis administration was the division of the province into parishes as provided for in an act of the assembly duly passed and approved March 17, 1758. By this legislation "the Town and District of Savannah extending. up the Savannah river and including the islands therein, as far as the southeast boundary of Goshen, from thence in a southwest line to the river Great Ogeeehee, and from the Town of Savannah eastward as far as the mouth of the river Savannah, including the sea islands to the mouth of the river Great Ogeeehee, and all the settlements on the north side of the said river to the western boundaries thereof" became Christ Church parish. The other parishes were laid out in such manner as that Abercorn, Goshen and Ebenezer were in Saint Matthew's parish; the district, covering the country between the southern boundary of St. adjoining territory were in St. Paul ; Ilardwicke and other settlements south of the Great Ogeeehee and extending to the Midway were placed in Saint Philip's parish; the lands lying south of the Midway and extending to Newport were in the parish of Saint -Tolni; Darien and its district, covering the county between the southern boundary of St. John's and the Altamaha river formed the parish of Saint Andrew; and "the Town and district of Frederica, including the islands of Great and Little Saint Simon, and the adjacent islands" received the name of the parish of Saint James. The church in Savannah and the burial-place used in connection with it were, by the same act, named the Parish Church and Cemetery of Christ Church; and it was enacted that "Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, clerk, the present Minister of Savannah, shall be the rector and incumbent of the said Church of Christ Church and he is hereby incorporated and made one body politic and corporate by the name of the rector of Christ Church in the town of Savannah; and shall be and he is hereby enabled to sue and be sued by such name in all courts within this province, and shall have the care of souls within the said parish, and shall be in the actual possession of the said church with its cemetery and appurtenances, and shall hold and enjoy the same to his and his successors, together with the glebe land already granted to him, and the messuage or tenement near to the said church, with all and singular the buildings and appurtenances thereunto belonging, and also all other lands, tenements and hereditaments as shall or may hereafter be given and granted to the said church or the incumbent thereof."

Mr. Zouberbuhler was appointed rector of that church in 1745 and he served until 1765. The ministers down to the time of his appointment were Dr. George Herbert, in 1733; Samuel Quincy, 1733-1736; John Wesley, 1736-1737; George Whitefield, at times from 1738 to 1770, during which time the church was also served by the Rev. Mr. Dyson, chaplain of Oglethorpe's regiment, Mr. James Habersham as reader, and by the Rev. William Norris, D. D., in 1739; Rev. Christopher Orton, 1741-1742, and Rev. Thomas Bosomworth, 1743-1745.

We are here brought to the consideration of the date of the founding of the second church established in Savannah and the circumstances under which it was founded; and happily the records of the time can be brought forward to prove more on this subject than previous writers have been able to discover. As early as during the presidency of William Stephens some of the citizens of the province, seemingly dissatisfied with the preaching of clergymen of the Church of England, expressed a desire to have one of a different denomination employed for their editi- cation. The Earl of Egmont thus refers to the subject in his journal, under date January 16, 1744: "Mr. John Joachim Zublie with a paper sign'd by several Inhabitants of Vernonburg and the Villages adjacent address to the Trustees dated Savannah 6 Feb., 1742-3, desiring a Minister of Calvinistieal principles, and recommending the said Zublie of St. Gall in Swizzerland, son of David Zublie of Purysburg in Carolina for the said purpose, attended," and on the 23d of that month he wrote "Mr. Zublie attended, and being ask'd what he demanded for going Minister to Vernonburg and Acton, he proposed 50£ per annum and his expenses of going thither as well as his coming from Swizzerland. The Trustees acquainted him they could not agree to his proposals." Those two statements are also found, nearly in the identical words, in the official journal of the trustees of those two dates, except that after demanding of Mr. Zubly what he required and receiving his reply, it is recorded that "then he withdrew. Resolved, That Mr. Zoubli be acquainted that the Trustees cannot Agree to his Proposals."

Again, the journal of the trustees shows that on the 1st of November, 1745, a petition was read from Mr. Zouherbuhler. dated October 31, 1745, setting forth that he had gone from his home in St. Gall, Switzerland, with his father and other Swiss families to Purysburg, South Carolina, where his father died and the petitioner went to Charleston ; that while there, finding several of his countrymen residing near the city being destitute of a minister, the Rev. Mr. Garden, commissary of the bishop of London, recommended to his lordship that the petitioner be qualified for that service by receiving deacon's and priest's orders; that in journeying to England the petitioner was so long delayed before he could receive holy orders that his countrymen in Carolina had decided not to wait longer, but had actually engaged a Mr. Giezen Tanner to officiate among them; that hearing Mr. Bosonnvorth would not return to Savannah, the petitioner offered himself for the position made vacant by the departure from Georgia of Mr. Bosomworth ; and he then "laid before the Trustees the Deeds of his Ordination as Deacon and Priest by the Bishop of London," whereupon it was resolved "That the Rev. Mr. Barth. Zouherbuhler be appointed the Missionary at Savannah in the Province of Georgia in the room of the Rev. Air. Thomas Bosomworth who has quitted the Colony." Accordingly it was recorded in the minutes of November 11, 1745. that the trustees "desire the Society [for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts] will transfer the allowance of. fifty Pounds a year from the Rev. Mr. Thomas Bosomworth to the Rev. Mr. Bartholomew Zouherbuhler, who is embarked on board the Ship Judith for the Province of Georgia."

Again, the German and Swiss settlers at Vernonburg and Acton, in 1745, brought a petition to the trustees renewing their request for a minister, stating "that they were more than two hundred and forty in Number, Men, Women, and Children," and "all agreeing in the same Protestant Confession according to the Institution of Calvin, and desiring that the Rev. .Mr. Joachim Zuhli might be appointed their [Minister." Then we have the record that "The Trustees took the same into consideration, and, after reading the Minutes November 1st, 1745. by which the Rev. Mr. Bartholomew Zouherbuhler was appointed Minister at Savan- nah, who undertook to officiate not only in the English Language to the Inhabitants of Savannah, but in the German and French likewise to the aforesaid Inhabitants of Vernonburg and Acton.

"Resolved, That it be recommended to the said Mr. Zouberbuhler to make an Allowance of ten pounds per Ann. to the Rev. Mr. Joachim Zubli, on condition that the said Mr. Zubli officiate for him as an Assistant at the aforesaid places of Vernonburg and Acton, etc., which are at. too great a Distance for the Women and Children especially, to go to Divine Worship; and that the said Allowance to commence from the time that the said Mr. Zouberbuhler shall receive a third Servant to be maintained for him by the Trust, during his making the said Allowance.

"Resolved, That it be recommended to the Common Council to maintain a third Servant for Mr. Zouberbuhler, during his making an Allowance of ten pounds per Ann. to the aforesaid Mr. Zubli." Provision was at the same time made for the erection of "a tabernacle for Divine Worship (which might serve likewise for a school)."

After the embarkation of Mr. Zouberbuhler on board the ship Judith, the common council resolved "that the passage of Mr. Barth. Zouberbuhler in the cabin of the ship Judith be defray'd, and that his Clergyman's Habit, his charges of his Journey to Gosport, and the bedding purchas'd there for him be paid for."

That Mr. Zubly preceded Mr. Zouberbuhler in taking passage for Georgia there seems to be no doubt, although the date of the sailing of the former cannot be definitely ascertained. He must have departed from England before Ihe summer of 1745, as we find that on the 3d of August of that year the president and assistants (Pres. Wm. Stephens, and assistants Henry Parker, Wm. Spencer and Samuel Marcer being present) acted favorably upon a petition of certain inhabitants of Vernonburg. Acton and Hampstead for material for the building of a tabernacle which should serve also for a school, in which it was stated that the distance was too great for them to attend divine worship in Savannah "where sometimes they have had opportunity of hearing the word of God preached to them by the Reverend Mr. Zubli. ' '

The villages of Acton and Vernonburg were mentioned by De Bralun as "upon Vernon River." Vernonburg is now White Bluff, although the place has been incorporated by the Georgia legislature by its original name, but the name of White Bluff is the one by which it is, and probably always will be, called. Like Thunderbolt, which is by legal enactment the town of Warsaw, the old name clings to it, and the people seem determined not to let it pass out of remembrance. And we are here reminded to make the statement that Warsaw is indeed a misnomer, as it is without doubt the name given by the Indians to the neighboring island which they called Wassaw. De Bralun further mentions Hampstead and Highgate as "upon the Head of Vernon River." The Vernon, like the Midway, is a very short stream, and its head is but a short distance above the village of White Bluff.

On the 16th of .January, 1756. a grant, signed by J. Reynolds, in the name of George the Second, conveyed to Jonathan Bryan. James Edward Powell, Robert Bolton. James Miller, Joseph Gibbons, William Gibbons. Benjamin Farley, William Wright. David Fox the younger, and John

Fox, as trustees, the lot in Savannah, known by the letter K. in Decker ward, "to the intent and purpose that a Meeting House or place of worship for the service of Almighty God. be thereupon erected and built for the use and benefit of such of our loving subjects now residing, or that may at any time hereafter reside within the District of Savannah, in our said Province of Georgia, as are or shall be professors of the Doctrines of the Church of Scotland, agreeable to the Westminster Confession of Faith" with the proviso that if the meeting house should not be built within three years from the date of the grant, the lot should revert to the crown. At a meeting of the council held the same day, John Reynolds, governor, and Councillors James Habersham. Alex. Kellett, Francis Harris, Jonathan Bryan and James Mackay being present, the governor signed certain grants, among which was the one to the above named, "in trust, a lot in Savannah for a Presbyterian Meeting House, known by letter K in Decker Ward." It will be well to remember while reading what follows that the word independent nowhere occurs in the records quoted, but that the church named was to be for those who were "professors of the doctrines of the Church of Scotland agreeable to the Westminster Confession of Faith," and that the grant itself was a "lot in Savannah for a Presbyterian Meeting House."

With the advent of Mr. Zubly we turn naturally to the history of the church known as the Independent Presbyterian, as he appears to have been its first pastor. All writers who have taken up the subject state that its organization was effected previous to the year 1756. because that was the date of the grant from the Crown to James Powell, Robert Bolton, James Miller, Joseph Gibbons, William Gibbons, Benjamin Farley, William Wright, David Fox and James Fox of the lot known as a trust lot, liounded by St. Julian, Whitaker, Bryan and Barnard streets, on which to build a church. It is said by those claiming it was always independent , that the church was never in ecclesiastical connection with the Presbyterian church, but that its present name is really descriptive of its actual status from its very beginning, that is, that it is an independent church, free from the control of any higher court than that of its own session, but that its confession of faith is really "the doctrine of the Church of Scotland agreeably to the Westminster Confession of Faith." It is admitted that Mr. Zubly was its first pastor, though it is not known when he became such nor when he began to perform his duties, nor where the services were first held. It is not even known when the church was built on the lot granted in 1756. Unfortunately there was no newspaper printed in the province until April 7, 1763, when the (inn-pin Gazette was started by James Johnson. The earliest notice we find in that paper of the intention to build a Presbyterian house of worship is one dated April 21). 1761), but appearing in the newspaper of Wednesday, May 3. signed by Lachlan McGillivrav. James Cutlibert, John Jamieson, and William Graeme, and is in these words: "The subscribers to the Presbyterian Meeting-House intended to be built in Savannah are desired to meet on Friday the 5th day of May next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, at the house of Mr. Jonathan Peat, to chuse Trustees, and take under consideration other matters relative to the said building." Another notice, signed by John Graham, Lachlan McGillivrav, George Bailie, Lewis Johnson, John Roe, James Cuthbert, and William Graeme, appeared in the Gazette of Wednesday, July 19, following, addressed and giving information "to subscribers to the Presbyterian Meeting-House that one-fifth of subscription money is immediately wanted, and to be paid into the Hands of Thomas and John Ross, Vendue masters."

The question naturally arises, could that have been the building erected on the lot in Decker ward granted for church purposes in 1756 ? Was the population of Savannah at that time large enough to warrant the use of two Presbyterian churches, especially as a large portion of the citizens worshiped in Christ church and were devoted to the ceremonial rites of the Church of England ? All the province of Georgia, at the end of the administration of Governor Ellis. 1760, did not have more than 9.578 inhabitants, of which number 6,000 were whites, # and many of that race lived on farms outside of the city. Was it possible, then, that there could have been two congregations in Savannah at that time holding services according to the Westminster standards of religion? Stress is laid upon the words of the grant that the church was founded according to "the doctrine of the Church of Scotland:" but if it was a different organization from that body engaged in the erection of a "Presbyterian Meeting-House," how can the presence of so many typical Scotch names on the list of members of the latter be accounted for?* Every name mentioned in the two notices which appeared in the Gazette in May and July, 1769, is Scotch; and it would seem the most reasonable conclusion from that fact that those persons represented the congregation who so greatly desired to be classed as allies' of the established church of the country they represented.

We glean some light on this question through a quotation from a letter of Mr. Zubly's to the Rev. Dr. Stiles, at Newport. Rhode Island, dated April 19. 1769, and found in Dr. George Howe's "History of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina." Mr. Zubly wrote: "Since my last, a Presbyterian meeting is set on foot in this place as the house I preach in is upon so general a plan as to receive the Westminster Confession of Faith. Some think it done out of opposition to me ; however, Phil. 1:18." Commenting on that extract Doctor Howe remarks: "These allusions we do not fully understand. Dr. Zubly was ordained in the German Reformed Church at London, in August, 1744. There was no Presbyterian organization from which an effort of the kind alluded to could emanate but the Presbytery then in existence in South Carolina."

Having, down to this point, given the facts cited by persons endeavoring to prove on the one hand that the church began and has ever continued as an absolutely independent organization, but with form of worship in accord with the Presbyterian system, and by those contrariwise believing that its origin was under authority of some court of the

Presbyterian church (presumably the Presbytery of South Carolina), we will bring this matter to a conclusion by reproducing the statements of an author who has heretofore been entirely overlooked but whose testimony should be sufficient to satisfy even the most ardent opponent of the independence theory and so forever set at rest any doubt upon the subject. De Brahm, writing probably not later than 1771. on the 36th page of his ''History of the Province of Georgia,"* and describing Savannah as it was then, says "The City consists of 400 Houses; a Church (Christ Church), an independent Meeting House, a Council House, a Court-House, and a Filatur." In the plan of the town accompanying the description he marks the lot in Decker ward, granted in 1756, as " Indian Meeting," but with the light now before us we know, of course, that Independent was intended. And, lastly, on page 37, he says "The prevailing Religion is, what is cultivated by the Church of England ; next to this is the Lutheran & the independent, then Calvinist, the Jews are ye last." which shows that there was a Presbyterian church in the town besides the Independent; but the former must have had a precarious existence, as we find no evidence of its survival after the incident just mentioned.

Three years after the grant was made to the trustees of the Independent church a Lutheran church was organized in the city, but it was too feeble to support a minister in its infancy. Founded in 1759, it had in 1771, according to the Rev. Samuel Frink, rector of Christ church from 1767 to 1771. 193 in its congregation.

Having witnessed the installation of his successor, Henry Ellis hastened his departure, and two days after the delivery of the great seal of the province to Wright he left the shores of Georgia, not to return again.

A little more than three months after the inauguration of Lieutenant- Governor Wright, the council and citizens generally were called upon to do reverence and for the first time to pay respect to the memory of a king, and that king the grantor of the charter under which the colony had been founded. The transaction was of such a solemn character and its importance having been attested by the recording of the same in full upon the minute book of the assembly, it seems that a complete account of it deserves a place in this history, especially as it has probably never before been reproduced from the official account.

The council met on Thursday, the 5th of February, 1761, when Ilis Honor James Wright, lieutenant-governor, and only three of his associates (Noble Jones. James Edward Powell, and William Clifton) were present. ''Ilis Honour acquainted the Board that late last Night he had received a Packet from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and

Plantations inclosing' a Notification from the Lords of his Majesty's most honourable Privy Council of the Death of our late most gracious Sovereign King George the Second of blessed and glorious Memory ; with directions for proclaiming his most sacred Majesty King George the Third; Also inclosing other Instructions and Proclamations necessary on that Important Event - AH which were by his Honour laid before the Board and are as follows, viz: -

" 'After our Hearty Congratulations - It having pleased Almighty God to take to his Mercy out of this troublesome Life our late Sovereign Lord King George the Second of Blessed and Glorious Memory, And therefore his Royal Majesty King George the Third being here proclaimed, We have thought fit to signify the same unto You. with directions that you do. with the Assistance of the Council and others of the principal Inhabitants and Planters of the Province of Georgia, forthwith proclaim His most sacred Majesty King George the Third, according to the form here inclosed with the Solemnities and Ceremonies requisite on the like Occasions. - And you are likewise to publish and proclaim a Proclamation for continuing the Officers in his Majesty's Plantations 'till his Majesty's Pleasure shall be further signified, which Proclamation will be transmitted to you by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations. - And so not doubting of your ready compliance herein We bid you hearty farewell. From the Council Chamber at Leicester House this 31st day of October, 1760.

" 'Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call lo his Mercy our late Sovereign Lord King George the Second of blessed and glorious Memory by whose Decease the Imperial Crown of Great Britain France and Ireland is also the Supreme Dominion and Sovereign Right of the Province of Georgia and all other his late Majesty's Dominions in America are solely and rightfully come to the high and mighty Prince George Prince of Wales We therefore the Lieutenant Governor and Council with Numbers of the Principal Inhabitants and Planters of this Province do now hereby with one full Voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and Proclaim that the. high and mighty Prince George Prince of Wales is now by the Deatli of our late Sovereign of happy and glorious Memory become our only lawfull aiid rightful liege Lord George the Third by the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland

Defender of the Faith Supreme Lord of the said Province of Georgia and all other his late Majesty's Territories and Dominions in America to whom we do acknowledge all Faith and constant Obedience with all hearty and humble Affection beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do Reign to bless the Royal King George the Third with long and happy Years to Reign over us Given. -

"An additional Instruction to his Honour the Governour; as follows : - 'George R. An additional Instruction to our Trusty and well beloved James Wright, Esq. our Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of our Province of Georgia in America. And in his Absence to the Commander in Chief of the Said Province for the Time being Given at our Court at Leicester House the 31st Day of October 17G0 in the first Year of our Reign.

" 'Whereas we have been pleased by our Order in Council of the 27th of October instant, (a copy whereby is hereunto annexed) to declare our Pleasure that in all the Prayers and Litanies and Collects for the Royal Family instead of the Words their Royal Highnesses, George, Prince of Wales, the Princess Dowager of Wales, the Duke and Duchesses and all the Royal Family, there should be inserted Her Royal Highness, the Princess Dowager of Wales and all the Royal Family. Our Will and Pleasure therefore is that in all the Prayers, Litanies and Collects for the Royal Family to be used within our Province of Georgia under your Government instead of the Words their Royal Highnesses, George Prince of Wales, the Princess Dowager of Wales, the Duke, the Princesses and all the Royal Family and for the better Notice thereof in our said Province. It is our further Will and Pleasure that you cause the same to be forthwith published in the several Parish Churches and other Places / of Divine Worship within the said Province, and that you take Care that Obedience be paid thereto accordingly.'

" 'Whereas by the late Act of Uniformity which established the Liturgy, and enacts. That no Form or Order of Common Prayers be openly used in and by the said Book, it is notwithstanding, provided that in all those Prayers, Litanies and Collects which do anywise relate to the King, Queen or Royal Progeny, the Names be altered and changed from time to time and fitted to the present occasion according to the Direction of lawfull Authority. His Majesty was pleased this Day in Council to declare his royal Will and Pleasure that in all the Prayers. Liturgies and Collects for the Royal Family instead of the words [their Royal Highnesses, George Prince of Wales, the Princess Dowager of Wales, the Duke, the Princesses and all the Royal Family] be inserted [Her Royal Highness, the Princess Dowager of Wales and all the Royal Family], And his Majesty doth strictly charge and command that no Edition of the Common Prayer be from henceforth printed but with this Amendment, and that in the meantime till copies of such Edition may be had, all Parsons, Vicars and Curates within this Realm do (for the preventing of Mistakes) with the Pen correct and amend all such Prayers in their Church Books according to the aforegoing Direction; and for the better Notice hereof that this Order be forthwith printed and published and sent to the several Parishes and that the Right Reverend, ihe Bishops do take care that Obedience be paid to the same accordingly.

" 'Declaring his Majesty's Pleasure for continuing -the Officers in his Majesty's Plantations till his Majesty's Pleasure shall be further signified.

" 'Whereas by an Act of Parliament made in the Sixth Year of the late Queen Ann of blessed Memory, '"intituled an Act for the security of her Majesty's Person and Government and of the succession of the Crown of Great Britain in the Protestant Line,'' it was enacted (amongst other things) that no Office Place or Employment, Civil or Military, within any of her said late Majesty's Plantations should become void by Reason of the Demise or Death of her said late Majesty, her Heirs or Successors, Kings or Queens of this Realm; but that the Person and Persons in any of the Offices, Places or Employments aforesaid should continue in their respective Offices, Places and Employments for the Space of six Months next after such Death or Demise unless sooner removed and discharged by the next in Succession to whom the Crown of this Realm should come, remain and lie according to the several Acts of Parliament for limiting and settling the Succession of the Crown as by the said recited Act may appear ; anti in Regard it may happen that our Pleasure may not within the said Time be declared touching the said Offices, Places and Employments in our foreign Plantations which will at the End of the said six Months become void; We for preventing the Inconvenience that may happen thereby in our Princely Wisdom and Care of the State (reserving to our Judgment hereafter the Reformation and Redress of any Abuses in the Execution of any such Offices, Places and Employments upon due Knowledge and Examination thereof). Have thought fit with t lie Advice of our Privy Council to issue this our Royal Proclamation, And do hereby order, signify and declare That all persons that at the Time of the Decease of our Royal Grandfather, King George the Second of glorious (Memory were duly and lawfully possessed of or invested in any Office, Place or Employment, civil or military, in any of our Plantations and which have not been since removed from such, their Offices, Places or Employments shall be and shall hold themselves continued in the said Offices, Places and Employments as formerly they held and enjoyed the same until our Pleasure be further known, or other Provisions be made pursuant to the Commissions and Instructions of our said late Royal Grandfather to his Governors and Officers of their Plantations aforesaid: And that in the mean Time for the Preservation of the Peace and necessary Proceedings in Matters of Justice and for the Safety and Service of the State, all the said Persons of whatever Degree cr Condition do not fail everyone severally according to his Place, Office or Charge to proceed in the Performance and Execution of all Duties thereunto belonging as' formerly appertained unto them during the Life of our late said Royal Grandfather; And further we do hereby will and command all and singular our Subjects in the said Plantations of what estate or Degree they or any of them be to be aiding, helping and assisting at the Commandment of the said Officers in the Performance and Execution of the said Offices and Places as they tender our Displeasure and will answer the Contrary at their utmost Perils.

"Whereupon it was proposed by his Honour in Council that seventyseven Minute Guns be fired on Monday, the ninth Day of this Instant February, at Savannah between the Hours of nine and twelve in the Forenoon and that the High and mighty Prince George Prince of Wales be proclaimed throughout the Province our lawful and rightful Liege Lord George the third by the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith Supreme Lord of this his Province of Georgia and all other his late Majesty's Territories and Dominions in America ; at the Town of Savannah on Tuesday the tenth Day of this instant February; and also at Sunbury, Frederica, and Augusta, in the said Province under a triple Discharge of the Cannon and Musquetry ; and that the same be done in the Words and according to the Form transmitted hither by the Lords of his Majesty's most honourable privy Council, herein before inserted.

"Also that his Majesty's Proclamation for continuing all Officers in his Plantations in their several Places and Employments until his Majesty's Pleasure shall be further signified, be published at the said several Places at the same Time.

"And also that his Majesty's Instructions for an Alteration to be made in the Prayers for the Royal Family be likewise published and duly observed in the several Parish Churches and other Places of Divine Worship throughout the Province."

At the next sitting of the council, Saturday, 7th February, it was stated in the Journal that "The several Matters proposed on Thursday, the fifth of this Instant February, were at this Board read over, approved, and ordered to lie carried into Execution."

On Tuesday the 10th of February, 1761, "His Honour the Governor and the Council being assembled and a Proclamation in the Words and Form transmitted hither by the Lords of his Majesty's most honourable privy Council having been prepared fair, wrote on a large Sheet of Paper the same was subscribed by his Honour and the Council As also by Numbers of the Principal Inhabitants and Planters of the Province who attended for that Purpose, and is as follows, viz.:

"Whereas it hath pleased Almighty God to call to his Mercy our late Sovereign Lord King George the Second of blessed and glorious Memory, by whose Decease the imperial Crown of Great Britain France and Ireland, as also the supreme Dominion and sovereign Right of the Province of Georgia and all other his late Majesty's Dominions in America are solely and rightfully come to the high and Mighty Prince, George Prince of Wales; We therefore, the Lieutenant Governor and Council with Numbers of the Principal Inhabitants and Planters of this Province do now hereby with one full Voice and Consent of Tongue and Heart publish and proclaim that the High and Mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales is now by the Death of our late Sovereign of happy and glorious Memory become our only lawfull and Right full Liege Lord, George the Third by the Grace of God, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, Supreme Lord of the said Province of Georgia and all other his late Majesty's Territories and Dominions in America; to whom We do acknowledge all Faith and constant Obedience with all hearty and humble Affection ; beseeching God by whom Kings and Queens do reign to bless the Royal King George the third with long and happy years to reign over Us. Given at the Council Chamber in Savannah the tenth Day of February in the year cf our Lord, one seven hundred and sixty-one.

"Then the Regulars and Militia, being under Arms, and drawn up by their respective Officers before the Council Chamber and the Windows thrown open the Clerk of the Council, by order of his Honour the Governour, did publish the said Proclamation audibly and distinctly under a discharge of twenty-one Pieces of Cannon; After which the said Proclamation being delivered to the Provost Marshal, His Honour and the Council accompanied by the principal Inhabitants and attended by the Regulars and Militia proceeded to the Market Place where the Provost Marshal published the said Proclamation under a like Discharge of Cannon; Then the Procession moved to the Fort in Savannah called Hallifax Fort where the Provost Marshal did again publish the same under a like Discharge of the Cannon and a Triple Discharge of the Musquetry; And his Majesty's Proclamation for continuing all Officers, &c., was then published.''

"His Honour the Governour and the Gentlemen of the Council present did this Day severally take the State Oaths and declare and subscribe the Teste on the Occasion of his Majesty, King George the

"Then his Honour proposed to the Board that an Address of Condolence and Congratulation to his Majesty should be drawn up and transmitted Home on this interesting and important Occasion which was joyfully and unanimously assented to and drawn up accordingly in the Words following, vizt. :

" 'We, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lieutenant Governor and Council of your Majesty's Province of Georgia, though by our Distance prevented the Happiness of Approaching your Sacred Person, yet deeply affected with the most unfeigned Concern, humbly beg Leave to Condole with your Majesty on the Death of your Royal Grandfather, our late most gratious Sovereign, whose Justice and Mercy, were equal to the Lustre of his Arms and Dignity of his Crown ; So sensible a Loss could only be alleviated by your Majesty's immediate and happy Accession to the Throne, as from a Prince so eminently possessed of every royal virtue. We promise our Selves a continuance of the greatest Blessings.

" 'Permit Us therefore most gratious Sovereign to mingle our very sincere and affectionate Congratulations with those of Your Majesty's other faithful Subjects on this great and important Event ; and also to assure your Majesty that the Inhabitants of this Province are zealous and united in their Attachment to your Majesty's Royal Person and Government. It is their earnest Prayer that your Majesty may long continue to reign over a grateful and happy People : That you may long continue the Arbiter of Europe, and the sure Refuge of oppressed Nations; and that your People to their latest Posterity may be ever blessed with a Prince of your illustrious House endowed with your Majesty's most amiable Virtues and Accomplishments.

"Then the said Address being read over and approved was signed by his Honour the Governour and the President of the Council in Order to be forwarded for England."

"Ordered, That the Secretary of this Province do prepare writs for electing Members to represent the Different Parishes and Places of this Province in general Assembly."

Georgia'S Last Royal Governor

Wright's Good Traits - Rising Discontent Against Royalty - Prosperous Condition of Colony - Sunbury - Spirit of Sedition in Georgia - Governor Wright's Dilemma - Repeal of the Stamp Act Acknowledged - Franklin, Georgia's British Agent - Renewed Protests Against British Acts - House Resents Wright's Interference.

The last royal governor of. Georgia was James Wright, who succeeded Henry Ellis in 1760, and of whom brief mention has been made. His appointment was dated May 13th, of that year, but he did not reach Savannah until October. His long administration was without doubt the most important as well as the most eventful since the time of Oglethorpe, as the seven years' war between Great Britain and the thirteen colonies, resulting in the independence of the latter, was embraced within that period.

Wright was, in some respects, well fitted for the position to which he was appointed, and his acts met with the general approval of the government in England. Of the many incidents connected with his residence in Savannah and the province of Georgia the details will be found in the following pages as they come before us in regular chronological sequence. The journal of the governor and council of Friday, October 31, 1760, gives an account of Ids inauguration which, with the exception of the insertion in full of his commission and the several oaths taken on the occasion, is remarkably brief. It states that "'James Wright, Esq., being introduced, laid before the Board his most sacred Majesty's Commission appointing him Lieutenant Governor of the Province, which commission was read by the Clerk and ordered to be entered." After ([noting the commission in full it proceeds: "Then the said James Wright, Esq., took all the state oaths appointed by law and declared and subscribed the Tests and took the oaths for administering the Government and for securing the Act of Trade and Navigation." He found here a colony whose population amounted to no more than ninety-five hundred and seventy-eight, of whom there were thirty-five hundred and seventy-eight negro slaves, while, for the protection of the people against invasion, the military force numbered about one thousand and twenty-five, included in which were two companies of rangers, independent companies known as "Independent Companies in his Majesty's service," and militia. The principal town. Savannah, had at that time between three and four hundred small frame houses, with a few public buildings of more imposing appearance, as mentioned by De Brahm, whom we have already quoted.

AV right adopted many plans for the welfare of the people and the progress of the colony in the matters of agriculture and commerce, and, like his predecessors, one of the first steps taken by him was to secure the friendship of the Indians, and to assure them of his desire to look after their interests. He was firm in the stand lie took in respect to what he considered intrusion upon the rights of his dominion, and protested against certain acts of Governor Boone, of South Carolina, in 1763, whereby that official endeavored to retard the progress of Georgia by issuing grants to a large portion of territory south of the Altamaha. Protesting against such proceedings, and meeting with no success from that method of acting, AV right laid the matter before the Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and that body put a stop to the issuing of grants.

He had another trouble with the chief justice of the province, AVilliam Grover, who proved to be anything than honorable in the performance of his duties, and who. when confronted with the charge of being unjust and with using his office for advancing his personal interests, retorted by publishing a libel upon the governor, tilled with vituperation and defamatory epithets which only served to bring the writer into disgrace and to cause .his suspension from office.

Until the news of the passage of the stamp act, in 1765. was received in Georgia, everything was calm and restful under the conservative policy of the man who represented the British government in that nation's far-away dependency, but then the time had come when his life was to be spent with a continual feeling that he could no longer carry out the will of his sovereign and at the same time please the majority of the people who had theretofore looked upon him as a friend. During the years to follow he had around him many who continued loyally to obey the laws of the mother country while a vast number saw in the measures adopted by parliament nothing but oppression and tyranny. The time was not far distant when he should find his task so arduous as to force him to declare, as he did in a letter to the Earl of Dartmouth, secretary of state, dated July 10, 1775, "It being impossible, my Lord, for me to submit to these daily insults, I must again request his Majesty will be graciously pleased to give me leave to return to England." and a little further on, ''I begin to think a King's Governor has little or no business here;" and only a week later to make this utterance, apparently in anguish of mind: "T am humbly to request that his Majesty will be graciously pleased to give me leave to return to England in order to resign the Government." He recon- sidered the matter, however, and remained in office until the independence of the colonies was established, and England had no further need of a royal governor in any of the thirteen provinces which had unitedly succeeded in winning the liberty which they stubbornly contended for during a disastrous war of seven years.

The first act on the part of Georgia's patriots to cause his 'disappointment was the adoption of a resolution by the general assembly in regard to William Knox, agent of the province in England, who wrote a letter to an American friend in defense of the stamp act. On learning this the assembly promptly, on the 15th of November. 1765, "resolved to give instructions to the Committee of Correspondence to acquaint Mr. Knox, agent of this Province, that the Province has no further occasion for his services." The assembly then appointed Mr. Charles Garth in the place of Knox, to which action Governor Wright objected and requested the appointment of another person; but the assembly not only insisted upon the confirmation of their action by the council but asked that body to concur in fixing the salary of Mr. 'Garth at £100. On the ground that the appointee was the agent of South Carolina and could not represent another province, council declined to concur, but expressed a willingness to ratify the appointment of any other suitable person. The assembly still insisted upon the confirmation of Garth, and resolved that in the event of a continued disagreement they would appoint him themselves, and they did so on the 26th of March, 1767. This so angered Governor Wright that he wrote to Secretary Conway: "The nomination of a provincial agent they have been seized with their strange enthusiastic ideas of Liberty and power," and again asserted in another letter of about the same date, "A large proportion of the people of Georgia are sons of liberty, and the same spirit of sedition which first appeared in Boston has reached Georgia."

He left nothing undone to keep the province from taking part with the other English dependencies in protesting against the acts of the mother country which so incensed the people who had in a more substantial and trying manner felt the effects of measures deemed by them as attacks upon their constitutional liberties. His efforts to keep this part of the country from overt acts of resistance were continued as long as possible, and his failure to convince the people that they were wrong in opposing the policy of the royal council was galling to his feelings and was shown in all his communications addressed to the Earl of Dartmouth as long as the war lasted, as well as in his dealings with the people of Georgia, directly or through his supporters in the council and assembly. Many scenes of violence and of opposition to his measures for "checking the spirit of rebellion," as he termed it, were enacted in Savannah, and these we will mention in their proper order.

Lieutenant-Governor James Wright was a man who not only planned for the upbuilding of the country over, which be had been appointed leader and in whose interests he had taken an oath to "well and truly perform all matters and things which by the statutes" he was required to do "for the encouraging and increasing of shipping and navigation" as well as "for the encouragement of trade" and "for preventing of frauds and regulating abuses in the plantation trade;" but he saw to it that bis plans were executed in a proper manner. Consequently, just before the beginning of the troubles caused by tbe passing of the stamp act, Georgia was in that happy condition described so well by Hugh McCall in his "History of Savannah":* "No province on the continent felt the happy effects of this public security sooner than Georgia, which had long struggled under many difficulties arising from the want of credit from friends, and the frequent molestations of enemies. During the late war the government had been given to a man who wanted neither wisdom to discern nor resolution to pursue the most effectual means for its improvement. While he proved a father to the people and governed the province with equity and justice, he discovered at the same time the excellence of its low lands and river swamps, by the proper management and diligent cultivation of which he acquired in a few years a plentiful fortune. His example and success gave vigor to industry and promoted a spirit of emulation among the planters for improvement. The rich lands were sought for with zeal and cleared with that ardor which the prospect of riches naturally inspired. The British merchants, observing the province safe and advancing to a hopeful and promising state, were no longer backward in extending credit to it, but supplied it with negroes, and goods of British manufacture with equal freedom as other provinces on the continent. The planters no sooner got the strength of Africa to assist them than they labored with success, and the lands every year yielded greater and greater increase. The trade of the province kept pace with its progress in cultivation. The rich swamps attracted the attention not only of strangers, but even with the planters of Carolina who had been accustomed to treat their poor neighbors with the utmost contempt ; several of whom sold their estates in that colony and removed with their families and effects to Georgia. Many settlements were made by the Carolinians about Sunbury and upon the Alatamaha. The price of produce at Savannah increased as the quality improved, a circumstance which contributed much to the prosperity of the country. The planters situated on the opposite side of Savannah River found in the capital of Georgia a convenient and excellent market for their staple commodities. In short, from this period the rice, indigo, and naval stores arrived in the markets in Europe of equal excellence and perfection and, in proportion to its strength, in equal quantities with those of its most powerful and opulent neighbors."

The allusion in the above extract to the influx of planters from Carolina, especially to the territory lying adjacent to the Midway river, caused the population of that section to increase so rapidly that the town of Sunbury, which was settled in 175S, had grown so rapidly that in September, 1762, it was raised to the dignity of a port of entry with Thomas Carr as its flrst collector, John Martin naval officer, and Francis Lee searcher. At the date of Governor Wright's repoiff the collector of customs was James Kitchen, whose salary was £6-3 per annum, and his fees amounted to £90, and he was "appointed as Collector at Savannah," that is to say by the Lords of the Treasury and Commissioners of the Customs. The collector at Savannah at that time was Alexander Thompson, and his salary, according to Wright, was £60 per annum, being live pounds less than that of Sunbury 's collector, but his fees amounted to £298 a year.

Much has been said and written concerning the once important commercial position held by Sunbury and the expectation that it would outgrow Savannah. On this point we will quote what Hugh McCall says: "Soon after its settlement and organization as a town, it rose into considerable commercial importance; emigrants came from different quarters to this healthy maritime port, particularly from Bermuda; about seventy came from that island, but unfortunately for them and the reputation of the town, a mortal epidemic broke out and carried off about fifty of their number the first year; it is highly probable they brought the seeds of the disease with them. Of the remainder as many as were able returned to their native country. This circumstance, however, did not very much retard the growing state of this eligible spot; a lucrative trade was carried on with various parts of the West Indies in lumber, rice, indigo, corn, &c. Seven square-rigged vessels have been known to enter the port of Sunbury in one day, and about the years 1769 and 1770 it was thought by many, in point of commercial consequence, to rival Savannah'. In this prosperous state it continued with very little interruption until the war commenced between Great Britain and America, when it was taken by the British troops under command of General Provost. After the Revolutionary war trade took a different channel, and Savannah became the receptacle for the exports and imports of the province which had formerly passed through Sunbury. "

The incidents leading to the founding of the town of Sunbury are briefly as follows: Under the government of the trustees of Georgia, tracts amounting to five hundred or more acres of land were conveyed to none but such persons as they approved of, with tile promise on the part of the parties that they would within twelve months at their own expense settle upon said lands, bringing with them ten able-bodied men servants. In 1757, George II granted to Mark Carr "All that tract of land containing five hundred acres, situated and being in the District of Midway in the Province of Georgia, bounded on the east by the Midway river, on the west by land of Thomas Carr, on the south by vacant land, and on all other sides by marshes of the said river." In 1752 the Dorchester Society moved from their settlement in South Carolina to the Midway district in Georgia, and in 1758 Mark Carr conveyed to James Maxwell, Kenneth Baillie, John Elliott, Grey Elliott and John Stevens, of Midway, three hundred acres of the original five hundred obtained by the grant from the crown, in trust that the said land should be laid out as a town to be named Sunbury. John Stevens and John Elliott were members of Dorchester (or Midway) congregation, and they and others who from time to time came from South Carolina formed the nucleus of the town whose population comprised many of the members of that body.

When the circular letter from the Massachusetts assembly calling for a congress to convene in New York in October, 1765, in consequence of the passage of the stamp act, was received in Georgia, Alexander Wylly, speaker of the commons house of assembly, called for a convention of the members, and on the 2d of September sixteen of them met in Savannah, but Wright's influence was then so great that he dissuaded them from sending delegates; but they did respond to the invitation by expressing a willingness to cooperate in sustaining any measure which might be adopted for the protection of the rights of the colonies.

Wright was so buoyed up by his success in preventing the representation of the province in the congress that he felt encouraged to believe his influence would still serve to keep Georgia out of the struggle, and to that end he wrote to the Earl of Halifax on the 20th of September, that everything within his jurisdiction was in good shape. He did not feel safe, however, for a great length of time, and the feeling of the people , who still considered their liberty in danger could not be held in check was shown so plainly as to cause him to become very apprehensive; and he expressed his anxiety and told the story of what had happened and was still happening under his eyes in Savannah in a long letter to

Secretary Conway, dated the 31st of January, 176G, as follows: "Sir, - Yesterday I had the honour to receive the duplicates of your Excellency's letter of the 24th of October, and it is with the utmost concern that I am to acquaint your Excellency that the same spirit of sedition, or rather rebellion, which first appeared at Boston has reached this Province, and I have for three months past been continually reasoning and talking with the most dispassionate and sensible people in order to convince them of the propriety of an acquiescence, and submission to the King's authority and that of the British Parliament, until they could point out their grievances, if any, and apply for redress in a constitutional way. I have also Sir, pointed out the dangerous consequences, distresses, and misery they must inevitably bring upon themselves by following the example of the Northern Colonies. This I have done in the strongest and most striking point of view I could place it in, and exactly agreeable to the sense and spirit of your Excellency's letter I had the honour to receive yesterday. At other times I had had recourse to such little force as is in my power, and have in some measure preserved and supported his Majesty's authority and prevented the Stamp papers from being destroyed, but Sir. I must at the same time declai*e that I have had the great mortification to see the reins of government nearly wrested out of my hands, his Majesty's authority insulted, and the civil power obstructed. But that your Excellency may be more clearly enabled to judge of the true state of affairs in this Province, and to lay the same before his Majesty, I humbly beg leave to state a brief narrative of some transactions here, and which I from time to time have acquainted the Lords of Trade with.

"On the 26th of October, the day of his Majesty's accession, I had ordered a general Muster ; and in the evening, a little after night, there was a very great tumult in the streets, and some effigies burnt, and a day or two after several incendiary threatening letters were wrote on which I issued a proclamation as your Excellency will see by the enclosed newspaper. I also issued another proclamation against riots and tumultuous and unlawful assemblies, and from that time the spirit of faction and sedition took place and increased, and those persons who falsely called themselves the Sons of Liberty began to have private cabals and meetings, and I was informed that many had signed an Association to oppose and prevent the distribution of Stamped papers, and the act from taking effect. But it was impossible to come at such proof as would enable me to support any legal proceedings against them, and I found they had determined on attacking the distributor as soon as he arrived, and compelling him to resign or promise not to act, as had been done in the Northern Colonies. I had also been informed that they intended to seize upon and destroy the papers whenever they should come. In the mean time Sir, every argument I could suggest was used to convince them of the rashness of such attempts and the dangerous consequences that must attend them, and every method, both public and private, was pursued by me to bring them to a right way of thinking, and which 1 frequently thought I had effected, and am sure I should have done but for the inflammatory papers, letters, and messages continually sent to the people here from the Liberty Boys, as they

"And thus matters rested Sir, till the 5th of December when his Majesty's ship 'Speedwell' arrived here with the stamped papers on board. I had used every precaution necessary to prevent either papers or officer from falling into the hands of those people, which they were not ignorant of. And when it was known that the 'Speedwell' was in the river with the papers, several of the principal inhabitants came to me and gave me the strongest assurances possible that there was then no intention to seize upon or destroy the papers. And they were landed without any appearance of tumult and lodged in the King's store or warehouse under the care of the Commissary. But notwithstanding these assurances with respect to the papers, 1 still found there was a design against the Officer.

"From the 5th of November everything remained pretty cpiiet, but I found cabals were frequently held and inflammatory letter's sent from Charlestown, and on the 2nd of January, about 3 in the afternoon. I was informed that the Liberty Boys in town had assembled together to the number of about 200 and were gathering fast, and that some of them had declared they were determined to go to the Fort and break open the Store and take out the stamped papers and destroy them; on which I immediately ordered the officers to get their men together, but appearances and threats were such that in three days I had not less than 40 men on duty every night to protect the papers, or I am confident they would have been destroyed.

"On the 3rd of January Mr. Angus, the distributor for this Province, arrived, of which I had the earliest notice in consequence of measures concerted for that purpose, and immediately sent the scout boat with an officer and a party of men to protect him and suffer nobody to speak to him, but conduct him safely to my house, which was done the next day at noon when lie took the State oaths and oath of office, and I had the papers distributed and lodged in all the different offices relative to the shipping and opening our ports, which had been shut for some time. But here the people in general have agreed not to apply for any other papers till his Majesty's pleasure be known on the petitions sent from the Colonies. I kept the Officer in my house for a fortnight, after which he went into the Country, to avoid the resentment of the people, for awhile. No pains have been spared in the Northern Colonies to spirit up and inflame the people, and a spirit of faction and sedition was stirred up throughout the Province, and parties of armed men actually assembled themselves together and were preparing to do so in different parts, but by sending expresses with letters to many of the most prudent 1 had the satisfaction to find that my weight and credit was sufficient to check all commotions and disturbances in the country at that time, and everything was quiet again and remained so till a few days ago when some incendiaries from Charlestown came full fraught with sedition and rebellion, and have been about the country and inflamed the people to such a degree that they were again assembling together in all parts of the province and, to the number ot' about 600, were to have come here on yesterday, all armed, and these people as I have been informed, were to have surrounded my house and endeavored to extort a promise from me that no papers should be issued till his Majesty's pleasure be known on the petitions sent home and if I did not immediately comply they were to seize upon and destroy the papers and commit many acts of violence against the persons and property of those gentlemen that have declared themselves friends of government. On this last alarm 1 thought it advisable to remove the papers to a place of greater security, and accordingly ordered them to be carried to Fort George on Coekspur Island where they are protected by a captain, two subalterns, and fifty private men of the rangers.

"But I have the satisfaction to inform your Excellency that I have with the assistance of some well disposed gentlemen, taken off and got a great many dispersed who were actually on their way down here, but many are still under arms and I can't yet say how the affairs will. end.

"This Sir, is a wretched situation to be in, and it's clear that further force is necessary to support his Majesty's authority from insults and reduce the people to obedience to the civil power. My task is rendered much more difficult by the people in the next province going the lengths they have done, and to this day do and it's said, and I believe it may be true (although Sir, I will not aver it for a fact), that the Carolinians have offered to assist the people here with 500 men to prosecute their vile attempts.

"Upon the whole, Sir, there is still a possibility of bringing the people to reason and restoring the peace and tranquility of the Province, on which, your Excellency so justly observes, their welfare and happiness depend. A few days will determine this point, and if not, then, agreeable to your Excellency's letter, I shall write to General Gage and Lord Colville for assistance. I have only to add that notwithstanding every threat and attempt, your Excellency may be assured I will firmly persevere to the utmost of my power in the faithful discharge of my duty to his Majesty ; but really Sir, such of the King's Servants in America as are firm in their opposition to the present seditious spirit have a very uncomfortable time of it.

"The whole military force in this Province, Sir, is two troops of Rangers, consisting in the whole of 120 effective men, v hich occupy 5 forts or posts in different parts of the Province, and 30 of the Royal Americans, - 20 of them at Fort Augusta, 150 miles from hence, and 10 at Frederica about the same distance. And on the first appearance of faction and sedition 1 ordered in some of the Rangers from each post and made up the number here at Savannah 56 privates and 8 officers, with which, and the assistance of such gentlemen as were of a right way of thinking I have been able in some measure to support his Majesty's authority, but 1 have been obliged to send two officers and 35 of those men with the papers to Fort George."

Wright's alarm had not subsided on the 7th of February following, at which time he adds to his information to the secretary the further proceedings of the people in preparing for resistance to the oppressive measures, especially in the enforcement of the stamp act: "On the from hence, after bringing the papers, that he would return again soon. I assure your Excellency he came at a very reasonable time, as by bis taking the papers on board the King's ship l was enabled to order up the Officers and Rangers to town, and then mustered 71 Officers and men. Captain Fanshawe brought his ship up and several gentlemen and others also promised to join me if the Villains should come into town. For notwithstanding I had been able to dispose of a great number, yet two hundred and forty of them were within 3 miles, and. being much exasperated against me for sending the papers away, agreed to come to me and demand that I would order the papers to be delivered up to them, and if I did not, they were to shoot me. This Sir. was avowedly declared by some of them ; and on Thursday, the 4th instant, they actually had the insolence to appear at the Town Common with their arms and colours, but finding I had near 100 men I could command and depend upon, and being told that many would join me as volunteers, after staying about 3 hours I was informed they differed among themselves and began to disperse, and I have now the great satisfaction to acquaint your Excellency that they are all dispersed ; but Sir, some of them declared they were offered the assistance of from 4 to 500 men from Carolina, and if they came, would be ready to return again. If none come from thence I hope to remain quiet.

I shall see some of the most dispassionate people and of the most considerable property amongst them, and endeavour to restore the peace of the Province, but even if I succeed in this so far as to obtain promises of submission, yet Sir. some troops will nevertheless be absolutely necessary, for I fear I can not have entire confidence in the people for some time, and your Excellency sees the insults his Majesty's author ity has received, and which I am still liable to. Possibly your Excel lency may be surprised that I have not mentioned calling out the militia, but I have too much reason to think I should have armed more against me than for me, and that volunteers were the only people I could have any confidence in or dependence upon."

The truth as to Governor Wright's fears and position as the representative of the crown in this dilemma is but feebly expressed in the foregoing. He did not know just how many of the inhabitants were with him in his efforts to support the measure which had so highly excited the people in the American colonies and which he knew was opposed even at home by some of the leaders of public opinion there. The stand of those men in behalf of the colonies had weight, and the repeal of the act was largely due to their influence. The Georgians had a powerful example in the action of their South Carolina neighbors who had been represented in the American congress in New York by such men as Lynch and Rutledge and who on their return influenced the assembly of their colony to adopt resolutions in accord with the spirit of that congress. Indeed, it is possible that Wright may himself have had some idea of the injustice of the legislation aimed against the people.

as slaves was upheld by James Wright, and he did all in his power to reconcile the people of Georgia to its provisions. He did not succeed, although he had, as in all other measures that were objectionable to the sturdy patriots, his supporters. Resistance was determined upon by his opponents, and even by some of his warmest friends, like the good and pious James Habersham, who expressed himself in this way: "The annual tax raised here for the support of our internal policy is full as much as the inhabitants can bear; and suppose the stamps produce only oneeighth of what they would in South Carolina, it would amount to as much in one year as our tax laws will raise in three; and perhaps we have not five thousand pounds in gold and silver c-ome into the Province in five years, though the act requires it in one. If this is really the case, as I believe it is. how must every inhabitant shudder at the thought of the act taking place, which, according to my present apprehension, must inevitably ruin them."

It was unfortunate for the people of Georgia that Governor Wright's influence had prevented the people from being represented at the New York congress. The South Carolina Gazette of February 11, 1765, in commenting on his success in that matter called him a "parricide," said the people had been "deluded and bullied out of their rights and privileges," and added that "like Esau of old, they had sold their birthright for a mess of pottage."

Stamps were used in Georgia only to a limited extent, and in cases of emergency as in the clearing of a number of vessels which had touched at Savannah and whose commanders were afraid to depart without them. This also brought a howl from South Carolina, where Georgia was upbraided as an "infamous colony," the declaration made that "every vessel trading there should be burnt" and that those persons who chose to transact business with her people "should be put to death," and it actually happened that two vessels were destroyed.

In spite of the efforts of Governor Wright to make the people see their duty as he put it before them, the "Liberty people" did things which kept the town in an excited condition as long as the act was in operation. On the 2d of January, he was informed that about two hundred of them had collected with the determination to break open the store and destroy tire stamped paper, and this caused him to make arrangement to prevent the seizure. Mr. Angus, the distributor of the stamps, arrived on the 3d, and he had to be protected and guarded to the governor's house where he remained two weeks, after which, on account, of the continued excitement, he. was sent into the country. At one time six hundred men consorted together and made known to Wright that if he issued any more stamps until it was known what the king would do in reply to the protests made they would surround his house, secure the papers and destroy them, and proceed to other acts of violence, and he had the papers sent to Fort George, on Cockspur island, under a guard of a captain, two subalterns and fifty men.

16th of July, 1766, as follows: "I think myself happy that I have it in my power to congratulate you on this Province having no injuries or damages, either of a public or private nature, with respect to property to compensate, and that you, Gentlemen of the Assembly, have no votes or resolutions injurious to the honor of his Majesty's government, or tending to destroy the legal or constitutional dependency of the Colonies on the Imperial Crown and Parliament of Great Britain to reconsider." He furnished the assembly with a copy of the act repealing the stamp act and other documents in relation to the connection of the colonies with England, referring to them in this language: ''When you consider the paper 1 shall now lay before you, I am persuaded- your hearts must be tilled with the highest veneration and filial gratitude, with a most ardent zeal to declare and express your grateful feelings and acknowledgments, and to make a dutiful and proper return, and show a cheerful obedience to t he laws and legislative authority of Great Britain."

Whether the response of the representatives met with his entire approval we are not informed, but he seems to have left on record nothing to indicate that he was in any way dissatisfied with their action, which he anxiously waited for, and which was duly submitted in this language: "We, his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, beg leave to return your Excellency our sincere thanks for your affectionate speech. Hopeful as we were that no occasion would have offered of calling us together till the usual season of our meeting, yet it is with the highest pleasure and satisfaction, and with hearts overflowing with filial affection and gratitude to our most gracious Sovereign, that we embrace the opportunity now presented to us of expressing our most dutiful acknowledgments to the best of Kings for his paternal and princely attention and regard manifested to his faithful subjects in these remote parts of his dominions in graciously condescending to lend his royal ear to their supplications and removing from them those evils they lamented. Nor can we sufficiently venerate and admire the magnanimity and justice of the British Parliament in so speedily redressing the grievances by them complained of.

"We can not indeed felicitate ourselves in that we have no injuries or damages either of a public or a private nature nor any votes or resolutions derogatory to the honor of his Majesty's government or tending to destroy the true constitutional dependency of the Colonies on the Imperial Crown and Parliament of Great Britain to reconsider.

"We will immediately proceed to take into our most serious consideration the papers laid before us by your Excellency, and we shall upon all occasions be ready to testify our loyalty to our King and firm attachment to our Mother Country."

The address to the governor just quoted was followed by one to the king which is also here reproduced: "We your Majesty's loyal subjects, the Council and Commons of your Majesty's Province of Georgia in General Assembly met, beg leave to approach your Royal person with hearts full of the most dutiful affection and gratitude. Influenced by principle, and animated by your Majesty's exemplary justice and paternal care in redressing the grievances of your faithful subjects in those remote parts of your wide extended Empire, with the deepest sense of your Majesty's royal clemency and goodness, we humbly offer to your most sacred Majesty our sincere thanks for the repeal of the late Act of the British Parliament commonly called the American Stamp Act. Nor can we sufficiently admire the magnanimity and justice displayed by the British Parliament on this occasion. Permit us, dread Sire, while we endeavor to express our gratitude to the best of Kings for affording us so speedy and necessary relief, to assure your Majesty that we shall, upon all occasions, strive to evince our loyalty and firm attachment to your Majesty's sacred person and government, being truly sensible of the advantages derived to us from the protection of our Mother Country; and that it is and ever will be our honor, happiness, and true interest to remain connected with and dependent on the Imperial Crown and Parliament of Great Britain upon the solid basis of the British Constitution. That your Majesty's Illustrious House may continue to reign over a free, loyal, and grateful people to the latest posterity is, most gracious Sovereign, our constant prayer, unfeigned wish, and our most sanguine hope.

In April, 1768, Benjamin Franklin was appointed agent of the Province of Georgia "to represent, solicit, and transact its affairs in Great Britain," and to that appointment Governor Wright did not withhold his assent. Indeed Franklin acted in the same capacity for other provinces, and he had replied to Grenville when the latter asked, "Do you think the people of America would submit to pay the Stamp Duty if it was modified?" in these words: "No, never. They will never submit to it." A joint committee, with James Habersham, Noble Jones, James Edward Powell, Lewis Johnson and Clement Martin representing the council and John Mullryne, John Smith, Noble Wymberley Jones, John Milledge, John Simpson, Archibald Bulloch, William Ewen and Joseph Gibbons representing the Commons House of Assembly, was charged with the duty of corresponding with him, "and give him such orders and instructions from time to time as they should judge to be for the best service of this province."

The determination of parliament to enforce the oppressive acts despite the protests of the Americans caused the provinces to take a decided stand and to resolve not to carry on commercial transactions with England unless an acknowledgment of their rights was admitted. It was proposed that the colonies import no goods which could be produced or made within their own borders, and to discard the use of all luxuries. Boston merchants first made the suggestion, but the Virginia Assembly first took the firm stand by resolving to carry into effect the suggestion already made, and Georgia naturally fell in line with the others. Accordingly, on the 16th of September, 1769, the merchants of Savannah met at the home of Mr. Alexander Creighton, and resolved that the parliamentary acts which the northern colonies had complained of "were unconstitutional, and that the taxes therein contemplated were inconsistent with the ability of the American Provinces," and it was also resolved "That any person or persons whatsoever importing any of the articles subject to such duties, after having it in their power to prevent it, ought not only to be treated with contempt, but deemed enemies to their country; it being a circumstance that need only be mentioned to any person inspired with the least sense of liberty, that it may be detested and abhorred."

This action was closely followed by the adoption at a meeting of the citizens, with the Hon. Jonathan Bryan presiding, of the following resolutions :

""VVe, inhabitants of Georgia, finding ourselves reduced to the greatest distress and most abject condition by the operation of several acts of the British Legislature by means whereof our property is arbitrarily wrested from us contrary to the true spirit of our Constitution and the repeatedly confirmed birthright of every Briton, under all these oppressions finding that the most dutiful and loyal petitions from the Colonies for redress of these grievances have not answered the salutary purpose we intended, and being destitute of all hope of relief from our multiplied and increasing distresses but by our industry, frugality, and economy, are firmly resolved never to be in the least accessory to the loss of any privilege we are entitled to :