Savannah, Georgia - History (part 8 of 16)

' ' At half past five o'clock we hear on our right and on t he enemy's left a very lively lire of musketry and of cannon upon our troops from the trenches who had commenced the false attack. A few minutes afterwards we are discovered l*r the enemy's sentinels who tire a few shots. The General now orders an advance at double quick, to shout Vive le Roy, and to beat the charge. The enemy opens upon us a very brisk fire of artillery and musketry, which, however, does not prevent the vanguard from advancing upon the redoubt, and the right column upon the entrenchments. The ardor of our troops and the difficulties offered by the ground do not permit us long to preserve our ranks. Disorder begins to prevail. The head of the column penetrates within the entrenchments, but, having marched too quickly, it is not supported by the rest of the column which, arriving in confusion, is cut down by discharges of grape shot from the redoubts and batteries and by the musketry tire from the entrenchments. We are violently repulsed at this point. Instead of moving to the right, this [Dillon's] column and the vanguard fall back toward the left. Count d'Estaing receives a musket shot almost within the redoubt, and At. Bctizi is here wounded several times.

"The column of AI. de Steeling, which moved to the left, while traversing a muddy swamp full of brambles, loses its formation and no longer preserves any order. This swamp, upon which the enemy's entrenchments rested, formed a slope which served as a glacis to them. The tiring is very lively : and although this column is here most seriously injured, it crosses the road to Augusta that it may advance to the enemy's right which it was ordered to attack. On this spot nearly all the volunteers are killed. The Baron de Steding is here wounded.

"The column of AI. d'Estaing and the repulsed vanguard which had retreated to the left arrived here as soon as the column of M. de Steding. and threw it into utter confusion. At this moment everything is in such disorder that the formations are no longer preserved. The road to Augusta is choked up. It here, between two impracticable morasses, consists of an artificial causeway upon which all our soldiers who had disengaged themselves from the swamps collected. We are crowded together and badly pressed. Two 18-pounder guns, upon field carriages, charged with canister and placed at the head of the road, cause terrible slaughter. The musketry fire from the entrenehemnts is concentrated upon this spot and upon the swamps. Two English galleys and one frigate sweep this point with their broadsides, and .the redoubts and batteries use only grape shot which they shower down upon this locality. Notwithstanding all this our officers endeavor to form into columns this mass which does not retreat, and the soldiers themselves strive to regain their ranks. Scarcely have they commenced to do this when the General orders tin* charge to be beaten. Three times do our troops advance r-n masse up to the entrenchments which cannot be carried. An attempt is made to penetrate through the swamp on our left to gain the enemy's right. More than half of those who enter are either killed or remain stuck fast in the mud. * * * Standing in the road leading to Augusta, and at a most exposed point, the General, with perfect self-possession, surveys this slaughter, demands constant renewals of the assault, and, although sure of the bravery of his troops, determines upon a retreat, only when he sees that success is impossible.

"We beat a retreat, which is mainly effected across the swamp lying to the right of the Augusta road ; our forces being entirely, and at short range, exposed to the concentrated tire of the entrenchments which constantly increases in vehemence. At this juncture the enemy show themselves openly upon the parapets and deliver their tire with their muskets almost touching our troops. The General here receives a second shot.

"About four hundred men, more judiciously led by the Baron de Steding, retreated without loss by following the road to Augusta and turning the swamp by a long detour. M. de Noailles, anxious to preserve his command for the moment when it could be used to best advantage, orders his reserve corps to fall back rapidly. Unless he had done this it would have suffered a loss almost as severe as that encountered by the assaulting columns, the effect of the grape shot being more dangerous at the remove where it was posted than at the foot of the entrenchments. Accompanied only by his adjutant, he ascends an elevation fifteen paces in advance of his corps that he might with certainty observe all the movements of the army. His adjutant. M. Calignon, is mortally wounded by his side. When the Viscount de Noailles perceives the disorder reigning in the columns, he brings his reserve corps up to charge the enemy; and when he hears the retreat sounded advances in silence at a slow step, and in perfect order, to afford an opportunity to the repulsed troops to reform themselves in his rear. He makes a demonstration to penetrate within the entrenchments in case the enemy should leave them, and prepares to cut them off in that event. Under these circumstances he encounters some loss, but the anticipated sortie would have caused the total destruction of our army. That the enemy did not make this apprehended sortie is to be attributed to the excellent disposition of his forces and the prompt manoeuvre on the part of the Viscount de Noailles.

"The fragments of the army hastily form in single column behind the reserve corps and begin marching to our camp. M. de Noailles constitutes the rear guard, and retires slowly and in perfect order. Towards eight o'clock in the morning the army was again in camp, and a cessation of hostilities for the purpose of burying the dead and removing the wounded was proposed and allowed."

We come now to the movement on the part of the Americans whose right column, commanded by Colonel Laurens, and having in advance Count Pulaski, made a spirited assault on the Spring-Hill redoubt. Passing the ditch, the colors of the second South Carolina regiment were planted upon its outside incline, but the parapet being too high to be scaled, and the tiring received in the bold attempt to do so being too hot to be resisted, they had to fall back when disorder reigned and the cavalry and lancers bearing in confusion to the left cut through the infantry and carried a portion of them into the swamp.

the vicinity of Spring-IIill redoubt in the confusion which then occurred, and when Count d'Estaing, wounded in the arm, was vainly endeavoring to rally Ids troops. Then it was, as Major Thomas Pinckney relates, "General McIntosh did not speak French, but desired me to inform the commander-in-chief that his column was fresh, and that he wished his directions where, under present circumstances, he should make the attack. The Count ordered that we should move more to the left, and by no means to interfere with the troops he- was endeavoring to rally. In pursuing this direction we were thrown too much to the left, and, before we could reach Spring-IIill redoubt, we had to pass through Yamaeraw Swamp, then wet and boggy, with the galley at the mouth annoying our left with grape shot. While struggling through this morass, the firing slacked, and it was reported that the whole army had retired. I was sent by General McIntosh to look out from the Spring-IIill, where I found not an assailant standing. On reporting this to the General, he ordered a retreat, which was effected without much loss, notwithstanding the heavy lire of grape-shot with which we were followed."

When the column under Laurens passed the ditch and stood at the foot of the parapet, the dag of the Second South Carolina was. as we have, seen, planted as near the top as could be reached. That act was performed by Lieutenants Hume and Bush who both were killed, when Lieutenant Grey hastened to their assistance, but he received a mortal wound, and Sergt. William Jasper, having himself been mortally wounded, with his characteristic gallantry rushed forward, seized the standard and bore it away. The colors- had been presented to the regiment by Mrs. Elliott, of Charleston, and. after the retreat of the day, Major Iloag called to see him when he remarked: "I have got my furlough. That sword was presented to me by Governor Rutledge for my services in the defence of Fort Moultrie. Give it to my father, and tell him 1 have won it with honor. If he should weep, tell him his son died in the hope of a better life. Tell Mrs. Elliott that I lost my life supporting the colors which she presented to our regiment. If you should ever see Jones, his wife, and son, tell them that Jasper is gone, but that the remembrance of the battle which he fought for them brought a secret joy to his heart when it was about to stop its motion forever." His death occurred only a few minutes after he spoke those words.

Count Pulaski, in attempting to rally the disorganized troops, as well as to charge through the enemy's line and enter the city, when the terrific engagement at Spring-Hill was at its height, was struck by a grapeshot fired from the last gun of the bastion, and, unhorsed, was taken, wounded unto death, from the field by his officers. Ilis last command was: "Follow my Lancers to whom 1 have given the order of attack.'' After the retreat, he was taken on board the United States brig Wasp to be conveyed to Charleston. On the voyage he had the attention of the best surgeons of the French fleet, but his wound was too severe to yield to treatment, and gangrene set in, causing bis death while the Wasp was not yet out of the Savannah river. The corpse becoming offensive his attending officer, Colonel Bentalou, "was compelled, though reluctantly, to consign to a watery grave all that was now left upon earth of his beloved and honored commander."

The accounts of the siege of Savannah by the allied American and French troops most commonly known are those representing the matter from the American standpoint. The following statement showing how Governor W right saw it. together with the description given by a British officer, and adopted by Wright as truthful, will enable the reader to see both sides and aid him to draw his own conclusions :

My Lord : Since I had the honor of writing to Your Lordship last by the Cork Victuallers we have met with a very unexpected alarming and serious scene, Especially in this part of the world, for no Man could have thought or believed that a French Fleet of 25 Sail of the Line with at least 9 Frigates and a number of other Vessells would have come on the Coast of Georgia in the month of September and Landed from 4 to 5000 Troops to besiege the Town of Savannah, but My Lord amazing as this is, it is certainly Fact, for on the 3d of September an account came to Savannah that 5 Large ships were in the offing and the next morning advice came that they Avere French Ships, and I concluded that they had been drove here by distress, however on the 7th a letter was wrote by Captain Henry Commander of His Majesty's Ship Fowey that 42 sail of French Ships appeared oft' Tvbee Bar and on the 8th 5 of them very Large Ships came in over the Bar, on which the Fowey and Rose Ships of War were obliged to retreat and come up the River, and on the 12th several of the French Fleet went in at Ossabaw and at Night began to land their Troops at Bewlie and on the 15th the Count D'Estaing sent a Summons to General Prevost to Surrender the Town and Province to the King of France on which some Messages & Letters passed, and on the 17th the Truce ended in Declaring that it was the Unanimous opinion and Resolution of the Civil and Military that the Town should be Defended. This my Lord made me very happy as I had some strong Reasons to apprehend and fear the Contrary. The particulars of the Negotiation Your Lordship will receive from General Prevost, and from this time Hostilities began and both sides were very active in raising Redoubts and Batteries and Opening Trenches etc., etc. and now my Lord give me leave to mention the great ability and Exertions of Captain Moncrief the Chief Engineer who was Indefatigable day and Night and whose Eminent Services contributed vastly to our defence and safety, and on the 3d of October at half after 11 at Night the French began to Bombard the Town and at the Firing of the Morning Gun on Monday the 4th they began a most Furious Cannonade which continued more or less till Saturday the 9th when just before Break of day an attack was made by the united Armys of the French and Rebels, and we have it from very good authority that the flower of both armys to the amount of 2500 French and 1500 Rebels, came against us. The Conflict was sharp, and lasted for about an hour and a half and we were well informed by French Officers who were wounded and taken, and also by some who came with Flags and by deserters and others, that they lost 700 killed & wounded, and some accounts mentioned 1000 among which are 63 officers - D'Estaing wounded in the thigh and arm Polaski on the Hip with a grape shot and since dead and the Rebels its said had killed and wounded 500, amongst them Charles Price. Astonishing to think we had only 7 killed and 14 wounded but for a piore Circumstantial Account of the Siege, Attack etc., etc., I beg leave to refer Your Lordship to the Inclosed diary, and which altho not in the Military Language or Style, I will be answerable is as Just and True an account of the whole matter as will be transmitted from any hand whatever, and I have it my Lord from some of my Friends who had an opportunity of Knowing the condition of the French Fleet when they were ready to depart from our coast, that the Ships were much out of repair and the Men exceedingly sickly on Board the Sagittaire the Crew of which amounted to 500, they Buried with the Scurvy and other disorders but chiefly the Scurvy at least 2, 3 and 4 every day one day with another, and this for a month, and several officers who came there from the other ships said it was the same throughout and I was Informed from the same Authority that D'Estaing was return to Brest immediately with 11 ships, 4 to go to Chesapeake for provisions and from thence to the Cape, 2 Frigates and the Cape Troops, say 1200 Men to go to Charles Town & the rest with La Motte Piquet to Martinique this Destination was learnt yet possibly may not be the fact,

"On Friday the 3rd Sept. Capt. Henry of His Maj'tys Ship Fowey call'd on me and told me he had heard from Tybee, that they were 5 large ships in the Offing which were imagin'd might be the Roebuck with some Cork Victuallers.

"On Saturday the 4th he call'd on me again & Shew'd a letter from Capt. Brown of the Rose, who wrote that he had sent a Lieut, to reconnoitre the Ships, who reported them to be French & we then suppos'd they might have been drove this way bv a Gale of Wind - which seem'd in some measure to be confirmed - because on Monday the 6th Accounts were bro't up that the Ships had disappeared.

received a letter from Capt. Henry informing him that there were 42 Sail of French Ships of War in Sight, most of which appeared to be large Ships, on which we concluded that a serious Attack was intended against this Province; We had been repairing the Old Redoubts and raising New 'Works - Expecting an Attack by the Rebels, but on these Accounts of a French Fleet being on the Coast, the greatest Exertions were made by Capt. Moncrief Chief Engineer and 400 to 500 Negroes were immediately ordered in by the Gov'r and Council and set to work - And in the whole there were 13 good redoubts raised round the Town in different places and 15 Gun Batteries were raised also in different places between the Redoubts - the whole of these Batteries contain'd 80 Pieces of Canon, 18, 9 & 6 pounders - The Batteries were mann'd by the Sailors of the Fowey, Rose and Keppel & by Sailors & Volunteers belonging to Transports and other Ships in the River.

"Besides which there were several 6 and 4 Pounders properly placed without Batteries, also five field pieces. We soon received an Account from Capt. Henry that the French Fleet consisted of 25 sail of the Line and 9 Frigates besides other Vessels.

"On the 8th Sept. Five Frigates got over Tvbee Bar, and soon after the Fowey, Rose, Keppel, Savannah & the Galleys were obliged to retire up the River.

"On Sunday the 12th at night the French began to land Troops at Bewley, 14 miles from Town And on Wednesday the 15th a letter came from Count De Estaing containing a General Summons to surrender the Town and Province to the King of France, he boasted in this letter of his formidable Armament by Sea and Land What he had done with them at Granada &c. mentioned how much Ld Macartney had suffered by not Capitulating, and that it was totally in vain to think of opposing or resisting his Force - And warn'd General Prevost of the Consequences attending a Storm, hinting that he shou'd consider him as personally answerable for the lives of the people &c.

"The Answer to this was that the General he had a better opinion of him & of the British Army which he had the honour to command, than to expect they wou'd surrender the Town &c. on a General Summons, without knowing on what terms or conditions. That he had communicated the above letter to the Civil Governor - And if the Count had any terms to offer, desired they might he made.

"The Answer to this was that it was a matter of great Consequence and there were many different Interests to be adjusted and settled, and therefore desired 24 hours to consider of it.

"In the Afternoon a Council of War was held in the General Tent, consisting of the field Officers (the Gov'r and Lieut Gov. being present) to consider of an Answer to be sent to tin1 Count De Estaing when it was the unanimous opinion of the whole that the Town should be defended & that this Answer or Notice should be returned to Count De Estaing. On which Hostilities commenced -

"On the 17th 18th & 19th Col. Maitland and all the Troops from Beaufort got here hut with the greatest difficulty and risque. Excepting the Artillery Men of the Hessian Corps, Hessian Convalescents and about 170 of the 71st. The Vigilant Man of War, three Galleys and 3 Transports with all the Artillery Stores Baggage &c. were left at Callibogie. -

"Two of the French Frigates with two Galleys advanced up the River to 4 Mile Point and on the 29th Sept, one of them got up to & Anchored at the Mouth of the Back River and the two Galleys at the point of Yonges Island of March and at different times they fired many Shot into the Town 24 & 12 Pounders.

"The French were employed in bringing Canon &c. &c. &e. from Bevvley till the 24th.. In the night of which, they began to break ground, near our lines and next day we saw 2 pieces of Canon mounted.

"A party of light Infantry were Order'd out under the Command of Major Graham consisting of about 90 men in Order to draw the French out of their Lines, who to the number of 300 came out & were drove from their Works but were then Supported by a Column of French Troops from 500 to 600 from the Woods behind their Works which Obliged the light Infantry to return. The french were much Galled by our Canon and the fire of the 51 usque try & lost as we were informed 84 Killed & about 100 Wounded.

"From the 24th the french were extending their lines & Works & raised three large Batteries and were bringing Canon & Mortars &c. from Bewley, Thunderbolt & Caston Bluff.

"On the 2d of Oetr. The Frigate & Rebel Galleys Kept a constant fire on the Town & Camp from 11a. m. to 1 P. 51. many shot reach'd thro' the Town to Zubley's 5Ieeting from the Galleys & from the Frigate went quite across the Camp to the Barracks.

"Sunday 3d Octr. At half after 11 at Night the French open'd a Bomb Battery of -9 5Iortars & continued throwing Shells till One O'clock in the 5Iorning - 123 Shells were thrown into every part of the Town, but without doing any 5Iaterial Damage.

"Monday 4th Octr. Just as the 5Iorning Gun was fired - the Enemy began a most furious and incessade Canonade from three Batteries mounting in the whole 32 Guns of 18. 12, 9 & 6 Pounders, besides a Constant fire from the Frigate of 14 Guns 12 pounders, And of 2 Guns 24 Pounders from the two Rebel Galleys - as also a Bombardment of Shells - however only the Daur. of a 5Irs. Thomson, and a 5Ir. Pollard Assistt. Barrack .Master were kill'd, during which a constant Fire was Kept up, by our Batteries, on the Enemy's works & Shells thrown from 5 small Cohorns. Tuesday 5th Canonading & Bombardment continued - Day &. Night.

"Wednesday 6th the same - This night a Woman her .Mother & Child & a Niece were killed by a Shell in the Middle of the Town, also three Negroes - Airs Lloyds house was set on fire by a Carcase which they now began to threw.

"Thursday 7th The Canonade & Bombardment continued - several Carcases were thrown - Another House was burnt, most of the Houses in Town were much damaged by the Shot but nobody kill'd either in Town or Camp.

"Friday 8th Bombardment & Canonade continued much damage continued to be done to the Houses - Capt. Simpson killed by a Grape Shot in Major Wrights Redoubt at the Trustees Gardens - In the Course of this Night a very heavy Canonade from the enemy.

"Saturday 9th Especially from 12 at night also a Bombardment which continued till the firing of the Morning Gun at Day break Sc immediately an Attack was made by the French & Rebels on the Ebenezer redoubt Sc Battery by the Spring and on the redoubt by Col. Maitland is Tent, on the Right at our line, commanded by Col. Maitland; the Eenemy that made the Attack were the flower of the French Troops Virginia Sc So. Carolina Continentals & So. Carolina Militia - Supposed to he 2500 french & 1500 Rebels.

The Attack was made with great Spirit on the part of the French - The Morning was favourable for them being Dark & Foggy. The Attack continued l1 5 hour when the Enemy were beat back Sc retreated with great precipitation Our Troops who alone opposed them were 30 Dragoons.

"90 of Col. Hamilton's No. Carolina Loyalists Sc 56 Georgia Militia In the Redoubt where Col. Maitland was Sc 70 Grauadiers of the Royal Americans who were Ordered to support the Redoubts, and bravely charg'd the Enemy with their Bayonets.

"Exclusive of the above the Spring Battery of 6 Guns maim'd by 31 Sailers Commanded by Mr. Manly Sc Steel did very great execution Sc much contributed to the repulse of the Enemy - None of the other Troops on the right of our line were at all engaged, or had occasion to fire a single muscjuet - these consisted of tiie 1st Battalion of 71st the Hessian regt Wezenbeckens & Browns Rangers.

"On the left of our Line a Feint was made by the Rebel Troops - 500 under Command of Genl. 'Williamson - -on Major Wrights redoubt by the Trustees Gardens & 700 under Command of Col. Sleyer on Col. Crugers Redoubt in Tatnels Road - The Rebels were beat off & lost 50 kill'd & wounded at this end of our line - Amongst the first Charles Pryee.

"After the retreat of the French & Rebels on the right of our line 270 men chiefly French were found dead - 31 of whom were in the Ditch and on the parapet of the Ebenezer Redoubt Sc 93 more within the Abattis - A French & Rebel Standard were once fixed on the parapet of this redoubt, the French carried off theirs, hut the Rebel Standard was taken by us. Since the Attack we find by Deserters, French Officers and others that the French lost in kill'd & Wounded not less than 700 some say 1000 & of the first 63 Officers by their own Aceot. Amongst the Wounded Count De Estaing Received a Musquet Shot in his Arm & another in his Thigh. Count Polaski a Wound in the Hip by a Grape Shot & since dead - And the Rebels by the best information we coil'd get had kill'd & wounded about 500 & it is astonishing to think that in this attack "We had onlv Capt. Tawes & 7 privates Kill'd and 14 wounded.

"A flag was soon sent by the French & Rebels desiring a Truce for the Burial of the Dead. & receiving the Wounded, which was agreed to till 2 o'clock & then extended till Dark. During this Night a slight Canonading on both sides & many french & Rebel Deserters came in.

"Sunday 10th Several Flags passed and Truces agreed to, for the above and other purposes, a Slight Canonading during the night & many Deserters come in.

11th No Canonading or Bombardment on the part of the Enemy. Deserters coming in who Inform'd that they were sending their Sick &. Wounded & heavy Canon on board their Ships - The Rebel Militia were daily going off in Numbers.

"Tuesday 12th Slight Canonading on each side in the night, but not a Gun fired in the day - the Enemy seem'd now to fire from two pieces of Canon only.

"Monday 18th This Evening & Night all the French & Rebel Troops left their Camps & lines which were next day & a few days following all destroyed.

"Tuesday 19th Were inform'd the French had taken post 2 miles from Town at the Cross Roads leading to Brewtons & that the Rebels were crossing the River with all Expedition, at the two Sisters and Zubly's Ferry.

"20th & 21st Learn 'd that all the French had Embark'd at Caston's Bluff in about 100 Boats & had gone to Tybee to embark in their Men of War lying there.

"From the 21st the Winds hanging to the Eastward, the French Frigate eou'd not move from five fathom hole Cartels during this time coming up with prisoners.

During the siege the headquarters of the English were on the north side of Broughton street, between Bull and Drayton, now known as number twenty-four Broughton street east. The guard-house was where the Citizens and Southern Bank now stands, on the lot facing Johnson square, and bounded by Bull, Bryan. Drayton and St. Julian streets. Governor Wright's residence was on the lot now occupied by the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, bounded by Barnard, State, Jefferson and President streets. The council house faced Reynolds square, with Abereorn street on the west, St. Julian street on the north, and Congress street on the south.

Savannah Again American

Royal Civil Government Feeble - Affairs Managed by AVright and Council - Augusta Surrendered to the Americans - Royal Cause Getting Dark - Wright's Pitiable Mental Condition - American Troops at Gates of Savannah - Wayne's Terms for British Evacuation - Nathaniel Greene and IIis Services - Confiscated British Estates - "Mulberry Grove'' Made Over to Greene - Anthony Wayne and His Services - Greene Visits "Mulberry Grove" - Death and Funeral of General Greene - Wayne's Georgia Residence Also Short.

From the time of the capture of Savannah by Archibald Campbell, on the 29th of December. 1778, Augusta became the capital of Georgia, and there the meetings of the Republican assembly were held, while Savannah continued to be the seat uf the royal legislature.

After the successful resistance of the combined attack on the part of the Americans and their French allies in October, 1779, Sir James Wright found it difficult to get a quorum to attend a meeting of his legislative assembly. He ordered an election of delegates returnable on the 9th of May, 1780, but of the twenty-six legal members only fifteen actually appeared, which was three less than the fixed constitutional quorum ; but, with the advice of his council, he assented to an organization of the commons house with a reduced number of representatives under the circumstances. On the 6th of November of the year 1779, he wrote to Secretary Lord George Germain: "In my former letters I very particularly mentioned the reason why it was impossible to call an assembly at that time and how far this Province had been suffered to relapse into rebellion again. * * * I am now, my Lord, taking every step in the power of the civil department to check the spirit of rebellion by compelling all those who I think might or ought to have come in and joined in the defense of the town but did not to (sic) give a very circumstantial account of their conduct during the siege, and have directed that those of the lower class who do not appear materially culpable shall be obliged to give security for their good behaviour for 12 months themselves in £100 sterling and 2 securities in £50 each, also to take the oaths of allegiance. &c., &c\, and to subscribe the test, a copy whereof is in- closed, and any who appear to have offended capitally I have ordered to be committed, and if sufficient evidence can be had against them I am determined they shall be prosecuted for high treason; but my Lord in the situation we are now the civil government, your Lordship will see, must be very feeble, and will remain so till I can call an assembly. This is a point I have considered, and hope it may be done, and that the time is not vel'y distant when 1 may issue writs for that purpose."

Again, in a letter to the same person, on the 9th of November following, he wrote: "AVhen I can call an assembly which I hope will be as soon as the reinforcement comes to enter Carolina, then Government will soon strengthen and raise its head." He waited more than two months without finding it within his power to obtain the necessary material for a law making organization and even then his hopes tied. On the 20th of January, 1780. he once more said to Lord Germain: "As soon as the troops begin their operations I shall issue writs of election, and hope when I can get an assembly I shall be able to execute his Majesty's commands, and my instructions to accomplish which, and every matter that I may judge to be for his Majesty's service, I shall exert to the utmost of my power." The power to grant the writs was finally sanctioned by the council in the month of March, as will be seen by the following extract from a letter written to Lord Germain on the 24th : "We had happily and most providentially escaped a danger and force almost sufficient to have swallowed us up, and on the arrival of his Majesty's troops from New York I then look'd upon peace and good order and government in this province -as certain and at hand but how was 1 mistaken? The first drop was the alteration on the route of the army which had been clearly settled here should be from hence to Augusta, but the change left the province so much exposed and disconcerted me to that degree that with the advice of his Majesty's council I postponed using the writs of election for some time. I do not mean to censure the measure of altering the route, for it might be very proper and right. I will not say otherwise. But immediately on the back of this comes the proclamation, without any restriction or limitation and without any exception of any persons whatever, and under which it is my fear that every rebel who has fled this province and committed crimes of the blackest dye may come back and claim pardon and protection, and if that is the case, my Lord, it will be scarce possible for any King's officer to remain here with any tolerable satisfaction. The moment I received it I ordered the council to be summoned and laid the proclamation before them, and, mv Lord, it was then determined to issue the writs of election, for if these people return many of them will have influence enough to get themselves elected members of Assembly. And what, then, my Lord, is to be expected? So that I have at all events, and at all hazards, ordered the writs to be prepared and shall sign them tomorrow." On the 6th of April he gave the result of the election in the town as follows; "The election for the town of Savannah began yesterday and 1 believe will end agreeably, and that the four members will be Air. Robertson the Attorney General, Air. Simpsou the Clerk of the Court, Air. Alossman a planter, and Air. Farley an attorney."

The assembly met, as we have already stated, on the 9th of May, with a questionable legal quorum. On that point we have only these few words from Governor Wright in a report to Lord Germain on the 20th: "I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordship that notwithstanding the wretched state the Province is .just now in, and parties of rebels coming from Carolina plundering and carrying oft' the inhabitants within 5 or 6 miles of the town, yet we managed so as to get all the writs of election executed in every parish and district except in St. Paul's where Augusta is, and on the 9th instant we met and opened the session, and now inclose your Lordship copies of what was passed on that occasion and which I hope may be approved of.

"I think, my Lord, there is a good Assembly, and I hope I may be able to carry into execution some matters which I presume it is wished may be done. But, my Lord, much still depends on the restriction of South Carolina, after which all proper exertions will be used.

"We are now waiting with the utmost anxiety to hear of that event. 3 months and a half since the troops left Savannah, and Charles Town (for aught we know) still in the hands of the rebels.''

It seems strange that although Charleston was surrendered to the British eight days before (May 12th, 1780) Sir James Wright had not then received the news.

We hear no more of the proceedings of the assembly until the 17th of July, at which time a letter from Wright to Lord Germain informed the latter of eight acts passed by that body and approved by the former - two on the 1st of July, and six on the 10th. Of these we will only mention two - those approved on the 1st. They were important measures as viewed from a British standpoint, and the governor thus mentioned them :

"On the 1st instant I assented to a bill entitled an Act to disqualify and render incapable the several persons thereinafter named from holding or exercising any office of trust, honor, or profit in the Province of Georgia for a certain time and for other purposes therein mentioned. This bill, my Lord, I judged very necessary for his Majesty's service, as some kind of punishment to delinquents and check to rebellion. ;md indeed for the support of government and the peace and quiet of the inhabitants. For by it they were not only disabled as in the title, but they were disqualified from serving on juries, from sitting as members of the Assembly, and are disarmed and obliged to take the state oaths and a new test, also to find security for their good behavior, &c., and I am hopeful it will answer many good purposes, and when such a strong disposition appeared to general pardon, forgiveness and oblivion, I thought it the more necessary that something of this kind should be done, and doubt not but his Majesty will be graciously pleased to approve it.

"At the same time 1 assented to a bill entitled an Act for the relief of such of his Majesty's loyal subjects as are inhabitants of the Province of Georgia, or have any property or intercourse therein. It was thought very necessary, my Lord, to pass a law of this kind, for altho' all the pretended laws and proceedings of the rebels were absolutely null and void, yet it will very much quiet and satisfy the minds of the people to declare them by law to be so, and we had an exceeding good precedent and example in the statute of the 1st William and Mary session 2d Chap. 9 after the Rebellion in Ireland."

Those two measures were adopted as acts of retaliation for the passing by the republican legislature on the 1st of March, 1778, of an act attainting of high treason all of the prominent loyalists, property owners, who decided to support the British government, and confiscating their real and personal property, and appointing commissioners to sell such confiscated estates.

The legislature at this period of Savannah's history appears to have had little business to attend to, and the affairs of the town and province were managed by Governor Wright and his council. Sir James wrote again to the principal secretary of state on the 19th of July: "In my letter of the 17th instant. No. 24, I have given your Lordship an account of the several bills assented to by me during the session of the Assembly. There were one or two more which I had in view, but the weather was excessively hot, and the gentlemen grew tired of attending to business, and I thought it most prudent to let 'em alone till our next meeting." The town and district of Savannah did not present to him a very pleasing picture in the way of being able to withstand a sudden attack. On the 20th of August he wrote: "The troops at Savannah, my Lord, are in all about 500, and at Augusta now only about 240, and which I believe are the whole of his Majesty's forces at present in the Province of Georgia. But your Lordship will be precisely informed by the returns, and when any of these or any others may be sent either to Sunbury or Dartmouth I can't say, but I understand that if there should be reason to apprehend an attack upon East Florida, in such case the garrison at St. Augustine is to be re-inforced from hence, and I must say that 1 think this Province is already too soon and too much weakened.

rf'I find we have only 15 nine pounders. 4 six pounders and 1 four pounder, all mounted on ship carriages, late the guns of his Majesty's ship Rose - 2 pieces of brass six pound ordnance 5 four pounders and

Realizing the situation in which, through the failure of those responsible to help him, lie found the province, he assented to the passage of a bill on the 30th of October by which he was authorized to put upwards of four hundred negroes to work upon the fortifications, and, on the 1st of December, he wrote to Lord Germain: "We are making five redoubts and batteries, and there is to be a parapet made of fascines and earth from the river at each end and on the back of the town. This parapet is 10 foot wide and 7 foot high, with a ditch on the outside 15 foot wide at top. 10 foot deep, and sloping to the bottom

3 foot. I think the redoubts will be finished and each parapet about half done, or say the whole 4 foot high, by Christmas, and I expect the work will be entirely finished in all January."

Still he saw that without considerable help he could not expect to make headway against any real attempt to capture the town. On the 20th of December he again wrote: "The parties of militia which were employed under the authority given by Sir Henry Clinton * * * were very soon at an end. I being given to understand that they could nt)t be paid and subsisted any longer, and I have no power to oblige the militia to do military duty without pay & subsistence. * * * Not a man has been sent here, and all my applications hitherto taken very little notice of and this province too much weakened and left almost destitute." In a letter written on the 26th of January, 1781, lie among other things, asserted that "I cannot think this province and So. Carolina in a state of security, and if Lord Cornwallis penetrates far into No. Carolina I shall expect a rebel army will come in behind him and throw us into the utmost confusion and danger - for this province is still left in a defenceless state."

That the patriots, at this time, could easily have recaptured the town is evident from the statements quoted from the letters of Sir James Wright, but unfortunately for them their condition was almost as deplorable as was that of the enemy. They were not only weak in regard to numbers but they were in a condition of absolute want not only of supplies, but of provisions; and at the same time many of them were then on duty serving the cause in other parts of the country.

On the 5th of June, 1781, Augusta was surrendered by the British, and the cause of the Americans in Georgia became brighter while Governor Wright's spirits in a corresponding degree began to fall. He wrote to Lieutenant-Colonel Balfour, on the 11th, "It gives me the greatest concern to acquaint you of the loss of Augusta. * * * I must observe that if this. Province is not recovered from the rebels without the least delay I conceive it may be too late to prevent the whole from being laid waste and totally destroyed and the people ruined. We are now in a most wretched condition. I should not reflect on the causes. * * * I can only represent facts which it is my indispensable duty to do, and which I have hitherto from time to time done. Our distresses are many, and how to furnish the militia on actual duty with rations I can't tell, for there is not a single barrel of beef or pork to be purchased here, even if I had the money to buy it."

The time was surely coming when England's hold on the American colonies must be let loose, and Sir James Wright clearly saw that, unless something was done speedily and materially for the protection of British interests in Georgia the royal cause there was doomed. It was not long before the republicans saw their opportunity and set to work to take advantage of the same. News of such activity reached the ears of Wright, and we find him writing in this doleful strain to Lord G. Ger- main from Savannah on the ISth of December, 1781 : "We are at this moment in the utmost danger and distress and expect every day to have a formidable force against us, for a few days ago we received accounts from General Leslie who now commands in Charles Town that General Green is on his way. to the southward and had crossed Edisto river, and that Generals St. Clair and Wayne were at Santee river with 2,500 Continentals mounted, and were to join General Green, who was said to have about the same number, and we have also intelligence that the Marquess Do la Fayette is on his way here (but this is rebel intelligence), and we have received accounts many different ways of a very serious and formidable attack being preparing and intending against us, and by a gentleman of undoubted credit who is come to Savannah a few days ago, from the Creek nation, we are informed that letters passed through that country some time ago from General Green to the Spanish officer commanding at Pensacola acquainting him that they should be ready to act against this Province by the middle of this month, and we have many rebel accounts that they expect a French and Spanish fleet here every day. This gentleman (Mr. Taitt) was a prisoner in West Florida for some time, and says they avowed an intention to take East Florida and Georgia; and the garrison in Charles Town being dwindled away one half, we cannot depend on much assistance, if any. from hence. And thus your Lordship sees the consequences of not protecting and holding these two provinces. I always dreaded it from the moment Lord Cornwallis went into Virginia, and the cruel 10t,h article in his Lordship's capitulation I fear has ruined the King's cause in America, and I need not comment upon it. God knows what will become of us, but without immediate assistance I think we shall not be able to stand it, and if we fall I much fear that St. Augustine and Charles Town will soon follow."

His fears were well-founded, and the events immediately following did not tend towards allaying them as he showed in writing one month later, January 18, 1782: "Yesterday I received advice from Charlestown that Wayne and St. Clair have joined Green, and that the last party, with their artillery, &e., are not far off, and that they are advancing towards us. but with what force we cannot certainly learn, tho' it is said about 3,000 Continentals, horse and foot together, and I presume the South Carolina militia will join them in great numbers, and. many here, some from principle and some from necessity, seeing they can get no protection from government. Surely, surely, my Lord, the commanders of the King's forces in America ought to have supported these southern provinces, and happy would it have been for the King's cause and friends, and a most valuable footing secured in America, if they had, or may yet be, for if they fall I fear New York will be of little consequence." And, as that letter was not promptly sent off, he added this postscript on the 23d: "A party of Continental horse have showed themselves at different limes and places for 2 or 3 days past within 8 or 10 miles of Savannah, and now all our outposts are broke up and called in, and we expect every day to hear of the main body of the rebel army, &<*., having crossed the Savannah river. The horse come are said to be about 200, which we presume are an advance party."

The mental condition of the royal governor in Savannah at this time, judged by his communications to the home government, must have been well-nigh unbearable. He wrote on the 12th of February, 1782, a short letter to Under Secretary William Knox, beginning with the statement that he was so hurried he had not time to write to Secretary Lord Germain, and continuing: "General Leslie, after promising a Te-inforcement, altered his mind, and countermanded it - and this Province will be totally lost, unless very soon relieved. I know what I wrote long ago, tho' not regarded, and, as I find it's in vain to write, I shall trouble none of your generals any more - a strange kind of conduct or infatuation seems to have lost every thing. * * * It's said Green recommends it strongly to the people here to pass an act of oblivion and to receive all with open arms who will join them, and they are doing all they can to cajole the negroes and get them over. John Martin, a northward man who used to go by the name of Black Jack, is now chosen Governor. But I will stop, for, as I can tell you nothing pleasant, I shall say no more;" and he added this: "P. S. At night. I have this moment rec'd a letter from Sir H. C. * a trifling answer that a man might be ashamed to write; and thus do the King's Generals conduct everything." informed beyond a doubt that my life is threatened, and that offers have been made to General Wayne to assassinate me, or carry me off, which he chooses, and in this situation I am at present, and ought to have been in England long ago. and sure T am it would have heen for the King's service. * * * P. S. 4th March. * * * A party of rebels came here last Tuesday night and burnt me another barn, almost within musket shot of the town. This is the tenth barn they have burnt of mine. Fine ample protection to civil government, even within musket shot of our lines ! * * * 5th March. The rebel Governor Martin, now at Ebenezer, has issued 3 proclamations, one to the King's troops, one to the Hessians, and another to the militia, inviting them all to revolt and join the virtuous Americans against the tyranny of the British government, for which each man is to have 200 acres of land and a cow, &c."

With the American army almost at the gates of the town, having their headquarters, as we have seen, at Ebenezer, Wright was practically at the mercy of his enemies. Savannah then had about 240 houses occupied by some 750 white inhabitants and the officers and soldiers of whom we have no definite count. His real danger will be apparent when we consider the words of one of his military officers who described the town as "so closely blockaded by the rebel army that it was dangerous to go without our lines." This condition of affairs is partly shown by the extracts we have given from Sir Janies Wright's letters. General Nathanael Greene, after his successful operations in South Carolina, was prepared to give that attention to the situation in Georgia which he so ardently desired.

General Anthony Wayne was sent "to reinstate as far as might be possible the authority of the Union within the limits of Georgia." In this he was assisted by Col. Anthony Walton while in command of one hundred of Colonel Moylan's dragoons and a battery of artillery. Crossing the Savannah river on the 12th of January, 1782, with his cavalry, and leaving his artillery for a more favorable time to cross, he was reinforced by Colonel Hampton with three hundred cavalrymen from General Sumter's brigade. Lieut. -Col. James Jackson, under Colonel Twiggs, had previously moved towards Savannah, and was in readiness to aid in the work to be performed. When the headquarters of General Wayne were settled at Ebenezer, Governor Martin made that place the capital of republican Georgia. Skirmishes between the American troops and the loyalists and Indians occurred from time to time, and one decided victory was gained in the defeat of the chief Guristersigo who, at the head of three hundred men, struck out with the intention to relieve General Alured Clarke in the town of Savannah.

Governor AVright had received information of the action of parliament - looking to a settlement with the colonies, and believing, as we may conclude from his letters so freely quoted, that England's cause was hopeless, proposed to General AVayne a suspension of hostilities; but matters were brought to a conclusion by the receipt of an order from Sir Guy Carlton to AVright, dated at New York, May 23d, 1782, authorizing the evacuation of Savannah and the whole province of Georgia, and advising AVright that vessels would be sent for the transportation of troops, stores, and all British subjects who cared to leave. General Wayne was appealed to by the subjects of Great Britain to define their rights particularly in regard to their property, and to know upon what terms they would be allowed to remain in Savannah should they so wish. Governor Martin was consulted on the subject, and it was decided io offer assurances of safety for the persons and property of such inhabitants as chose to remain in Savannah after it should be evacuated by the British troops, and that a reasonable time would be allowed them to dispose of their property and settle their pecuniary concerns in the state." Other conditions relating to offenders against the cause mentioned in the agreement are here omitted as not strictly belonging to this history ; but it is well to reproduce here the words of General AVayne covering his view of the subject. He said: "In offering these terms I have in view not only the interest of the United States but also that of Georgia: by retaining as many inhabitants and merchants as circumstances would admit, and with them a considerable quantity of goods much wanted for public and private use, but (what was yet of greater consequence) to complete your quota of troops without any expense to the public, and thus reclaim a number of men who, at another day, will become valuable members of society. This also appeared to me an act of justice tempered with mercy: justice to oblige those who have joined or remained with the enemy to expiate their crime by military service; and mercy to admit the repentant sinner to citizenship after a reasonable quarantine. By these means those worthy citizens who have so long endured every vicissitude of fortune with more than Roman virtue, will be relieved from that duty."

No mistake was to be made as to the true intent of the terms of surrender, and they were given to Major John Habersham to be put in writing, and, in view of the almost immediate evacuation of the town, Gen. Anthony Wayne issued orders regulating the behavior of the troops on that occasion, while he was in camp at Gibbons' plantation, a few miles west of Savannah, which were in the following words:

"Head Quarters, Camp at Gibbons, July 10, 17S2. - As the enemy may be expected daily to evacuate the town, the troops will take care to he provided with a clean shift of linen, and to make themselves as respectable as possible for the occasion. The officers are particularly called upon to attend to this order and see it executed in their respective corps. No followers of the army are to be permitted to enter the town until the main body has marched in. Lieut. Col. Jackson, in consideration of his severe and fatiguing service in the advance, is to receive the keys of Savannah, and is allowed to enter at the western gate, keeping a patrole in town to apprehend stragglers who may steal in with the hopes of plunder. Marauders may assure themselves of the, most severe and exemplary punishment."

It was just one day after the date of the foregoing order that the British departed, and the occupation of the town by the American forces followed that afternoon, July 11, 1782, when the second order from General Wayne was published in the following form :

"Head Quarters, Savannah, 11th July, 1782 - The light infantry company under Captain Parker to take post in the centre work in front of the town, placing sentries at the respective gateways and sally ports to prevent any person or persons going from or entering the lines without written permits until further orders.

"No insults or depredations to be committed upon the persons or property of the inhabitants on any pretext whatever. The civil authority only will take cognizance of the criminals or defaulters belonging to the State, if any there be. The merchants and traders are immediately to make out an exact and true invoice of all goods, wares, or merchandise of every species, dry, wet, or hard, respectively belonging to them or in their possession, with the original invoices, to the Commissary, who will select such articles as may be necessary for tin1 army and for the public uses of the State, for which a reasonable profit will be allowed. No goods or merchandise of any kind whatever are to be removed, secreted or sold, or disposed of, until the public and army are first served, which will be as soon as possible after the receipt of tin1 invoices. &e.

General Wayne wisely appointed Col. James Jackson to receive the surrender of the town, and historians have delighted in recounting the fact that to him "were the keys of the town delivered at its prineipal gate." Of the exact procedure on the part of the persons acting on both sides of this solemn transaction we have no definite account, but that its importance was fully realized we cannot for one moment doubt. When Savannah was evacuated by the British, July 11, 1782, as we have shown, the capital of the state was at Ebenezer, but the legislature met there only on the 3d of July (having adjourned at Augusta on the 4th of May "to meet at Ebenezer on the 3d of July," both place and time being named in the motion to adjourn), and the day following, the 4th, when, by motion, it "adjourned to meet in Savannah" on the 13th, when its sessions were held in Christ church. At that time John Martin was governor, and his term lasted from January 8, 1782, to January 9, 1783, at which last named time Gov. Lyman Hall, who had been elected two days before, took his seat. Just how long the assembly met in the church is not known, but during Governor Hall's administration, probably at its very beginning, it met and continued to meet in the house now known as 110 Oglethorpe avenue east (then South Broad street) and that is said to be the oldest brick house in Savannah. After that time it was used as a public house, and was known as "Eppiuger's Ball Room." The first meeting of the legislature in Savannah is thus mentioned in the record book of the clerk: "The following members met in Savannah, at the church, agreeable to the adjournment at Ebenezer." There were forty-one members present - 7 from Chatham County, 6 from Richmond. 6 from Burke, 6 from Effingham, 5 from Wilkes, and 11 from Liberty. The first business transacted was the election of a speaker, and James Habersham was the unanimous choice. The seat of Nathan Brownson, a representative at the time from Glynn County, was declared vacant, and it was "ordered that a writ of election do issue for a member" to fill the place. It was "resolved that the Governor be requested to order the public filature to be immediately filled up and put in order for the use of the General Assembly."

There was another Eppinger house, built on the northeast corner of South Broad (now Oglethorpe avenue) and Jefferson streets, and it was undoubtedly an old structure when it was removed some years since to make place for a more modern edifice. Many persons have mistaken that old house for the historic Legislative Hall; but the only fact connecting it with the latter is that it was owned by one of the family of the Eppingers.

Other measures were adopted looking to the welfare of the state and the people. Among others were the plans for the remuneration of officers of high rank whose efforts in ridding Georgia of the presence of the enemy were successful. To Col. James Jackson, by resolution, "the house which heretofore belonged to Mr. Tattnall in Savannah" was granted because of his "great and useful services to his country for which he is entitled to the notice and attachment of the Legislature."

More important were the services of Generals Greene and Wayne considered, and consequently more legislation was required to befittingly repay them for what they had done. This was especially true of the former, and, as action in his behalf was in an important respect connected with Savannah's subsequent history we will here give in full the proceedings in his case.

"Ordered, That the Speaker be requested to write to his Excellency General Nathaniel Greene, informing him of the Honorable John Martin, Esquire, being elected Governor of this State, which was as follows: House of Assembly, 4th January, 1782. - Sir: I have the honor to inform you that the Honorable John Martin, Esquire, has been elected Governor of this State for the ensuing year, agreeable to the Constitution. I have the Honor to be Your Excellency's

" Whereas , the Honorable Major-General Nathaniel Greene hath since his taking the Command of the Southern Army rendered high important services to these Southern States by wresting them from the hands of British oppression, and establishing the foundation of their independence and prosperity

"And Whereas, services so glorious and honorable to the United States in general and this State in particular, services which at once characterize the able and judicious General as well as the intrepid assertion of American freedom, call for the distinguished approbation of the Legislature of this State,

"Be it therefore Resolved, That the sum of Five Thousand guineas be granted to three Commissioners to be appointed by this House for the purpose of purchasing an Estate for Major-General Nathaniel Greene, in such part or parts of this State as he shall appoint.

11 Resolved, That the said Commissioners be empowered and authorized to draw on and receive the said sum of five thousand guineas from the public treasury of this State.

- " Ordered , That a committee be appointed to write to Major-General Greene, and Brigadier-General Wayne, on the substance of the Resolve in their favour. And that Mr. Howly, Mr. Clay, and Mr. Baker be that Committee."

"The Committee appointed to purchase lands for the Generals Wayne and Greene, agreeable to the Resolve of this House of the 1st day of May last, report. * * * * That they have purchased another tract of land for the Honorable Major-General Greene, formerly the property of Graham, Esqr., supposed to contain two thousand one hundred seventy-one acres. Amount of purchase, seven thousand Ninety-seven pounds, nineteen Shillings. The Committee request if the House approves of the same that this House will give directions to the Commissioners for the forfeited estates to execute titles for the above tracts of land to Generals Greene and Wayne." * * *

"Motion being made and seconded that a committee be appointed to prepare and report an address, to be printed, to the Honorable Major- General Greene, Commander-in-Chief in the Southern Department.

"To the Honorable Nathaniel Greene, Esquire, Major-General, and Commander-in-Chief of the Southern Department, etc., etc. : The address of the Representatives of the Freemen of the State of Georgia - The Legislature of the State of Georgia wish to assure you of the real happiness your presence in their Capital has given them - words are too inexpressible to convey their sentiments of the difficulties you have surmounted during your command in the Southern Department, not only your well directed exertions, and the virtuous struggles of your victorious army, but your views of ease to the Citizens, in drawing your resources through a Scattered Country, will be ever gratefully remembered by a State which has felt so particularly the happy consequences of them.

"They congratulate you, Sir, on the Signal success wherewith the arms of the United States under your Command with the blessings of Divine Providence has been crowned by the total expulsion of the enemy from the southern States - an annal in the history of our Country which must endear the name of Greene as long as the remembrance of British tyranny shall be handed to posterity.

"They beg you to accept their unfeigned thanks for your decided and intrepid conduct and to believe their ardent desire your future days may meet that care and happiness a glorious and serviceable life through this grand revolution most deservedly entitle you to.

" Ordered , that the said letter be inserted in the minutes: and is as follows: 'Sir: - Your polite and obliging address to welcome me to this State afford me the most singular satisfaction : Nor are vour liberal acknowledgments for my small services and generous wishes for my future care less pleasing. It affords me the most agreeable sensations to Contemplate the happy change in the affairs of this Country, and it is among the first of my wishes that you may long, long enjoy the blessings of freedom and independence - free from further alarms : But should it be your misfortune to have the fame of war rekindled in this quarter, my early endeavors shall not be wanting to check its progress - and I can not but hope by the smiles of Providence the virtue and spirit of the Army, joined by the genious of the Country we shall triumph over our enemies. I beg the Legislature to believe I am highly Sensible of the honor they have done me, and take the liberty to assure you of my ready disposition to serve them.

"Saturday, January 18th, 1783 - Resolved, that the persons appointed to purchase lands for the Honorable Major-General Greene be desired to report a full state of their proceedings thereon and in what stage the business stands. * * *

"The Committee having received Satisfactory information that Major-General Greene had declined the purchase made by the Commissioners appointed by the State to purchase certain lands on the conditions therein contained, therefore

" Resolved, That the Commissioners appointed to sell and dispose of the Confiscated property do make titles to Major-General Greene, for a tract or tracts of land formerly the property of John Graham, Esquire - containing, as it is said. Two Thousand, one hundred and Seventy-one acres - Known by the name of Midberry Grove, and the New [Place] in lieu of a grant of five thousand [guineas as passed in his favor by the Legislature]* of this State of the thirteenth day of April, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, if the same be agreeable to him."

On the 4th of May, 1782, the legislature passed an act entitled "An Act for Inflicting Penalties on, and Confiscating the Estates of such Persons as are Therein Declared Guilty of Treason, and for other Purposes Therein Mentioned." Naturally Sir James Wright's was the first named on the list of persons against whom the legislation was invoked, and his lieutenant-governor, John Graham was the second. Graham's property was to be used in the remuneration of General Greene. The third name was Alexander Wright whose property was specially set aside for the benefit of General Wayne; and Josiah Tattnall's name came sixth, and his house, as we have seen, was appropriated to the use

* The words here inserted in brackets are not now legible in the original, and have consequently been left out of copies made for use in the several histories bearing on this subject; but rhe missing words are fortunately preserved in the deed from the Commissioners of Confiscated Estates to General Greene, hereinafter transcribed, and are now supplied from that document.

of Col. James Jackson. Under said act the house of assembly appointed a commission composed of two persons from each county, except Camden and Glynn which should each have only one, to take possession of and sell the property of the loyalists, and the commission so appointed began the work assigned to them on the 13th of June. From an imperfect record of that body we take the following, from its first transaction, and before it was decided to make titles to Generals Greene and Wayne of the lands confiscated :

"At a Board of Commissioners held at the town of Ebenezer in the County of Effingham, for the Sales of Confiscated Estates in the County of Chatham on the 13th of June, 1782.

At last, to give General Greene absolute title to the Mulberry Grove place, the Commissioners of Confiscation made the following deed of conveyance :

"State of Georgia - This Indenture, made the fifth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five and in the ninth year of the independence of the United States of America, Between Hugh Lawson, Hep worth Carter and Abraham Ravot, Esquires, Commissioners of Confiscated Estates in the said State, of the one part, and the Honorable Nathanael Greene, Esquire, Major-General of the army of the said United States, of the other part. Whereas in and by a certain Act of Assembly, made and passed at Augusta in the said State, on the fourth day of May which was in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-two, entitled: 'An Act for inflicting Penalties on and Confiscating the Estates of such persons as were therein declared guilty of treason,' and for other purposes therein mentioned, John Graham, late of the County of Chatham, Esquire, being named in the said Act, was and is thereby declared guilty of treason and banished from the State forever, and all his estate, both real and personal, confiscated to and for the use of the said State ; and whereas the said John Graham was, at the time of the passing of the said Act, or on the nineteenth day of April which was in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five, seized in fee simple of, in, and to all and singular the lands and hereditaments herein after particularly mentioned and described, which said lands and hereditaments being forfeited and confiscated by the said Act, the same thereby became vested in the good people of the said State; and whereas the Honorable the General Assembly of the said State did, on the eighteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, resolve as followeth (that is to say) 'That the Commissioners appointed to sell and dispose of the confiscated property do make titles to Major-General Greene for a tract or tracts of land formerly the property of John Graham, Esquire, containing, as it is said, two thousand one hundred and seventy-one acres known by the name of Mulberry Grove and the New Place, in lieu of a grant of five thousand guineas as passed in his favor by the Legislature of this State of the thirteenth day of April one thousand seven hundred and eightv-two, if the same he agreeable to him'; and whereas the said Hugh Lawson, Hepworth Carter and Abraham Ravot, parties to these presents, are three of the Commissioners authorized and appointed by the Honorable the General Assembly of the said State for carrying into execution the Act aforesaid: Now Therefore, This Indenture Witnesseth that the said Hugh I jawson, Hepworth Carter and Abraham Ravot, parties to these presents and three of the Commissioners authorized and appointed by the Honorable General Assembly of the said State for carrying into execution the Act aforesaid - as Commissioners as aforesaid, in pursuance and execution of the said Act of attainder and confiscation and of the above recited resolve of the General Assembly and by virtue of the power and authority to them thereby given, and for and in consideration of the sum of ten shillings to them in hand well and truly paid by the said Nathanael Greene at or before the sealing and delivery of these presents, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, they, the said Hugh Lawson, Hepworth Carter and Abraham Ravot. as Commissioners aforesaid, have granted, bargained, sold, conveyed and confirmed, and, by these presents, do grant, bargain, sell, convey and confirm into the said Nathanael Greene, his heirs and assigns forever, all that tract of land known by the name of Mulberry Grove Plantation, situated and being in the County of Chatham at Joseph's Town on the River Savannah, containing by re-survey eight hundred and thirtythree acres to the same more or less originally granted to Ann Graham, widow, bounded on the east by the said River Savannah, on the north by land then of Patrick Mackay. and south by land formerly of David Cuthbert, and west on land lately vacant; and also that other tract of land containing two hundred and seventy-four acres by resurveying adjoining the above tract, bounded eastwardly partly on the land before mentioned and partly on land formerly of Henry Ivennan and lately of James Parsons, southerly by land late of John Joachim Zubly, westerly by land of Joseph Wood and John Dodd, and northerly on land heretofore of John Ross; and also all that other tract of land containing one hundred and seventeen acres, part and parcel of a tract adjoining the above mentioned tract of eight hundred and thirtythree acres originally granted to Patrick Mackay, easterly by the River Savannah, southerly by the first mentioned tract of eight hundred and thirty-three acres, northerly by the remainder of the tract, and westerly by Andrew Lord's tract which he purchased of John Joachim Zubly; and also all that other tract of land called and known by the name of New Settlement adjoining Mulberry Grove tract containing six hundred acres, bounded on the northeast by the River Savannah, northerly on land formerly of Patrick Mackay and sold by him to David Douglass, and on the south by land formerly of Ann Graham, widow, with the surplus contained in the said tract, the same having been re-surveyed by John Douglass and including River Savannah, part of Morton Hall tract, making together eight hundred and forty-seven acres, more or less, which said several tracts of land above mentioned were late the absolute property of the said John Graham, named in the said act of attainder and confiscation, and contain in the whole two thousand and seventy-one acres, and are the same tracts mentioned and intended by the resolve aforesaid to be granted to the said Nathanael Gi'eene: Together with all and singular the houses, out-houses, edifices, buildings, improvements, trees, woods, underwoods, ways, paths, passages, waters, water courses, lights, easements, profits, commodities, privileges, advantages, emoluments, hereditaments and appurtenances whatsoever on the said several tracts of land standing and being, or thereunto in any wise belonging or appertaining, and the reversion and reversions, remainder and remainders, rent, issues and profits thereof and of every part and parcel thereof; and all the estate, right, title interest, inheritance, property, profits, benefit, claim and demand whatsoever either at law or in equity of the said John Graham, his heirs and assigns, of, in and to the said several tracts of land and every part and parcel thereof; and also all the estate, right, title and interest of the people of the State of

Georgia and of them the said Hugh Lawson, Hep worth Carter and Abraham Ravot, as commissioners as aforesaid, and their successors in office, of in and to the same and every part and parcel thereof: To Have and To Hold the said several tracts of land and all and singular other the premises above mentioned and hereby intended to be bargained and sold with their and every of their rights, members and appurtenances unto the said Nathanael Greene, his heirs and assigns, to the only proper use and behoof of the said Nathanael Greene, his heirs and assigns forever for such estate as the said John Graham had or which he, his heirs or assigns, might or could have had, held, or enjoyed in the same, had he the said John Graham not been attained as aforesaid and these presents not been made. And the said Hugh Lawson, Hepworth Carter and Abraham Ravot and their successors in office the said several tracts of land above mentioned hereby bargained and sold, or intended so to be, with their and every of their appurtenances unto the said Nathanael Greene his heirs and assigns against the said John Graham his heirs and assigns and all and every other person and persons claiming or to claim by, from or under him, them, or any of them, and against the good people of the State of Georgia under the Act and resolve aforesaid shall and will- warrant and forever defend by these presents.

''In Witness Whereof the said Hugh Lawson, Hepworth Carter, and Abraham Ravot, commissioners aforesaid, have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first above written.

Having shown how highly esteemed were the services of General Greene, we will turn our attention to the similar action in the case of Anthony Wayne.

On Wednesday, May 1, 1782, the Georgia House of Assembly, in addition to the action appropriating 5.000 guineas to General Greene, passed the following: " Whereas Brigadier General Wayne hath, since his commanding the force of the United States within this state, rendered great and meritorious services to the country by driving in the posts of the enemy, and with a very inferior force keeping them confined to Savannah ; and whereas the gallant and judicious conduct of the said General highly merits the generous attention and approbation of the Legislature of this state :

" Resolved that a high sense of the great merits and services rendered by the Honorable Brigadier General Anthony Wayne is entertained by this House, and that the same be acknowledged in a letter from the speaker to the said General.

"Resolved that the sum of four thousand guineas be granted to three Commissioners to be appointed by this House for the purpose of purchasing an estate for Brigadier General Anthony Wayne, in such part or parts of the State as he shall appoint.

On the fourth of May: "Ordered that Mr. Howlev, Mr. Clay and Mr. O'Bryan he a Committee to purchase estates for Generals Greene and Wayne" July 13. "A letter from the Hon'rable Brigadier General Wayne was read.

"Ordered that a committee be appointed to take the same into consideration and that Mr. Clay, Mr. Wereat, and Mr. McNeil be that committee to report on Monday next."

"That it is their opinion that the terms offered by Gen'l Wayne to said persons as were within the British lines at the time they were made were proper and for the interest of this State, and ought to be confined to all such whose names are not mentioned in the Act for inflicting penalties in and confiscating the estates of such persons as are therein declared guilty of treason, and for other purposes therein mentioned, and shall faithfully and strictly comply with- the conditions required. That is to say, who shall bona fide enlist in the Georgia Regiment of Infantry, and there for the term of two years, or during the war, faithfully serve and discharge their duty, and no other.

"And that all offenses committed by any of the persons under the above description before the time of their enlistment as aforesaid (murder excepted) ought to be buried in oblivion.

"Nothing in this resolve is intended to interfere with the right of individuals to civil actions who may suppose themselves aggrieved by persons under the above description."

July 31. "The Committee appointed to purchase lands for the Generals Greene and Wayne, agreeable to a resolve of this House of the first day of May last, report.

"That they have purchased another tract of land for the Hon'orable Brigadier Gen'l Wayne formerly the property of Alexander Wright, Esq., supposed to contain eight hundred forty seven acres. Amount of purchase three thousand nine hundred pounds. * * # _

"The Committee request if the House approve of the same that this House will give directions to the Commissioners for the Forfeited Estates to execute titles for the above."

When the house adjourned on Saturday, August 3, 1782, it was to meet the next day, (Sunday) the 4th, when "The Committee to whom was referred the letter and several enclosures from General Wayne report.

"That they recommend a committee be appointed to wait on General Wayne, and express the high sense this House entertains of his important services already rendered the State; and the full assurance they have that all his plans and operations will have for their object the welfare of this and the other confederated States. And that the said Committee do further inform the General that no exertions on their part have been spared, or shall in future be spared, to complete their quota of troops. That the House have already ordered two galleys and two gun boats to be built for the protection of the rivers in the State, and that their best

The deed to General Greene was executed on the 5th of March, 1785; but it is to be presumed that he had looked over the place before that time. A news item in the Georgia Gazette of August 12, 1784, copied from a Charleston. South Carolina, paper of the 4th. said that "last Sunday evening the sloop Charleston Parker, William. Cornell, master, arrived here from Rhode Island, with whom came passengers the Honorable Major General Greene. Sir Peyton Skipwith, and several others." General Greene's daughter Cornelia married Peyton Skipwith who was the second son of this gentleman. * Doubtless the General visited Savannah while on that southern trip and saw the place which even at that early date had been selected as his future home. Again on the 28th of January. 1785. according to a statement of the Savannah newspaper, on the authority of a Charleston paper, the general arrived at the latter place in the evening, and from Charleston he proceeded to Savannah, as the Georgia Gazette of Thursday, February 24th, said: "The Honorable Major General Greene arrived here on Saturday from Charleston." He probably went to his plantation then and spent some time there, as he did not hasten his departure from Savannah, from which place Governor Samuel Elbert wrote on the 8th of March.

"To his Excellency, the Governor of East Florida: - Sir: - I was honored by the receipt of your Excellency's letter * * * The Honorable Major General Greene, who does me the honour to be the bearer of this letter, I beg leave to introduce to your Excellency. This gentleman's character is so well known to you that it is unnecessary for me to say anything to induce your excellency to pay that attention to him which would be done to a person of his distinguished mind.

"The General has a valuable estate on the Island of Cumberland which he goes to take a view of, and intends visiting your province before his return.

The general undoubtedly visited Savannah first "to take a view of" Mulberry Grove, of which place he seems to have taken possession in the latter part of 1785. as the Georgia Gazette of November 3d said: "Last Sunday the Honorable Major General Greene and his lady arrived here from Rhode Island." Of this trip to east Florida in March the following account is preserved.

from this town to take a view of the islands and inland navigation of this state, and to visit his Excellency Don Vincent Emanuel Do Zespcdes, Governor of East Florida, and returned on Saturday last. They were received at St. Augustine with every mark of politeness and attention, and every military honour was paid to the General worthy so great a character. A Captain and 50 men were sent to his quarters as his guard, which the General modestly refused accepting as being no longer in a military character. Sentinels were placed at his quarters, and the different guards of the garrison paid him the same honours as they do a Lieutenant-General of their own nation. They were entertained during their residence by the Governor in a most splendid and elegant manner. The Commandant, The Treasurer, the Secretary, and every other officer of his Catholick Majesty in East Florida seemed to vie with each other in those marks of unaffected friendship which so justly characterizes the Spanish nation. The General was escorted to- St. John's by the Colonel Commandant of horse and a party of dragoons ; he was received by the Officer commanding at that post with hospitality and politeness, and from thence he was attended by the Colonel Commandant through the inland navigation to the river St. Mary's where the Commodore commanding his Catholic Majesty's ships on that station received him' with the flag of Spain displayed at his fore top, and saluted by the discharge of 13 cannon. After partaking of an elegant entertainment which the Commodore had provided for the occasion, he was attended by the- Commodore in his barge and again saluted by 13 cannon to Cumberland Island in this state, where the Colonel Commandant of horse and the Commodore took their leave of the General and Colonel Hawkins. - Such attention and respect as has been paid by the Governor and Officers at East Florida to a great and beloved General must impress the minds of the Citizens of the United States with like sentiments to every officer of his Catholic Majesty who may come amongst them."

General Greene did not live to enjoy the easy and quiet life which a residence at the beautiful and comfortable home provided for him was calculated to afford him. He was struck down suddenly at the very time when he seemed to be ready and anxious to lay off the cares and troubles of an active military life, after having most successfully fought the battles which so materially aided in the achievement of the independence of this great republic, and when he was probably looking forward to the enjoyment of a long rest in the midst of his growing and happy family, surrounded with all the comforts of life in a home prepared by its former owner for just such pleasure and freedom from worry and anxiety as might be looked for under such conditions.* and out buildings more convenient and pleasing than we expeeted. The prospect is delightful, and the house magnificent. * * * In April, two months before his form a pleasing variety. * * * Tim mocking birds surround us evening and morning. » * * \ye have in the same orchard apples, pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums of different kinds, figs, pomegranates and oranges. And we have strawberries which measure three inches round. All these are clever, but the want of our friends to enjoy them with us renders them less interesting.'' there came to an end in somewhat less than eight months. Business in Savannah on Monday, the 12th of June, 1786. compelled him to leave home, and he took Mrs. Greene with him. In the town they stopped at the home of Maj. Nathaniel Pendleton who had been one of his aids during the war, and they spent the night there. The Pendleton home was on the south side of Bay street, next to the western corner of Barnard, and to that home General Greene's body was taken on Tuesday, June 20, 1786. the day after his death, and thence escorted to the burial place. On the morning of the 13th, General and Mrs. Greene started back to Mulberry Grove, and stopped at the house of Mr. William Gibbons where they breakfasted, after which the gentlemen of the party went to the rice-field to view Mr. Gibbons's crop. It was observed that the sum was very hot, but at the time no complaint was made of its effect on any of them; but, in the evening, on his was home, the general complained of intense pain in the head, as he did also on Wednesday, the 14th. The pain increased on Thursday, and was very severe over the eyes, the forehead becoming swollen and inflamed. At that period Major Pendleton arrived on a visit, and becoming alarmed, a physician was sent for, and Doctor Brickel arrived in the morning of Friday, and bled the patient, at the same time giving some medicine; but the symptoms becoming more alarming, Doctor M 'Cloud was called in, when blistering the temples was resorted to, and more blood was taken. All efforts to save the life of the distinguished patient were unavailing, and he sank into a stupor in which he died early in the morning of Monday, the 19th. His neighbor, Gen. Anthony Wayne, hearing of his illness, went to him, and reached his bedside before he died. His account of the scene we will presently quote. The following is copied from the Georgia Gazette of Thursday, June 22, 1786: "On Monday last, the 19th day of June, died, at his seat near Savannah. Nathanael Greene, Esq., late Major-General in the Army of the United States; and on Tuesday morning his remains were brought to town to be interred. The melancholy account of his death was made known by the discharge of minute guns from Fort Wayne; the shipping in the harbour had their colours half-masted; the shops and stores in the town were shut; and every class of citizens, suspending their ordinary occupations, united in giving testimonies of the deepest sorrow.

"The several military corps of the town, and a great part of the militia of Chatham county, attended the funeral, and moved in the following procession :

"About five o'clock the whole proceeded, the Music playing the Dead March in Saul, and the Artillery firing minute guns as it advanced. When the Military reached the vault in which the body was to be entombed they opened to the right and left and, resting on reversed arms, let it pass through. The funeral service being performed, and the' remains deposited, thirteen discharges from the artillery, and three from the musquetry, closed the scene. The whole was conducted with a solemnity suitable to the occasion.

"With respect to the public character of this great man, it is so well known, by the distinguished services he has rendered his country, that it requires, and indeed can receive no addition from what might be said here. As to his private virtues, they will live in the remembrance of all his fellow citizens.

'General Greene left behind him a wife and five children, the eldest of whom is about eleven years. The loss of such a man, to such a family, must be truly afflicting!

"Immediately after the interment of the General the members of the Cincinnati retired to the coffee house, and came to the following resolution: 'On motion. That, as a token of the high respect and veneration in which this Society hold the memory of their late illustrious Brother, Major-General Greene, deceased, George Washington Greene, his eldest son, be admitted a member of this Society, to take his seat on his arriving at the age of eighteen years:

" ' Resolved , therefore, unanimously, That he be admitted a Member of the Cincinnati ; and that he may take his seat in the Society on his arriving at the age of eighteen :

" 'That this resolve be published in the Georgia Gazette, and that the secretary transmit a copy of the same to the several state societies, and to the guardian of the said George Washington Greene.' ''

"Regimental Orders, 20th June, 1786. - The Honorable Major-General Greene (whose memory ought to be sacredly dear to every citizen of America, and respected by every lover of the rights of mankind) having departed this life, the Colonel, from a sense sufficient honor can not be paid his remains, but what is in the power of the regiment ought to be done, requests the regiment to exert themselves on the occasion.

"The regiment will parade in flic Church Square, the Infantry equally divided into eight platoons, and marched off with shouldered arms to the front of Major Pendleton's house on the Bay, from whence the procession will take place: The dragoons and Artillery will proceed in will conduct the Corpse, with reversed arms, to the left of t ho regiment, it being received, they file off to the right and left, and take their former post in front of flit' battalion: The whole will then march off with reversed arms, the Artillery advancing firing minute guns, till they arrive at the place of interment. The Dragoons will flank the corpse on the right and left: Music playing a solemn dirge. The procession right and left, face inwards, and rest on their arms, so as to let the corpse, pall-bearers, mourners, citizens, etc., pass through. The corpse being deposited, and funeral rites executed, the regiment will close their files, inarch up on the right of the vault, and give three general discharges, the Artillery at the same time tiring thirteen rounds in honor of this truly great and good man. The regiment will then 'march off with trailed arms to the place of parade, shoulder, and be discharged.

Although no statement was made of the precise spot where the body of General Greene was buried, it is now known tliat, as the estate of Lieutenant-Governor John Graham was confiscated and given as a present to General Greene, the family vault belonging to that man, in the Savannah cemetery, was- considered a part of said estate, and there the general's remains were deposited. In later years, when the subject of building a monument to his memory was discussed, efforts were made to find the body which resulted in a complete failure and the mystery connected with the locating of the same remained unsolved for a long period of years to be finally settled in 1901, when, on the 4th of March it was found just where it had been interred nearly one hundred and fifteen years before. We leave the subject here, but will return to it again.

It is a singular fact that the residence in Georgia of Gen. Anthony Wayne, like that of General Greene, was of short duration, and it is also singular that writers heretofore have been sc uncertain as to the time of his taking possession of his plantation as well as to the time of his departure. Unlike Greene, he lived some time after the grant was signed, but he sold out his possessions in Georgia and lived elsewhere.