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Book Title: The Revolutionary Records Of The State Of Georgia

   "The critical situation to which the British colonies in America are likely
to be reduced from the alarming and arbitrary imposition of the late acts of the
British parliament respecting the town of Boston, as well as the acts that at
present extend to the raising of a perpetual revenue without the consent of the
people or their representatives, is considered as an object extremely important
at this critical juncture, and particularly calculated to deprive the American
subjects of their constitutional rights and liberties, as a part of the British
Empire. It is therefore requested that all persons within this province do
attend at the liberty-pole at Tondee s Tavern, in Savannah, on Wednesday the
27th instant, order that the said matters may be taken under consideration, and
such other constitutional measures be framed as may then appear to be most
eligible."
                                    NOBLE W. JONES,
                                    ARCHIBALD BULLOCH,
                                    JOHN HOUSTOUN,
                                    GEORGE WALTON.

   In response to this call a considerable number of the leading men of Savannah
and the surrounding country met at the time and place indicated. Letters from
the committees of correspondence in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina were read, and a motion was made and
carried that a committee be at once appointed to draw up and submit resolutions
defining the position of the people of the province on the questions then
engaging the earnest attention of the provinces further north. The following
persons were named as the committee:- John Glen, John Smith, Joseph Clay, John
Houstoun, Noble Wimberly Jones, Lyman Hall, William Young, Edward Telfair,
Samuel Farley, George Walton, Joseph Habersham, Jonathan Bryan, Jonathan
Cochran, George McIntosh, Sutton Banks, William Gibbons, Benjamin Andrew, John
Winn, John Stirk, Archibald Bulloch, James Screven, David Zubley, Henry Davis
Bourquin, Elisha Butler, William Baker, Parmenus Way, John Baker, John Mann,
Jonn Benefield, John Stacy and John Morel.

   The persons present aim participating in this meeting were nearly all from
the lower parishes, and most of them from Christ's Church and Saint John's. The
upper and interior parishes were not represented, and it was therefore deemed
advisable to adjourn the meeting over to the tenth of August, the chairman of
the committee being instructed to write in the meantime to all the parishes
inviting them to send delegates to the August meeting equal in number to the
representatives each was entitled to in the Commons House of Assembly

  The following is a copy of Mr. Glen's letter:-

                                    27th July, 1774.
GENTLEMEN,-At a very respectable meeting of the inhabitants of this Province,
held this day at Savannah, for the purpose of concerting such measures as may be
proper to be pursued respecting certain late acts of the British Parliament, it
was, after some business being entered upon, objected that many of the out
parishes might not have a sufficient notification of the intended meeting; and
therefore,

   Resolved, That all further business be postponed till the 10th of August
next, and that in the mean time notice be given to the inhabitants of the
several parishes, in order to afford them an opportunity of sending down
deputies to deliver their sense upon this very important occasion.

   In pursuance of this resolve, I take the liberty, as Chairman of the
Committee to request you will send gentlemen duly authorized to attend on behalf
of your parish at the next meeting. The number expected to join the Committee is
agreeable to the number of representatives each parish sends to the General
Assembly. The Committee to meet you at Savannah are: John Glen, John Smith,
Joseph Clay, John Houstoun, N. W. Jones, Lyman Hall, Wm. Young, E. Telfair,
Samuel Farley, Geo. Walton, Joseph Habersham, Jonathan Bryan, Jonathan Cochran,
Geo. W. McIntosh, _____ Sutton, William Gibbons, Benj. Andrew, John Winn, John
Stirk, A. Powell, James Beaven, D. Zubly, H. L. Bourquine, Elisha Butler, Wm.
Baker, Parmenus Way, John Baker, John Mann, John Bennefield, John Stacey, John
Morell.
        I am, dear Sir,
                                 JOHN GLEN.

   When the proceedings of this meeting were published they gave rise to much
alarm and excitement, especially among the apologists for the arbitrary acts of
the British parliament and ministry. The royal governor, on James Wright, called
his council together to advise with them as to what course he should pursue to
quell the spirit of rebellion which had been manifested. In his council was
Jonainan Bryan, who had participated in the meeting of the 14th of July. For
this act of disloyalty a motion was made to expel him from the council. The
sturdy patriot assured the council that this was unnecessary and at once handed
in his resignation, accompanied with language as forcible as it was
characteristic. All the other members of the council remained steadfast to the
King. After Bryan's withdrawal the Governor and Council carefully considered the
situation and determined to try to overawe the friends of liberty, and to this
end the following proclamation was published.

"GEORGIA.

  By his Excellency Sir James Wright, Baronet, Captain General, Governor and
Commander-in-chief of his Majesty s province of Georgia, Chancellor,
Vice-Admiral and Ordinary of the same.

A PROCLAMATION.

   Whereas, I have received information that on Wednesday the 27th day of July
last past a number of persons in consequence of a printed bill or summons issued
and dispersed throughout this province by certain persons unknown did unlawfully
assemble together at the watch-house in the town of Savannah, under color or
pretence of consulting together for the redress of public grievances, or
imaginary grievances, and that the persons so assembled for the purpose
aforesaid, or some of them, are from and by their own authority by a certain
other hand bill issued and dispersed throughout the province, and other methods
endeavoring to prevail on his Majesty s liege subjects to have another meeting
on Wednesday, the 10th instant, similar to the former, and for the purpose
aforesaid, which summons and meetings must tend to raise fears and jealousies in
the minds of his Majesty s good subjects, 

   And Whereas an opinion prevails and has been industriously propogated, that
summonses and meetings of this nature are constitutional and legal; in order
therefore that his Majesty s liege subjects may not be misled and imposed upon
by artful and designing men, I do, by and with, the consent of his Majesty s
honorable Council issue this, my proclamation, notifying that all such meetings
of the people which may tend to raise fears and jealousies in the minds of his
Majesty s subjects, under pretence of consulting together for redress of public
grievances, or imaginary grievances, are unconstitutional, illegal and
punishable by law. And I do hereby require all his Majesty s liege subjects
within this province to pay due regard to this, my proclamation, as they will
answer the contrary at their peril.

   Given under my hand the 5th day of August, etc.
                                     JAMES WRIGHT.
   By His Excellency's command
                    THOMAS MOODIE, Deputy Secretary.
                                    God Save the King."

   This proclamation had but little effect, but when the tenth of August came
the patriots assembled and the following resolutions were adopted:

    Resolved, nemine contradicente, That his Majesty's subjects in America owe
the same allegiance, and are entitled to the same rights, privileges, and
immunities with their fellow-subjects in Great Britain.

    Resolved, nemine contradicente, That, as protection and allegiance are
reciprocal, and under the British Constitution correlative terms, his Majesty's
liege subjects in America have a clear and indisputable right, as well from the
general laws of mankind, as from the ancient and established customs of the
land, so often recognized, to petition the throne upon every emergency.

   "Resolved, nemine contradicente, That an act of Parliament, lately passed,
for blockading the port and harbor of Boston, is contrary to our idea of the
British Constitution: First, for that it in effect deprives good and lawful men
of the use of their property without judgment of their peers: and, secondly, for
that it is in nature of an ex post facto law, and indiscriminately blends, as
objects of punishment, the innocent with the guilty. Neither do we conceive the
same justified upon a principle of necessity; for that numerous instances evince
that the laws and executive power of Boston have made sufficient provision for
the punishment of all offenders against persons and property.

   "Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the act for abolishing the charter of
Massachusetts Bay tends to the subversion of American rights; for, besides those
general liberties the original settlers brought over with them as their
birthright, particular immunities were granted by such charter, as an inducement
and means of settling the province; and we apprehend the said charter cannot be
dissolved, but by a voluntary surrender of the people, representatively declared.

   "Resolved, nemine contradicente, That we apprehend the Parliament of Great
Britain hath not, nor ever had, any right to tax his Majesty's American
subjects; for it is evident beyond contradiction, the Constitution admits of no
taxation without representation; that they are coeval and inseparable; and every
demand for the support of Government should be by requisition made to the
several Houses of Representatives.

   Resolved, nemine contradicente, That it is contrary to natural justice and
the established law of the land, to transport any person to Great Britain, or
elsewhere, to be tried under indictment for a crime committed in any of the
colonies, as the party prosecuted would thereby be deprived of the privilege of
trial by his peers from the vicinage; the injured perhaps prevented from legal
reparation, and both lose the full benfit of their witnesses.

   Resolved, nemine contradicente, That we will concur with our sister colonies
in every constitutional measure to obtain redress of American grievances, and
will by every lawful means in our power maintain those inestimable blessings for
which we are indebted to God and the Constitution of our country-a Constitution
founded upon reason and justice, and the indelible rights of mankind.

   Resolved, nemine contradicente, That the committee appointed by the meeting
of the inhabitants of this province, on Wednesday the 27th of July last,
together with the deputies who have appeared here on this day from the different
parishes, be a general committee to act; and that any eleven or more of them
shall have full power to correspond with the committees of the several provinces
upon the Continent; and that copies of these resolutions, as well as all other
proceedings, be transmitted without delay to the Committee of Correspondence in
the respective provinces."

   The proclamation of Governor Wright having failed to prevent the assembling
of the people and the expression of their opinions and determinations as to the
course they would pursue, he attempted to destroy the effect of the example of
those who had participated in the meeting by showing that they were a mere
minority composed of malcontents and did not voice the sentiments of the people
01 the colony. To this end he called another meeting. About a third of the
inhabitants in and about Savannah, including the Governor's Council and all his
other officers, both civil and military, assembled and signed a protest against
the action of the meeting of the tenth of August.

DISSENT TO THE RESOLUTIONS OF AUGUST 10, 1774.

   On the tenth instant, a meeting was held at Savannah, to which several
districts and parishes, particularly St. Paul's, one of the most populous in the
Province, sent no deputies; and although one Lord, and another person attended
as deputies from the parish of St. George, yet upwards of 80 respectable
inhabitants of that parish sent down their dissent. Nor was the parish of Christ
Church represented at this meeting, unless the self appointrf committee be
considered as their representatives. The measure left an opening for any to
appear at the meeting in the character of deputies, who brought down an
appointment as such, without any inquiry whether they were constituted by the
majority of the parish or not. Several artful falsehoods were thrown out to
induce the parishes and districts to send deputies. In the Parish of St. George,
it was said that the Stamp Act was to be enforced: and in the parish of St.
Matthew, the people were told that nothing was intended but a dutiful petition
to the king, as the father of his people; and to such lengths were matters
carried, that when some of the inhabitants of St. Matthew's parish discovered
the deception, and desired that they might scratch out their names from the
instrument appointing deputies-it was refused them. Their adjournment from the
27th of July to the tenth of August was general, and therefore it was natural to
suppose that the last meeting would be held at the Vendue house, the same place
as the first; for whenever it is intended that a future meeting of any kind
shall be held at a different place than that which is usual, notice is always
given of the alteration of the place of meeting, otherwise most of those who may
be desirous of attending, would not know where to go. In the present case none
knew that the second meeting would be held at a different place than the first,
except those few who were in the secret. But the important meeting of the 10th
of August, in defence of the constitutional rights and liberties of American
subjects, was held at a tavern, and it was said, twenty-six persons, with the
doors shut for a considerable time, undertook to bind them by resolution; and
when several gentlemen attempted to join, the tavern-keeper, who stood at the
door with a list in his hand, refused them admittance, because their names were
not mentioned in that list. Such was the conduct of these pretended advocates
for the liberties of America. Several of the inhabitants of St. Paul's and St.
George's, two of the most populous, have transmitted their written dissent to
any resolutions, and there were gentlemen ready to present their dissent, had
not the doors been shut for a considerable time, and admittance refused. And it
is conceived that shutting the door and refusing admittance to any but
resolutioners, was calculated to prevent the rest of the inhabitants from giving
their dissent to measures that were intended to operate as the unanimous sense
of the Province. Upon the whole, the world will judge whether the meeting of the
10th inst., held by a few persons in a tavern, with doors shut, can, with any
appearance of truth or decency, be called a general meeting of the inhabitants
of Georgia. Having now given our reasons at large, we enter this our public
dissent to the said resolutions of the 10th, and all the proceedings had or to
be had thereon, and do earnestly desire that such resolutions may not be taken
as the sense of the inhabitants of Georgia.

   (Signed)

James Habersham,
Richard Wright,
Lachlan McGillivray,
John Patton,
Josiah Tattnall,
John Hume,
James Hume,
James E. Powell,
John Jamierson,
Leonard Cecil,
Tho. Johnston,
Moses Nunes,
John Simpson,
Andrew Robertson,
James Robertson,
Henry Preston,
Alex. Thompson,
Robert Bolton,
Lewis Johnson,
Noble Jones,
John Irvine,
James Habersham,
Anthony Stokes,
James A. Stewart,
Edward Langworthy,
Peter La Vein,*
Joseph Butler,
John Mullryne,
Wm. Skinner,
John B. Garardiau.
James Mossman,
Abraham Gray,
Henry Younge,
Robert Watt,
Philip Younge,
Alex. Wylly,
Tho. Moodie,
David Gray,
Philip Moore,
Wm. Moore,
Jos. Ottolenghe,
Quintin Pooler,
Geo. Frazer,
Francis Knowles,
John English,
Geo. Finch,
David Montaigut,
Wm. Ross,
James Read,
John Parkinson,
Wm. Moss,
E. Jones,
Henry Younge, Jr.,
John Graham,
James Farley,
Thomas Reid,
James Nicol,
John Storr,
Tho. Ross,
Wm. Brown, Jr.,
James Thompson,
James Herriott,
John Lowery,
Stephen Britton.
N. Wade,
Geo. Henley,
Matthew Stewart,
John Spencer,
Charles Younge,
James Low,
Robt. Gray,
Daniel McInnes,
James Dixee,
Jonathan Holden,
Samuel Shepherd,
Henry Forest,
Wm. Strothers,
John Mills.
Wm. Thompson,


      *Peter LaVein dissents, because "he conceives that as an inhabitant of
Christ Church Parish he was not represented."


   The following persons in other districts of this parish have subscribed
hereunto:

   Upon the Island of Skidaway, Geo. Barry, Charles W. McKinon, Robert Reid.

   In Vernonburgh, David Johnson, Geo. Dron, Nathaniel Adams, Walter Denny,
Peter Theis, Joseph Spenser. Henry Nungazer, John Campbell, George Nungazer,
James Noble, John Ranstaller.

   The Governor, to swell as far as he could the number of dissenters, sent his
friends and hired agents throughout all the parishes to secure signers to
similar papers protesting against the action of the patriots. In this way he
succeeded in securing the signatures of many timid and ill informed persons who,
when fully informed of the real conditions, became the most zealous supporters
of the cause of the colonies. So anxious were the friends and agents of the
Governor to make it appear that a majority of the people were on the side of the
royal government, that it was said they forged to their papers of protest the
names of minors and of many persons who had been dead for years, so that the
signatures to the protests brought up from some of the parishes exceeded in
number the entire population of the parish. There was but one newspaper
published in the province at that time, and it was under the domination of the
Governor, and all its power was wielded in the interest of the royal government
and against the popular cause. The following are some of these protests obtained
by misrepresentation and deception.

(Reprint from White's Historical Collections.) 

Parish of St. Paul. (Now Richmond County.)

   We, the inhabitants of Kyokee and Broad River settlements, do in this public
manner think proper to declare our dissent and disapprobation to a certain paper
or handbill published and dispensed throughout the Province, entitled and called,
   "Resolutions entered into at Savannah,  on Wednesday, the 10th day of August,
1774, at a general meeting, (as therein set forth,) of the inhabitants of this
Province, to consider of the state of the Colonies in America:

For the following reasons:-

   First, Because we look upon the said paper as a very improper treatment of
the inhabitants of the Province, and of this Province in particular, for that we
have been well informed that the said meeting was not a public one, as before
advertised, it being held at the house of Mr. Tondee, in Savannah, and that many
respectable persons were refused admittance.

   Secondly, That the meeting was by no means a numerous one; for where a
question of the most serious concern was put, there were only twenty-six persons
that gave their voices.

   Thirdly, Because we from the beginning entirely disapproved of the said
meeting, and in consequence of our disapprobation, we sent to Savannah a protest
and reasons at large, which would have been presented at said meeting, on
Wednesday, the 10th inst., had not a number of gentlemen of honour and probity
in Savannah been refused admittance; and it is denied by a number that there
were any deputies from the Parish of Christ Church leganlly appointed.

   Fourthly, Because we had no voice in said meeting, and because we think that
the said paper carries with it unnecessary and unjust reflections on the honour
and justice of Kings, Lords and Commons.

   For these and other reasons, we do solemnly protest against the proceedings
had on the 10th inst., and do entirely dissent from them.

James Mcfarland, J. P. 
Saunders Walker, 
Daniel Marshall, 
John Griffin,
Andrew Paull,
Aaron Sinquefield
Edward Seed, 
William Lamar, 
Charles Jordan, 
William Love,
James Cox, 
James Young, 
Charles Hurd, 
James Hill, 
John Hill, 
Joshua Hill, 
Solomon Barfield, 
John Kelly, 
Giles Tillett, 
John Truman, 
Moses Powell,
William Wilden, 
Henry Brewster, 
Solomon Vickers, 
William Few,
Niel Jackson,
George Cowin, 
Daniel Walker, 
John Buchanan, 
David Sidwell, 
Thomas Mills, 
Charles Lea, 
John Brady, 
John Matthas, 
D. Wright, 
Robert Story, 
Henry Golden, 
John Howard, 
John Anderson, 
John Johnson, 
Nicholas Mercer, 
William Handley,
Frederick Stump, 
William Wright, 
Samuel Blair, 
Samuel Smith, 
Thomas Jackson, 
E. Smith, 
Samuel Morton, 
William Halliday, 
John Smith, 
William Barnard, 
F. Ashmore, 
John Lloyd, 
Jacob Jones, 
Jacob Winfred, 
R. Balaman, 
George Bagby, 
N. Barnet, 
Mark Jones, 
John Mitchell,
John Fuller, Sen., 
John Fuller, Jr.,
R. Howard,
Z. Lamar, Sen.,
M. Custino,
R. Gilgore,
James Aycock,
George Neals, Sen.,
Moses Perkins, 
Jeremiah Cloud, 
Noah Cloud, 
Thos. Hooper, 
Thomas Waters, 
George Simson, 
Andrew Brown, 
Wm. Dicks, 
William Thomas, 
Samuel Whitaker, 
Jacob Bowes, 
A. Williams, 
E. Wilmore, 
Benjamin Browne.

August 24, 1774.



(Reprint from White's Historical Collections.)
   We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the Parish of St. Paul, having understood
that certain persons have attempted, and are now attempting to prevail on the
good-meaning and well-disposed people of this Province, to enter into
resolutions similar to those made in the Province of South Carolina, in order to
counteract and render ineffectual some late acts of the British Parliament
intended to reduce the people of Boston to a sense of their duty:-

   We do hereby, for ourselves and others, protest against any, and declare our
dissent to any such resolutions, or proceedings in any wise tending to express
disloyaty to our most gracious Sovereign, and the Lords and Commons of Great
Britain, for the following reasons, viz.:

   First, Because we apprehend this mode of assembling and entering into
resolutions that arraign the conduct of the King and Parliament, is illegal, and
tends only to alienate the affections, and forfeit the favour and protection of
a most gracious Sovereign, and to draw upon this colony the displeasure of the
Lords and Commons of Great Britain.

   Secondly, Because, if we have real grievances to complain of, the only legal
and constitutional method of seeking redress is, we apprehend, to instruct our
representatives in Assembly to move for and promote a decent and proper
application to his Majesty and the Parliament for relief.

   Thirdly, That as the inhabitants of this Province have had no hand in
destroying any teas, the property of the East India Company, and, therefore, are
not involved in the same guilt with those of Boston, they can have no business
to make themselves partakers of the ill consequences resulting from such a conduct.

   Thirdly, [sic] Because we understand that the Council and Assembly of this
Province have lately applied to his Majesty for assistance in case of an Indian
war; and should we enter into any such resolutions, we could not in justice
expect any such assistance, but would be counteracting what they have done, and
exposing the Province to imminent danger.

   Fourthly, Because the persons who are most active on this occasion, are
chiefly those whose property lies in or near Savannah, and, therefore, are not
immediatelv exposed to the bad effects of an Indian war; whereas, the back
settlements of this Province, and our parish in particular, would most certainly
be laid waste and depopulated, unless we receive such powerful aid and
assistance as none but Great Britain can give. For these and many other reasons,
we declare our dissent to all resolutions by which his Majesty s favour and
protection might be forfeited.

   Signed,

James Grierson, 
William Goodgeon, 
Robert Bonner, 
John Anderson, 
Edward Barnard, 
Andrew McLean, 
John D. Hammerer, 
John Dooly, 
James Hill, 
Barnard Heard, 
Amos Stapler, 
Charles Walker, 
John McDuffie, 
Giles Tillett, 
James Seymour, 
Thomas Pace, 
Richard Basley, 
Samuel Tullett, 
Wm. Redman, 
Joel Cloud, 
Wm. Miller,
Zechariah Lamar, Senr., 
Jacob Dennis,
Littleberry Bosticke, 
Basil Lamar, James Few, 
Benjamin Webster, 
Robert Honey, 
Job Smith, 
Wm. Barnard, 
Wm. Mangum, 
John Chapman, 
Patrick Jarvis, 
Joseph Maddock, 
Jonathan Sell, 
Robert Mackay, 
Wm. Candler, 
Devereaux Jarratt 
Sherwood Bugg, 
Isaac Low, 
Peter Parris, 
John Henderson, 
Thomas Grierson, 
John McDonald, 
Francis Hancock.


  (Reprint from White's Historical Collections.) 
Town of Wrightsborough. (Now McDuffie County.)

   We, the inhabitants of the town of Wightsborough and places adjacent,
understanding that fourteen persons have drawn up several resolutions respecting
the disputes between Great Britain and the town of Boston, concerning the
destroying of a quantity of tea, the property of the East India Company, and
have published them as the act of the Province, and which we look upon as a
great imposition, having no knowledge of them 'till after they were passed:
therefore we do, in this public manner, deny passing any concerning them, and
disapprove of them altogether, such proceedings as a few acting for the whole
without their knowledge, we apprehend being contrary to the rights and
privileges of every British subject.

John Oliver, J. P.,
Silas Pace,
John stubbs,
Gereiom Wooddell,
Isaac Vernon,
Absalom Beddell,
Jasias Pewgate,
William Foster,
John Jones,
John Clower,
Thomas Watson, Senr.,
Abraham Parker,
David Baldwin,
James Jenkins,
Henry Ashfield,
Oliver Matthews,
Samuel Hart,
Edward Greene,
Alexander Ottery,
Joseph Jackson,
Jesse Margan,
Joel Phillips,
Ellis Haines,
Matthew Hobbs,
Aaron McCarter,
Joseph Haddock, J. P.,
Stephen Bigshop,
Thomas Ansly,
Abram Louders,
John Lindsay,
James Oliver,
Abram Dennis,
John Greason,
Richard Webb,
William Daniel,
Benjamin Ansly,
John Watson, 
Robert Day,
Drury Rogers, 
James Anglin 
Jacob Watson, 
Robert Cowin, 
Lewis Powell, 
Jacob Collins, 
William Childre, 
Robert Harper, 
Jacob Dennis, 
Nicholas White, 
John Moor, 
Joshua Sanders, 
Robert Jenkins, 
Robert Nelson, 
Hillery Grey, 
James Bishop, 
John Fairchild, 
John James, 
Zackariah Phillips, 
Edward Hill, 
John Hill, 
Joshua Hill, 
John Davis, 
Isaac Greene, 
Samuel Sinquefield, 
William Sinquefield, 
Reuben Sherill, 
Morris Callingham, 
Joel Cloud, 
John Stewart, Jun., 
John Lang, 
James Ryan, 
Henry Walker, 
Peter Perkins,
Thomas Gilliland, 
Uriah Odom, 
Richard Hokitt, 
Edward Hagen, 
Joseph Kallensworth, 
Abram Hilton, 
William Michell, 
John Evans, John Evans, Jun., 
Peter Williams, 
John Stewart, 
Jonathan Sell, 
William Welden, 
John Thompson, 
Joseph Millen, 
William Penton, 
Alexander Oliver, 
Ambrose Holiday, 
Abraham Johnston, 
Nathaniel Jackson, 
George Waggoner, 
Robert Walton, 
Walter Drummond, 
Charles Dunn, 
Ezekiel Millar, 
John West, 
John Hodgin, 
Peter Cox, 
Joseph Brown, 
Henry Jones, 
John Dennis, 
Francis Jones, 
Peter Weathers, 
Timothy Jourdan, 
Watkin Richards, 
Abraham Davis,
Gabriel Davis,
John Davis,
Isaac Davis,
John Pirks,
Jacob Davis,
Jonathan Sell, J. P.;
Thomas Pace.


(Reprint from h. lutes Historical Collections.) 
Town of Augusta.

   We, the inhabitants of the town and district of Augusta, think it incumbent
upon us, in this public manner, to declare our dissent from, and disapprobation
of, certain resolutions published in this gazette, of the 17th instant, entered
into on Wednesday, the 10th day of August, as it is there said, "At a general
meeting of the inhabitants of tins Province, though, we are credibly informed,
that the said meeting, so far from being general, was not even numerous, and
that one of our representatives, whom we had provided with a protest, and our
reasons at large, why we could not agree to any resolutions expressive of
disaffection or direspect to our most Gracious King, or the Lords and Commons of
Great Britain, thought it improper to deliver said protest to a few people met
privately at a tavern, having also been told by some gentlemen coming from the
place of meeting, that they had been refused admittance.

   We entirely dissent from the aforesaid resolutions, because we apprehend upon
this occasion our silence would be construed into consent; and a partial act of,
and resolutions entered into by, some individuals, might be considered as the
general sense of the Province.

   We, therefore, in duty to our King and country, and ourselves, do hereby
solemnly protest against any o proceedings of the aforesaid meeting, and declare
our entire dissent from the resolutions entered into at the same, as witness our
hands at Augusta, this 30th day of August, 1774.

Robert Mackay, 
Andrew Johnstone, 
Edward Barnard, 
Wm. Goodgeon, 
James Gordon, 
James Grierson, 
Frances Begbee, 
Thomas Graham, 
Francis Pringle, 
Donald Cameron, 
John Francis, 
Daniel Waistcoat, 
George Barnard, 
Charles Walker, 
John Pratt, 
William Matthews, 
Robert Bonner, 
Benjamin Webster,
Martin Weatherford,
Abraham Spear,
John Lamar,
John Francis Williams,
Peter Parris,
John Bacon,
Sherwood Bugg,
Wm. Johnston,
Charles Clarke, 
Moody Butt, 
Samuel Clerk, 
John Howell, 
John Dooly, 
Thomas Grierson, 
Robert Grierson, 
Spencer Kelly, 
John Leslie.



(Reprint from White's Historical Collections.)
Pansh of St. George. (Now Burke County.)

   We, the subscribers, inhabitants of the Parish of St. George, in the Province
of Georgia, do hereby publicly declare that we entirely disagree to the paper
containing certain resolutions which were drawn up in the city of Savannah, by
some persons met there on the 10th of August, 1774; because, although many of us
gave our votes that Mr. Jones and Mr. Lord should go to the said meeting, yet it
was because we were told that unless we did send some persons there, we would
have the Stamp Act put in force. By these and such like arguments, we were
prevailed upon to do what we did; but as we find we were deceived, and that the
said meeting was intended to draw up a paper that we think reflects very
improperly upon our King and the Parliament, and may be of bad consequence to
this Province, and can serve no good purpose, we therefore declare that we do
not approve of the said paper; and we give our dissent in this public manner.

Signed,

George Wells,
William, M. Norell,
Peter Shand,
John Kennedy,
James Dayle,
Francis Stringer,
Shadrach Barrow,
Paul McCormick,
Daniel Thomas,
Humphrey Williams,
Gideon Thomas,
John Greenway,
John Thomas,
Robert Blaishard,
Robert Henderson,
Hugh Irwin,
Fratios Lewis Feyer,
Thomas Carter,
John Red,
James Brantley,
James Warren,
William Whethers,
James Williams,
John Catlett,
Samuel Red,
David Greene,
Alexander Berryhill,
John Pettycrew,
Edmund Hill,
William Callett,
Charles Williams,
John Ratten,
Thomas Pennington,
John Frier,
John Rogers,
James Davis,
John Anderson,
William Milner,
James Rae,
Elijah Dix,
Joseph Gresham,
Samuel Berryhill,
William Dayle,
Thomas Red,
Joseph Tilly,
John Bledsoe,
Job Thomas,
Starling Jordan,
Drury Roberts,
Patrick Dickey,
Joel Walker,
Zechariah Wimberly,
James Red,
Stephen Lamb,
Benjamin Warren,
Solomon Davis,
John Gray,
Francis Hancock,
Pleasant Goodall,
Wade Kitts,
Daniel Logan,
Myrick Davis,
John Roberts,
Robert Douglass, Sen.,
Jesse Scruggs,
Henry Mills, 
Joseph Moore, 
Amos Whitehead, 
John Robinson, 
Ezekiel Brumfield, 
Jacob Sharpe, 
William Moore, 
William Godbe, 
Richard Curton, 
William Curton, 
Philip Helveston, 
Elias Daniel, 
Ephniam Odom,
Benjamin Brantley, 
Thomas Grey, 
Jeremiah Brantley, 
Thomas Greene, 
John Burnsides, 
John Forth,
Nathan Williams,
Edward Watters,
John Stephens,
Frederick Francis
Moses Davis, 
Arthur Walker, 
Amos Davis, 
Jacob Lamb, 
Allen Brown, 
Joseph Allday, 
James Douglis, 
Landham Ashbury, 
Charles Golightly, 
John Howell, 
Bud Cade, 
James Moore, 
John Whitehead, 
John Sharpe, 
Thomas Odom, 
William Hobbs, 
Clement Yarborough, 
James Hunt, 
Barnaby Lamb, 
Seth Slockumb, 
Lewis Hobbs, 
John Thomas, Sen., 
William Young, 
John Tillman, 
Caleb Whitehead, 
Robert Cade.


(Reprint from White's Historical Collections.)
Parish of St. Matthew.  (Now Effingham County.)
   We who have put our names to this paper, inhabitants of the Parish of St.
Matthew, and Town of Ebenezer, think it necessary, in this public manner, to
declare, that about the 4th day of this instant, August, we were told by certain
persons, that we must send a petition home to our King, in regard to the
Bostonians, to beg for relief, as a child begs a father, when he expects
correction, and that all those who would not join must sign their name, that
they might know how many would be in this parish, and that should we decline
what was recommended, we must expect the Stamp Act imposed upon us. By these and
like flattering words, we were persuaded to sign, but we find we are deceived,
for, that the people who met at Savannah, on the 10th inst., did not petition
our King, but made up a paper, which we think is very wrong, and may incur the
displeasure of his Majesty, so as to prevent us from having soldiers to help us
in case of an Indian war. We, therefore, disagree entirely to the said paper,
and do hereby protest against any resolutions that are, or hereafter may be,
entered into on this occasion.

   Signed by the following persons:-

Urban Buntz,
John Heckel,
George Gnann,
Solomon Zondt,
Jaher Hangletter,
Jacob Guann,
John Paulus,
Jacob Keiffer,
George Gruber,
Christian Steiner,
Matthew Beidenback,
John Remshart,
George Ballinger,
Israel Luinenberger,
John Oexlin Rentz,
Leonhart Kraus,
George Buntz,
George Bechley,
John Pillager,
Batlas Keiffer,
Henry Ludwig Buntz,
Michael Mack, Jr.,
Jacob Metzger,
Peter Fryermouth,
Jonn Metzger,
Solomon Prothero,
John Adam Fryermouth,
John Grasentine,
John Feberl,
Christopher Rattenberger
George Zettauer,
Andrew Guann.

   We, the subscribers, do hereby certify that we are against resolutions, this
2d of  Sept., 1774.-

John Maurer,
Paul Pinck,
George Maurer,
Mathew Meyer,
Daniel Weitman,
Jacob Meyer,
Miartin Reylander.

   These unfair and deceptive methods of the Governor and the friends of the
king and his cabinet only served to make the friends of liberty more determined
in their resistance to the arbitrary and unjust acts of the British government.
In January, 1775, there was an election for members of the Commons House of
Assembly. There were, in every parish and district, candidates favorable to the
royal government opposed by candidates in favor of resisting the aggressions of
the king and parliament.

   The result of the election, in an overwhelming majority of the parishes, was
favorable to the patriots, their candidates being elected by large majorities,
and established the fact beyond controversy that the majority of the people of
the province were favorable to resistance. The Governor, in his address to the
House, deplored the spirit of rebellion which was so manifest in the province,
and predicted that the agitation of the questions of difference between the
people and the royal government would only make bad matters worse, and
threatened them with the military power of the government if the agitation
continued. Among other things he said: "The alarming situation of American
affairs at this juncture makes it highly necessary for me to say something to
you on that subject: and it is with the utmost concern that I see, by every
account, all the Colonies to the northward of us, as far as Nova Scotia, in a
general ferment, and some of them in such a state as makes me shudder when I
think of the consequences which it is most probable will soon befall them.

   "The unhappy disputes with the Mother Country are now become of the most
serious nature, and I am much afraid the very extraordinary and violent measures
adopted and pursued will not only prevent a reconciliation, but may involve all
America in the most dreadful calamities.

   "Gentlemen, I think myself very happy in having it in my power to say that
this Province is hitherto clear, and I much hope by your prudent conduct it will
remain so.

   "Be not led away by the voices and opinions of men s over-heated ideas.
Consider coolly and sensibly of the terrible consequences which may attend
adopting resolutions and measures expressly contrary to law, and hostile to the
Mother Country, especially at so late a season, when we may almost daily expect
to hear the determination of Great Britain on the matters in dispute, and
therefore I conceive can answer no purpose but that of throwing the Province
into confusion: and I tremble at the apprehension of what may be the resolution
and declaration of the new Parliament relative to the conduct of the People in
some parts of America.

   "You may be advocates for liberty: so am I, but in a constitutional and legal
way. You, Gentlemen, are legislators, and let me entreat you to take heed how
you give a sanction to trample upon law and government, and be assured it is an
indisputable truth that where there is no law there can be no liberty. It is the
due course of law and support of Government which only can insure to you the
enjoyment of your lives, your liberties, and your estates, and don t catch at
the shadow and lose the substance.

   "I exhort you not to suffer yourselves to be drawn into involving this
Province in the distresses of those who may have offended. We are in a very
different situation and on a very different footing from the other Colonies.
Don't consider me as speaking to you merely as the King's Governor of this
Province. As such, Gentlemen, it is certainly my duty to support his Majesty's
just rights and authority and to preserve peace and good order within my
Government, and to contribute as much as possible towards the prosperity and
happiness of the Province and people. Believe me when I tell you I am at this
time actuated by further motives than those only of discharging my duty as the
King's Governor. I have lived amongst and presided over you upwards of fourteen
years and have other feelings. I have a real and affectionate regard for the
People, and it grieves me to think that a Province which I have been so long in,
and which I have seen nurtured by the Crown at a vast expense to the Mother
Country, and grow up from mere infancy, from next to nothing, to a considerable
degree of maturity and opulence, should by the imprudence and rashness of some
inconsiderate People be plunged into a state of distress and ruin. We have been
most happy in (I hope) avoiding Scylla, and let me in the strongest terms
conjure you to steer clear of Charybdis."

   The House in its reply was respectful but firm. It deplored the unhappy
conditions that prevailed, professed unabated loyalty to the Crown, and
expressed the earnest hope and desire that the government might yet see the
justness of the demands of the people of the American provinces and redress
their wrongs. The essence of its reply is condensed in this paragraph:-

   "We cannot, said the representatives, be less affected by and concerned for
the present alarming situation of affairs between Great Britain and America than
your Excellency. We must be equally insensible not to feel our numerous
grievances and not to wish them redressed. It is that alone which every good
American contends for.

It is the enjoyment of our constitutional rights and liberties that softens
every care of life and renders existence itself supportable. At the same time,
in all our proceedings we shall studiously avoid every measure that shall not
appear to us at once strictly consonant with our duty to his Majesty and the
interest, liberty, and welfare of pur constituents.

   It will be borne in mind that this body was the royal legislature, a part of
the King's government in Georgia.

   About the first of January, 1775, the people of Saint Andrew s .Parish
assembled at Darien in a mass meeting, or "congress" as they called it, and
adopted the following declaration as expressing their views and determinations
at that crisis:

   Declaration of the people of St. Andrew s Parish (Darien) in January, 1775.

   "Being persuaded that the salvation of the rights and liberties of America
depend, under God, on the firm union of the inhabitants in its vigorous
prosecution of the measures necessary for its safety, and convinced of the
necessity of preventing the anarchy and confusion which attend the dissolution
of the powers of government, we, the freemen, freeholders, and inhabitants of
the Province of Georgia, being greatly alarmed at the avowed design of the
ministry to raise a revenue in America, and shocked by the bloody scene now
acting in the Massachusetts Bay, do, in the most solemn manner, resolve never to
become slaves; and do associate, under all the ties of religion, honor, and love
of country, to adopt and endeavor to carry into execution, whatever may be
recommended by the Continental Congress, or resolved upon by our Provincial
Convention that shall be appointed, for the purpose of preserving our
Constitution, and opposing the execution of the several arbitrary and oppressive
acts of the British Parliament, until a reconciliation between Great Britain and
America, on constitutional principles, which we most ardently desire, can be
obtained; and that we will in all things follow the advice of our general
Committee, to be appointed, respecting the purposes aforesaid, the preservation
of peace and good order, and the safety of individuals and private property.

   (Signed)

Lachn. McIntosh, 
Geo. Threadcraft, 
Charles McDonald, 
John McIntosh, 
Rayd. Demere, 
Jiles Moore, 
Samuel McCleland, 
Peter Sallens, Jun., 
James Clark, 
John Witherspoon, Jun., 
John Witherspoon, 
John Fulton, 
Samuel Fulton, 
Isaac Cuthbert,
Isaac Hall
Jones Newsom,
Daniel Cuthbert, 
John Hall,
Jno. McCollugh, Sen., 
Jno. McCullugh, Jun., 
William McCullugh, 
Reu. Shuttleworth, 
John McCleland, 
Richard Cooper, 
Seth McCullugh,
Thomas King,
Paul Judton, 
John Roland, 
Pr. Suttleworth, 
Joseph Stobe,
To. Bierry.

  A few days after this, to wit, on the 12th of January, 1775, the "Darien
Committee," chosen by the people, adopted the following terse and emphatic
declaration:

   "In the Darien Committee, Thursday, January 12, 1775.

   When the most valuable privileges of a people are invaded, not only by open
violence, but by every kind of fraud, sopistry, and cunning, it behooves every
individual to be upon his guard, and every member of society, like beacons in a
country surrounded by enemies, to give the alarm, not only when their liberties
in general are attacked, but separately, least a precedent in one way affect the
whole: and to enable the collective wisdom of such people to judge of its
consequence, and how far their respective grievances concerns all, or should be
opposed to preserve their necessary union Every laudable attempt of this kind by
the good people of this Colony, in a constitutional manner, hath been hitherto
frustrated, by the influence and authority of men in office, and their numerous
dependents, and in every other natural and just way, by the various arts they
have put in practice. We, therefore, the Representatives of the extensive
District of Darien, in the Colony of Georgia, being now assembled in Congress,
by the authority and free choice of the inhabitants of the said District, now
freed from their fetters, douu Resolve,

   1st. That the unparalleled moderation, the decent, but firm and manly conduct
of the loyal and brave people of Boston and Massachusetts Bay, to preserve their
liberty, deserves not only the applause and thanks of all America, but also the
immitation of all mankind. But, to avoid all repetitions, we acquiesce and join
in all the Resolutions passed by the Grand American Congress in Philadelphia
last October. We thank them for their sage council and advice, and most heartily
and cheerfully accede to the Association entered into by them, as the wisest and
most moderate measure that could be adopted in our present circumstances to
reconcile and firmly unite Great Britain and the Colonies, so indispensably
necessary to each other, by the surest and best basis-mutual interest. But as
the wisest Councils upon earth are liable to the errours of humanity, and not
withstanding our reverence and partiality for that August Assembly, we beg leave
to differ in opinion from them, in charging the unjust measures of the present
and preceding Ministry, to a person qualified rather for a private than a pubhck
station; and as the resentment of his country men, on a former occasion, was
raised by the illiberal and unjust abuse of them, indiscriminately, for the
faults of that man, we humbly presume the renewing at this time, on so little
foundation, at least impolitick; being confident that every Member of that late,
wise, patriotick, and truly honourable Congress, from a principle of candour and
justice, will rather commend than blame our honest and well meant freedom.

   2nd. That in shutting up the Land Offices, with the intention of raising our
quit rents, and setting up our Lands at publick sale, representation of the
contract has not been duly considered (and attended to) in all its consequences
to this vast Continent: That it is a principal part of the unjust system of
politicks adopted by the present Ministry, to subject and enslave us, and
evidently proceed from an ungenerous jealousy of the Colonies, to prevent as
much as possible the population of America, and the relief of the poor and
distressed in Britain and elsewhere, for whom a kind Providence has opened a new
world from their merciless oppressor, when the old is overrun with such
Monsters! That monopolizing our Lands into few hands is forming and encouraging
petty tyrants to lord it over us, or reside in another part of the world in
extravagance, luxury and folly, by the fruit of our labour and industry-such
oppressions neither we nor our fathers were able to bear, and it drove us to the
wilderness: And that all encouragement should be given to the poor of every
Nation by every generous American.

   3rd. That Ministerial Mandates, under the name of Instructions, preventing
the legal Representatives of the people to enact laws suiting their own
respective situation and circumstances, are a grievance and more especially in
this young Colony, where our internal police is not yet well settled; and as a
proof of the intention of these restrictions, when time and opportunity offers,
we point out particularly, amongst many others of like nature, the not suffering
us to limit the term of our Assembly, or passing a quit-rent law, to ascertain
and fix the most valuable part of our property.

   4th. That an over proportion of Officers, for the number of inhabitants, and
paying their salaries from Britain, so much cost up to us by the Court
parasites, and for which we are so often charged with ingratitude, are in truth
real and great grievances, rendering them insolent, and regardless of their
conduct, by being indepencient of the people who should support them according
to their usefulness and behavior, and for whose benefit alone they were
originally intended. That these exorbitant salaries, which enable them all to
act by Deputies, whilst they wallow in luxury themselves, their combining to
raise their exorbitant and illegal fees and perquisites, by various arts, upon
the subject, to an alarming height, are more dangerous to our liberties than a
regular Army; having the means of corruption so much in their power, the danger
of which is imminently exemplified in the present unhappy state of our brethren
and fellow subjects in Britain, and even in the late conduct of this Colony. To
prevent therefore as much as in us lies these direful effects, we resolve never
to choose any person to publick office, his Deputy, Deputy's Deputy, or any
expectant, to represent us in Assembly, or any other publick place, in our
election, hoping the example will be followed throughout this Colony, and all
America.

   5th. To show the world that we are not influenced by any contracted or
interested motives, but a general philanthropy for all mankind, of whatever
climate, language, or complexion, we hereby declare our disapprobation and
abhorrence of the unnatural practice of Slavery in America, (however, the
uncultivated state of our country, or other specious argument may plead for it,)
a practice founded in injustice and cruelty, and highly dangerous to our
liberties, (as well as lives,) debasing part of our fellow creatures below men,
and corrupting the virtue and morals of the rest, and is laying the basis of
that liberty we contend for (and which we pray the Almighty to continue to the
latest posterity) upon a very wrong foundation. We therefore resolve, at all
times to use our utmost endeavours for the manumission of our Slaves in this
Colony, for the most safe and equitable footing for the masters and themselves.

   6th. That we do hereby choose Messrs ______ to represent us for this
District, in the Provincial Congress at Savannah, the 18th instant, or at any
other time and place appointed hereafter, for the space of one year from this
day, and that a copy of these our Resolutions be given them as expressing the
sense of this District of publick grievances, which will serve for their
direction and instructions; and it is further our desire, that our said Deputies
shall use their endeavours to send two delegates from this Colony to the General
Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia next May."

   On the 18th of January, 1775, a Provincial Congress met at Savannah. On the
same day the legislature was convened in the same town by Governor Wright with
the hope of controlling, or at least toning down, by the presence of the royal
legislature, the action of the Provincial Congress. In the congress only five of
the twelve parishes were represented; in the House of Assembly every parish was
represented.

   Less than half of the parishes being represented, the Congress felt that it
could not assume to speak for the entire province. The members therefore
contented themselves with electing Noble Wimberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch and
John Houstoun to represent the province in the Continental Congress, and urging
the Commons House of Assembly to adopt a series of resolutions prepared and
adopted by themselves, which were very similar to, but not identical with, those
adopted by the provinces already in the confederation. While the House of
Assembly was patiently considering the appeal of the Provincial Congress, and
doubtless would have adopted its suggestions and put Georgia practically in line
with the other provinces, Governor Wright, to prevent such action, adjourned the
legislature till the 9th of May, but when that time arrived, no quorum of the
House appearing, he adjourned it to the 7th of November. When that time arrived
the province was under the complete control of the revolutionists, no quorum for
the transaction of public business could be secured, and the Governor realized
that further effort at legislation was useless, and royal Government in Georgia,
was, at least for a time, at an end.

   The following are the resolutions adopted and signed by the members of the
Provincial Congress, which they urged the Commons House of Assembly to also adopt:-

(From White's Historical Collections.)

Association entered into by forty-five of the Deputies assembled in Provincial
Congress, at Savannah, in Georgia, on the 18th of January, 1775, and by them
subscribed on the 23rd, when they chose NOBLE WIMBERLY JONES, ARCHIBALD BULLOCH,
and JOHN HOUSTOUN, Esquires, Delegates to represent that Colony in the
Continental Congress, to be held in May next.

   Whereas, a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement,
fathfully adhered to, will probably prove the most speedy, effectual, and
peaceable measure to obtain redress of American grievances, we do therefore, for
ourselves and our constituents, firmly agree and associate under the sacred ties
of virtue, honour, and love of our country, as follows:

   First.- That we will not receive into this Province any goods, wares, or
merchandise that shall be shipped from Great Britain or Ireland after the 15th
day of March next, or from any other place any such goods, wares or merchandise
as shall be shipped from these kingdoms after that time, except such as come
under the rules and directions of the Ninth Article herein mentioned; and except
such goods, wares or merchandise as are absolutely necessary for carrying on the
Indian trade, subject, nevertheless, to the control of the Continental Congress
intended to be held at Philadelphia on the 10th day of May next. Nor will we,
from this day, import or purchase any tea from any port in the world, or import
any molasses, syrup, coffee, or pimento, from the British Plantations, or from
Dominica; nor wines from Madeira or the Western Islands, nor foreign indigo.

   Second.- That we will neither import nor purchase any slaves imported from
Africa or elsewhere, after the 15th day of .March next.

   Third.-That we will not export any merchandise or commodity whatsoever to
Great Britain or Ireland, or to the West Indies, after the first day of December
next, except rice to Europe.

   Fourth.-Such as are merchants, and use the British and Irish trade, will give
orders, as soon as possible, to their factors, and correspondents in Great
Britain or Ireland, not to ship any goods to them on any pretence whatsoever, as
they cannot be received in Georgia; and if any merchant residing in Great
Britain or Ireland snail, directly or indirectly, ship any goods, \v s, u
merchandise for this Province, in order to break such nonimportation agreement,
or any manner contravene the same, on such unworthy conduct being well attested,
it ought to be made public; and on the same being so done, we will not from
thenceforth have any commrrcial connection with such merchant.

   Fifth.-That such as are owners of vessels, will give positive orders to their
captains or masters, not to receive on board their vessels any goods prohibited
by the said non-importation agreement, on pain of immediate dismission from
their service.

   Sixth.-We will use our utmost endeavours to improve the breed of sheep, and
increase their number to the greatest extent, and, to that end, will kill them
as sparingly as may be, especially those of a most profitable kind; nor will we
export any to the West Indies, or elsewhere; and those of us who are, or may
become, overstocked with, or can conveniently spare any sheep, will dispose of
them to our neighbours, especially to the poorer sort, on moderate terms.

   Seventh.-That we will, in our several stations, encourage frugality, economy,
and industry, and promote agriculture, arts, and the manufactures of America,
especially those of wool; and will discountenance and discourage every species
of extravagance and dissipation, especially horse-racing, and all kinds of
gaming, cock-fighting, exhibition of shows, plays, and other expensive
diversions and entertainments; and on the death of any relation or friend, none
of us or our families will go into any further mourning dress than a black crape
or ribbon on the arm or hat, for gentlemen, and a black ribbon and necklace, for
ladies; and we will discontinue the giving of scarfs and gloves at funerals.

   Eiighith.-That such are are venders of goods and merchandise, win not take
advantage of the scarcity of goods that may be occasioned by this Association,
but will sell the same at the rates they have been accustomed to do for twelve
months last past; and if any vender of goods or merchandise shall sell any goods
on higher terms, or shall in any manner, or by any devise whatsoever, violate or
depart from this agreement, no person ought, nor will any of us, deal with any
such person, or his or her factor or agent, at any time thereafter, for any
commodity whatsoever.

   Ninth.-In case any merchant, trader, or other person, shall receive any goods
or merchandise which shall be shipped after the 15th day of March, and before
the 15th day of May next, the same ought forthwith, at the election of the
owner, to be either re-shipped or delivered to the Committee of the town,
parish, or district wherein they shall be imported, to be stored, at the risk of
the importer, until the non-importation agreement shall cease, or be sold, under
the direction of the Committee aforesaid; and in the last-mentioned case, the
owner or owners of such goods shall be reimbursed, out of the sales, the first
costs and charges, the profit, if any, to be applied towards relieving such poor
inhabitants of the town of Boston as are immediate sufferers by the Port Bill;
and a particular account of all goods so returned, stored, or sold, to be
inserted in the public papers; and if any goods or merchandise shall be shipped
after the said 15th day of May next, the same ought forthwith to be sent back
again, without breaking any of the packages thereof.

   Tenth.- That a Committee be chosen in every parish, town, and district, by
those who contribute towards the general tax, whose business it shall be
attentively to observe the conduct of all persons touching this Association; and
when it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the majority of any such
Committee, that any person within the limits of their appointment has violated
this Association, that such majority do forthwith cause the truth of the case to
be published in the Gazette; to the end that all such foes to the rights of
British America be publickly known and universally condemned, as the enemies of
American liberty; and thenceforth we will respectively break off all dealings
with him or her.

   Eleventh.-That the Committee of Correspondence do frequently inspect the
entries of the custom-house, and inform the Committees of the other Provinces,
from time to time, of the true state thereof, and of every other material
circumstance that may occur relative to this Association.

   Twelfth.-That all manufactures of this Province be sold at reasonable prices,
so that no undue advantages be taken of a future scarcity of goods.

   And we do solemnly bind ourselves and our constituents, under the ties
aforesaid, to adhere to this Association until American grievances are redressed.

   The foregoing Association being determined upon by Congress, was ordered to
be subscribed by the several members thereof, and thereupon we have hereunto set
our respective names accordingly.

   In Congress, Savannah, Georgia, January 23, 1775.

John Glen, Chairman,
Ambrose Wright,
Noble W. Jones,
Peter Tondee,
Samuel Farley,
Thomas Lee,
William Young, 
Philip Box, 
William Evans, 
George Walton, 
John Stirk, 
Isaac Young, 
Robert Rae, 
Robert Hamilton, 
Edmund Bugg, 
Samuel Germany, 
John Wereat, 
Jonathan Cochran, 
George McIntosh,
 Raymond Demere, 
William Jones, 
James Cochran, 
Joseph Gibbons, 
John McClure, 
Archibald Bulloch, 
John Houstoun,
Joseph Habersham,
D. Zubly, Jr.,
James De Veaux, 
Joseph Clay, 
Francis H. Harris, 
Samuel Elbert, 
Henry Jones, 
George Houstoun, 
Edward Telfair, 
William Gibbons, 
Peter Bard, 
William Glascock, 
Jonn Germany, 
L. Marbury, 
Hugh Middleton, 
William Lord, 
John Mann, 
David Lewis, 
George Wyche.

   While the Commons House of Assembly, mindful of the peculiarly exposed
situation of Georgia, was prudently and carefully considering the resolutions
adopted by the Provincial Congress and urged by that body upon it for its
adoption, Governor Wright, to prevent favorable action, precipitately adjourned
the Assembly, but before he did so the House had adopted the following bold and
unequivocal declarations:-

(From White's Historical Collections.)

HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, GEO., January, 1775.

   The House, taking under consideration that the Parliament of Great Britain
claims a power of right to bind the people of America by statute, in all cases
whatsoever, and who have in some acts expressly imposed taxes on the Americans,
under various pretences, but in fact for the purpose of raising a revenue; hath
established a Board of Commissioners with unconstitutional powers, and extended
the jurisdiction of the Courts of Admiralty, not only for collecting the duties
imposed by the said acts, but for the trial of causes merely rising within the
body of a county. And whereas standing armies have been, and now are, kept in
America in time of profound peace; and being resolved in Parliament, that, by
force of a statute made in the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Henry the
Eighth, colonists may be transported to England and tried there upon accusations
for treason, misprisons, or concealments of treasons committed in the colonies:
and, by a late statute, such trials have been directed in cases therein
mentioned. And whereas, also, assemblies have been frequently dissolved,
contrary to the rights of the people, when they attempted to deliberate on the
grievances: Therefore, this House doth, as Englishmen, their ancestors, in like
cases have usually done, for assisting and vindicating their Rights and
Liberties- Declare:-

   First. That the inhabitants of the English Colonies of North America, by the
immutable laws of nature, the principles of the English Constitution, and the
several charters or compacts, have the following Rights:

   Secondly. That they are entitled to life, liberty and property, and they have
never ceded to any sovereign power whatever a right to dispose of either,
without their consent.

   Thirdly. That our ancestors, that first settled these colonies, were, at the
time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights,
liberties, and immunities of free and natural-born subjects within the realm of
England.

   Fourthly.-That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or
lost any of these rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are,
entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them as their local and
other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.

   Fifthly.- That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government,
is a right in the people to participate in the legislative council; and as the
English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other
circumstances cannot properly be represented in the British Parliament, they are
entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation, in their several
provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be
preserved in all cases of taxation and internal policy, subject only to the
negative of their sovereigns, in such a manner as has been heretofore used and
accustomed; but from the necessity of the case, and a regard to the mutual
interest of both countries, we cheerfully consent to the operation of such acts
of the British Parliament as are bona fide restrained to the regulation of our
external commerce, for the purpose of securing the commercial advantages of the
whole Empire to the mother country and the commercial benefits of its respective
members, excluding every idea of taxation, internal or external, for raising a
revenue on the subjects in America without their consent.

   Sixthly - That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of
England, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being
tried by their peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law.

   Seventhly.- That they are entitled to the benefit of such of the English
statutes as existed at the time of their colonization, and which they have by
experience respectively found to be applicable to their several local and other
circumstances.

   Eighthly.- That his Majesty's colonies are likewise entitled to all the
immunities and privileges granted and confirmed to them by royal charters, or
secured by their several codes of provincial laws.

   Ninthly.- That they have a right peaceably to assemble and consider of their
grievances, and petition the King, and that all the prosecutions, prohibitory
proclamations, and commitments for the same, are illegal.

   Tenthly.- That the keeping a standing army in these colonies in time of
peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which such army
is kept, is against law.

   Eleventhly.- And as it is indispensably necessary to good government, and
rendered essential by the English Constitution, that the constituent branches of
the legislature be independent of each other-

   RESOLVED, That the exercise of legislative power in any colony, by a council
appointed during pleasure by the Crown, may prove dangerous and destructive to
the freedom of American legislation.

   All and each of which the Commons of Georgia, in General Assembly met, do
claim, demand, and insist on as their indubitable rights and liberties, which
cannot be legally taken from them, altered, or abridged, by any power
whatsoever, without their consent.

   And whereas, there are many infringements and violations of the foregoing
rights, which, from an ardent desire that harmony and mutual intercourse of
affection and interest may be restored, we pass over for the present, and
proceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted since the close of
the said war, which demonstrates a system formed to enslave America.

   RESOLVED, That the following acts of Parliament are infringements and
violations of the rights of the colonists, and that the repeal of them is
essentially necessary, in order to restore harmony between Great Britain and the
American Colonies-viz.: The several acts of 4 George the Third, chapter 15 and
chapter 34; 5 George the Third, chapter 25, 6 George the third, chapter 52; 7
George the Third, chapter 41 and chapter 46, 8 George the Third, chapter 22,
which imposes duties for the purpose of raising revenue in America-extend the
powers of the admiralty courts beyond their ancient limits- deprive the American
subjects of trial by jury- authorize the judge s certificate to indemnify the
prosecutor of damages that he may otherwise be liable to- requiring oppressive
security from a claimant of ships and goods, seized before he shall be allowed
to defend his property-and are subversive of American rights.

   Also, 12 George the Ihnd, chapter 24, entitled "An Act for the better
securing his Majesty's Dock-yards, Magazines, Ships, Ammunition, and Stores,"
which declares a new offence in America, and deprives the Ameican subjects of a
constitutional trial by jury of the vicinage, by authorizing the trial of any
person charged with committing any offense described in the said act out of the
realm, to be indicted and tried for the same in any shire or county within the
realm.

   Also, the three acts passed in the last session of Parliament, for the
stopping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston: for altering the
charter and government of Massachusetts Bay, and that which is entitled "An Act
for the better administration of justice," &c.

   Also, the act passed in the same session, for establishing the Roman Catholic
Religion in the Province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English
laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger from so total a
dissimilarity of religion, law and government to the neighbouring British
Colonies, by the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was
conquered from France.

   Also, the act passed in the same session, for the better providing suitable
quarters for officers and soldiers in his Majesty s service in North America.

   Also, that the keeping a standing army in several of these colonies, in time
of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony in which said
army is kept, is against law.

   RESOLVED, That the thanks of this House be given to the members of the late
Continental Congress, for their wise and able exertions in the cause of American
Liberty.

RESOLVED, That _____ be Deputies to represent this Province in the intended
American Continental Confess proposed to be held in the City of Philadelphia on
the 10th of May next, or any other place or time as may hereafter be agreed on
by the said Congress.

   ORDERED, That Mr. Speaker do transmit a copy of the above resolves to the
Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esq., President of the said Congress.

   After this severe arraignment of the British government for the
unconstitutional and arbitrary acts of its parliament and ministers, the House
of Assembly, apprehensive of the danger that might follow precipitate action in
joining the confederacy of colonies, hesitated to take the final step, and was
adjourned by Governor Wright before it took it. This prudent and conservative
course met the approval of the people of all the parishes except Saint John. The
people of this parish, mostly New Englanders or of New England origin,
sympathizing with their kindred and friends in Boston and Massachusetts, were
greatly displeased at the non-action of the Commons House of Assembly and first
endeavored to get into the confederation and secure its recognition by seceding
from Georgia and joining South Carolina. On the day on which the Provincial
Congress met, January 18th, the delegates from the parish of Saint John met in
caucus and from the Journal of their proceedings the following extracts are made:-

{Reprint from Force's Archives.)
Wednesday, January 18, 1775.

   The Committee* met and Doctor Lyman Hall took the Chair.

   The following Message was sent to the Committee of the several parishes in
Congress sitting

   Gentlemen:  The Committee of the Parish of St, John, present the Committees
of the other Parishes with 



    *The word "Committee" as employed here and elsewhere in the proceedings of
parish and town meetings means the delegation, the whole body of delegates,
elected by the people of the town, district or parish to represent them in the
Provincial Congress.

    It will be observed that the delegates from Saint John did not take their
seats in this Provincial Congress at all, but organized themselves into a
separate body and attempted to coerce the delegates from the other parishes and
dictate to them. Failing in this, they went home and attempted to withdraw from
Georgia and join South Carolina, whose committee denounced Georgia as "that
infamous colony," and thus the doctrine of secession was born of the New England
inhabitants of Saint John's Parish in Georgia before the government of the
United States was formed.




a copy of the Letter received by them from the late Continental Congress, and,
agreeably to the advice therein contained, the inhabitants of the transit of St.
John have acceded to the General Association entered into and recommended by the
said Continental Congress. They hope you will adopt the same measures."

   Having received from the congress no reply to this communication, the
delegates from St. John, on Friday the 20th of January, sent this additional
message to the congress in which sat the delegates from the other parishes.

   "Gentlemen: On the first day of your meeting we presented you with a Message,
acquainting you that the inhabitants of the Parish of St. John had acceded to
the General Association entered into, and particularly recommended to them by
the late Continental Congress. We have patiently waited your answer, and wish to
impute your silence rather to inattention than design. We now assure you, that
if you think proper to enter fully into the measures of the late Continental
Congress, we will heartily join you in every thing that may tend to enforce them."

   The Committee of the several Parishes met in Congress, sent the following
answer thereto:

   "Gentlemen In answer to your .Message of this morning, we beg leave to inform
you of three determinations, from winch, tins Congress, we hope, will never recede.

   First. That we shall be glad to have the Province upon this occasion, as
fully represented as possible; and will therefore cheerfully receive the
Delegates of St. John s Parish, as a part of us.

   Secondly. That we apprehend every Delegate here, is accountable to his
Constituents and his own conscience, for the opinion he gives at this time; and
therefore, ought not to let any other man, or set of men, judge for him.

   Thirdly. That we trust no Member amongst us has any other object in view than
the publick good.

Saturday, January 21st, 1775.

   The Committee for St. John met, and came to the following resolutions:

   RESOLVED, That the Committees of the several Parishes in Congress now
sitting, are not, or cannot be, called a Provincial Congress; as, the greater
number of the Parishes in this Province, are not represented therein. They
therefore are not bound by the proceedings of the said Committees, although they
may arrogate to themselves such a power.

   RESOLVED, That as the Committees of the several Parishes in Congress now
sitting, have not fully approved of, and adopted the measures entered into, and
recommended by the late Continental Congress; this Committee cannot join them,
without violating the general association, which they have already acceded to;
and betraying the trust reposed in them, by their constituents.

   And then, the Committee adjourned sine die.

   The above Extracts, taken from the original Minutes by
                                JOSEPH WOOD, Secretary."

   Because of the non-action of the Georgia Provincial Congress on the demand of
St. John that it at once enter into the confederation of the other provinces,
both the Parish of St. John and the province of South Carolina became very
indignant, and on the 8th of February, 1775; the "General Committee" of South
Carolina adopted and published the following:

{Reprint from Force's Archives.)
In General Committee.
Charlestown, South Carolina, February 8, 1775.

   Inasmuch as the Colony of Georgia hath not acceded to the Continental
Association entered into by the General Congress at Philadelphia, on the 20th of
October last; therefore, and in conformity to the Resolutions of the said
General Congress,

  Resolved, That we will, from henceforth, have no Trade, Commrrce, Dealings, or
Intercourse, with the said Colony of Georgia; but will hold them as unworthy of
the rights of freemen, and as inimical to the liberties of their country:
provided that this Resolution shall not be construed to extend to the
inhabitants of this Colony now having Plantations in Georgia, so as to prevent
them from bringing their Crops into this Colony; or to such persons resident in
this Colony as now have debts due to them in Georgia, so as to prevent them from
receiving payment of such debts there in money, or in the commodities of time
Colony, they having such commodities shipped from thence to Europe.

  Ordered. That copies of the above resolution be transmitted to all the
Northern Colonies.


                                  February 16, 1775.

   Resolved. That the persons residing in this Colony, who hold Plantations in
Georgia, may, under the inspection of the Committee of Observation, send
necessaries from hence for the use of those Plantations, without the same being
deemed a violation of the Resolution of this Committee, of the 8th instant,
respecting the Colony of Georgia.

   Failing to coerce the delegates from the other parishes represented in the
Provincial Congress into precipitate action, and encouraged by the proceedings
of the General Committee at Charleston, St. John attempted to secede practically
from Georgia and join South Carolina and thus get into the confederation of
provinces and protect her trade. Her mode of procedure in this effort and its
result will appear in the following extracts:

                              St. John's Parish, Georgia.

  On Thursday evening the 23d February, 1775, Joseph Wood, Esq., Mr. Daniel
Roberts, and Mr. Samuel Stevens, three members of the Committee for the Parish
of St. John, in Georgia, arrived in Charlestown, South Carolina, deputed to wait
on the General Committee there, with the following Letter and account of the
Proceedings of the patriotick Inhabitants of the said Parish, in the present
critical situation of American affairs, viz:

   At a Meeting in the Parish of St. John and Provmce Georgia, on the 9th of
February, 1775.

   Letter from this Committee to the Committee of Correspondence in Charlestown,
South Carolina, was agreed on and written.

   It was then moved and agreed that some person or persons of this Committee do
wait on the Committee in Charlestown with the said Letter.

  Accordingly, Msssrs. Daniel Roberts and Samuel Stevens, and Joseph Wood,
Esquire, were appointed and authorized to present the same, and transact such
matters relative thereto as shall seem prudent and necessary.

   Taken from the Minutes by order of the Chairman, and certified by,
                                          BENJAMIN BAKER, Clerk.

   The Committee from St. John's to the Charleston Committee.

   Gentlemen: We, the Committee of the Parish of St. John, take the earliest
opportunity to lay before you the several steps taken by this Parish, to
conform, as near as possible, to the Resolutions entered into by the other
Provinces, and the measures now adopted for carrying into execution the
Continental Association. As it was particularly recommended to us, we readily
embraced those measures,* by subscribing an Agreement to accede to the General
Association, on condition that Trade and Commerce might be continued to us with
the other Provinces, and we should immediately have sent it to you for your
approbation, but were delayed by a summons to attend a Provincial Congress at
Savannah, the 18th of January last, for the purpose, as we understood, of a
General Association with the other Provinces, and for choosing Delegates to
attend at the next Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, in May
next. We met at that time and place, and acquainted the Committees of the other
Parishes then assembled, that the inhabitants of this Parish had acceded to the
General Association on the above mentioned conditions, and earnestly recommended
the same to them. They did enter into an Association, (a copy of which we
transmit to you) but so different in our opinions from the Continental
Association, that it appears to be a contravention of it, and exposes them to
the censure of the fourteenth clause of the General Association.

*On the first of December last.

   First. They have extended the time limited for Exportations, beyond what is
allowed by the Continental Congress, and thereby indulged a liberty of
Exportations, to the prejudice of the other Provinces.

   Secondly. For that, in their limited time of Importations, they have,
contrary to the Continental Association, extended it in general to the 15th of
March next, for Goods to be shipped in England, and for the Indian trade to a
still greater latitude, under the cloak of which we have reason to believe may
be introduced a large importation, equally adapted to the Whites as to the
Indians; and, on the whole, such as we could not, consistent with our own
Association, possibly join in.

   Had they acceded fully to the General Association, even at so late a time as
our Provincial Congress, we should have had no occasion to trouble you with this
address; but, as they did not, we now apply to you to admit us, the subscribers
of this Parish, to an alliance with you, requesting that you will allow trade
and commerce to be continued to us, exclusive (if you think proper) of this
Province in general; the same to be continued and conducted under such
regulations and restrictions as shall be consistent with the Continental
Association, and which, on our parts, we engage with all possible care to keep
inviolate.

   Our being a Parish of a non-associated Province, cannot, we presume, prevent
our joining the other Provinces, as the restriction mentioned in the fourteenth
clause of the General Association, must, as we apprehend, be considered as a
general rule only, and respects this Province, considered in a mixed or
promiscuous sense; but, as we of this Parish are a body detached from the rest,
by our Resolutions and Associations,* and sufficiently distinct by local
situation, large enough for particular notice, and have been treated as such by
a particular Address from the late Continental Congress; adjoining a sea-port,
and in that respect capable of conforming to the General Association, (if
connected with you,) with the same fidelity as a distant Parish of your own
Province, therefore we must be considered as comprehended within the spirit and
equitable meaning of the Continental Association; and we are assured you will
not condemn the innocent with the guilty, especially when a due separation is
made between them. We now wait your answer, and shall be glad of your advice.
                   Signed by order of the Committee,
                                LYMAN HALL, Chairman.

Midway, February 9, 1775.

   To the Committee of Correspondence in Charlestown, South Carolina.

    *The number that subscribed the said Association amount to one hundred and
seventy-five substantial inhabitants.




   (Reply of the Committee of Correspondence in Charlestown, S. C, to the
Committee from St. John s Parish.)

                                     February 24, 1775.
   A Letter and sundry other Papers, from the Parish of St. John's, in Georgia,
(as above) was read, and maturely considered. But the Committee being
determined, in all cases, to adhere literally, as far as possible, to every
Article of the Continental Association, could do no more in the present, than
enter into the following Resolution, viz:

   RESOLVED, That the Chairman be desired to write a proper Letter to the
Committee of the Parish of St. John, in Georgia, assuring them of the high sense
we have of their arduous struggles in favour of the common cause of America, and
that we sincerely lament their present unhappy situation; but that, as the said
Parish, being a part of the Colony of Georgia, in our opinion, falls under the
fourteenth Article of the General Association, so we apprehend that it is not in
our power to give them the relief they desire: and we can only recommend that
they will persevere in their laudable exertions, and lay a state of their case
before the ensuing Continental Congress, making no doubt that it will by them be
properly considered.

   ORDERED, That the Secretary do furnish the Deputies from St. John s with
copies of all the Proceedings of this Committee, relative to the Colony of Georgia.

   Dr. Hall and his followers in St. John having failed to get their parish into
the confederation either through the Georgia Provincial Congress or through the
General Committee at Charleston, acting on the suggestion of the South Carolina
Committee, convened a parish "congress," or mass meeting,. and having already
adopted the articles of confederation, elected Dr. Hall as the representative of
the parish of St. John in the Continental Congress, whither he repaired and was
admitted to a seat with power to debate, but not to vote, on questions on which
the vote was taken by states or provinces. When Georgia finally adopted the
articles of confederation and elected delegates to the Continental Congress, Dr.
Hall was elected as one of her delegates and voted for and signed the
Declaration of Independence.

   Msssrs. Jones, Bulloch and Houstoun, elected to represent Georgia in the
Continental Congress by a Provincial Congress in which less than half of the
parishes were represented, did not go to Philadelphia, but instead sent the
followmg letter to the President of the Continental Congress:

                          SAVANNAH, GEORGIA, April, 6, 1775.
   SIR: The unworthy part which the Province of Georgia has acted in the great
and general contest, leaves room to expect little less than the censure, or even
indignation, of every virtuous man in America. Although, on the one hand, we
feel the justice of such a consequence with respect to the Province in general,
yet, on the other, we claim an exemption from it in favour of some individuals,
who wished a better conduct. Permit us, therefore, in behalf of ourselves and
many others, our fellow-citizens, warmly attached to the cause, to lay before
the respectable body over which you preside a few facts, which, we trust, will
not only acquit us of supineness, but also render our conduct to be approved by
all candid and dispassionate men.

   At the time the late Congress did this Province the honour to transmit to it
an extract from their proceedings, enclosed in a friendly letter from the
Honourable Mr. Middleton, the sense and disposition of the people in general
seemed to fluctuate between liberty and convenience. In order to bring on a
determination respecting the measures recommended, a few well-affected persons
in Savannah, by public advertisement in the Gazette, requested a meeting of all
the parishes and districts, by delegates or representatives in Provincial
Congress. On the day appointed for this meeting, with concern they found that
only five out of twelve parishes to which they had particularly wrote, had
nominated and sent down delegates; and even some of these five had laid their
representatives under injunctions as to the form of an association. Under these
circumstances, those who met saw themselves a good deal embarrassed. However,
one expedient seemed still to present itself. The House of Assembly was then
sitting, and it was hoped there would be no doubt of a majority in favour of
American freedom. The plan, therefore, was to go through with what business they
could in Provincial Congress, and then, with a short address, present the same
to the House of Assembly, who, it was hoped, would by votes in a few minutes,
and before prerogative should interfere, make it the act of the whole Province.
Accordingly, the Congress framed and agreed to such an association, and did such
other business as appeared practicable with the people, and had the whole just
ready to be presented, when the Governor, either treacherously informed, or
shrewdly suspecting the step, put an end to the session. What then could the
Congress do? On the one hand, truth forbid them to call their proceedings the
voice of the Province, there being but five out of twelve parishes concerned;
and, on the other, they wanted strength sufficient to enforce them, on the
principles of necessity, to which all ought for a time to submit. They found the
inhabitants of Savannah not likely soon to give matters a favourable turn. The
importers were mostly against any interruption, and the consumers very much
divided. There were some of the latter virtuously for the measures; others
strenuously against them; but more who called themselves neutrals than either.
Thus situated, there appeared nothing before us but the alternative of either
immediately commencing a civil war among ourselves, or else of patiently waiting
for the measures to be recommended by the General Congress.

   Among a powerful people, provided with men, money, and conveniences, and by
whose conduct others were to be regulated, the former would certainly be the
resolution that would suggest itself to every man removed from the condition of
a coward; but in a small community like that of Savannah, (whose members are
mostly in their first advance toward wealth and independence, destitute of even
the necessaries of life within themselves, and from whose junction of silence so
little would be added or lost to the general cause,) the latter presented itself
as the most eligible plan, and was adopted by the people. Party disputes and
animosities have occasionally prevailed, and show that the spirit of freedom is
not extinguished, but only restrained for a time, till an opportunity shall
offer for calling it forth.

   The Congress convened at Savannah did us the honour choosing us delegates to
meet your respectable body at Philadelphia, on the tenth of next month. We were
sensible of the honour and weight of the appointment, and would gladly have
rendered our country any services our poor abilities would have admitted of; but
alas! with what face could we have appeared for a Province whose inhabitants had
refused to sacrifice the most trifling advantages to the public cause, and in
whose behalf we did not think we could safely pledge ourselves for the execution
of any one measure whatsoever?

   We do not mean to insinuate that those who appointed us would prove apostates
or desert their opinions; but that the tide of opposition was great; that all
the strength and virtue of these our friends might be sufficient for the
purpose. We very early saw the difficulties that would here occur, and therefore
repeatedly and constantly requested the people to proceed to the choice of other
delegates in our stead; but this they refused to do. We beg, sir, you will view
our reasons for not attending in a liberal point of light. Be pleased to make
the most favourable representation of them, to the Honourable the Members of the
Congress. We believe we may take upon ourselves to say, notwithstanding all that
has passed, there are still men in Georgia who, when an occasion shall require,
win be ready to evince a steady, religious and manly attachment to the liberties
of America. For the consolation of these, they find themselves in the
neighborhood of a Province whose virtue and magnanimity must and will do lasting
honour to the cause, and in whose fate they seem disposed freely to involve
their own.

   We have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient and very humble servants,

                                        NOBLE WIMBERLY JONES.
                                        ARCHIBALD BULLOCH,
                                        JOHN HOUSTOUN.
To the President of the Continental Congress.



   In the meantime the fires of liberty were burning brighter and brighter
throughout Georgia, and the spirit of resistance to tyranny grew stronger and
stronger. There was a great scarcity of powder in the northern provinces, where
active hostilities had already begun. Governor Wright had a magazine in Savannah
in which was stored a considerable quantity of ammunition. On the eleventh of
May, under cover of darkness, Dr. Noble Wymberly Jones, Joseph Habersham, John
Milledge, Edward Telfair, Joseph Clay and William Gibbons, with a few others who
accompanied them, broke into the magazine and carried away the powder, sending a
part of it to South Carolina and concealing the remainder in their cellars till
it might he needed in defense of their homes.

   In response to a call published in the Gazette and signed by Noble Wymberly
Jones, John Houstoun, Archibald Bulloch and George Walton, a large number of
inhabitants of Savannah and the surrounding country met at the Liberty-Pole in
Savannah on the twenty-second of June, 1775, to elect a Council of Safety to
take charge of and direct the affairs of the friends of freedom.

   Of this body William Ewen was elected President and the other members were,
William Le Conte, Joseph Clay, Basil Cowper, Samuel Elbert, William Young,
Elisha Butler, Edward Telfair, John Glen, George Houstoun, George Walton, Joseph
Habersham, Francis H. Harris, John Smith and John Morel.

   The Council of Safety was instructed to keep up a correspondence with the
local councils in the several provinces, with the Councils of Safety in the
other parishes, and with the Continental Congress at Philadelphia. We here
insert a fagmentary and imperfect journal (all now in existence) of the Council
of Safety.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

THE 
Revolutionary Records 
OF THE
STATE OF GEORGIA

VOLUME I


INTRODUCTORY REMARKS, MISCELLANEOUS PAPERS, COUNCIL OF SAFETY, PROVINCIAL
CONGRESS, CONSTITUTION OF 1777, CONFISCATION AND BANISHMENT, SALES OF
CONFISCATED ESTATES, 1769 to 1782.

COMPILED AND PUBLISHED UNDER AUTHORITY OF
THE LEGISLATURE
BY
ALLEN D. CANDLER
ATLANTA, GA.
THE FRANKLIN-TURNER COMPANY
PRINTERS, PUBLISHERS, BINDERS
1908


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