act. The motion was speedily withdrawn. He offered himself once for Senator in the county in which he then resided, but was not elected. Afterwards, he was urged to allow his name to be used for the office of Governor, but positively declined the honour.

His approach to the tomb was gradual, having been in a low state of health for years before his death. This event, deeply lamented by thousands, took place in Butts County, September 6, 1841. His remains were taken to Penfield, and buried near the site of Mercer University, named in honour of him.

His estate, which was large, was bequeathed to the above University, and other benevolent objects.

DUNCAN G. CAMPBELL came to Wilkes in 1807, and took charge of a female school. For several years he represented the county in the State Legislature. He was also one of the Commissioners who negotiated a treaty with the Creeks at the Indian Springs. He died on the 31st of July, 1828.

General ELIJAH CLARKE was a native of North Carolina, who came to Georgia in 1774, and settled in Wilkes County. Endowed with hardihood and decision of character, he was fitted for any enterprise. His first appearance in the history of Georgia dates in the year 1776, as Captain of a company intrusted with the care of some wagons, loaded with provisions for the army. Whilst crossing a small stream, he was attacked by a body of Indians, who, after a severe contest, were put to flight. In Howe's expedition against East Florida, he rendered important services. In the battle of Kettle Creek, he increased his military fame.

After the victory at Kettle Creek, many of the citizens of Georgia who had gone to South Carolina for safety, returned with their families and property to Wilkes County, but shortly afterwards were much alarmed by the approach of a body of Indians; and to Colonel Clarke was committed the highly responsible duty of remaining on the frontiers to guard the forts. This was a trying period. The enemy had devastated the fairest portion of Georgia. Colonel Clarke's house was pillaged and burnt, and his family ordered to leave the State. The love of freedom, a persuasion that Heaven would favour the righteous cause of the Americans, inspired Clarke with hope; and the loss of his property, and the indignities offered to the helpless females of his family, did not in the least intimidate him, but nerved him to renewed action. Accordingly, he succeeded in recruiting men for his regiment, and gave the enemy so much trouble, by cutting off their supplies, that it was determined to bring him to a general action. Colonel Innis pursued him to Wafford's Iron Works, where his ground had been judiciously chosen. Clarke waited the attack, and bravely defended his post. His constant annoyance of the foraging parties of the enemy became so provoking, that Colonel Innis resolved to augment his force, and drive him from the country. Having re

* See Mallory's Life of Jesse Mercer.

ceived reinforcements, Clarke met the enemy about four miles north of Musgrove's Mill, and defeated him.

In the battle of Long Cane, Colonel Clarke was severely wounded, and carried off the field. After his recovery he joined the command of General Pickens, and was sent by him against Major Dunlap, whom he compelled to surrender. Shortly after this affair he was attacked with the small-pox, but in a very brief period had so so far recovered as to resume his command, and was present when Augusta surrendered to the Americans. Indeed, he had gallantly confined the British garrison to their works for weeks before Colonel Lee arrived.

With the Indians, Colonel Clarke was engaged in several battles, the principal of which was the battle of Jack's Creek, fought in 1787, in which he defeated the Creeks.

In 17, Clarke made an attempt to settle on the Indian side of the Oconee River, and also crossed the St. Mary's to the Florida side, and drove in the Spanish posts. For these acts he incurred the displeasure of the United States Government. His merits as a soldier may be easily known, when it is remembered that he was solicited by two great European nations to engage in their service. He died December 15, 1799.

The following will explain the nature of the settlement which Clarke made on the Oconee :

In May, 1794, Governor Matthews receiving information that some adventurers, supposed to be in the French interest, were making settlements on the southwest side of the Oconee River, ordered General Irwin to direct the settlers immediately to disperse, and was informed, a few days afterwards, that they had obeyed the injunction. On the 14th of July, the Governor received a letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Gaither, stating that Elijah Clarke, lately a Major-General in the Militia of Georgia, with a party of men, had encamped on the southwest side of the Oconee, opposite to Fort Fidius. General Irwin sent two officers to Clarke, ordering him to move off without delay, which he refused to do. On the 28th of July, the Governor issued a proclamation, forbidding such proceedings; and also wrote to one of the judges, directing him to issue his warrant, and have Clarke apprehended. At the Superior Court for Wilkes County, Clarke surrendered himself to the judge, who referred the case to some of the justices of the county, whose decision was as follows:

STATE OF GEORGIA, Wilkes County.

Whereas, a proclamation was issued on the 28th day of July last, by his Excellency George Matthews, Governor of this State, stating that Elijah Clarke, Esq., late Major-General of the Militia of this State, has gone over the Oconee River, with an intent to establish a separate and independent government, on the lands allotted to the Indians for their hunting-grounds, and commanded, in the said proclamation, all Judges, Justices, Sheriffs, and other officers, and all the citizens of this State, to be diligent in aiding and assisting in apprehending the said Elijah

Clarke and his adherents, in order that they may severally be brought to justice; and whereas, the said Elijah Clarke, who is the object of the said proclamation, has this day personally appeared before us, the undersigned Justices of the Peace for the County of Wilkes, and surrendered himself into custody; and it being our duty to do speedy justice to the said State, as well as to the party charged, we proceeded to the most mature consideration of the cause, and after an examination of the laws of the State, and the treaties made, and the laws passed by the United States, do give it as our decided and unanimous opinion that the said Elijah Clarke be, and is hereby discharged.

This decision greatly encouraged Clarke's party, and the settlements were pushed with vigour. The measure had become popular, and it was thought that the militia would not march against them. Under these circumstances, Clarke's works were completed; houses were erected within his forts, and a town was laid off at Fort Advance. He was chosen Major-General, and placed at the head of the enterprise; a Committee of Safety was appointed, and everything wore the appearance of a permanent settlement.

Governor Matthews, upon learning this, directed that one-third of the militia should hold themselves in readiness to march, and, in the meantime, sent Generals Twiggs and Irwin to General Clarke to induce him to remove. These officers visited him at his post, but were unsuccessful in their efforts. General Twiggs gave orders to Major Adams to cross the river and endeavour to prevail upon Clarke to abandon the settlement; but his life was threatened, which so exasperated the inhabitants in that neighbourhood, that they held a meeting, at which it was determined that Major Adams should go to Augusta and request the Governor to give him orders to dispossess the people.

In

A few days afterwards, a Cornet and eighteen men, of Colonel Fauche's dragoons, came to the post, and took one of Clarke's lieutenants prisoner, and made arrangements to cut off supplies. the meantime, Clarke made every effort to strengthen his post. General Irwin collected a party of militia, and took post at Town Creek, nine miles from Fort Fidius, and encamped on the bank opposite Fort Advance; whilst Colonels Melton and Lamar, and Major Adams, crossed with 130 men, and cut off the communication on the south side of the river. Irwin promised Clarke, if he would evacuate the post, himself and men should be protected in their persons and property. Accordingly, a party of the militia took possession of his works, and set the fort on fire, when Clarke abandoned the enterprise.

HERE is a proper place to introduce the name of Mrs. HILLHOUSE, a lady of great energy and enterprise. Upon the death of her hus

pand, in 1804, she took charge of his newspaper, called the Monttor and Impartial Observer, and conducted it for several years. The Journal of the House of Representatives of Georgia was printed in her office, and sent to Louisville, then the seat of government.

WILKINSON COUNTY.

LAID out by the Lottery Act of 1803; a part added to Baldwin in 1807; a part set off to Twiggs in 1809. Named after General James Wilkinson.

The Oconee is the principal stream.

The creeks are, Commissioners, Black Uchee, Buck, &c.

The face of the country is somewhat undulating. There is much variety in the soil. The productions are cotton, corn, wheat, &c.

IRWINTON is the county site, twenty-one miles from Milledgeville. It was made the seat of justice in 1811, and incorporated in 1816. Gordon and McDonald are on the Central Railroad.

There is nothing which distinguishes the climate.

The instances of longevity are, R. ROSIER, Sen., JOHN MEADOWs and WM. JENKIN, who lived to an advanced age. Mr. MYERS died at 80; Mr. BLOODWORTH, 80; THOMAS GRAY, a soldier of the Revolution, 81; WM. BIVINS, a soldier of the Revolution, 83. Mrs. JACKSON, 82, JOSIAH RAMAGE, 90, WM. FRASER, 80, were living twelve months since. Mrs. MARSHALL was over 90 when she died; Mr. HATFIELD, 80; Mrs. CLAY, 90; Rev. R. TALIAFERRO, 88; WM. CHAMBERS, 90.

Extract from the Census of 1850.-Dwellings, 983; families, 983; white males, 2,811; white females, 2,656. Total free population, 5,467; slaves, 2,745. Deaths, 87. Farms, 645; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of real estate, $713,307; value of personal estate, $1,708,105.

Among the first settlers of this county were, SAMUEL BEALL, CHARLES C. BEALL, SOLOMON B. MURPHY, JOHN HOOVER, JOHN MereDITH, ABNER HICKS, ALEXANDER PASSMORE, JOHN FREEMAN, JOEL RIVERS, SAMUEL BRAGG, JOHN LAVENDER, ISAAC HALL, GREEN B. BURNEY, WILEY SHEPHERD, JOSEPH HILL, WM. LORD, JESSE PITTMANN, M. CARSWELL, ANSON BALL, WM. LINDSEY, ELLIS HARvill, and others.

THE first Superior Court for Wilkinson County was held in 1808, Hon. PETER EARLY, Judge.

1. Population by counties-Classification of ages, color, and condition-Aggregates.

II. Population of cities and towns.

III. Nativities of the population.

IV. Births, marriages, deaths, dwellings, and families.

V. Progress of population from 1790 to 1850,

VI. Deaf and dumb, blind, insane, and idiotic.

VII. Colleges, academies, schools, &c.

VIII. Attending school during the year, as returned by families. IX. Adults in the State who cannot read and write.

X. Professions, occupations, and trades of the male population. XI. Agriculture, farms and implements, stock, products, home manufactures, &c.

XII. Newspapers and periodicals.

XIII. Libraries other than private.

XIV. Churches, church property, &c.

Ar the last meeting of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, the following Counties were laid out :