preserve a friendly correspondence with the neighbouring nations of Indians. The committee forwarded this letter to congress; and substituted for it another, under an imitated signature of governor Wright, which was placed in the mailpurporting, that the people of Georgia had become quiet, and resigned to the will of the royal government; that such an unexpected change in the state of the colony, rendered it unnecessary to send any military assistance to the southward. In the mean time general Gage had applied military force in the northern provinces, wherever there was an appearance of resistance to the laws of England.

In July, the council of safety in South-Carolina sent proposals to Cameron, the British agent with the Cherokee Indians, through major Andrew Williamson, who was his countryman, and with whom, he was in habits of friendship; offering for his acceptance, a salary equal to that which he received from the British government, and a remuneration for any losses which he might sustain by joining in the interests of the colonies. It was of great consequence to obtain the neutrality of the Cherokee Indians, and it was believed, that by securing the friendly offices of Mr. Cameron, who was influential with that nation, that important object would be obtained. Cameron declined the overture; nor would he enter into any engagements which would be at variance with such instructions as he might receive from the British

government. Soon after this conference, he consulted his personal safety by retiring into the midst of the Cherokee nation. This movement of Cameron, gave cause of alarm to the frontier settlers, although he had disavowed the receipt of any instructions from Stewart, the principal superintendant of Indian affairs, which would tend to hostility with the frontiers of Georgia or Carolina.

The situation of Georgia was inauspicious. It was but thinly inhabited, on a territory about one hundred and fifty miles from north to south; and about thirty miles from east to west. It presented a western frontier of two hundred and fifty miles. It had on the north-west the Cherokees; on the west, the Creeks; on the south, a refugee banditti in Florida; and on the east, the influence of governor Wright, who controled the king's ships on the sea-coast. The population of the eastern district of the province, was composed of white people and negro slaves; the latter, the most numerous, the former but few in number. A great majority of the inhabitants, was favourable to the cause of the colonies: yet, from surrounding dangers, their measures were to be adopted with cautious circumspection.

A general election was held for delegates, to meet at Savannah, on the 4th day of July. The members accordingly assembled; and the 15th of that month, they appointed the honourable Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun, John Joachim Zubly, Noble Wimberly Jones, and Lyman Hall, Es

quires, to represent this province in congress, at Philadelphia. The resolution for this measure was signed by fifty-three members, who pledged themselves for its support; and their proceedings were communicated to congress, then in session, accompanied by a declaration, that this province was determined to unite in, and adhere to the common cause of the provinces.

During the session of the delegates in Savannah, captain Maitland from London arrived at Tybee, with thirteen thousand pounds of powder, and other articles for the use of the British troops, and for the Indian trade. It was determined to obtain possession of that valuable prize, without loss of time: accordingly about thirty volunteers, under the command of commodore Brown and colonel Joseph Habersham, embarked on board of two boats, proceeded down the river Savannah to the ship, took possession of her, and discharged the crew. A guard was left on board of the ship, and the powder brought to town and secured in the magazine. Five thousand pounds of the powder was sent to the patriots near Boston.

Among the number who were concerned in taking the ship, was Ebenezer Smith Plat. This gentleman was afterward taken by the enemy, and identified by two of the ship's crew. He was sent to England under a charge of treason, and remained several years in gaol; but was eventually considered a prisoner of war, and exchanged.

CHAPTER III.

In August several letters were received by the president of the council of safety, advising him that the southern frontier was menaced with hostility from St. Augustine, aided by the Indians; if Georgia refused to co-operate with the British, in quelling the revolt in South-Carolina. The council was immediately convened, and the following proclamation issued by president Ewin:

"GEORGIA.

"Whereas, among other things it was resolved by the last provincial legislature, that a new election be held at such times between the day of adjournment and the 1st day of Septem ber next, as the inhabitants of the several parishes and districts should think fit respectively, and that the members so elected, should meet in Savannah on the 4th day of December next, or sooner if the council of safety should think it expedient: this board therefore, earnestly recommend to the several parishes and districts within the province, to proceed without delay to the choice of delegates, to represent them in the next provincial legislature, agreeably to the number limited, and in manner and form as prescribed at the last assembly."

In conformity with this proclamation, elections were held in the parishes and districts, for representatives, and in every instance, such men

were selected as were known to be friendly to the cause of the colonies, and opposed to the political plans of Great-Britain. On the 15th of September, Lord William Campbell, the British governor of South-Carolina, had dismounted the cannon of the battery at fort Johnson, and taken refuge on board the Tamer man of war, then lying in Rebellion road. The same night, the provincial troops took possession of the battery, remounted the cannon, and made the necessary preparations for defending the town. When these circumstances were communicated to president Ewin, he issued his proclamation, requiring the provincial legisla ture to convene at Savannah on the 16th of November, when and where, all the members elected to represent the several parishes and districts in this province, were summoned to attend, and take under consideration, such important matters as should then be laid before them.

In September or October, Lord Campbell ordered general Patrick Cunningham, to hold in readiness the friends of the royal government, between Broad and Saluda rivers, to quell any opposition which might be made to the measures of Great Britain.

To secure the friendship of the Cherokee nation of Indians, had occupied the early attention of the council of safety in the southern provinces. The Indians being deprived of their ordinary supplies, by the interruption of their trade through South-Carolina and Georgia, were in ill humour