|
Copies of Letters from the Governor of Georgia Seized in the Post Office at Charleston, Part 1 [Original MSS.] To his Excel. Gen. Gage. Savannah in Georgia, the 27th of June, 1775. Sir:I had the honor to write to your Excellency, of the 7th inst. enclosed to Lieutenant-Governor Colden, which I hope you have received. And last night I received a letter from Lord William Campbell, acquainting me, that he is going to send the Scorpion with letters to your Excellency, and which opportunity I now embrace, and hope some method may be fallen upon that we may receive frequent information of the state of things your way; as it has the greatest effect and influence on the conduct of the people in these provinces, and may contribute much to his Majesty's service. The unhappy affair of the 19th of April, and some late occurrences in the neighboring province, have at length drawn and forced the people of this province into the same predicament with others. And I now expect, that, as far as they possibly can, they will follow the example of them. And I see no probability of any tolerable quietude, unless the prudence and moderation of the Continental Congress, should lay a foundation for it. Your Excellency's order to Major Furlong, I have not yet forwarded; indeed, I have neither vessels nor money to pay for the expense of sending for them, and, as things are circumstanced at present, it is the opinion of the gentlemen of the Council that such a number might only inflame the whole province, and be liable to insults, if not worse. For, we have no fort of defence for them to be in, or retire to; and they could neither awe or prevent any attempts against them. This number, a year ago, might have been of great use, or if things take a favorable turn may, but not just now. And it is our opinion, that not less than five times that number could answer any effectual purpose. And therefore, I do not mean to forward it yet. But, if your Excellency could for this length, and authorize me to draw for the expense of putting up a temporary fort, I think matters would soon wear a different aspect here. But without, neither law or government can be supported. And I have neither men or money. And the Governors had much better be in England than remain in America and have the mortification to see their powers executed by committees and mobs. And I am really amazed, that these southern provinces should be left in the situation they are, and the Governors and King's officers and friends to Government, naked and exposed to the resentment of an enraged people. Stuart has been obliged to take sanctuary in St. Augustine. I shall hope for a full and clear answer from your Excellency, that I may know better how to conduct myself. And have the honor to be with respect and esteem, Your Excel, most obt. and most hum. servt. JAMES WRIGHT * The above letter was withdrawn from the envelope, and the following was substituted in its place, and forwarded, by the Secret Committee: Savannah in Georgia, 27th June, 1775. Sir:The unhappy affair of the 19th of April, and some late occurrences in Carolina, have occasioned this province to put on an appearance which, I have the pleasure to assure your Excellency, is by no means real; and I am happy, that I can with equal confidence assure you that there is nothing really formidable in the proceedings or designs of our neighbors of South Carolina, notwithstanding the late address of their Congress to Lord William Campbell; who being but just arrived, and as your Excellency knows but unexperienced in the affairs of Government, may think them very serious, and express his apprehensions to you on the subject. However unwilling I write this, yet the good of his Majesty's service compels me to make this intimation to your Excellency, lest you should otherwise be disposed to believe, that affairs are in extremity in these Colonies, and act accordingly. My private intercourse is so extensive in these Colonies, and I am so well informed of the private sentiments of their leading men, that I can assure you no danger is to be apprehended from their designs. And their measures I am convinced will quickly change, provided they are left to do it in their own way. And upon the best information, joined to certain knowledge of men and matters in Carolina and Georgia, I am fully assured, that if any ships or troops were to be sent into these parts, they would not only totally destroy the present favorable appearances; but in all probability would prove destructive to the good of the services. Upon these ideas, I have regulated my conduct; and I have not as yet even dreamed of applying to Major Furlong; and I firmly believe, that I shall have no occasion to do it. I sincerely wish your Excellency success in your undertakings; and I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem, Your Excel, most obt. and most hum. servt. *A fac-simile signature of JAMES WRIGHT, was affixed to this letter by the Secret Committee; and an impression of his seal having been taken in clay, the new envelope carried the resemblance of Sir James Wright's seal. It is said this forged letter was received by General Gage; and was in a great measure the reason, why troops and vessels were not forwarded at that time to Georgiaand that upon Governor Wright's meeting General Gage afterwards in London, he asked the General, why he had not assisted him with troops as he had written to him for? When General Gage replied, you wrote me quite the contrary, as I can prove by your own letter in my possessionand upon Governor Wright's inspection of the name, the letter as coming from him, turned out to be counterfeit! Drayton's Men (From Documentary History of the American Revolution, by Gibbes, Volume 1, pp. 98-100) Doc ID: Gibbes, v. 1, p. 098 Date: 6/27/1775 |
Last modified: 7/10/03/CLN
URL: http://www.southcarolinahistoricalsociety.org/displays/RevWar/archives-online/Gibbes__v__1__p__098.html