On his Majesty's service.
To the Hon. James Mackay, Esq; and the rest of the members of his Majesty's Council at Savannah.
On board his Majesty's ship Scarborough
at Cockspur, February the 13th, 1776.
Honourable Gentlemen, After using my best endeavours for upwards of 3 weeks, to prevail on those in whose hands the present ruling powers are, that the commanders of his Majesty's ships here might obtain assurances that they might come to town, and have a free intercourse with me, without receiving any insult from the people assembled in and about the town, also that the King's ships might be supplied with provisions, on paying the full price or value of it; and finding that the last message relative to these matters, which I desired the representatives of the town of Savannah to deliver to the persons exercising those powers, was so lightly treated and so little regarded, as that, although delivered on Tuesday morning the 6th instant, yet I received no kind of answer to it for five days, nor did I understand whether it was meant to give me any answer or not; and well knowing it was essential to his Majesty's service, and the welfare of this province, that I should have an interview with the King's officers here; for these reasons, and many others which you were made aquainted with, and approved of, I determined, at all events, to attempt coming down here, where I arrived safe at 3 o'clock yesterday morning. And after having examined, and duly weighed and considered, my several letters from England, and General [William] Howe at Boston, and after having had a full conversation with his Majesty's officers here, I have the greatest satisfaction to be able to affirm, from the best authority, that the forces now here will not commit any hostilities against this province, although full sufficient to reduce and overcome every opposition that could be attempted to be made; and that nothing is meant, or wanted, but a friendly intercourse, and a supply of fresh provisions. This may be entirely relied upon; this his Majesty's officers have an undoubted right to expect, and what they insist upon; and this I not only now solemnly require in his Majesty's name, but also as (probably) the best friend the people in Georgia have, advise them, without the least hesitation, to comply with, or it may not be in my power to insure them the continuance of the peace and quietude they now have, if it may be called so.
His Majesty has been graciously pleased to grant me leave to return to England, and (whatever may be thought) my regard for the people and province is such, that I cannot avoid (and possibly for the last time) exhorting the people to save themselves and posterity from that total ruin and destruction which (although they may not yet) I most clearly see it at the threshold of their doors; and I cannot leave them without again warning them, in the most earnest and friendly manner, to desist from their present plans and resolutions. It is still in their power, and if they will enable me to do it, I will (as far as I can) engage to give, and endeavour to obtain for them, full pardon and forgiveness for all past crimes and offences; and this I conjure them to consider well, and most seriously of, before it is too late. But, let things happen as they may, be it remembered, that I this day, in the King's name, offer the people of Georgia the olive branch, that most desirable object, and inestimable blessing, the return of peace and happiness to them and their posterity.
Captain Barclay has desired me to notify, that he is willing and ready to give every assistance in his power to the Captains of all such merchant ships as may be legally cleared out to enable them to proceed on their respective voyages. I am also to acquaint you, that the detention of the schooner on Friday or Saturday last proceeded entirely from a mistake by the officer who commanded the armed sloop, and that, if the owner will send down, the schooner will not only be delivered up, but any reasonable price paid for the damaged rice that was on board, part of which had been used to feed hogs and poultry; or they may take it away again. I am also to mention, that the same armed sloop will be sent up tomorrow to Four Mile Point, in order to get fresh water, and for no other purpose.
This letter, which I consider of the utmost consequence and importance to the whole people of Georgia, I must desire you will be pleased to communicate to the Congress, if sitting, and if not, to those who are called the Council of Safety, and especially to the inhabitants of the town and province in general, and acquaint them that I shall expect their full and clear answer to every part of it in a reasonable time. I am, with perfect esteem, Gentlemen [&c.]
