Saint John Georgia 18th June 1775
(Copy)
Sir His Majesty's Schooner under my Command arrived here the 2d. Instant in order to prosecute the person suspected to have been concerned in the murder of David Martin in a Riot in February last a Seaman late belonging to His Majesty's Schooner under my Command; but the situation of the times are such as I am afraid prevents Justice from taking place this Colony being like all others through America in Anarchy and Confusion The Country People threatens to shut up this Port, if they don't its apprehended Carolinans will for them, it being generally reported and believed she means to march in upon Georgia, not only with that intention but also to make the Crown Officers as well as their own which they daily expect Prisoners of [or] hostages, and some people have been ordered to leave the province in seven days notice by the friends of Liberty as they call themselves The Eve of His Majesty's Birth Day some notorious people spiked up the Cannon and threw them over the battery down the cleft, as they had a few days before that robbed the Magazine of its Powder: In short it is with the utmost difficulty the publick Officers can now do their duty: Sir James Wright who is desirous of my remaining there some time until he sees how things are likely to turn out; called his Militia Officers together in order to know if they will stand by him in case Carolina should make him prisoner which he has private intelligence they mean to do, but how far he can depend upon them time only can shew. I beg leave to observe that provisions are not to be purchased here for Money, but my own particular interest I have luckily been able to procure a small supply for the Saint John and Savage Sloop, which I apprehend cannot be got in [New] Providence I am now collecting Materials for sheathing the Schooner as, also some other necessary stores she is in great need of. I flatter myself you will approve of my proceedings in these turbulent times when its impossible to adhere pointedly to the usual forms of service. Since the above the Honble John Stewart [Stuart] Superintendent of Indian Affairs, having had information of an intention in the Carolina Committee to seize his person, thought proper, to remove from Charles Town, to Savannah in Georgia where he imagined he would find safety, but two Members of the Provincial Congress then sitting at Charles Town were sent from thence, to inflame the minds of the people in Georgia, and to induce them, to secure him, pretending that he had used his influence to induce the Indians in his district (particularly the Cherokees and the Catawbas,) to fall upon the back inhabitants of the province and make a diversion to facilitate the landing of Troops said to be expected; these Emissaries succeeded so well, as to render it absolutely necessary for him to leave Savannah to avoid falling into the hands of a furious Mob, which he luckily effected in time enough by some Minutes, and requested of me, to carry him to St. Augustine, to which, with the approbation of Sir James Wright I consented: When Mr Stewart took refuge on board the St. John for his safety, a Number of Canoes full of armed Men from South Carolina were lying at Pybees [Tybee] Island, the entrance of Savannah River, with what intention I know not, Soon afterwards a boat from Savannah with some of the principal people and leaders of the disaffected party attempted to pass by me, in order to join the Carolinians but I conceived it, to be for the good of His Majesty's Service, and my duty to prevent their meeting, and I accordingly obliged them to return, and immediately afterwards the Carolians in their Cannoes went home. The next Morning a number of armed Men appeared on the beach and upon my making sail fired a Musket and hoisted the American Liberty Flag on Tybees Light House; I think proper to give you this information, by which it will appear that Anarchy and a total subversion of Government has taken place in Georgia as well as, in the other provinces as I think it my duty I shall continue to co-operate and comply with any requisitions made by the Governor and Council for the good of the Province, providing the same do not contradict, or clash with such Orders as I may have received from you, or my other superior Officers. I have the honor to be &c