ducting them; the general or commanding-officer, must finally judge and determine at his peril." The general therefore thought proper to put the following questions:

1st. "Can he with propriety, honour and safety to himself, or consistent with the service relinquish the command to the governor ?

"Resolved unanimously in the negative.

2d. "Can the army whilst the command is divided, act with security, vigour, decision or benefit to the common cause?

"Resolved unanimously in the negative. "Agreed to and signed by all the officers, who composed the council of war."

Thus ended general Howe's expedition, on the success of which the fate of Georgia was suspended. He ordered the sick and convalescents on board of the gallies and such other boats and vessels as could be procured, under the direction of colonel C. C. Pinckney, to proceed by the inland passage to Sunbury, and with the remainder which had been reduced by disease and death, from eleven hundred to three hundred and fifty; he returned by land to Savannah. Governor Houstoun and colonel Williamson, proposed a plan of proceeding with the militia as far as St. John's river, but this arrangement was fortunately abandoned, and their commands returned to Georgia and dispersed. Several died at St. Mary's, many on their return, and some after they had reached their homes. Colonel Pinckney proceed.

ed by the inland passage from Sunbury to PortRoyal in Carolina, where he landed those who were able to proceed by land, and carried the feeble remains of his regiment by water to Charleston.

Though this expedition cost the states of South-Carolina and Georgia many lives and much treasure; yet perhaps the experience which was purchased at such a dear rate, may have had its advantages in the final success of the American cause. It had the effect of teaching the govern ment, as well as the commanders of the armies, that it was as practicable for one human body to act consistently under the capricious whims of two heads, as for one army to act advantageously under many commanders.

The number of troops in the first instance was not more than equal to one complete brigade; at the head of which was a heterogeneous association, consisting of a state governor, a major general, an illiterate colonel of militia, and a commodore of three or four gallies, with troops unaccustomed to a sickly climate at the hottest season of the year: it is astonishing that they effected a retreat without being defeated or cut off. The reduction of St. Augustine was considered absolutely necessary for the peace and safety of Georgia, and the hope of such a conquest was still cherished. The new plan proposed, was to commence the operations in the month of November; to prepare a number of batteaux, packsaddles, and bags to carry flour, The batteaux were to convey most of the troop

artillery, and baggage, under convoy of the gallies, by the inland passage to St. John's river. The beef cattle to be conducted under a strong guard of horsemen and light troops. The whole force to form a junction at St. John's river, about forty miles from Augustine, where they were to halt and prepare for offensive operations, while the men were fresh and fit for action. Three thousand men and a small train of field artillery, with battering cannon to attack the castle, were considered equal to the execution of that important service.

After the return of the troops from St. Mary's, colonel John M'Intosh was posted at Sunbury with one hundred and twenty-seven men; and the feeble remains of colonels Elbert's and White's regiments returned to Savannah, with the hope of restoring them to health, and preparing them for the field. Before the convalescents had gained strength enough for active, service, a rapid and unexpected incursion was made by the enemy into the southern part of Georgia.

General Augustine Provost, who commanded at St. Augustine, was informed by the British general at New-York, that a number of transports with troops on board, would sail from thence, direct, for the coast of Georgia, and was ordered by him to send detachments from his command to annoy the southern frontier of that state, and divert the attention of the American troops from Savannah.

these measures, the possession of that town

would be obtained with little loss, the retreat of the American troops cut off, and their capture rendered probable. Re-enforcements were promised to ensure success to the enterprise. General Provost, in obedience to his orders, detached a part of his troops, and some light artillery, under the orders of lieutenant-colonel Fuser, by water to Sunbury, with orders to possess himself of that post; and detached lieutenant-colonel James Mark Provost, with one hundred regular troops, by the inland navigation to fort Howe, on the Alatamaha, where he was joined by colonel M'Girth, who advanced by land and crossed St. Mary's at fort Tonyn with three hundred refugees and Indians. On the 19th of November, lieutenant-colonel Provost advanced into the settlements, and made prisoners of all the men found on their farms, and plundered the inhabitants of every valuable article that was portable.

The spies, who had been posted on the frontier to watch the movements and approach of the enemy, communicated to colonel John Baker intelligence of the junction of Provost and M'Girth, and their subsequent advance, which indicated an attack upon the settlements. Baker assembled a party of mounted militia on the 24th, with the intention of annoying the enemy on their march. He proceeded as far as Bull-town swamp, where he fell into an ambuscade, which had been laid by M'Girth on the preceding day; a skir mish ensued for a few minutes, when the Ameri

cans retreated. Colonel Baker, captain Cooper, and William Goulding, were wounded: if the enemy sustained any loss it was not known. Colonel John White collected about one hundred men, continental troops and militia, and with two pieces of light artillery, took post at Medway meeting-house. He constructed a slight breastwork across the great road, a the head of the causeway, over which the enemy must pass, where he hoped to keep them in check until he should be re-enforced from Savannah. He sent an express to colonel Elbert, to inform him of his small force, and the advance of the enemy. Major William Baker, with a party of mounted militia was detached to skirmish with the enemy, when opportunities might present. He disputed every pass with them, when there was a prospect of retarding their progress. In one of these affairs, Charles Carter was killed. On the morning of the 24th, general James Scriven, with twenty militia, joined colonel White. Finding that the enemy was near, a small party of whom appeared in front, it was determined to meet them in ambush, on an advantageous piece of ground, about a mile and a half south of Medway meeting-house, where the main road was skirted by a thick wood.. The two field pieces were served by captains Celerine Brusard and Edward Young, under the orders of major Roman De Lisle major William Baker with his party was formed on the left, and colonel White placed