Mackay, and the other members of his council, at

Savannah.

"February 13th, 1776.

"HONORABLE GENTLEMEN,

the

"After using my best endeavours for upward of three weeks, to prevail on those in whose hands present ruling powers are, that the commanders of his majesty's ships here might obtain assurances that they might come to town and have free intercourse with me, without receiving any insults from the people assembled in and about town; also that the king's ships might be supplied with provisions, on paying the full price or value of them: 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 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. that it was essential to his majesty's service, and he welfare of this province, that I should have a interview with the king's officers here: for these reasons, and many others, which you were male acquainted with and approved of, I determined in all events to attempt coming down here, where I arrived at three o'clock yesterday morning. And after having examined and duly weighed and considered my several letters from Eng

land, and general Howe at Boston; and after having had a full conversation with his majesty's officers here, I have the great satisfaction to be able to affirm, from the best authority, that the forces now here, will not commit any hostilities against this province, although fully 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 his majesty's officers have an undoubted right to expect, and what they insist upon; and this I not only solemnly require in his majesty's name, but also, as (probably) the best friend the people of 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 province and people is such that I cannot avoid, (and possibly for the last time) exhorting the people to save themselves and their posterity from that total ruin and destruction, which although they may not, yet I most clearly see 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 ca) en

gage to give, and endeavour to obtain for them, full pardon and forgiveness for all passed crimes and offences; and this I conjure you to consider well, and most seriously of, before it's 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 will be paid for the damaged rice that was on board, part of which has been used to feed hogs and poultry, or they may take it away again. I am also to menion, 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 as of the utmost consequence and importance to the whole people of Georgia, I must desire you will be pleased to communicate to the assembly, 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 gene. ral, 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,

Your most obedient and faithful servant,

JAMES WRIGHT. The assembly had passed a resolution to raise a battalion of continental troops, and on the 4th of February, the following field officers were appointed to command it: Lachlan M'Intosh, colonel; Samuel Elbert, lieutenant-colonel; and Joseph Habersham, major.

On the 2nd of February, Archibald Bulloch, John Houstoun, Lyman Hall, Button Gwinnett, and George Walton, Esquires, were elected to represent this province, in congress, at Philadelphia. Bills of credit were issued, in the form of certificates, and resolutions entered into, for the punishment of those who refused to receive them in payment of debts, or at par, for any article which was offered for sale.

The legislature adjourned on the 21st of Feb ruary, without giving governor Wright any satis factory answer to his letter of the 13th, whic determined him to force his way up to the ton and procure such supplies as he wanted for he use of the armed vessels in the harbour.

The resolutions of congress, prohibiting com mercial intercourse between the American cola

nies and the British dominions, had prevented the British armed vessels upon the coast, from procuring a sufficient supply of provisions for their

crews.

The British determined to force a trade into Savannah river, and the other harbours along the coast of Georgia, where there was a great abundance of rice prepared for market, by a number of rich planters who were friendly to the royal government. When the prospect of gain was presented, these people felt no repugnance in contravening the resolutions of congress.

Early in March, eleven merchant vessels were laden with rice in Savannah river, and preparing for a sea voyage. To favour this design, and keep the inhabitants in awe, the Tamor, Cherokee, Scarborough, and a Sloop of War, under the command of captain Barclay, took their stations between Cockspur island and Five-fathom Hole, a few miles below the town. The enemy sounded the river on the north side of Hutchinson's island and found a sufficient depth of water to admit two of their vessels, which passed up with the intention of coming round the upper end of the island, and attacking the town at the most accessi ble point. Majors Maitland and Grant, disembarked with a land force; crossed over the island and embarked on board of a merchant vessel, which lay near the shore opposite the town. One of the armed vessels grounded on a bank, opposite to Raes Hall, from whence the crew was fired on by a company of riflemen, under the command