The reflector. (Milledgeville, Ga.) 1817-1819, August 25, 1818, Image 1

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THE REFLECTOR. MILLEDGEVILLE, G. TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 1818. NO. 42. BIOGRAPHY. TllE SOUTH CAROLINA TELESCOPE. GENERAL MOULTRIE. ! there .ire hearts, prophetic hope may trust, : slumber yet in uncreated dust, lin’d to fire th* adoring sons of earth, i every charm of wisdom and of worth ; lin’d to light, with intellectual day, mazy wheels of nature as they play ; (warm with fancy's energy, to glow, rival all but Shakespeare's namebelow.” lie different means of Modifying and the minds ami characters of the and rising generation, none is more g than tlie proper exliihiiion of the .-te nd conduct of the great and good, sample for imitation. It is from this that the patriot, statesman and hero. .:med. The display of talents and fiscs (lie attention, and engages the nf- of the heart. We spontaneously, lost unconsciously, endeavor to oil- similarity of character. From the of the revolution, many asubsequent- g star in our firmament of glory has red much of its splendor. This oft soil st ory of the deeds of the heroes ins still a fascinating influence over the f the hearer ; the child is beguiled of in listening to the enraptured tale of dues—the youth feels all the lightning jc of patriotic fervor and heroic ardor he palsy of age grasps the crutch energy of manhood. Point to the here our forefathers fought in the f liberty, and we all feel prepared to ce our lives for our country :— iilst the sir'.fc of fr:itri*v!al foes, birth-star was the of burning plains, ;antisin is the we.ghtof blood that Hows >in kindred hear! s, the blood of i-h ve’ni: d famine tracks her stepand pestiicnti.il pains.” General Moultrie, the subject of the it essay, we know but little, until the the revolution. An Englishman by lie had, like many others of his cuun- n. lied from the tyranny and nppres- f the old world, and u night freedom rarity in tiie new. At the cninmenrc- ;if the opposition to the measures of the "l ministry, lie stood high in the csti- 1 of his fellow citizens of Carolina: n name is found in every convention assembled at Charleston, for the pur- always found the prompt and efficient officer. About the last of this year, 17T5, that spirit ot disaffection which had hitherto lain dor mant. began to manifest itself in the upper part of the country. In the district of Nine ty-Six the insurgents collected in large bo dies, and. after a warm and obstinate action, besieged Colonel Williamson in bis fortified eainp. To quell tliis insurrection, and repel any invasion which might be attempted, was indeed a difficult task, and one from which most men would shrink ia despair. But our tore lathers dared attempt it, and succeeded. The toi-ic:-: were compelled to abandon the siege of Williamson's camp, and to remain for a time quiet spectators of the passing e- vents. For the better securing the harbors of Charleston, Moultrie erected a fascine battery on Sullivan's island, which after wards bore liis name. The English now be olina. The experience of general Lincoln, when opposed by the rash and headstrong conduct of the militia, could only ictard for a tim'c, not entirely dissipate, the approach ing.storm. In the defence of Beaufort,gen eral Moultrip displayed his usual sagacity and prudence ; he repulsed the enemy at ail points, and kept them in check with a hand ful of militia, until it was judged proper for him to abandoi: Beaufort to its fate, and u- nite himself with the main army. Encamp ed at Parisburgh, Lincoln and Moultrie, with an army greatly inferior in numbers, composed mostly of militia and raw recruits opposed a steady and never varying front to the veteran ranks of England. It was even determined, with the assistance of general Ash, to push the war into Georgia, and by one bold movement drive general Provost to (lie necessity of surrendfring. But. the de- gan to think serioirdy of invading South feat of general Ash’S army at Blair Creek Carolina, and fitted out accordingly a large completely frustrated the plans of the Amer- naval armament from New-York, the com main! of which was given to commodore Barker. It was now that war seemed about to pounce upon Soulli Carolina as his prey. Bbn husbandman •' 4,5 -- | : - 1 iic husbandman was seen deserting his l.irm, and hastening to Charleston to protect Ins country. << The aoisv drum, and ear piercing lilc," were heard on every breeze ; and the lengthening columns, which proceed ed to her aid from her sister states, gave awful note of preparation and suspense.” Lee and Armstrong, two gallant leaders ol the American forces, marshaled the armies, and gave directions to the patriotic ardor of the Carolinians: But where is Moultrie? In tlio battery, on Sullivan’s island, he may lie seen toiling, and directing the energies of ins regiment to the completion of their works, .lustily erected, and apparently incapable oi resistance, the gallant commander was ad vised to abandon it, and told that the British ships would knock it down in half an hour: but li is Iriily Spartan reply, •• We will lay behind the ruins, and prevent their men from landing.” showed the spirit of Leonidas, and that he was worthy to command the Thcr- inupyla* of his country. On the 28lli ol .lime, lr.'ii. the British lleet; commenced an attack on tort Moultrie. The great and un equal conflict was met by the gallant Moul trie, with a (inn and unyielding front. The raw and undisciplined troops of Carolina devising ways ami means of resist-1 sustained from eight ships of the British na- e encroachments on the rights of the vy an incessant cannonade for ten hours.— which were Grst attempted at Boston, But during that time none were seen to wn- ich, with the noiseless tread of the ver. Animated by the presence of their gal- assailed the person and habitation ofjlnnt commander, all were heroes ; and their American with the toils of slavery, guns, pointed with deliberation, poured a dagger of violation. It was from slow hut certain havoc over the decks of the irited exertions of the. Rutledges, eys, Middleton and Moultrie, that a was found among the first of her ates in exposing herself to the ter- thc raging and warring elements of On the litli of .farriarv, 1775, provincial congress, as it. was then of South Carolina, assembled at ton. It was a bright and splendid age of talents, patriotism and liero- 1 Moultrie was a distinguished mein- it. The unanimity which marked icccdings, and the fixed and resolute i of their rights and privileges, and ly and heroic devotion which they ed in subscribing to the association nded by the congress at i’liiladcl- fieiently testify that they were wor- . the fathers of Carolinian liberty. thing wore the appearance of war utilities bad not yet even entered iu- inds of our forefathers. In suppli ed the assertion of their rights, sup- y arguments completely uuanswvra- s hoped and believed, that British would be convinced, and yield that ivc right of oppression which she led.—But the battle of Lexington orsin of alarm ; and the groans of freeman demanded vengeance for mil security for his offspring, from ry ; in consequence of which, the 1 congress of South Carolina agani at Charleston, on the 1st of June; immediately determined on rais- •egiments of foot and one of ran- the defence of the province—and ond regiment Moultrie was nonii- colonel. Measures were taken to nvder, and the other necessary im- if war. Difficult was the tmder- t glorious the result. Embalmed et'ions of their countrymen are the of the gallant and noble few, who the "amparts of liberty. They rted from among us, and it is now jt seldom that our eyes arc blessed ight, and our hearts improved by ntion of the grey hairs of the revo- iments which were ordered to hi canon completed, and every tuea- i prudence could dictate to prevent n from attempting any thing with- repel invasion from without, was icil. In the execution of tlies of prudence, Colonel Moultrr: was enemy s vessels. One spirit, victory or death, pervaded every rank; even the wound ed and the living cheered and encouraged their comrades to perseverance. It was, in deed, a scene to (ill every bosom. The wharves of Charleston were lined with crowds of anxious citizens* listening, in death-like silence, to every gun, and watching, in an agony of hope and fear, i ’. cry motion of Moultrie's (lag. There, too, were assembled the wives anil children of the defenders of the fort. Every thing depended on the issue of the contest. Domestic happiness and li berty belli their mantles high o *ut their heads, and under such a covering victory and tri umph were certain. For the gallant defence at flirt Moultrie, the commander and his little hand were en title;! to, and received evidencesef the warm est gratitude of their country. To the fe male patriotism of Mrs. Elliott, they were indebted for the present of a pair of colors, made sacred by the language of the fair do- i;or—that she •• hail no doubt but that they would stand by them, as long as they could wave in the air of liberty.” The belief was not vain : those colors were wet with the cx- lii ing blood of Rush, Hume, Gray, anil the gallant Jasper; and, until Charleston fell, they waved in the van of the Carolina army. After the signal repulse of the enemy from Sullivan's island, the country was left in a state of tranquility ; and the declaration ol independence was received at a time when xultation had not yet subsided for the recent victory, add when every heart was throbbing with the most delightful anticipations for the future. South Carolina sung the song of triumph and victory ; and scarcely had the loud and swelling notes expired upon the car. ican officers, and drove them to the necessi ty of abandoning offensive for defensive war. The enemy now endeavored to approach Charleston by land, from Georgia, to their advance, tiie veteran genius of Moultrie was opposed. Like a wounded lion, compelled to tread back his steps, his retreat was dar ing : and, facing about, he occasionally snatched, his prey from his pursuers, and made their recoiling ranks tremble for their safety. Lincoln, w ho had previously inarch ed with the flower of the army for Augusta, is seen stretching forward with a rapid inarch to gain the rear of the advancing enemy, ot to unite himself with Moultrie. It. was a time of difficulty; every nerve Was strained for tiie contest; the militia could scarcely be induced to turn out, and when in ser vice , .ary deserted the ranks to return to their homes at pleasure. Danger was- pre senting itself at every door, and individual interest was more regarded than that of (he country. But the exertions of Motillrii and governor Rutledge gathered, from all parts, the, citizens yeomanry ; and general Prcvost, instead of finding Charleston easy prey, found it guarded and protected, ami the hero of Sullivan's island presiding over all as the genius of*safety.' A sieg was not attempted, and the enemy precipit ately withdrew from before the town. Lin coln now began to draw near, and the hith erto pursued enemy became in their turn the pursued. About this time Moultrie receiv ed the commission of a major general in the army of the United States. The battle of Stono followed immediately after, which, al though uncertain in the result was sufficient ly evincive of I lie bravery of the American troops, and of the prudence and gallantry of Moultrie. The enemy, although left in possession of the field, did not think proper to retain the post, but soon after abandoned it, and retired to Savannah. The pursuit was conducted to Sheldon by Moultrie. II there gave up the command to general Lin coln, and returned to Charleston. Fortun ately for him bis laurels were not blighted by the frost of repulse, whid*"gencral Lin coln sustained in the siege of Savannah. There slumbers the gaila.ht Bole, tiie immor tal Bulaski : who, not finding it possible to aid any longer the cause of Polish liberty, throw himself into the arms of America, and professed himself the champion of her rights; and, in tiie unfortunate affair of Savannah, sealed with his blood the rising liberties of his adopted country. In the year 1780 a third invasion of Booth Carolina was pro jected, anf. carried into execution under the command of sir Henry Clinton. The force was overwhelming and irresistible. In vain did Lincoln anil Moultrie endeavor to check their approach ; in vain did they endeavor to retard 1 lie works of the besiegers Charleston surrendered to a numerous and well appointed army ; and her harbor* fill ed with the fleet of England, after a gallant resistance, was obliged to surrender. On the 12th of May,1780, Carolina witnessed the mournful spectacle of an army of free men piling their arms, and surrendering themselves prisoners of war. Here ended the career of major general Moultrie as a military man. lie remained a prisoner un til nearly the close of the Artiericau wai when he was exchanged at Philadelphia, and returned to this state, where lie was receiv ed with proud and enthusiastic joy. His cruor of tlu> state of South Carolina, anil died soino’ycars since in Charleston, full of' years and glory. The character of general Moultrie as an of ficer, a man, and a citizen, appears unexcep tionable. He, no doubt, had his errors— luimamim est errare : but his virtues made them but a feather in the balance. Ho will always lie regarded by every South Caroli nian as worthy of all bis gratitude, all his respect, and all his veneration. TOPOGRAPHY. STONE MOUNTAIN. [We have been polilely favored (says the Washington Netvs,) by Colonel Johnson Welborn, with his Journal to the Stone Mountain, 8cc. from which wc make the following extracts.] Wc now approached, says the Colonel, the Stone Mountain on its north cast, where it Was not practicable to ascend it; wc then turned around its base to the south west a- bout three miles, to find the most convenient place for a passage up to its summit. This romantic mountain is situated at or near the head of Yellow river, the waters of the Ocmulgec arid Peach tree creek, (com monly called the standing Peach tree) the waters of the Chatahoocbcc, in about lati tude 31 50 miles south of the Hog moun tain in the state of Georgia. The beholder if this natural curiosity, can hut approach it with wonder and astonishment. At a dis tance it appears to the naked eye in the shape and color of a sugar loaf. On tho north it is, though not perpendicular, not to he ascended, and I believe would measure at least 8G0 feet perpendicular high from a riv ulet that rises on its north west, running di rectly along its foot. It may, from appear- incc be ascended to its summit on the east and west, and perhaps with difficulty in some places on the south west, but we chose to ascend on the west, believing it to be the most practicable. 1 think it may be fairly esti mated at half a, mile upon an average from its foot to its summit. When you ar rive within about 200 yards of its highest elevation your passage up is obstructed by the remains of au ancient looking fortifica tion, extending around the horizontal por tion of this gigantic rock at its summit, which is composed of rock heaped one upon another so as to afford protection to its in habitants. Pass ways for the admission of passengers may be distinctly scon in several places in the wall of this fortification- When you arrive on its summit, astonish ment naturally arrests the imagination, and you involuntarily exclaim “ Lord what is man.” From this stupendous height, the spectator may behold as we were told, the Look Out mountain, distant ljO miles, which according to the best observation we could, make without an instrument, lies N. 55 W- Phe Pilot mountain, which is part of the great ridge dividing the Atlantic from the western states N. 50 W. The Yona moun tain near the head of the Chatahoocbcc river N. 35 W. and the Curryhee mountain at the head of Broad river in Georgia, northJO east. This tremendous rock which rises so majes- ticaHy, is thought to bo between nine and ten miles arourid its foot, and out of what may be called an open country, distant from any other considerable mountain more than fifty miles ; and about 100 miles distant from the Pilot, the Yana, and Curryhee mountains. The colonel further remarks ;—«« that tho owners of cattle on the Chatahoocbcc river below Vann's ferry, complain heavily of their destruction by a disease called the milk sickness. When the milk of the cows were affected by this sickness, those persons who made use of it, especially when taken in a new state, loose the use of their limbs, have no passage, and arc seized with a violent puking, which in a short time terminates the existence of the persons affected, unless relief is affirded. The carcases of these dead cattle, when eaten by animals, Turkey Buzzards, kc. is apt to take life. Many Wolves and Turkey Buzzards have been found dead soon after eating df these dead carcases—every exertion lias been made to find a remedy for this complaint, but as yet unavailing.” When she chaiinlcd the hyinrf of liberty and slaves, although having every opportunity, during the war, to abandon his service, had not one of their, done so. On hearing of his return they crowded around their ven erable master to kiss his hand, and to show their attachment to his person and fortune, by the tears of rapturous joy which they shed at being once more permitted to behold him. He had the pleasure of witnessing the evac uation of Charleston shortly after his arri val at home, and of seeing peace return “ with healing in her wings, and majesty in tier beams,” to irradiate the prospects of America. The subsequent life of Moultrie was one of tranquility, and presents nothing very striking or interesting. He was once gov- independence. Shortly after this tinm, Moultrie rose to the rank ol brigadier general, and was put upon the continental establishment. The state continued to en joy a repose from the attacks of her external enemies until the year 1779. In the mean time, the state was rent as under hy the intrigues of the disaffected ; and the. infatuated torics pulled down the an gry vengeance and just chastisement of their country upon their heads. Tho inva sion of Georgia by the British, anil the de feat of general Howe at Savannah, was the commencement of that deluge of calamities which afterwords nvcrwlu lined SontU Car- GEORGIA; MORGAN COUNTY. To the honorable the Court of Ordinary. T IIE petition of John Morgan shewcih, that John Waliace on the fifteenth day of Sep tember, eighteen hundred and seventeen, made his obligation to your petitioner, to make titles to a certain lot of land, lying in Morgan county, known by nitmbei one hundred and forty-three, in die fourth district, and that said John Wallace departed this life without executing titles, where fore, upon motion it is ordered, that unless cause be 2-ewn to he contrary, after the regular no tice lias been given, that the administrators of the said John Wallace be authorized and required to execute good and sufficient titles to the said John Morgan, as the law directs. ‘ JOHN MORGAN. Extract from the minutes. JOII-V XI i BET, C. C. O. July 6, 1818.