Anti-British sentiments began to rise in Georgia after the passing of the Stamp Act in 1765. Articles from the Georgia Gazette offer a unique window into Savannah during the Stamp Act troubles. The issue published on November 14, 1765, includes reports of reactions to the Stamp Act in other colonies and includes two proclamations by Gov. James Wright. The first proclamation includes examples of letters from Whigs threatening whoever takes office as stamp act master for Georgia. The second proclamation warns against rioting and protests in the colony.
First two pages from The Georgia Gazette, Thursday, November 14, 1765. Courtesy of the Georgia Historical Society.
On January 14, 1780, Abigail Minis wrote to her friend Mordecai Sheftall, who was then in Philadelphia, requesting his help in gaining reimbursement for the assistance she provided the Continental Army during the Siege of Savannah a few months earlier. Abigail Minis (c.1701-1794) was one of the earliest settlers of the Georgia colony having landed in the new colony with her husband and children in July 1733. Her husband, Abraham Minis, became a successful merchant and landowner in Savannah.
After his death in 1757, Abigail took over the management of the family’s mercantile firm and tavern and oversaw more than 1,000 acres of land in and around the city of Savannah. During the American Revolution, the Minis family supported the Patriots. During the October 1779 Siege of Savannah, Abigail provided the American and French forces trying to capture the city from the British with provisions.
Abigail Minis to Mordecai Sheftall. Charlestown, Jan. 14, 1780. From the Jacob Minis Colonial Papers, MS 568. Georgia Historical Society.
Dear Sir
Enclosed I have sent you a copy of certificates given me for sundry articles provisions etc. etc., delivered the Allied Army which before the lines of Savannah in September 1779 immediately after the surrender of this town to the British. I gave the original certificates to General Lincoln who promised to have settled and paid, but the communication between Philadelphia and this place being totally stopped have not heard from him.
I have since made application to Col. Wylly the then Acting Quarter Master General for a settlement of the same, he informs me he cannot do anything in the matter unless the original certificates were here.
I have to request that you will make particular enquiry of General Lincoln or any officer who may have the papers belonging to this department in their possession for them, and use every method to obtain the money, in case you should obtain it I must request you to lay it out or do with it as will turn out best for my interest.
– in case nothing can be done to the northward with them please to find or keep them until I can receive them without risque.
Myself and daughter present our compliments
I am your obed. Serv.
Abigail Minis
Georgia did not see any major military events until 1778. In December 1778, the British army recaptured Savannah and by 1779 Sunbury and Augusta were both in British hands as well. Fighting moved to the back country. “The Plan of the Siege of Savannah” map shows the attempt of French Naval General Henri d’Estaing and American forces to recapture Savannah in 1779. The map, created by the British, depicts the failed siege.
“Plan of the Siege of Savannah” From a survey by an Officer. Engraved for Stedman’s History of the American War, Jan. 20th 1794.” From the Georgia Historical Society Map Collection, 1361MP-601.
Georgia has a complex and interesting story in the American Revolution. Georgia had experienced growth and prosperity as a royal colony and its citizens were deeply divided over issues of independence. Even the Whigs who supported independence from Great Britain had an internal struggle between the radical and conservative leaders. Relations with the Creek and Cherokee population on the Western frontiers added another layer of complexity to Revolutionary War Georgia. Letters, official documents, journals, newspaper articles, and other primary sources offer an opportunity to gain a richer more varied understanding of this volatile time in Georgia’s history.
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