16. In the summer of 1799, four thousand six hundred men, led by
Generals Sullivan and James Clinton, were sent against the Indians
on the Susquehanna. At Elmira the savages and tories had fortified
themselves; but on the 29th of August they were forced from their
stronghold and utterly routed. The country between the Susquehanna and
the Genesee was wasted by the patriots. Forty Indian villages were
destroyed.
[Sidenote: =Campaigns in the South.=]
17. A little later, the tories, who were advancing to join the British
at Augusta, were defeated by the patriots under Captain Anderson. On
the 14th of February they were again overtaken and routed by Colonel
Pickens. Colonel Boyd, the tory leader, and seventy of his men were
killed. Seventy-five others were captured, and five of the ringleaders
hanged. The western half of Georgia was quickly recovered by the
patriots.
18. General Ashe was sent with two thousand men to intercept the enemy.
On the 25th of February the Americans crossed the Savannah, and pursued
Campbell as far as Brier Creek. Here the patriots came to a halt; and
General Prevost, marching from Savannah, surrounded Ashe's command.
A battle was fought on the 3d of March; the Americans were totally
routed and driven into the swamps. By this defeat Georgia was again
prostrated, and a royal government was established over the State.
19. Within a month General Lincoln was again in the field with five
thousand men. He advanced up the left bank of the river in the
direction of Augusta; but, at the same time, General Prevost, now
commanding the British forces in the South, crossed the Savannah and
marched against Charleston. General Lincoln turned back to attack him,
and the British made a hasty retreat. The Americans overtook the enemy
at Stone Ferry, ten miles west of Charleston, but were repulsed with
considerable loss. Prevost then fell back to Savannah.
[Sidenote: =Attempts to retake Savannah.=]
20. In September, Count d'Estaing arrived before Savannah with his
fleet. Prevost concentrated his forces for the defence of the city.
The French effected a landing, and advanced to the siege. D'Estaing
demanded a surrender; but Prevost answered with a message of defiance.
The siege was pressed with vigor, and the city constantly bombarded.
But the defences remained unshaken. At last D'Estaing notified Lincoln
that the city must be stormed. Before sunrise on the 9th of October
the allies advanced with great vehemence against the redoubts of the
British, but were driven back with fearful losses. Count Pulaski was
struck with a grape-shot, and was borne dying from the field. D'Estaing
retired on board the fleet, and Lincoln retreated to Charleston.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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