He backed safely into the lines.” White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, p. 472. New York, 1855. [208] The Legislature of Georgia, in acknowledgment of the conspicuous gallantry of Colonel McIntosh on this occasion, voted him a sword with the words _Come and take it_, engraven thereon. [209] See White’s Historical Collections of Georgia, pp. 523, 524. New York, 1855. McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, pp. 155, 161. Savannah, 1816. Moultrie’s Memoirs of the American Revolution, &c., vol. I, p. 189. New York, 1802. [210] The inhabitants of Sunbury seem, at times, to have been considerably annoyed by the lawless conduct of the troops quartered in their midst. So marked were these violations of good order, that General Howe on the 16th of January, 1778, deemed it proper to call attention to them in a General Order, from which we make the following extract: “Complaints have been made to the General that some of the Soldiers have injured the Buildings in the Town; and his own observation convinces him that these complaints are but too well founded. Actions like these disgrace an army, and render it hateful. Any Soldier who either offers Insult or does Injury to the Persons or Property of the Inhabitants will be punished in the severest manner. And officers of every degree are injoined to exert themselves to prevent such Enormities for the future if possible, or to detect those who may commit them, that they may receive that punishment which such Actions so richly deserve. Officers of Companies are to take particular care that their men are made acquainted with this Order.” [211] If we may credit a contemporary writer, the population of the Midway settlement was considerably demoralized. “Fields once her [Midway’s] glory and her pride, Weeds, grass, and briars now do hide. And worst of villains make their home Where flames had happen’d not to come. “Instead of preaching, prayers, and praises, Now on the Gospel holy days They race, and fight, and swear and game, Without regard to law or shame. “They arm’d, disguis’d, with faces blacked, Do many villainies transact; The few, few honest that are here, Do often rob and put in fear.” MS. DIARY OF BENJ’N BAKER. [212] For this disobedience of orders Major Lane was subsequently tried by a Court Martial and dismissed the service. McCall’s Georgia, vol. II, p. 177. Savannah, 1816. [213] This island lying in front of Sunbury, divides Midway river into two channels known respectively as the front and back rivers. [214] McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. II, pp. 177, 179. Savannah, 1816.