Beschreibung:

WALTON, GEORGE, c. 1740-1804, Signer of the Declaration of Independence (Georgia) . Autograph letter signed ("Geo Walton") to Major General Benjamin Lincoln "Commanding the Confederal Troops in the Southern Department," Augusta, 21 December 1779. 2 pages, 4to, 223 x 183mm. (8 3/4 x 7 1/4 in.), integral address leaf in Walton's hand, two seal holes in integral address leaf . HAVING FAILED TO RECAPTURE SAVANNAH FROM THE BRITISH, GEORGIA'S GOVERNOR PONDERS THE MILITARY SITUATION A fine war-date letter by a Signer whose letters are quite rare. Walton, Governor of Georgia and only recently released from a British prison, reports to General Lincoln on supply problems and the militia's condition in the wake of the failed French-American attempt to retake Savannah from the British. He has received Lincoln's letter, which "could not fail giving me great pleasure, as well as the good people of the state, throughout which I had it presumably transferred. Every thing that can be done, to facilitate your views of an eventual pursuit [of the British forces?], shall be. I pledge myself to you, that a better disposition never prevailed in the heart of any men, than...does throughout the militia of their counties. Colonel Dooly informs me, that he sent down...waggons lately for salt; and that they were taken to bring up Commisarys stores...I am also informed, by the labour of the people, that large sums from the Confederal chest, under your direction, have been lately misapplied by Citizens of this State. The Colonels of Militia, too, complain...There being so few troops in Georgia, it is really intolerable. But a few years ago we declared as a course of separation, that 'swarms of Officers were sent over to eat up our substance,' [probably referring to the justifications in the Declaration of Independence] and now, under the distress of almost ruined funds, we suffer it ourselves! I pray you to recollect...the reform of these abuses is necessary...and I hope for the particular satisfaction of the next Assembly, it will be immediately done..." Walton was one of only three Signers for his home state of Georgia, but, in 1778, he left Congress to defend his home state as Colonel of Militia. Captured by the British when they seized Savannah in December 1778, he spent nearly a year in prison before being exchanged. He returned to serve in the Continental Congress from 1780 to 1781.