The Indians upon the frontier of the states farther south were incited to hostility by the British agents, but the presence of an efficient force, under General Robert Howe, restrained them from extending their depredations. The most powerful tribes upon the frontiers of the Carolinas and Georgia were the Creeks and Cherokees, who could bring thousands of warriors into the field. Had the British agents succeeded in inducing them to take up arms, a bloody contest would have followed.

EXPEDITION AGAINST GEORGIA, AND THE EVENTS OF 1779.

another plan of action was now adopted. There appeared to be no prospect of reducing the people of the north; they had frequently been victorious, had compelled a large army to surrender, and had increased in spirit and become more determined in their opposition to the British interest. The commander-in-chief of the royal forces now resolved to make an attempt upon the Southern States.

An irregular warfare had been carried on between the loyalists of East Florida and Georgia for some time previous. General Prevost commanded the British troops in East Florida. Incursions were made by both parties, and the country was visited with carnage and devastation. General Robert Howe, the American commander, destroyed a British fort in East Florida, but was compelled to return on account of the prevalence of disease among his troops. He then took post at Savannah, Georgia, which was now selected by Sir Henry Clinton as a favorable point for attack.

The plan was concerted with General Prevost, who was to march from East Florida to the banks of the Savannah, and take command of the

whole British force. On the 27th of November, Colonel Campbell, with about 3500 men sailed from Sandy Hook, under the convoy of Commodore Parker. The armament appeared off the mouth of the Savannah on the 23d of December. Colonel Campbell resolved to commence operations immediately. Accordingly, he proceeded up the river, and debarked his troops about three miles below Savannah, on the morning of the 29th. A small body of militia opposed the landing of the Highlanders, killed a captain and two men, and wounded two others; but fled after delivering their fire. General Howe, with about 900 men, occupied a strong position about half a mile below Savannah. The swamp and river were on his left flank, a morass in front extended beyond his right, where it was covered with wood and bushes. He had four pieces of artillery, and by breaking up the road by which he expected the British to advance considered his front well secured. Unfortunately, a negro informed Colonel Campbell of a private path through the marsh by which the American rear might be gained. A detachment was sent by this path, and the British forces advanced to the attack. Howe, finding himself attacked in front and rear, immediately ordered a retreat. The British pursued and obtained a complete victory. Upwards of 100 Americans were killed; 38 officers, 415 privates, 48 pieces of cannon, 23 mortars, the fort, with its ammunition and stores, the shipping in the river, and the capital of Georgia, were soon in possession of the victors. After this disastrous result, the remnant of the American army took shelter in South Carolina.

OLONEL CAMPBELL acted with great prudence and success in securing the submission of the inhabitants. He not only extirpated military opposition, but paved the way for the re-establishment of a royal legislature. General Prevost arrived at Savannah soon after its capture and took command of the British forces.

On the 7th of March, the Randolph, an American frigate of 36 guns and 305 men,

commanded by Captain Biddle, having sailed from Charleston on a cruise, fell in with the Yarmouth of 64 guns and engaged her in the night. In about a quarter of an hour the Randolph blew up. Four men only were saved, upon a piece of the wreck. After subsisting upon rain-water for four days, they were discovered and taken on board the Yarmouth. Captain Biddle, who perished in the Randolph, was universally lamented,

as his courage and skill had excited high expectations of future usefulness to his country.

Another naval affair happened during the year, which was highly creditable to the Americans engaged in it. Major Talbot, with a number of troops on board of a small vessel, attacked the British schooner Pigot, of eight guns, as she lay on the east side of Rhode Island. After a short resistance, the schooner was captured, and carried off. For this daring exploit, Talbot was made a lieutenant-colonel.

General Lincoln was now appointed to take command of the southern army, which consisted of a few hundred regulars, and a considerable body. of militia. He disposed his small force in such a manner as to prevent Prevost from penetrating into south Carolina. A British detachment of 200 men, under Major Gardiner, attempted to take possession of Port Royal; but was encountered by General Moultrie, with about 200 men, and completely defeated.

This repulse restrained the British from attempting any immediate enterprise, northward of Savannah. Being assured that a large number of the inhabitants of Georgia and the Carolinas were friendly to the royal cause, Prevost sent emissaries among them to encourage them to a