Georgians were far from united in the fight for independence. Many Georgians sided with the British and many more chose to remain neutral. The Patriots were often divided into opposing factions. A series of letters and petitions composed by the Liberty Club in Savannah and signed in the summer of 1777 are examples of the factionalism that separated Georgia Patriots through the war. The letter and petition protested the appointment of Lachlin McIntosh as Brigadier General and called for his removal. Of course, that didn’t happen but it’s interesting to see the names of the Patriots who signed the petition.
The following is a list (selected) of names of petitioners in Georgia who wrote protesting the appointment of Lachlan McIntosh to Brigadier General in the Army of the United States. A handwritten note of the memorial (or petition) says “The following memorial made up in the Liberty Club, to be signed in the several counties in the State accompanied the above Circular Letter and were sent by their most inveterate and malicious members, who had the most influence in each County that is to say …..”
Many of these men would eventually serve in the Georgia Militia, so it’s assumed they were able to reconcile their doubts and concerns about Brig. General McIntosh. It’s a great example of democracy and freedom of speech at work!
Selected Entries:
- Ash, Mathias
- Blyth, Peter
- Boykins, Edward
- Brantley, Thomas
- Burgateiner, Daniel
- Butt, Hillary
- Byrd, Israel
- Clarke, John
- Cronberger, Jno. C.
- Davies, Edward
- Davis, Jenkins
- Deroche, Abraham
- Dunwody, James
- Fanly, John
- Farley, Joseph
- Fritz Rrong, Josau
- Garirard, Casper
- Giroud, Lewis
- Gnann, Andrew
- Goldwine, James
- Goldwine, John
- Herson, Herman
- Higgenbotham, John
- Higginbotham, Joseph
- Higginbotham, Phillip
- Hogg, Thomas
- Hogins, John
- Hornby, William
- Hudson, Christian
- Hudson, Robert
- Hudson, Samuel
- Ingel, Johannis
- Joulus, J.S.
- King, William
- Loyer, Andrew
- Lynch, Andrew
- Mack, Michael
- Mann, Robert
- Martin, James
- Maurer, John
- McLean, Lewis
- Miller, Joseph
- Mills, Thomas
- Moore, Aaron
- Neelson, Nicholas
- Neidinger, Ulrich
- Pace, Samuel
- Prahm, Mathew
- Raynes, Joseph
- Richards, John
- Richardson, Benjamin
- Richardson, Daniel
- Ryal, Arthur
- Scruggs, Richard
- Seckinger, Andrew
- Sharaus , John (Scheraus, John)
- Shick, John
- Shieffer, Balthaser
- Shrempf, Frederick
- Smith, Thomas
- Stewart, Mathew
- Strahaker, Rudolph R.
- Topp, Samuel
- Wade, Nehamiah
- Watson, Samuel
- Waudin, John
- Wheywood, ?
- Wilder, Joseph
- Wilder, William
- Zeigleer, George
- Zetter, Daniel
Source: Georgia Citizens and Soldiers of the American Revolution, by Robert S. Davis Jr.