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Domestic News
February 12, 1780
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Peter Edwards reports the death of his brother Alexander Martin, killed in battle during the British capture of Savannah, Georgia. He laments the lack of protection for loyalists, widespread plunder, and destruction in Georgia, including at Abercorn.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a letter from Peter Edwards, at St. Augustine, to Lewis Johnston, Esq; naval officer at Antigua.
'I have lately returned from Georgia. You have heard I suppose of the melancholy fate of my dear brother Alexander Martin; he unhappily fell in arms on the day Savannah was taken. Poor fellow! Easily persuaded, or rather excited by his intrepid spirit, having been branded with the epithet of coward by some who dare not face him, fell a sacrifice in supporting a cause his heart abhorred. How much grief Mrs. Edwards and myself must have experienced on the melancholy occasion, your own feelings will judge. Sorry am I to inform you, that little distinction is paid to loyalists; ravage and plunder take place indiscriminately. Poor Georgia has really been sadly ranacked. You would not know Abercorn scarcely; the house only remains. God only knows when, and where our troubles will end. For my part, I view peace farther distant than when we lost Georgia, and was I writing by an armed vessel, I would write you more fully on this subject.'
'I have lately returned from Georgia. You have heard I suppose of the melancholy fate of my dear brother Alexander Martin; he unhappily fell in arms on the day Savannah was taken. Poor fellow! Easily persuaded, or rather excited by his intrepid spirit, having been branded with the epithet of coward by some who dare not face him, fell a sacrifice in supporting a cause his heart abhorred. How much grief Mrs. Edwards and myself must have experienced on the melancholy occasion, your own feelings will judge. Sorry am I to inform you, that little distinction is paid to loyalists; ravage and plunder take place indiscriminately. Poor Georgia has really been sadly ranacked. You would not know Abercorn scarcely; the house only remains. God only knows when, and where our troubles will end. For my part, I view peace farther distant than when we lost Georgia, and was I writing by an armed vessel, I would write you more fully on this subject.'
What sub-type of article is it?
Death Or Funeral
Military
Rebellion Or Revolt
What keywords are associated?
Alexander Martin Death
Savannah Capture
Georgia Loyalists
Plunder Ravage
What entities or persons were involved?
Peter Edwards
Alexander Martin
Mrs. Edwards
Lewis Johnston
Where did it happen?
Savannah, Georgia
Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Savannah, Georgia
Event Date
Day Savannah Was Taken
Key Persons
Peter Edwards
Alexander Martin
Mrs. Edwards
Lewis Johnston
Outcome
alexander martin killed in battle; ravage and plunder in georgia, abercorn house mostly destroyed
Event Details
Alexander Martin fell in arms during the taking of Savannah, persuaded despite abhorring the cause after being called a coward; little protection for loyalists amid indiscriminate plunder in Georgia.