Martinsburgh Gazette

SAVANNAH, January 19.

A letter from Wayne County, dated the 17th instant, says— The enemy still occupy St. Mary's and Point Petre, and have promised to respect private property—if they do, I shall be very agreeably disappointed—It is said, the notorious vagrant Fitzgerald, holds an important command in the service of the enemy, and is now with them in St. Mary's—and that he has put his step son James Osborne in irons already. The most alarming circumstance, however, is that the noted Col. Woodbine is in our rear, at the head of six hundred Indians, in consequence of which, all the settlements on the St. Mary's and Satilla rivers, to the Altamaha, are breaking up; and the inhabitants fleeing precipitately to the interior of Georgia—many of them leaving nearly all they possess for the merciless savages. Hundreds of inhabitants are now on the road between this place and Satilla river.

CHARLESTON. January 24.

FROM THE SOUTH

Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Savannah, to another in this city, dated the 22d instant.

" All is bustle and confusion here, as we momentarily expect an attack from the enemy. One of our citizens arrived this morning direct from St. Mary's. The British officers permitted him to sell his articles and return, but told him they would soon be with him; that they expected to dine in that place on the 22d. He supposed there were from 6 to 9000 troops, making every possible preparation on board their bomb and rocket vessels—and Admiral Cockburn said he would have Savannah at the expense of every man and vessel under his command.— This is from a man of veracity. News arrived here this morning, that troops were on their march from Charleston. I sincerely hope they are, and in sufficient numbers to assist us in disappointing his honor the Admiral!!!

The Mail left Savannah on Sunday, the 22d instant. A letter of that date states, that Martial Law has been proclaimed there; but they had no certain information that the enemy were approaching that place, whose force was supposed to be about 6000. Passengers in the Stage, however, state, that apprehensions for the safety of Savannah had considerably abated, and that the force of the enemy was believed not to exceed 1,800."

SAVANNAH UNDER MARTIAL LAW.

Savannah, January 22.

" Here we are, under Martial Law: not knowing the hour when the British forces may pay us a visit. We have no positive accounts from the Southward. However, to warrant a positive conclusion, that they are coming this way. We believe the forces at Cumberland and St. Mary's to be about six thousand men."

Another Letter, same date

" We are in hourly expectation of the arrival of Major General Pinckney; who we are informed, has ordered on 1500 of the South Carolina Militia: among whom are, your country sharp shooters, who can pick out a squirrel's eye at the distance of 100 yards. They will march, and beat, Woodbine's motley crew, even if they have half the number. A number of your disciplined officers are expected to start from Charleston for this place, on the 24th instant."

Savannah, January 23.

" We have this moment an express from Amelia, (the express succeeded by getting in a boat at night and arrived at St. Simons) We have received letters from a friend at Amelia, under date of the 18th inst. in which he says, that Admiral Cockburn in command at St. Mary's; his force there 2000 men, and at Cumberland 1500 more: that he has off the bar two 74's, eight large frigates, and four sloops of war. He has allowed his troops to plunder every article in the town, break open all houses that were found shut, and remove and destroy their contents. The Admiral had laid his hands upon all the Cotton, Tobacco, Dry Goods, Rum, and every article that could be shipped conveniently, and sent some off by the vessels found at St. Mary's. Our friend further adds, that he no doubt intends paying Savannah a visit and that shortly; this is publicly expressed by him and his officers."