Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-05-05

q expressions with which he EXPOSED the
mistakes in the position assumed by
the English people, and the COM
clusion so quietly and yet so firmly ex-
pressed that should the arguments be nad
respectfully submitted fail to prevent the
attempt to search American ships, he
should be compelled to oppose 1t with all
the force at his commando force not one
quarter as large as his antagonists. Two
years later, and just before the cloud OF
war burst in such terrible storm over
his native State. this gallant heart ceased
to beat, saved thus from the woes toat
awaited his less fortunate friend and
brother-in-arms, Tattnall. am recalled
by that name from my wanderings.
ON THE ToYwAN's DECKS.
Again l stand on the deck of the Toy
wan in the PeihO river, With the gallant
! flag officer at my side, whose tall fOrm,dig-
nitied bearing, and noble, expressive face
will be recalled by most of those whom
now have the honor OF addressing. To me
he presents himself at this moment. not as
he looked at the peaceful hour of meeting.
but as then saw him with q face all
alight with feeling and fixed in resolute
purpose, and heard him in response to the
well-meaning suggestions of some OF his
| brother officers, that his course might not
meet with the approval of his own
government give utterance to these men,
orable words, blood is thicker than wa
ter,' then step into his open boat, and
pass across the very track of storm OF
shot and shell fired with the cool precision
OF sharp shooters from the Chinese forts
erected on both sides OF that narrow
river, that be might bear to the brave old
! English Admiral, lying wounded on the
deck Of his snip, the grasp of friendly
hand and the cheering words OF COM
rade. His course did command the entire
approval of his government and ELECTED
| through that government the thanks OF
the British admiralty and the British ma
ton. Such was Josiah rattnall; prompt
in decision, fearless in execution; hero
in action, woman in sympathy. That
brave tender heart has fought its last
fight, suffered its last sorrow. 1t broke
when he saw the flag he had so dearly
loved and so CALAMITY defended, waving
over the ships against which his arm was
to be directed. Though broken it beat on
for few sad years, the beat growing
fainter and fainter and then was still.
| The checkered lie is over and the weary
Is at rest.
THE INDIAN TROUBLES.
James Robinson, our fourth Captain,
was elected on July II, 1874. During the
disturbances caused by the Greek Indians
along the Southern frontiers OF Georgia,
the Chatham Artillery, under his com
mand, rendered it's services to the Gov
ernOr Of the State, which tender was ac-
cepted, and % men rank and file reported
| to Capt. Sanders, stationed in Liberty
county, then the outskirts OF the settle
ments which had not been deserted by the
whites, and there they were posted until
the danger had passed.
Benjamin Wall was our fifth Captain.
He was for many years United States
Marshal fer the district of Georgia,
and was succeeded by Richard
Montgomery Sites, who was the
son Of Richard Sites, a distinguish
ed lawyer OF Elizabeth, N. j. His
father had joined the volunteer company
raised by LORD Sterling as Captain, and
was killed at the battle OF Long Island,
Aug. 27, 1776. His wife was Sarah Dem
mis-, daughter Of John Dennis, of New
Brunswick, n. j. As the son and only
child of this marriage Richard NJ. Site
was born after his fathers death, and on
his mothers marriage to John Y. Noel, a
lawyer OF Elizabeth, he was taken with
them to Savannah, their future residence.
He was graduated at Browns University
Rhode Island, and returned to Savannah,
where he commenced and successfully
prosecuted the practice OF law until his
death, which occurred at the early age OF
81, from exposure on the circuit.
AN UNDYING NAME.
Although dying at that early age, il
was not before he ad achieved a reputa-
ton for ability, integrity and learning
which survives to this day with the Bar
of the stare and country. He married
Mary Wayne, daughter of Richard
Wayne, OF Elizabeth, South Carolina,
and sister of Mrs. George Anderson, and
of r cnard William and James Wayne,
all of whom were distinguished citizens
of our State the last the personal and
| II -.
whom he was appointed one of the JUS
, tices of the Supreme Court of the United
States, in which high office he was asso-
ciated with Marshall, fancy, Story and
Nelson, and the exalted duties of which
} were ably and faithfully discharged by
him tor more than a quarter OF a century
The name OF Sites has passed from
among us, but, fortunately, the blood
still flows in the veins Of some OF our most
distinguished and honored fellOw-citizens.
He was succeeded by Robert McKay,
our seventh Captain, during whose com.
mand England and the United States be-
came involved in the war for sailors
rights. The First regiment of the Georgia
militia was ordered iuto active service,
under the command OF Capt. Mckay, and
Fort Jackson on the Savannah river was
garrsOned by detachment Of the Chat
ham Artillery.
THE WAR FOR SAILORS RIGHTS.
During portion Of the war the com.
pany WAS regu srly mustered into the
service of the United States, and at one
time was actively engaged in the con.
structIOn of earth works, for the imme-
diate protection OF the City OF Savannah.
Upon the conclusion OF hOstilities, the
Company was mustered out of service by
, Colonel Booth, Inspector General, and re-
( ceived tue pay of the regular army.
Our eighth Captain was Col. William
L. Williams, who was elected on Deem
Der 10, 1916, and continued as our Cap
tain, beloved and hOnored by every men,
, Der of the corps, until his promotion To
the majority Of the First regiment, which
WAS on December IA, 1924. Col. Williams
as be is hest known TO US, was again and
: again elected Mayor OF our city, one of
the Justices Of our Cortland filled every
office, civil or military, to which he was
: ever promoted with honor TO himself, and
to the great satisfaction and benefit OF h ID
: fel Ow- cItizens. The vacancy created by
his resignation in December, 1924, was
iilled by the election Of Capt. ElOis, who
was our ninth commander. During his
command in March, 1925. the city was
hOnored by visit from Gen. Lafaye cite.
LAFAYETTE's VISIT TO SAVANNAH,
/ And with iull RANKS our company par.
ticlpated IN extending military honors 10
~ F-f. 81