This county was named after the Hon. George R. Gilmer, and was laid out from Cherokee in 1832.

    The rivers are Ellijay and Tacoa.

    The face of the country is broken by mountains, the principal of which are, Cohuttah, Frog, Coal, Bald, Long Swamp, Amacolola, Turnip Town, Tallona, and Sharp Top. The best lands are in the valleys and on the water-courses.

    ELLIJAY is the capital, situated on the northwest bank of the Ellijay River, 171 miles N. W. of Milledgeville.

    The public places are, Prince Edward, Tacoa, Talking Rock, and Blue Ridge.

    The country is rich in minerals. Gold, iron, and marble are found in various sections.

    Among those who first settled in this county are, B. CHASTAIN, JAMES CODY, ALEXANDER KELL, JAMES KELL, BENJAMIN GRIFFITH, L. HOLT, C. COOPER, J. E. PRICE, JOHN P. ALEXANDER, SAMUEL JONES, E. CHASTAIN, A. JOHNSON, J. A. JOHNSON, E. GIBSON, JAMES SIMMONS, JACOB GIBSON, C. GOBLE, J. C. KING, S. GRIFFITH, H. K. QUILLIAN, THOS. M. BURNETT, Wm. COX, B. M. GRIFFETH, &c.

    Extract from the Census of 1850. -- Dwellings, 1,396; families, 1,396; white males, 4,242; white females, 3,994; free coloured males, 3; 1 free coloured female. Total free population, 8,240; slaves, 200. Deaths, 54. Farms, 577; manufacturing establishments, 5. Value of real estate, $551,451; value of personal estate $233,115.

    We are indebted to a gentlemen well acquainted with the history of the Cherokees for the following items, viz.:---

    Old Indian Towns.---Ellija, an Indian town, formerly stood where Ellijay now stands. White Path was the Chief. He accompanied John Ross to Washington, in 1834. General Jackson invited him to dinner, and presented him with a silver watch, which he always kept as a precious treasure. He was taken sick at Hopkinsville, Kentucky. During his illness, the people showed him great kindness. After his death, his watch was sold, and its proceeds appropriated to the erection of a marble monument.

    Talona was south of Ellija. It was sometimes called Sanderstown, after the principal Chief, George Sanders, who kept a house of entertainment on the Federal Road, and was considered a high-minded man. He accompanied Ross to Washington. On his return, he was taken sick, and died at Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Mountain Town was situated in the eastern part of Gilmer; Cartilana was the principal Chief.

    This is one of the oldest counties in Georgia, being first laid out in 1765, into two parishes, viz., St. Patrick and St. David's, although extensive settlements had been made many years before. In 1777, the parishes above named were formed into the County of Glynn, and so named in honour of John Glynn, Esq., distinguished for his unwavering support of the colonies.

    The principal streams are the Altamaha, Turtle, Little and St. Simon's rivers.

    The face of the country is broken by extensive swamps, which, when drained, become the most valuable lands in the county.

    The climate is warm. In the summer fevers and agues occur in the lower lands.

    BRUNSWICK is the county town, situated on the east bank of the Turtle River, 201 miles S. E. of Milledgeville. The town is situated on a beautiful bluff of white sand, elevated from eight to twelve feet above high water, and extending itself up and down the river for upwards of tow miles, affording a delightful situation for a city of the largest extent.

    Frederica is on the west side of St. Simon's Island, and was settled in 1739. It received its name in honour of Frederick, Prince of Wales, only son of George the Second. It was laid out by General Oglethorpe, with wide streets, crossing each other at right angles, and planted with rows of orange-trees. This place was the favourite residence of General Oglethorpe, and figures much in the early history of Georgia.

    On the coast are numerous islands, of which St. Simon's is the most celebrated. Here a battle was fought, July 7, 1742, between Oglethorpe's regiment and the Spaniards. The latter were defeated with great loss, and the place where the engagement took place has ever since been called "Bloody Marsh."

    We prefer to give a narrative of matters connected with the Spanish invasion of Georgia in the language of General Oglethorpe, as we consider his account the most reliable in its details of any to which we have had access.

    The Spaniards (says the General, in one of his letters,) at Augustine were so strengthened by the troops left there after the invasion of Georgia, amongst which were the dragoons of the regiment of Italica, that they repulsed all the parties of Indians that I could send out against them.

    I had also intelligence of a strong party of men marching towards the river St. Mathew. As I concluded, this was to enlarge their quarters, ready for the next body of troops that they expect in the spring, from Havannah, and with which they propose to invade all North America, and begin with the conquest of Georgia and Carolina. I, therefore, thought the best means I could take was to oppose them in time, and myself in person, to lead the Indians, and dispute with them the field, before their troops came from Cuba.

    I, therefore, with a detachment of the Highland Company of Rangers, and of the regiment, landed in the night in Florida, and had such success that the Indians advanced, undiscovered, and attacked the Spaniards, and killed upwards of forty of them; but one of their own party being killed, they would give no prisoners quarters, therefore I have no intelligence.

    I march to-morrow, and if I have success I trust in God I shall be able to force the Spaniards once more to take shelter in their town, which I shall look upon at a great point gained, since it will delay their intended operations, and give heart to our Indians, and keep them steady to his Majesty's interest, who were a good deal staggered by some strange steps taken by the Lieutenant-Governor of South Carolina, which Captain Dunbar will inform your Grace of; but any success I can now have, will only be putting off for a short time the fatal blow which must attend the vast operations making at Cuba, &c.    

From the Camp, on the River St. Mathew, or St. John's,}
	Florida, 18th March, 1742-3                   }

    I hope his Majesty will approve the measures I have taken; and I must entreat your Grace to lay my humble request before his Majesty that he would be graciously pleased to order troops, artillery, and other necessaries sufficient for the defence of this frontier and the neighbouring provinces, or give such directions as his Majesty shall think proper; and I do not doubt but with a moderate support not only to defend these provinces, but also to dislodge the enemy from St. Augustine, if I had but the same number they had in the expedition.

    The above is from a letter written by General Oglethorpe, July 30, 1742, addressed to the Duke of Newcastle.

    In this section of the State a gallant action was performed by the American troops during the Revolution, the particulars of which are thus given by Colonel Elbert in a letter to Major-General Howe, dated Frederica, April 19, 1778:---

    DEAR GENERAL: --- I have the happiness to inform you, that, about ten o'clock this forenoon, the brigantine Hinchinbrooke, the sloop Rebecca, and a prize brig, all struck the British tyrant's colours, and surrendered to the American arms. Having received intelligence that the above vessels were at this place, I put about three hundred men, by detachment, from the troops under my command, at Fort Howe, on board the three galleys, --- the Washington, Captain Hardy, the Lee, Captain Braddock, and the Bulloch, Captain Hatcher, --- and a detachment of artillery, with two field-pieces, under Captain Young, I put on board a boat.

    With this little army, we embarked at Darien, and last evening effected a landing at a bluff about a mile below the town, leaving Colonel White on board the Lee, Captain Melvin on board the Washington, and Lieutenant Petty on board the Bulloch. Immediately on landing, I dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Ray and Major Roberts, with about one hundred men, who directly marched up to the town, and made prisoners three marines and two sailors belonging to the Hinchinbrooke. It being late, the galleys did not engage until this morning. You must imagine what my feelings were to see our three little men-of-war going on to the attack of these three large vessels, who have spread terror upon our coasts, and who were drawn up in order of battle; but the weight of our metal soon damped the courage of these heroes, who took to their boats, and as many as could abandoned the vessels, with everything on board, of which we immediately took possession. What is extraordinary, we have not one man hurt. Captain Ellis, of the Hinchinbrooke, and Captain M., of the Rebecca, made their escape. As soon as I see Colonel White, who has not yet come to us with his prizes, I shall consult with him. I send you this by Brigade-Major John Habersham, who will inform you of other particulars.

SAMUEL ELBERT, L.C.

    In 1788, the Creek Indians overran the country, from the Alatamaha to the St. Mary's. Captain John Burnett lived at this time at the head of Turtle River, with his family and slaves, attending to large stocks of cattle. All the people had fled from the main to the islands. Going out one day with his son, the late Colonel Burnett, he discovered Indians at some distance with rifles. "John," said the old man, "let us charge on them." "Father," replies his son, "do not charge on them; there are more Indians behind the log." He did, however, charge, and his son followed him. When they had reached within a few yards of the log, ten Indians rose up, and discharged their pieces at the old man. He received several wounds, one of which, in the ear, finally proved mortal. With the aid of his son and a black boy, he was able to reach his house. About two weeks afterwards, one hundred Indians, in the dead of night, came into his inclosure, having killed a negro who stood sentinel at the gate. They attempted to fire the house, in which there were five or six males and two females. Repeated efforts were made by the savages to force the doors; but those within were upon the alert, and continued firing upon them for four hours. The eldest daughter of Captain Burnett, assisted by her younger sister, loaded the muskets below, and handed them, through the scuttle, to their brothers above. The firing was heard at St. Simon's Island, many of the inhabitants of which came to the beach to listen to it; and as soon as daylight came, thirty men collected, and proceeded to Mr. Burnett's. Upon their arrival, they found that, within the house, one negro had been killed. Mr. Moses Burnett received three wounds, and all of his negroes were carried away by the Indians.

    JOHN COUPER, Esq., died in this county. He was born at Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland, on the 9th of March, 1759, and was the third son of the Rev. John Couper, clergyman of that parish. His eldest brother, the Rev. James Couper, was for more than a quarter of a century Regius Professor of Astronomy in the University of Glasgow; and his second brother, Mr. William Couper, a distinguished surgeon of that city, was, with Mr. Tennant, the inventor of the chloride of lime, which, as a bleaching material, has exercised a most important effect on textile fabrics. Mr. Couper emigrated to Georgia at the early age of sixteen, and arrived in Savannah, during the autumn of 1775, as a clerk to the house of Lundy & Co.

    On the breaking out of the Revolution, he retired with his employers to Florida, where he remained until the peace of 1783, when he removed to Liberty County, where, in the year 1792 he married a daughter of Colonel James Maxwell. The death of Mrs. Couper preceded his own only a short time, after a union of more than fifty years. The talents and integrity of Mr. Couper at once gave him a leading influence in society; and soon after his removal to Glynn County, that influence was successfully exercised against the Yazoo fraud, of which he was an indignant opponent, and which, as one of the members of the Legislature of 1796, he aided in defeating.

    In 1798, Mr. Couper represented Glynn County in the Convention that framed the Constitution of Georgia; and at the time of his death, himself and his friend, Mr. Spalding of Sapelo Island, were the only survivors of that body.

    Having embarked very extensively in the cultivation of Sea-Island cotton, Mr. Couper, at an early period, withdrew himself from politics, and during the remainder of a long life, devoted himself to the discharge of the duties of a private gentleman. In making this selection, his talents and character were, probably, more valuable to the community than if he had adopted a career of more notoriety, but of less practical utility.

    Living in a style of refined and most liberal hospitality, generous and enlarged in all his views, his example exercised an elevating influence on all around him. For many years one of the largest proprietors in the State, his system of treatment of his slaves, which was in accordance with his humane and just feelings, produced a happy effect on those around him, and has continued to influence the condition of that class of persons throughout the sea-board.

    Mr. Couper possessed a conversational talent equalled by few; and having been endowed with a tenacious memory, his reminiscences of the early history of Georgia were highly interesting.

    The memoir of Captain Rory McIntosh (who may, from his elevation and purity of character, his romantic courage, and his madness on some points, justly be called the Quixote of Georgia,) which is annexed, will induce the reader to regret that more of his recollections have not been permanently recorded. Mr. Couper died in March, 1850, having just completed his ninety-first year.

Reminiscences of Captain RODERICK McINTOSH, contained in a letter written by JOHN COUPER, Esq., at the age of eighty-three, and addressed to a gentleman of Georgia.

ST. SIMON'S, 16th April, 1842.

    Of the time or Rory's emigration to America, and the relation in which he stood to Captain John McIntosh, the head of the clan in Georgia, I know nothing. That he was at the battle of Musa, in Florida, I learned from hearing him say to an officer in St. Augustine, "I am a scoundrel, sir; at Musa, a Captain of Spanish Grenadiers was charging at the head of his company, and, like a vermint, sir, I lay in the bushes, and shot the gallant fellow."

    It was my understanding that Rory, until he left the Highlands for America, had been strongly in favour of the Stuart family, an attachment that continued to the end of his life.

    My first recollections of Rory are on his arrival in St. Augustine, in 1777. His loyal character was well known. On parade, some of the officers congratulated him on having made his escape from the rebels. "My escape, sir! No! I despised them too much to run away, but sent them a message that I should leave Mallow for East Florida at twelve o'clock on the ----- day of -----, and to come and stop me if they dared." Rory, and his ancient maiden sister, Winnifred, resided together at Mallow. I don't recollect that she came to St. Augustine, and rather think that she remained at Mallow, and died there. I am of opinion that he was only distantly related to Captain John McIntosh.

    To elucidate my stories, I must introduce myself--clerk to a Mr. Archibald Lundy, in St. Augustine--a gentleman of a most generous and hospitable disposition. He invited Mr. Rory McIntosh to reside with him. At that time I was particularly fond of shooting birds. "My young friend," said Rory to me, "I see you are a sportsman, and I love you for it." He often told me of shooting on Blackbeard Island, where the ducks and geese were so numerous on a frosty morning, "that we could hardly hear each other speaking."

    Having now introduced Captain Roderick McIntosh and myself, I shall proceed to relate some anecdotes:--

    In 1777, he must have been about sixty-five years of age, about six feet in height, strongly built, white, frizzled, bushy hair, and large whiskers, (then uncommon,) frizzled fiercely out, a ruddy, McIntosh complexion, handsome, large and muscular limbs. In walking, or rather striding, his step must have been four feet. I have seen him walking along, and a small man trotting by him. One of his shoulders was rather depressed, the effect of "an inglorious wound" received from a slave.

    I think I now see his manly figure, strutting before a battalion of British troops on parade, and receiving the most pointed attention from the officers.

    Rory was not wealthy; a few negroes, and a large stock of cattle at Mallow, made him comfortable. Hunting was his business and amusement, and in those days supplied a bountiful table. While the Spaniards held East Florida before 1763, he had carried there a drove of cattle, and received payment in dollars, which he put in a canvass bag behind him on his horse. In returning home, and near Mallow --- the roads were then hog-paths --- the canvass gave way, and a part of the dollars fell out. He secured such as were left, without looking after those which had dropped. Some years after, being in want of money, he recollected his loss, went to the place, picked up as many dollars as he wanted, and returned home. It is said that he more than once had the same resource.

    He was fond of dogs, and besides hounds, had some setters; one in particular, Luath, which he had taught to take his back scent. He laid a considerable bet that he would hide a doubloon at three miles distance, and that Luath would find it. Luath went off on his trail, and returned panting, his tongue out; but no doubloon. "Treason!" cries Rory, and off he and Luath went. The log was turned over, and the dog had scratched under it; a man appeared at some distance splitting rails. Without ceremony, Rory drew his dirk, and swore that he would put him to instant death unless he returned the money. The man gave it up, saying that he had seen Mr. McIntosh put something under the log, and on examining, had found the gold. Rory tossed him back the money. "Take it," said he, "vile caitiff. It was not the pelf, but the honour of my dog I cared for."

    Some time before the Revolution, Rory and his kinsman, Colonel William McIntosh, went on horseback to Charleston. About Jacksonborough, they stopped some days; their landlord had a handsome daughter. Rory fell in love, and called the Colonel out, saying, "My kinsman, I am in love with the young maiden in the house, and you must ask her father for his daughter." The Colonel foresaw trouble, but complied. The landlord politely thanked Mr. McIntosh for the honour that he did him, but said that his daughter was engaged to a young man in the neighbourhood. "No matter," says Rory, "I will have her." The Colonel remonstrated. Rory persisted, saying, "I will beat him and spit on her intended." "But why?" says the Colonel, "he has not injured you." "No matter," says Rory, "he is my rival, and I will disgrace him." With much difficulty, the Colonel got Rory to proceed on their journey.

    Rory seldom had money. Upon extra occasions, Cowper & Telfair, in Savannah, were his bankers. Mr. Cowper was his particular friend. Before the Revolution, Rory came to Savannah on his way to Charleston, and applied for money to bear his expenses. Mr. Cowper saw that something extraordinary agitated him, and with difficulty got the secret. "That reptile in Charleston, Gadsden, has insulted my country, and I will put him to death." "What has he done?" says Mr. Cowper. "Why," says Rory, "on being asked how he meant to fill up his wharf in Charleston, he replied, with imported Scotchmen, who were fit for nothing better." Mr. Cowper prevailed on him to return home.

    A privateer ship of twenty guns was fitted out in St. Augustine, called the Toreyn, Captain Wade. Rory engaged twenty Loyalists from McIntosh County, as mariners under him. A report reached Rory that he wanted prize-money, which he resented with great indignation, and made a deed to a Mr. Gordon's children of all he might be entitled to. On crossing the bar, the ship struck; Rory drew his dirk on the pilot, and said he was bribed by the rebels. The ship got over, but took no prizes.

    In 1778, a part of the garrison under General Prevost marched by land to join a force from New-York to attack Savannah. Rory accompanied them, and attached himself particularly to the light infantry company (4th Battalion, 60th Regiment) commanded by Captain Murray. In their advance, a part of them beleaguered a small fort at Sunbury, commanded by Captain (afterwards General) John McIntosh. The British opened lines, in which Captain Murray's company was placed. Early one morning, when Rory had made rather free with the "mountain dew," he insisted on sallying out to summons the fort to surrender. His friends could not restrain him, so out he strutted, claymore in hand, followed by his faithful slave Jim, and approached the fort, roaring out, "Surrender, you miscreants! How dare you presume to resist his Majesty's arms?" Captain McIntosh knew him, and seeing his situation, forbid any one firing, threw open the gate, and said, "Walk in, Mr. McIntosh, and take possession." "No," said Rory, "I will not trust myself among such vermin; but I order you to surrender." A rifle was fired, the ball from which passed through his face, sideways, under his eyes. He stumbled, and fell backwards, but immediately recovered, and retreated backwards, flourishing his sword. Several dropping shots followed. Jim called out, "Run massa---de kill you." "Run! you poor slave," says Rory. "Thou mayest run, but I am of a race that never runs." In rising from the ground, Jim stated to me, his master, first putting his hand to one cheek, looked at his bloody hand, and then, raising it to the other, perceived it also covered with blood. He backed safely into the lines.

    When the French, under D'Estaing, landed near Savannah, Rory was at Thunderbolt, with the family of Robert Baillie. The house was surrounded in the night. Rory dropped out of a back window, and made his way into Savannah. What part he acted during the siege, I never heard; but after the French were repulsed, a truce was arranged for the purpose of burying the dead, and several of the officers went out on the battle-ground, among them Rory, who strutted about, and said --- "A glorious sight --- our enemies slain in battle!"

    I recollect seeing in St. Augustine, on some public day, Rory, Colonel McArthur, and Major Small, Scotch officers, parading the streets in full Highland costume, attended by their pipers.

    After Charleston fell, Rory went there from Savannah, by land, particularly to visit Major Small. On meeting, Rory said: "I have traversed, at the risk of my life, the rebellious Province of South Carolina, to see my friend, the famous Major Small." "Welcome! welcome! the brave Roderick McIntosh! I have heard his Majesty speak with kindness and respect of Roderick McIntosh." "Spare me--oh, spare me!" said Rory, "his Majesty is too good;" and the pair hugged each other. "I can offer you," said Major Small, "no greater mark of my respect, than by ordering my pipers to attend you whilst in Charleston."

    The 71st Regiment was then in Charleston. Sir Æneas McIntosh, the chief of the border clan, was a captain in it. Sir Æneas was a slender, delicate gentleman, educated in France. Rory, who could brook no chief that was not a powerful man, was sadly disconcerted. Sir Æneas politely asked him to dine with him the next day on calf's head. "Calf's head!" said Rory. "I feed my negroes on calves' heads." Rory never afterwards noticed his chief, but observed that he was of a spurious race.

    Major Trail, of the British Artillery, was particularly attentive to Rory, and had him one day at dinner, when, no doubt, the company were well informed of his character. I visited Charleston about this time. A friend of mine, Captain James Wallace, with his family, from St. Augustine, had removed to Charleston, and rented a house in the suburbs, north of Governor's Bridge. I was there of an evening, when in came Rory, followed by his piper. "I am come, Madam," said he to Mrs. Wallace, who was from the Highlands, "to take a cup of tea, and give you a taste of our country's music. I have just come from dinner with Major Trail, where I spent a most happy day. A toast was given which I had not heard for many years, and which I drank with muckle glee." "What was it?" said Mr. Wallace. "The Young Gentleman," said Rory.

    I had not met Rory since his residence in St. Augustine, and he seemed pleased to see me. "I was surprised," said he, "at Thunderbolt by the French, and disgraced by dropping out of a window, like a raccoon, sir; but, what grieves me, I left the dirk of my ancestors behind me; and --- do you see, sir? --- this eye is set in darkness by the hurt I got near Sunbury."

    At the close of the war in 1783, Rory's health was sadly impaired. He had been appointed Governor of Sunbury, with Captain's pay. He took passage on board the brigantine Ranger, Captain Stuart, from St. Augustine to London; during the voyage he was confined to the cabin. The Ranger had been a privateer; her guns had, however, been landed, with the exception of four. On their passage, they fell in with a ship under American colours. Captain Stuart went on deck, made some bustle, and returned below, saying they were all prepared. "Oh," said Rory, "how it grieves me to lie here like a dog, when brave men are fighting!"

    The Ranger got safe to London; but poor Roderick died on board at Gravesend.

    I forgot to mention some matters in due time; but is not yet too late. A gang of negroes had got arms, and had even built some kind of a fort, above Savannah. Rory went with a party, attacked, and took them prisoners. In this skirmish, Rory received the "inglorious wound" in his shoulder. One of his party, after firing, stepped aside behind a tree. "What do you do there?" asked Rory. "To load my musket." "And can't you, like a brave man, load your musket on the road?"

    A Creek Indian had committed a murder; Rory went to demand satisfaction. The Indian, aware of his purpose, had assembled his friends to kill him. Rory, who also knew his danger, went boldly into the midst of the Indians, and seized the man with his drawn dirk in his hand, which so intimidated the assembly that they agreed to give satisfaction. Another version of the story is, that Rory actually killed the Indian. I know both merely by report.

    I was once in St. Augustine, when Rory was introduced to an elderly Scotch gentleman, Mr. Morrison, who had just arrived. Rory addressed him in Gaelic. Mr. Morrison lamented his ignorance. " I pity you," said Rory, "but you may be an honest man for all that."

    Rory did not like his namesake in Georgia. He accused them of attempting to deceive him at the beginning of the war, by saying that their design was to bring in "the young gentleman" to reign in America.

Your most obedient servant,
JOHN COUPER.

    Laid out from Floyd and Cass, in 1850. Bounded N. by Murray and Whitefield, S. by Cass, W. by Floyd and Chattoga, and E. by Cherokee and Gilmer.

    The rivers are the Oostenaula, Coosawattee, and Connasauga. There are several creeks.

    CALHOUN is the county town, distant 22 miles from Spring Place, 20 from Dalton, 21 from Cassville, 26 from Rome, and 32 from Summerville. This town has increased with rapidity. Population, 600.

    Resaca is five miles north of Calhoun.

    Fairmount is twelve miles east of Calhoun.

    New Echota is twelve miles east of Calhoun.

    Among the early settlers were, JOHN B. ADAMS, D. G. KING, A. STROUP, T. G. PHILLIPS, U. PHILLIPS, W. H. BAILEY, C. KINMAN, Wm. CURTIS, N. GRANT, JAMES SHELNOT, JOSEPH WILSON, H. S. GARDNER, T. B. SHOCKLEY, M. VANDEVIER, D. MORROW, JESSE SWAIN, O. C. WYLEY, MARTIN DUKE, COLONEL LAWSON, D. S. LAW, JAMES W. STRANGE, GEORGE STEWART, Dr. GIDEON, D. B. BARRETTE, Dr. WALL, JAMES LONGSTREET, COLONEL ADAMS, J. R. KNOTT, and others.

    Extract from the Census of 1850.---Dwellings, 861; families, 868. White males 2,646; white females, 2,510. Total free population, 5,156; slaves, 828. Deaths, 42. Farms, 419. Value of real estate, $813,935, value of personal estate, $165,205.

    Gordon County received its name from WILLIAM WASHINGTON GORDON, who was born in Richmond County, in 1796. His father, Ambrose Gordon, was a native of Maryland, and served as Lieutenant of Cavalry under the command of Colonel William Washington, in the Revolutionary War, at the close of which he came to Georgia, and settled in Augusta. At a very early age, he was left by his father under the care of his uncle Ezekiel Gordon, then residing in New-Jersey. After remaining at school in Rhode Island for several years, he entered the Academy at West Point, where he was graduated in 1815; and shortly afterwards was appointed aid to General Gaines.

    Believing that the legal profession afforded a better field for the exercise of his talents, he resigned his commission, removed to Savannah, and studied law with the Honorable James M. Wayne, now one of the Judges of the Supreme Court of the United States. He practised his profession with great success until the early part of 1836, when he was elected President of the Central Railroad and Banking Company of Georgia, the arduous duties of which he continued to discharge until March, 1842, when he died in the city of Savannah, from a disease produced by the exposure incidental to his office. The most prominent traits in Mr. Gordon's character were honesty and firmness of purpose. He richly merited the inscription which the hand of friendship has placed upon his monument, now to be seen in the old cemetery of Savannah.

    The first Superior Court for this county was held on the 12th of November, 1850. The Grand Jurors were,---

    Oostenaula was a large town in 1791. The Indians of this town were exceedingly hostile to the Americans.

    Laid out from Washington, 1786. A part set off to Hancock, 1793; part to Oglethorpe, 1794; a part added to Clarke in 1802, a part taken from Wilkes, and a part added to Clarke in 1802; a part set off to Taliaferro in 1825. Named after Major-General Nathaniel Greene. Length, 22 m.; breadth, 17 m.; are square miles, 374.

    The rivers are the Ogeechee, the Oconee, and Appallachee. The first rises seven miles N. W. of Greenesborough.

    There is much worn-out land in this county; but it is confidently believed that, by judicious management, it may be redeemed; and it affords us much pleasure to state, that many of the planters are turning their attention to this subject.

    The earliest settlers of this county were: THOMAS HARRIS, THOS. HORTON, DAVIS GRESHAM, Wm. FITZPATRICK, HENRY GRAYBILL, OLIVER PORTER, JOHN BAILEY, CHARLES CESSNA, THOMAS BALDWIN, M. RABUN, JOHN GEORGE, ALEXANDER REID, MICHAEL ROGERS, PETER CURTWRIGHT, G. W. FORSTER, JOHN AMOUR, MAJOR POULLAIN, JESSE PERKINS, JOEL NEWSOME, JAMES ARMSTRONG, MAJOR BEASLEY.

    Extract from the Census of 1850.---Dwellings, 854; families, 854; white males, 2,420; white females, 2,324; free coloured males, 28; free coloured females, 30. Total free population, 4,802; slaves, 8,266. Deaths, 242. Farms, 512; manufacturing establishments, 47. Value of real estate, $1,800,000; value of personal estate, $4,116,000.

    GREENESBOROUGH is the county site, forty miles from Milledgeville.

    The Greenesborough Female College is located here. It was founded by the Synod of Georgia, and opened in January 2, 1852. The building, of which we give a representation, cost $13,000.

    Penfield is the seat of Mercer University. In 1829, Mr. Josiah Penfield bequeathed to the Baptist Convention of Georgia $2,500 to aid in the education of poor young men for the ministry. Other funds were obtained for the same object, and in January, 1833, a Literary and Theological Institution, with a department for manual labour, was established. In its progress, the character of the institution became elevated, and in 1838 it received a charter from the Legislature, with the title of Mercer University.

    Besides its valuable buildings, and an extensive tract of land, the University possesses funds to the amount of $138,200, for which it is chiefly indebted to the liberality of the late Rev. Jesse Mercer. The library contains 2,000 volumes and the philosophical and chemical apparatus continues to receive additions.

    The two literary societies have valuable libraries.

    White Plains and Union Point are small places.

    The climate is mild, and as healthy as any portion of Middle Georgia. The following are some of the cases of longevity; -- Wm. HARRIS died at 100; A. PERKINS, 94; Mr. STEWART, 90; Mr. SHAW, 87; Mrs. Elisabeth Daniel died on the 4th of October, 1819, at the age of 85.

    Mr. ALEXANDER GRESHAM died on the 23rd of February, 1823, aged 70. During "the times which tried men's souls," he was an active officer. At the commencement of the last war with Great Britain, when the Silver Greys, or old men, were tendering their services to defend their country, he was the first that offered. On the day of his death he was uncommonly cheerful; while sitting at dinner, application was made to him for assistance by a distressed traveler, who wagon and horses were stalled near the house. His servants being all out of the way except one, he called on him to go, and observed he would go himself; and accordingly went and aided the man up one hill, but in attempting to help him up another, having taken hold of the wheel, he made an exertion to start the wagon, let go, and immediately sunk to his knees, and expired in about one minute.

    THOMAS FAMBROUGH died in the 80th year of his age. A paper of the day says, "There is no doubt that he was in nine as tough battles as were ever fought in the Revolution."

    Captain JOEL PARISH, who died at the advanced age of 73, was one of the few remaining patriots of '76 who commanded a company of infantry during the Revolutionary War.

    EZEKIEL E. PARK, an old Revolutionary Soldier, and respected citizen of Georgia, died in this county.

    Mrs. MARY HOBBS living last year, 93 years of age. Her husband, Robert Hobbs, was 90 at his death.

    Mrs. CATHERINE FREEMAN, the widow of Colonel John Freeman, is living at Penfield, over 86 years of age.

    Mrs. HOGG, now living is 90 years old.

    GREENESBOROUGH MANUFACTURING COMPANY. -- Situated at Greenesborough; motive power, steam; cost $70,000; spindles, 4,000.

    SCULL SHOALS MANUFACTING COMPANY. -- Situated at Scull Shoals, on the Oconee River. Cost, $50,000. Spindles and looms, 2,000. Annual consumption of cotton, 4,000 bales. Annual value of goods produced, at present prices, $200,000.

    This factory is situated at Long Shoals, on the Oconee River. Cost of property, $140,000; spindles and looms, 4,000. The Company owns an elegant stone bridge across the Oconee, with flouring and saw mills, and a large tract of land.

    This county suffered much from the Indians. Besides burning Greenesborough, the savages committed many other acts of violence.

    On the 31st of May, 1787, a party of Upper Creeks came to the frontiers of Greene County, killed and scalped two men, and carried off a negro and fourteen horses. Some of the militia crossed the Oconee in pursuit of the murderers (Indians), overtook them, and killed twelve who happed to belong to the lower towns.

    In a talk, the Indians demanded the officer who commanded, and as many men as would satisfy them for the twelve. Governor Matthews, in his reply said, "We will deliver up none of our people, and if the Indians spill a drop of blood, we will lay their towns in ashes, and sprinkle their land with blood."

    June, 1787.-- In this month the Creek Indians carried off a negro, the property of Mr. Lang, and were closely pursued by Mr. McMichael and a lad, who unfortunately fell in attempting to rescue the negro, and was scalped. Captain Alexander, with a small party of volunteers, went in pursuit of the Indians, overtook, and killed six of them.

    In April, 1793, six persons, --a man, a woman, three children, and a negro, -- residing near the Scull Shoals, on the Oconee River, were killed by the savages.

    On the 22nd of April 1793, the Indians, numbering thirty-seven, made a sudden attack upon the house of Mr. Richard Thrasher, two children, and a negro woman. Mrs. Thrasher, to avoid, if possible, the fate with which she was threatened, fled with her infant, five or six weeks old, in her arms, and reached the river. The savages pursued her, shot her through each thigh and the right breast, stabbed her in the left breast with a knife, cut her arm nearly off, and then scalped her. In this dreadful situation she remained until the neighbors could assemble in sufficient numbers to cross the river and pursue the Indians. As the first canoe was crossing, she had strength sufficient to call for assistance. The poor woman was found hanging by a bush, in water up to her chin, her infant at the bottom of the river, a few yards from her. She lived nearly twenty-four hours, and when informed by her physician that it was impossible for her to survive much longer, she, with a fortitude that is rarely met with, called her friends around her, and in a calm manner gave her hand to everyone, wishing them a better fate than that which had befallen her and her family. This lady was twenty-five years old, of highly respectable connections, handsome, and well educated.

    In September of this year, a young lady by the name of Catherine Cessna was cruelly murdered by these ruthless demons.

    On one occasion the Indians crossed the Oconee River, and came to the house of Mr. Fielder, a celebrated scout and hunter, who happened at this time to be absent. Thirteen of them came into his lot, and were about to carry off his horses, when Mrs. Fielder and her negro woman, the only persons upon the premises determined, if possible, to save the horses. As the negro woman was making her way to the dwelling, she received a shot in the thigh and fell. Her mistress immediately dragged her within the house and barred the door, whereupon the Indians attacked the house. Mrs. Fielder resolved at all hazards to defend herself; and there being four or five guns ready at hand she fired upon the savages, the negro woman aiding her to load. To induce the foe to believe that there were many other persons in the house, they made a great noise, shouting and calling upon each other to fire. After discharging nearly twenty-five rounds, the Indians abandoned the attack, from an impression, as it was afterwards ascertained, that the building was filled with armed men.

Extract from a Muster-Roll of a Detachment of Militia Troup of Dragoons of the Greene County Regiment, under the command of Captain JONAS FAUCHE, stationed at sundry posts, February 25, 1794.

    Hon. William C. Dawson was born in Greene County, Georgia, of respectable parentage. His academic course was first taken under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Cummins, and afterwards at the County Academy in Greenesborough. At an early age he entered Franklin College, and was graduated in 1816.

    Upon leaving college he immediately commenced the study of law in the office of the Hon. Thomas W. Cobb, at Lexington; and at the expiration of a year, he entered the Law School at Litchfield, Connecticut, under the care of Judges Reeve and Gould. After taking a full course of lectures, he returned to Greenesborough, and was admitted to the bar, and in a short time ranked very high in his profession.

    In 1821, he was elected Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State Legislature; and it is a proof of his fidelity as an officer, and his amiable character as a man, that through frequent changes of party supremacy, he filled that office for ten or eleven consecutive years.

    In 1828, he was appointed by the Legislature to compile the statutes of Georgia, which duty he performed to the satisfaction of the General Assembly, and the legal profession. In 1845, he was appointed by Governor Crawford to fill a vacancy on the bench of the Ocmulgee Circuit. His patience, urbanity, and frankness, are remembered with pleasure by his contemporaries.

    In 1834 and 1835, he was elected to the State Senate from the County of Greene, and gave his efficient aid to promote all the great interests of Georgia.

    In 1836, he was elected, by general ticket, to Congress, being the only Whig returned, prevailing over a popular Democratic majority. General Coffee, a member of congress from Georgia in 1836, having died, he was also elected to fill his unexpired term, and took his seat, in the winter of that year, in the House of Representatives.

    The Creek and Seminole Indians in Florida, and on the line of Georgia, becoming hostile, in 1836 Judge Dawson raised a company of volunteers, to the command of which he was elected, and, under the authority of the State Government, took the field. General Scott, who had at that time taken the conduct of the Florida war, gave him a separate command, and detailed upon him a special service, which he performed to the satisfaction of that gallant soldier.

    Having faithfully discharged the duties of his new post, he returned home.

    He was re-elected to Congress in 1838, and also in 1840. In 1841, he was nominated for Governor by the Whigs, and was beaten, on account, it is believed, of a vote which he had given, at the extra session of Congress in 1841, to increase the duties on tea and coffee. Believing that his defeat was a disapproval of his course in Congress, Mr. Dawson resigned his seat in November, 1841. In the autumn of 1847, he was elected to the Senate of the United States, of which body he is now a member. His character in Congress is that of a vigilant, industrious man of business. He seldom speaks, and when he does, it is upon a question requiring action. Good sense and independence characterize his speeches.

    In the course of his Congressional career, he has been associated with the most important measures. Whilst a member of the House, he was a chairman of the Military Committee, and also chairman of the Committee on Claims -- the latter, one of the most laborious and useful positions appertaining to the National Legislature. At the opening of the XXVIth Congress, he was put in nomination for the Speaker's chair. Upon the first ballot he received a flattering vote; but discovering that two of his colleagues had voted against him, he requested his name to be withdrawn.

    Against the absurd theories, and indelicately selfish, not to say imprudent demands of Kossuth, Mr. Dawson was the first to take ground.

    He is eminently social in his nature and habits. For harmless fun and innocent frolic he has a keen relish; and his associates cherish with fond recollection his anecdotes, his pleasantry, and his practical jokes.

    Dr. FRANCIS CUMMINS died in this county. He was one of the oldest and most respectable Presbyterian ministers in the Southern States. He preached to his congregation for more than twenty-three years.

    Major OLIVER PORTER was four times elected Elector of President and Vice President, and frequently a member of the Legislature of Georgia.

    Colonel JONAS FAUCHE, in the early settlement of Greene, bore a conspicuous part in the defence of the frontiers against the Creek Indians. He was a remarkable man in every respect.

    Captain STOKES was an active officer during the Indian Wars.

Gilmer County transcribed by: Brenda Pierce - 1/18/2004 - ltlbit@mndspring.com
Glynn County transcribed by Amy Hedrick - November, 2003.
Gordon County transcribed by Brenda Pierce - 1/18/2004 - ltlbit@mindspring.com
Greene County transcribed & Scanned by Chuck & Brenda Pierce - 1/18/2004 ltlbro@bellsouth.net -ltlbit@mindspring

First put online 4 Jan 2004.

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