Walton, George (1740-1804) to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Colonel of Georgia militia to Major General Lincoln as commander of the Southern Department. Walton, who was wounded and captured during the defense of Savannah in December 1778, was exchanged in September 1779. He was elected Governor of Georgia November 1779-January 1780, before returning to Congress. References letter he wrote to Lincoln on 23 October 1779. Says he needed to publish Lincoln's letter in a Charlestown, South Carolina paper to assist him politically. Says Augusta is in a dangerous position. Claims it is surrounded by the British at Savannah, the "plunderers of Florida," the Creeks and Cherokees, and the insurgents of Carolina. Claims the British will need to take the place to achieve their strategic goals. Says "If Augusta - and I must repeat it - should be taken and kept the Carolinas conquer themselves." Says troops that are now in Augusta can hold off the present British force, but he fears British reinforcements. Says the harvest around Augusta is large with 100,000 bushels of Indian corn and fields of potatoes. Hopes Lincoln will use Augusta for his winter quarters. Says he wants that happen so he can communicate with him before he makes his expected return to Congress. Free frank is Walton's signature on address leaf.