Although Aaron Hart was spending more time in military training, he and all the other militiamen, most of them farmers, had to continue with their normal work. As a trader, he was better able than most to discern the changes taking place among those with whom he was doing business. He could see that there was a growing alignment of Georgians into two camps, Tories against Whigs—those loyal to King George against others who were beginning to favor increased independence from the unpopular British Parliament. There was a larger number who refused to take sides but who supported the boycott of Savannah merchants, were openly antagonistic toward the neighboring Creeks, and felt that the British troops did too little to control the Indians. Many of the settlers criticized Indian Superintendent John Stuart, and some accused him of inciting the Indians against the more militant colonists. There was no doubt among the militiamen that Emistisiguo and other shrewd Indian leaders were using these troubled times to strengthen their ties with the British, who had trade goods to offer and were not eager to take their land. Aaron had mixed feelings about these growing divisions, but he was proud of his new authority and was increasingly loyal to Elijah Clarke, who relied on him for both information and advice.

CHAPTER 19

The Georgia Navy Strikes

MAY 1775

Although Governor Wright was able to marshal enough Tories to block Georgia’s support of the northern colonies, the Liberty Boys and the coastal parishes remained active in their opposition to British policies. The focus of the struggle for power was in Savannah, where the Whigs steadily increased their authority through the congress and the new Council of Safety, whose members were elected directly by the people. Month by month, the council asserted authority to control militia groups, choose military commanders, and even propose negotiating trade agreements with Indians. Governor Wright retained his high and influential office, but complained to his superiors in London about the rapidly growing usurpation of his authority. His royal council continued to meet in Savannah, but their main role was to lament the improper activities of the rebels. Secretly, the British government instructed Wright to abandon his post whenever necessary for his own safety.

Lachlan McIntosh was spending more time in Savannah, looking for additional ways to strengthen opposition to England. He and George felt that it was their responsibility to keep this goal alive, but they deplored the criminal activities of the Liberty Boys, whom they considered to be irresponsible hoodlums.