“There are a lot of good men in Georgia that are wanting to give full support to the Continental army, and they are gaining strength in Savannah. Even though Button Gwinnett and Lachlan McIntosh are at each other’s throat, both of them have made it plain that they agree on what Georgia ought to do. But I don’t believe they’d ever want to see Georgia become just a part of South Carolina.”

“That’s not the way it would be, man. The two states would go into an equal partnership, not with one over the other. We don’t give a shit who’s trying to dominate any state government right now. Once our people are united, we’ll have things our way. Besides, McIntosh hasn’t been able to recruit an army that could defend a chicken house, much less fight the British.”

Elijah said, “Well, you can count on us militiamen in this part of Georgia.”

Drayton responded, “Captain Clarke, I’m proud to hear you say that. We know lots of people in these parts look on you as their leader. I’m going from here down through Augusta and then to Savannah, where I intend to present an official petition from the South Carolina Assembly calling for a union of our two states. I feel pretty sure it will be well received.”

Aaron didn’t say anything more, knowing that Drayton was headed for a disappointment.

•  •  •

The preeminent leader of Georgia’s opposition to “annexation” by South Carolina was Button Gwinnett. He had been born in Gloucester, England, accumulated a small fortune in Charles Town, and moved to Georgia in 1765. Familiar with sentiments in both states, he saw South Carolina’s attempt to merge with Georgia as a threat to his dream of military leadership, and public confrontation as a way to increase his political influence. After failing as a merchant in Savannah, Gwinnett had planned his political career carefully. He bought St. Catherines Island off the coast of Georgia and was soon elected to the provincial commons. He represented St. Johns Parish, whose mainly Congregationalist citizens were, along with the Scots farther south along the coast, in the forefront of opposition to British policies. Gwinnett had little interest in legislative matters, but he cultivated friendships with every leader in Savannah whom he believed would ultimately choose the state’s military commander. He failed as a planter and was plagued with an increasing load of debts, which he paid by selling off portions of his island.