The seconds interceded, and Wells examined both of the men’s wounds. McIntosh’s leg was soaked in blood, but he refused any treatment from his opponent’s second, managed to apply a tourniquet, and was able to climb into his carriage without assistance. After he and Habersham departed, Wells and Gwinnett followed them back to Savannah. Three days later, Gwinnett died from “mortification of the wound,” perhaps because of inadequate treatment. Even Mrs. Gwinnett blamed her husband’s death on the “unskillfulness of his doctor,” but Lyman Hall, Gwinnett’s friend and executor, filed official murder charges against McIntosh. The general surrendered, requested an immediate trial, and was acquitted. Gwinnett’s supporters mounted a campaign throughout the state, urging Georgians to refuse service under “the murderer.” The rancorous arguments persisted, so in October, five months after the duel, McIntosh left a bitterly divided Georgia, reported to General Washington, and on General Charles Lee’s recommendation was placed in command of the western districts of Virginia and Pennsylvania.

•  •  •

Despite news of military action in the northern states and some attacks by the Florida Rangers, most north Georgia families were relatively untouched by the revolution. This was especially true among settler families, many of whom lived on isolated homesteads and felt that their first responsibility was to protect their families and property. Deep south Georgia or Florida was an ultimate destination for the most dedicated Tory supporters, while Whig families felt secure along the coast near Savannah and in some areas around Augusta. Even in the coastal region, the British government still had quiet support from former members of the governor’s council, Anglican clergymen, some of the wealthy Savannah merchants, Indian traders, and recent immigrants from Britain who retained close ties with their families back home.

Settlers in Wilkes County were even more divided than others in the colony. The fighting farther south and along the coast had hardly touched the lives of the Pratts and Morrises. Although Ethan did not share the pacifism of the Quakers, his hope was that political differences might be resolved peacefully, and he was determined to remain aloof from military action. Kindred was fervently against any combat that indicated disloyalty to the crown or might impact adversely on his Indian friends. There was a stark difference in actions and basic philosophy between the Quaker-dominated community around Wrightsborough, who were inclined toward the Tory cause but were deeply religious pacifists, and the militants who followed Elijah Clarke and were closely aligned with the most radical Whigs in Savannah.