The three years' respite from the horrors of war, which this victory
secured to Carolina, was not, however, left unemployed
by her citizen soldiery. The progress of events around them
kept their services in constant requisition. While a part of them,
in the interior, were compelled to take arms against the Cherokee Indians,
the troops of the lower country were required against the Tories
in Florida and Georgia. Governor Tonyn of the former, an active loyalist,
proved a formidable annoyance to the patriots of the latter province.
Florida, under his administration, was the secure refuge and certain retreat
for all the malcontents and outlaws of the neighboring colonies.
He gave them ample encouragement, put arms into their hands,
and even issued letters of marque against the property of the colonists,
in anticipation of the act for that purpose, in the British parliament.
General Lee marched upon Florida with the Virginia and North Carolina troops.
He was subsequently joined by those of South Carolina;
but, owing to his own ill-advised and improvident movements,
the expedition was a total failure.* This result necessarily
gave encouragement to the Tories; and, though in too small numbers
to effect any important objects without the cooperation of a British force,
they were yet sufficiently active to invite the presence of one.
They formed themselves into little squads, and, moving through the country
with celerity, pursued their marauding habits at little risk,
as they sought only unsuspecting neighborhoods, and promptly fled
to the fastnesses of Florida on the approach of danger.
To direct and properly avail themselves of these parties,
the British commanders in America addressed their attention to Georgia.
The infancy of that colony necessarily led them to hope for an easy conquest
in attempting it. In February, 1777, General Howe, then commanding the troops
in North Carolina and Georgia, was advised of the approach of Colonel Fuser,