Deposition of Sir James Wright, Baronet
I, Sir James Wright, Baronet, late governer of the Province of Georgia have known Mr. Thomas Waters, late of said province for several years---that he was employed in His Majesty's Troop of Rangers, that after they were _____ he settled there and in South Carolina as a Planter & Trader. That in the year 1773 on obtaining a cession of land from the Cherokee & Creek Indians in the back country it became necessary to raise a Troop of Horse for the protection of the new settlements there of which I appointed the said Thomas Waters Colonel of a Regiment of Militia in that part of the province and a Justice of the Peace in which several stations he acquitted himself very well and discharged his duty and the trust reposed in him with fidelity. That he always behaved as a good and loyal subject, was in the Fort Augusta with Col. Brown when it was beseiged by the rebells and obliged to capitualate in June 1781. That I know he was possessed of considerable property both in land & negroes and will suffer at a great expence . Also had a large stock of different kinds and that I conceived he must have suffered considerably by the Rebellion and I do further certify that he had a claim or demand on government for possession and other things furnished by him for his Majesty's service, but to what amount it is not in my power to say. That he applyed to me in Savannah for payment, but having no money in hand to pay the same it remained unpaid, all but one hundred pounds. Given under my hand at London this 4th December 1783. Signed: Sir James Wright.
31 May 1783
Know all men by these presents that I Thomas Waters at present of Saint Augustine, late of the province of Georgia have made and ordained and by these presents do make & ordain constitute & appoint James Jackson of London, Merchant, to be my true & lawful attorney & agent for me and in my name and by such ways & means as may appear most adviseable to ask apply or solicit and endeavor to obtain in Great Brittain or elsewhere from those to whom application on his behalf should be made or recompence and compensation for the loss of property suffered by me on my own account in the Province of Georgia by reason of the evacuation of said province. Also for me and in my name ask apply or solicit & endeavor to------- In witness hereof I have hereunto set my hand & seal this 31st day of May 1783 in the 23rd year of his Majesty's reign. Signed: THOMAS WATERS