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Gc 975.8 Ar7h 1377425
DIANA TOWNSHIP LIBRARY.
GENEALOGY COLLECTION 63
UIM.
Gast 50
THE PROPERTY OF
Flereland
Township, County of
Which
RULES AND REGULATIONS.
The Library is in charge of the Trustees of the Township, who are accountable for the preservation of the same.
They may adopt rules and regulations necessary for the pre- servation and usefulness of the books, prescribe the time of taking and returning them, and assess damages done them by those enti- tled to their use.
The Library must be kept open to all persons entitled to its privileges, throughout the year, without regard to school sessions.
Every family in the Township is entitled to the use of two volumes at a time, and every tax-payer of the same, without family, to the use of one volume.
No volume can be retained a longer period than 30 days.
That the Trustees may be able to make their Annual Report of the condition of the Library, and effect the necessary exchanges of the parts thereof in classified districts, all books must be re- turned to the Librarian days before the annual meeting.
3 1833 02022 268 0
Lippincott's
Cabinet Historien of the Staten.
GEORGIA.
LEA . OGLETHORPE.
LIPPINCOTT'S
CABINET HISTORIES.
GEORGIA.
DOY
JUSTI
wis
PHILADELPHIA J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO
1856
THE
HISTORY OF GEORGIA,
FROM ITS
Earliest Settlement to the Present Time.
1
BY
f
T. S. ARTHUR
AND
W. H. CARPENTER.
Gc 975.8 Arth
PHILADELPHIA : J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 1856.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1852, by T. S. ARTHUR AND W. H. CARPENTER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
PREFACE.
A SERIES of State histories, which, without su- perseding the bulkier and more expensive works of the same character, might enter household channels from which the others would be ex- cluded by their cost and magnitude, has long been wanted.
1377425
For some time past we have been making pre- parations to supply this want, by the publication, in separate and distinct volumes, of the history peculiar to each State in the Union.
The present volume on Georgia is one of the series. The merit we claim for it-and it will equally apply to the others-is point, condensa- tion, and historical accuracy.
Our aim is to make the vital history of every State a portion of the knowledge of its people ; to bring down the narrative to the present day ;
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PREFACE.
and, while compressing all those dry details relating to legislative action, to present to the general reader every point of real interest in a clear, vivid, and picturesque manner.
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory observations-Georgia discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh-His voyage along the coast-His conference with an Indian chief-Reasons for planting the colony-Jea- lousy of the Spaniards-A regiment of blacks formed at St. Augustine-Disagreement concerning the English and Spanish boundaries-A fort built by the Carolinians on the Alatamaha-A charter obtained for a new province-The proposed settlers to be persons in decayed circumstances- Their outfits and allotments-Stipulations with the adven- turers-Negroes to be prohibited-Private contributions solicited-The first embarkation.
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CHAPTER II.
Arrival of the colonists in Charleston-Oglethorpe visits the Savannah, and selects Yamacraw Bluff as the site for a town-His letter to the trustees-Treats with the Indians for their lands-Certain lands reserved by the Indians- Government assists the trustees in the settlement-Glowing descriptions of the new colony.
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CHAPTER III.
Oglethorpe sails for England, taking with him several Indian chiefs-Speech of Tomochichi to the king-The king's re- ply-The Indians return to Georgia-Tomochichi's advice to his nation-Georgia found less healthy and productive than was supposed-Condition of the colonists during Ogle- thorpe's absence-Justice Causton-His arbitrary proceed- ings-The regulations of trustees found inoperative-Go- vernment assists the colony-Immigration of Scotch and Germans-John Wesley arrives in Georgia.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER IV.
Oglethorpe makes a treaty with the Governor of East Florida -Confers with a commissioner from Havana-Embarks for England-Revival of discontents among the colonists- They petition the trustees for fee-simple titles, and the use of slaves-Counter-petitions from the Germans and Scotch -The true condition of the settlers stated.
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CHAPTER V.
Difficulties between England and Spain still continue-Spa- nish encroachments-England declares war-Agents from St. Augustine deceive the Creeks-Oglethorpe's troubles- The trustees change the tenure of land in Georgia-Refuse to admit negroes or ardent spirits-Spanish perfidy-Con- spiracy to murder Oglethorpe-His narrow escape-The ringleaders shot-Negro insurrection in Carolina quelled- Declaration of war-Oglethorpe projects an expedition to St. Augustine, which fails-Conduct of his enemies in Georgia and Carolina-Condition of Georgia in 1740. ...... 50
CHAPTER VI.
Rev. George Whitefield arrives in Georgia-His piety and benevolence -His Orphan-house-Whitefield's character and life-His death. 59
CHAPTER VII.
Description of Frederica-Its fortifications-Zeal and energy of Oglethorpe-Descent of the Spaniards upon Georgia- Lukewarmness of the Carolinians-Indians and Highlanders assist Oglethorpe-Spanish fleet enter the harbour and land -The Spaniards defeated in three engagements-Ogle- thorpe's successful stratagem-The Spanish defeated at Bloody Marsh-The enemy retreats from Georgia-Spanish commander tried and disgraced-The provincial governors congratulate Oglethorpe-Charges brought against him by Colonel Cooke-He is tried and acquitted-Cooke disgraced -Civil government established.
CHAPTER VIII.
Slavery introduced-Daring scheme of Thomas Bosomworth -Malatche made Emperor of the Creeks-Signs a deed to
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CONTENTS.
Mary Bosomworth for the Indian reserved lands-Mary as- sumes the title of empress-She threatens destruction to the colony-March of the Creeks-The president prepares for defence-The Indians reach Savannah-Bosomworth and Mary seized and confined.
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CHAPTER IX.
Fickleness of Malatche-His speech-The president's reply -Bosomworth and Mary threaten vengeance against the colony-The Indians prevailed on to return home-Bosom- worth and Mary released-Bosomworth reasserts his claims by a suit at law-Decision of the English courts-Another suit instituted.
90
CHAPTER X.
Condition of the province -- Hostile attitude of the Cherokees -Trustees resign their charter-Georgia formed into a royal government-Quarrel between the Virginians and Cherokees-Treachery of Occonostota-Captain Coytmore killed-Indian hostages massacred-The savages desolate the frontiers-Colonel Montgomery sent against them-De- feats them and burns all the lower towns-Returns to Fort Prince George-Enters the nation again-Bloody battle near Etchoe town-Returns to Fort Prince George-Siege and capitulation of Fort Loudon-Treachery of the savages -Attakullakulla rescues Captain Stewart-Hostilities en- couraged by the French-Grant marches against the In- dians, and defeats them-Treaty of peace concluded.
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CHAPTER XI.
Wright appointed governor-Prosperity of Georgia-Emigra- tion continues-Political aspect of the colony overclouded -Dr. Franklin appointed agent in England-The legisla- ture define their rights and demand redress-Corresponding committees nominated-Georgia charged with lukewarm- ness-Defence of the same-Republican spirit manifested -Powder magazine in Savannah broken open and its con- tents secreted-Cannon spiked on the battery-Delegates appointed to the Congress at Philadelphia-Munitions of war seized-Georgia declares her independence-Governor Wright imprisoned-Escapes in the night-Troops ordered to be raised- Bill of credit issued-Nine merchant vessels burned or dismantled-Patriotism of the citizens of Savan- nah.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XII.
Loyalists take refuge in Florida-Their predatory incursions- Treachery of the McGirth's-Expedition against the Chero- kees-Treaty of peace with that nation-Unsuccessful inva- sions of Florida-Howe's attempt-The American army re- treats-Georgia attacked on the south-Skirmish at Bull- town Swamp-Battle at Medway-Scriven mortally wounded -White retreats to the Ogechee-Sunbury invested-Heroic reply of Colonel McIntosh-The enemy retreats.
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CHAPTER XIII.
Defensive operations of General Howe-Approach of the Bri- tish fleet-Exposed condition of Savannah -- British army land at Brewton's Hill-Capture of Savannah-Provost takes Sunbury-The Rev. Moses Allen drowned-Lincoln assumes command of the southern army-Provost unites with Campbell-Proclamation of the enemy-Unsuccessful conference for the exchange of prisoners. 134
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CHAPTER XIV.
Position of Lincoln-His force-Moultrie defeats Gardiner- Skirmishes in Burke county-Campbell occupies Augusta -Pickens and Dooley besiege Hamilton at Carr's Fort- Pursuit of Boyd-Battle of Kettle Creek-Death of Boyd -British outposts surprised and captured. 147
CHAPTER XV.
Campbell evacuates Augusta-Lincoln proposes the recovery of Georgia-Ash defeated at Brier Creek-Force of the Bri- tish in Georgia-Campbell leaves for England-Censure of Ash by a court of inquiry-Embarrassed condition of Lin- coln-Shameful treatment of the American prisoners- Lincoln marches into Georgia-Provost advances towards Charleston-Battle at Stono River-Cooper defeats a Bri- tish detachment-Spencer captures a British cutter-Sir James Wright resumes the government of Georgia .. ..... 158
CHAPTER XVI.
France acknowledges the independence of the United States -D'Estaing agrees to co-operate with Lincoln-British preparations for defence-French forces disembarked- D'Estaing demands the surrender of Savannah-Truce
11
CONTENTS.
1
granted-Provost reinforced-Siege of Savannah-Assault -Repulse of the combined armies-Jasper wounded- Count Pulaski wounded-Force of the allied army-Force of the British-Siege raised-Lincoln retreats to Ebenezer. 174
CHAPTER XVII.
Heroic instances of devotion to freedom-The grenadiers of Count Dillon-Anecdote of Lieutenant Lloyd-Sergeant Jasper-His daring bravery at Fort Moultrie-His roving commission-Captures ten men near Savannah-Presented with a sword by Governor Rutledge-Plants the colours on Spring Hill redoubt-Is mortally wounded-Count Pulaski -His early life-Confederates with others for the redemp- tion of Poland- Captures Stanislaus-Seeks refuge in France-Appointed a brigadier-general in the American service-His death.
185
CHAPTER XVIII.
Sufferings of the Georgians-Mrs. McIntosh-The forged let- ter-Skirmish at Ogechee Ferry-Siege and surrender of Charleston-Removal of the Georgia records-Governor Howley-Defection of Brigadier-general Williamson-Mur- der of Colonel Dooley-Inhuman treatment of Mrs. McKay -Defeat of the loyalists by Jones-Skirmish at Wafford's Iron-works-Clarke defeats the British at Musgrove's Mill. 193
CHAPTER XIX.
Cornwallis violates his pledges of protection-Indignation of the people-Clarke returns to Georgia-Siege of Augusta- Brown's desperate defence- Cruger advances to reinforce Brown-Retreat of Clarke-Cruelty of Brown towards his prisoners-Savage treatment of Mr. Alexander by Colonel Grierson-Ferguson ordered to intercept-Is pursued him- self- Battle of King's Mountain - Skirmishes - Clarke wounded.
209
CHAPTER XX.
Skirmish at Beattie's Mill-Sickness of Clarke-Death of McCall-Georgians harass the British-Skirmish at Wig- gins's Hill-Death of Rannal Mckay and others-Augusta invested by Williamson-Clarke assumes command-Is re- inforced by Pickens and Lee-Fort Grierson abandoned- Colonel Grierson shot-Surrender of Brown-Mrs. McKay's
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CONTENTS.
interview with him-Fort Ninety-Six abandoned by Cruger ยท - Wayne advances towards Savannah-Defeats three hun- dred Creek Indians-Pickens marches against the Chero- kees-Closing of the war-Savannah evacuated-Treaty of peace concluded at Paris.
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CHAPTER XXI.
Condition of the colonies at the close of the war-Re-organi- zation of the Federal government proposed-Delegates meet at Annapolis-Recommend a convention to meet at Phila- delphia-Convention meets-Number of states represented -Washington elected chairman-Rules of proceeding- The first questions considered, ratio of representation, and rules of voting-Contest between the larger and smaller states-Vote of Georgia-The executive-A counter project -Grand committee of conference-Proposition of Franklin -Rule of appointment-Committee of detail-New diffi- culties-Compromises-Doubts and fears respecting the con- stitution-Territorial suit between Georgia and South Caro- lina-Georgia called upon to cede her public lands-Con- gress of 1790-Slavery petitions.
233
CHAPTER XXII.
Recapitulation of the various treaties made between Georgia and the Indians-Oglethorpe's treaty-Treaty of Augusta- Florida restored to the Spaniards-Frontier war commenced -Treaty of Galphinton-Treaty of Shoulderbone - Con- tinuation of Indian hostiltiies-Washington appoints com- missioners to treat with McGillivray-Romantic history of the latter-Conference at Rock Landing-Failure of nego- tiations-Colonel Willet sent on a secret mission-Inter- view with McGillivray-Indian council at Ositchy-Speech of the Hollowing King-McGillivray departs for New York -His reception-Treaty of New York-Its reception by Georgia-Dissatisfaction of the Creeks-Bowles the free- booter-McGillivray in Florida-Capture of Bowles. .....
CHAPTER XXIII.
New constitution adopted-Synopsis-Indian territory-Spo- culations in wild lands-Combined Society-Yazoo compa- nies-Sale of Yazoo lands-Sale annulled-Seat of govern- ment removed to Louisville-Education-University of Georgia-Congress passes the fugitive slave law-Liability of states to individuals-Land speculations-Fraudulent sale by the legislature of Yazoo lands-Sale ratified by
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CONTENTS.
Congress-Great excitement in Georgia-Yazoo land sales repudiated-Records burned-Difficulties in relation to the Yazoo sales-Congress appoints commissioners to negotiate for the public territory of Georgia-Compact entered into- Report of commissioners concerning the Yazoo claims- Randolph's resolutions.
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CHAPTER XXIV.
Ellicott appointed to run the line between the Creeks and Georgians-Obstacles-Assertion of Spanish claims to the Indian territory-Intrigues of McGillivray-Appointed Su- perintendent-general of Spain in the Creek nation-Irrita- tion of the Georgians-Their determined stand-Sickness of McGillivray-His death-Frontier excesses-Georgia arms against the Indians-Failure of the invasion-Sea- grove attends a council of the Creek chiefs-Friendly dis- position of the Indians-Seagrove attacked in his house and plundered-Arrival of Genet-His extraordinary course -Fits out privateers-Organizes expeditions from Ken- tucky and Georgia against New Orleans and Florida-The Spanish governor remonstrates- Course of Governors Shelby and Matthews-Genet recalled-Projects of Clarke -Settles the Oconee lands-Ordered off-Refuses-Is 282 driven off by the militia of Georgia.
CHAPTER XXV.
Council of Coleraine-Treaty of New York formally renewed and ratified-Discontent of Georgia-Treaty with Spain- Settlement of boundaries-Ellicott appointed commissioner to run the boundary between Spain and the United States -Intrigues of Carondelet-His reluctance to carry out the conditions of the treaty-Sends an emissary to Kentucky- Fort Panmure summoned by the Americans-Increase of American force-Gayoso evacuates Fort Panmure-Survey commenced-Interruptions feared from the Creeks-Council at Miller's Bluff-Governor Folch, of Pensacola, instigates the Creeks to break up the survey-Ellicott proceeds to St. Marks-Joins the surveyors on the St. Mary's-Bowles the freebooter-Refuses to enter the Spanish service-Sent to Manilla-Escapes-Reaches Florida-Is captured-Sent to Havana-Dies in- Moro Castle 295
CHAPTER XXVI.
Revision of the Constitution of 1789-Cession of Louisiana to France-Jefferson's letter to Livingston-Negotiations-
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CONTENTS.
Louisiana purchased by the United States-Claiborne ap- pointed governor-Takes possession of New Orleans- Flourishing condition of Georgia-Milledgeville laid off- Becomes the seat of government-Foreign relations of the United States-Disputes with England-Embargo laid on French ports-Berlin and Milan decrees of Napoleon- Injuries sustained by American commerce-Declaration of war against England-Dissatisfaction among the Indians -Tecumseh-Confers with the British agents at Detroit- Departs for the south -- Stimulates the Seminoles to hostili- ties-Enters the Creek nation-gains many proselytes- Returns to his nation-Outrages on the frontier-Civil war among the Indians-Creek war-War with Great Britain- Peace proclaimed-Difficulties between Georgia and the general government.
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CHAPTER XXVII.
The soil of Georgia-Tide-swamp lands - Sea Islands- Swamp lands of the Savannah, Alatamaha, Ogechee, and the Great St. Illa-Character of the soils in the middle re- gions of the state-Lands in south-western Georgia-Chero- kee Georgia-The gold region -Railroads-Cotton manu- factories-Fidelity of Georgia to the Union-Sends volun- teers to Georgia-Mexico-Conclusion.
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
CHAPTER I.
Introductory observations-Georgia discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh-His voyage along the coast-His conference with an Indian chief-Reasons for planting the colony-Jealousy of the Spaniards-A regiment of blacks formed at St. Augus. tine-Disagreement concerning the English and Spanish boundaries-A fort built by the Carolinians on the Alatamaha -A charter obtained for a new province-The proposed settlers to be persons in decayed circumstances-Their out- fits and allotments-Stipulations with the adventurers- Negroes to be prohibited-Private contributions solicited- The first embarkation.
THAT portion of the United States of North America which now forms the State of Georgia was originally included in a patent granted to South Carolina ; first, as a proprietary govern- ment, and afterwards, in 1719, as a regal one, bounded by the thirty-first and thirty-sixth de- grees of north latitude.
For the first discovery of this portion of the North American continent, we are indebted to the zeal of the unfortunate Sir Walter Raleigh.
Being deeply interested in the adventures of his half brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who had obtained a patent from Queen Elizabeth, granting him permission to possess and colonize such coun-
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
tries as he might discover, Sir Walter made a successful application for a similar grant, and on the 23d of April, 1584, despatched two ships, under the command of Captains Amadas and Barlow, for the purpose of visiting the countries of which he contemplated the future settlement.
To avoid the error of Gilbert in shaping his course too far to the north, Sir Walter took the route by the West India islands, and approached the North American continent at the Gulf of Florida, from whence he followed the coast, and touched the shore, occasionally, visiting and con- versing with the natives, until he reached Pamlico Sound on the borders of North Carolina. From thence he proceeded northward along the coast, and returned to England in September of the same year.
There have been some doubts expressed by his- torians as to whether Sir Walter ever visited North America in person. But when James Edward Oglethorpe, the principal founder of the colony of Georgia, came over from England, he is said to have brought with him Sir Walter Raleigh's written journal, from which it appeared, by the latitude of Savannah and by the traditions of the natives, that Raleigh landed at the mouth of Savannah River, and visited the bluff on which the city was afterwards built.
According to the statement made by the Indians to Mr. Oglethorpe, Sir Walter was the
REASONS FOR PLANTING THE COLONY, 17
first Englishman their forefathers ever saw. So favourable was the impression made by the gal- lant knight upon this rude forest people, that their chief king, before he died, desired to be taken to a high mound of earth, about half a mile from Savannah, in order that he might be buried at the spot where he talked with the great and good white stranger.
The policy of planting a new colony south of Savannah River was an object of great import- ance to South Carolina, in consequence of the differences existing between England and Spain in regard to the respective boundaries of their settlements in North and South America.
The rapid increase of population in North America, and its growing commercial import- ance, had long been viewed by Spain with a jealous eye. Already occupying, in right of dis- covery and possession, the territory of Florida ; the Spanish government sought, by garrisoning the coast with troops, to command not only the Indian trade brought down the Mississippi, but also the trade of those large rivers to the north of it. These encroachments could not be made without seriously endangering the province of South Carolina, which at that time was nume- rously stocked with negroes, brought from Africa by British merchants, and sold to the rice-plant- ers, whose wealth consisted almost entirely of slaves.
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
It being the interest of Spain to throw every obstacle in the way of the English planters, the most favourable means of doing so seemed that of enticing the negroes from the service of their masters, by pointing out to them the happiness of freedom, and promising them all the privi- leges enjoyed by the subjects of Spain.
To more effectually. accomplish this sinister purpose, a black regiment was formed at St. Augustine, consisting entirely of runaway slaves from Carolina; and though there was no war existing at that time between the rival nations, all the remonstrances addressed to the Spanish governor were disregarded.
One cause of this vexatious state of things was the uncertainty in regard to the correct boundaries between the British provinces and Florida. These had never been settled by any public agreement, neither were they marked or well understood. To prevent negroes escaping from the Carolinas to St. Augustine, a fort was built on the Alatamaha river, and garrisoned. This gave offence to the Spanish governor, who complained of it to the court of Madrid as an encroachment on the dominions of his royal master. The Spanish ambassador at London was immediately authorized to demand that the troops should be removed and the fort de- molished.
It was thereupon agreed, that the governors of
19
PETITION FOR A NEW PROVINCE.
the respective nations in America should meet in an amicable manner, and adjust the boundaries between the British and Spanish dominions in that quarter.
Commissioners were accordingly appointed for that purpose. They met at Charleston, but the negotiation ended unsatisfactorily to both parties. The fort was soon after burned down, and the southern frontier of South Carolina again left exposed and defenceless.
Finding that the Spanish authorities in Florida still continued their acts of aggression, the people of South Carolina, alarmed at the danger to which they were continually exposed, endeavoured to protect their property in future by placing a more efficient barrier between themselves and their imperious neighbours in Florida.
With these views, they advocated the forma- tion of a new colony between the Savannah and Alatamaha rivers ; and encouraged a number of gentlemen, of wealth and station in England, to embark in the humane design of sending over a number of poor people, who had no means of supporting themselves and families in the mother country.
Accordingly, twenty-one persons petitioned the throne; and, on the 9th of June, 1732, ob- tained a charter for a separate and distinct pro- vince from Carolina, between the Savannah and Alatamaha rivers, by the name of Georgia, in
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
honour of the king by whom the charter was granted.
Subsequently, the limits of Georgia were ex- tended to the Chattahoochee river, which now forms its western boundary.
In pursuance of this charter, the trustees, with Lord Purcival at their head, met in London about the middle of July, for the purpose of fixing upon some fit person to superintend the settle- ment of the colony, and also to establish rules for its government.
In order to carry out the intents and purposes for which the charter was obtained, it was finally resolved, that none were to have the benefit of the charity fund, for their transportation and sub- sequent subsistence, except such as were in de- cayed circumstances, and thereby disabled from any profitable business in England ; and such as, having large families, were in a measure dependent upon their respective parishes. No drunken or vicious persons were to be received.
The trustees consented to give to such persons as they sent upon charity-to every grown male, a watch-coat, musket and bayonet, hatchet, hammer, hand-saw, sod-shovel or spade, broad- hoe, narrow-hoe, gimlet, and drawing-knife; a public grindstone to each ward or village; and to each man, an iron-pot, pot-hooks, and frying- pan.
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