USA > Georgia > Colonial Records of the State of Georgia, Volume 22 pt 2 > Part 3
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Desires not merely pro- tection but reward.
From such a known Behaviour, I may reason- ably not only expect Protection, but Reward; And not be condemned, without Proof or Con- viction; who with due Submission, Subscribes Yor. most Dutifull Serv.
T. Causton.
Savannah. Jan. 14th. 1738.
35
CORRESPONDENCE
Anonymous Letter to Benj. Martin, Esq.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 21.)
To BENJAMIN MARTIN ESQR. SECRETARY TO THE COLONY OF GEORGIA AT THE GEORGIA OFFICE NEAR THE HOUSE OF LORDS. (NAME OF THE WRITER NOT GIVEN.)
. A single sheet.
Red Wax Seal
-
WESTMINSTER, LONDON. Jan. 22ª. 1738/9.
1
As the following Letter contains some pro- posals about the Colony of Georgia, I directed it to you & as I found by the public Prints that you are the Secretary to the Trustees, I thought none so proper to write to as your self, because I am equally a Stranger to all of 'em, so please to lay this before 'em and let me know their answer as soon as possible.
1721551
Gentlemen.
As I always thought the encouraging of our poor to go over to Georgia, would be one of the chief means of serving my Country in general and those unhappy People in particular, I have done my utmost to perswade some of 'em to undertake a Voyage thither, but my Endeavours have hitherto been unsuccessful, the People be- ing always against it, on any other Condition, than as hired Servants, in wch: character sev-
The poor encouraged to settle in Georgia.
36
COLONIAL RECORDS
Anonymous Letter to Benj. Martin, Esq.
eral say they are willing to go, provided I will go along with 'em, which I shall very readily comply with on conditions as here in mentiond. For I have consider'd, that if these People were once there and saw the Encouragement that is given to all, who are willing to settle for them- selves, and were at the same time put into such a right Method at first as might with ease be follow'd afterwards, they would chuse rather to fix themselves in Lands of their own, than serve any longer as servants they would also at the same time be wean'd from that Prejudice they all of 'em have imbib'd against all Countries, except their own.
I have considered also that one of the most necessary Branches of Trade would arise from growing Hemp and Flax, at least, we should stand in most need of That, if a war with Rus- sia should break out: This Branch also would be easiest brought to perfection by our Coun- trymen, they being already so much us'd to it, especially in the Flats of this country, many of whom would be willing to go over, on the con- ditions as above mention'd and who at present are hard put to it to get their Bread, and some of 'em even want that. I consider'd farther that for the Encouragement of any Branch of Trade in its Infancy, it is necessary some Per- son of Fortune Should undertake, not only to countenance, but even to Support and assist the Labourers not only by his advice but also with his Purse, and one such Person should be appointed to undertake each particular Branch, viz: one for the silk, one for Flax & Hemp &c:
Growing of hemp and flax sug- gested.
Persons of fortune urged to assist la. borers.
CORRESPONDENCE
37
Anonymous Letter to Benj. Martin, Esq.
but I am sorry to find that so few who are so well qualified will undertake it, and it has been a common, tho' too true an Observation found- ed upon Experience, that for want of some such method as this at the first setting out, many Undertakings of this Kind have been late, if ever, before they were brought to perfection. These considerations have induc'd me to make some Proposals to you, with which, if you are enabled and are willing to comply, I will make preparations immediately ; But as I am at pres- ent a stranger to you, I think it necessary to let you know that I have fortune enough to go thorough with it, and I hope am sufficiently qualified in other Respects, and am very will- ing to assist my Countrymen, even to lay out five or Six Thousand Pounds in Georgia, so as not to endanger the Lesseining my own Estate here in England; Therefore if you have a power and are willing to grant to me, my Heirs and Assigns forever, about 4000, or 5000 Acres of Such Land in Georgia, as I shall chuse upon my arrival there, with all Mines &c: and which does not interfere with any other Property : and also if you will convey the first Number of Persons, find em with necessaries &c: 'till I have reap'd one crop, and also with Hemp & Flax seeds for the first Crop, out of your public stock; I will carry over, support and maintain all the others which I shall send for, or fetch over, and will take care to find sufficient hands to manage the whole: If, I say, you will agree to these Proposals, I will go over with, and settle 'em there, and will, not only assist them, but also
Makes a proposal.
Asks for grant of land in Georgia on which to try an economic experiment.
Ready to embark for Georgia in person.
-
38
COLONIAL RECORDS
Anonymous Letter to Benj. Martin, Esq.
all others, who shall come upon their own ac- count, or be there at present.
Establish- ing a silken trade.
I propose chiefly to encourage the growth of Hemp and Flax, but yet on each acre, one with another will leave or plant 2 mulberry towards the establishing a silken Trade. If these Terms are agreed to, I beg the Favour of having every thing done immediately, or we shall have the best part of Summer over before we can get there. I shall be glad to know when you will be pleas'd to give me the Grant of the Lands, that I may know wt. preparations to make.
Ready to come to London.
I should have waited upon you in Person, had I not been prevented from wintering in Lon- don this year, but yet if it be necessary for me to come to London I shall do it, but had rather defer it 'till I have provided everything for ye. Voyage. If you have any question you would have answer'd on my Part, please in your's to let me know and you shall be satisfyed as soon as Possible after.
That you may succeed in the Trust that is repos'd in you by His Majesty is the sincere wish of
Gentlemen
Your very humble serv.
tho' Unknown.
Mr. Martyn St.
I beg the favour of a Line by the return of the Post, in which please to let me know if
39
CORRESPONDENCE
Jno. West to Mr. Vearelless.
the Trustees have any fix'd meetings, and when they are, and whether you think they will agree to the Contents of this, and how soon the Deeds can be executed. Please to direct for Mr. Brookes to be left at Doct': Burton's in York, who will convey it safe to*
Jan". 22ª. 1738=9.
*Orginal tone.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 21.)
JOHN WEST TO THE ACCOTANT MR. VEARELLESS YE GEORGIA OFIESS NEARE OULD PALLESS YARD. WESTMINSTER, LONDON, BY CAPN. TOMSON.
Mr. Veareltss
(sic)
ST.
Red Wax Seal
.
I ham sorrey that I have noo good newse to aquaint you of as realeating to my self I have beene Vearey Ell Ever sence I Came heare Last & ham soo Sickly to Conteney I have a gratt Desior of Coming to England hoping that will be a meanes of my recofrey for I Cann have no help heare but as ye Trusttees have been soo good to me I will Doo nothing with- out thayor Consent if I Cann help itt I pray you to ask thayor Consent for me to Com home to England & that thay will give me a Lizanc for Desposing of my Lott that thay may be paid & M'. plumsted I have Laid outt Upords of five hundred pounds starlen on itt I have too
Desires to return to England.
Wants 11- cense to sell property with im. provements thereon.
40
COLONIAL RECORDS
Will Stephens Supposedly to the Trustees.
fine Brick worcks on itt & a farme house & outt housis & hutts seavrell & a, Large kell & kill hous with too Large shops a Dwelling hous & Counting hous & a Large shead in the town with Upords of 20 Eackors of Land well kleard & fenced which I shall plant this yeare if god spar my Life I bag you will send me my note of hand of tenn pounds' starlen & I will De- lever Up ye grant for itt Cann be of noo youse to me now I have rett to Mr. plumsted to Doo his indaver to gett me a Lizanc for to sell my housis & Lands that he may be paid with ye Trustees I hope to havfe your asestance in itt pray faver me with a onswar as soon as poso- bell & you will much sarvfe & oblige your
Umble : Sarvnt John West.
Savanah fabry 5℃. 173 8/9 [Addressed]
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 21.)
FROM WILL: STEPHENS, SUPPOSED TO BE TO THE TRUSTEES.
Savannah 6 Feb: 173 8/9.
Honourable Gentlemen
State of affairs in the Colony.
Very little has occur'd to me worth your at- tention, since my last of the 2ª of Jan'y; where- of I now send Coppy, together with a continua- tion of my Journal: from whence Your Hon-
CORRESPONDENCE
41
Will Stephens Supposedly to the Trustees.
ours ready Discernment, may in a great meas- ure lead you to judge how Affairs in general stand with us at present here: as to what has been doing in the South, 'twould ill become me to make a Narration of matters, not within the Compass of my knowledge; especially when they have been so closely under the Generals own Eye for a good time past; so that what Intelligence you have from thence, to be sure comes pure, & genuine, as from a Spring head; whilst I find my self often under some difficulty in separating Truth from Falshood; least in taking things on their first appearance, per- haps disguised, I should fall into unpardonable mistakes. I would not be misunderstood here to mean any of those enquirys, wth. are imme- diately under Mr. Jones's direction, relating to Messrs. Causton and Bradley: they are Mys- terys too deep for me to attempt the fathoming ; and I can make no doubt but Mr. Jones gives Your Honours Information from time to time, what Progress he has made &c; tho' whatever letters he may have wrote to England, none have taken place in the ordinary Packett wch. I send, & run the common Risque with others, in case he has sent any. Tis sufficient for me (as I humbly apprehend) so to do my best in narrowly watching the Dispositions, and Act- ions of people here in general, together with what Steps (or of late I may say large Strides) they take, towards making themselves more and more uneasy ; that the Truth of every thing may appear as it is: which I have endeavourd in those daily observations I made.
Difficulty in separating Truth from falsehood.
Mysteries too deep to fathom.
Keeps a watchful eye upon the people.
42
COLONIAL RECORDS
Will Stephens Supposedly to the Trustees.
New list of freeholders of Savannah.
Howsoever unacceptable it may be to Your Honours, or disagreeable to my self; I think it is encumbent on me now to lay before you, a new List of the Freeholders of this Town &c; by comparing which with what I sent you soon after my first coming here, you may see the Difference, and how that Sett of People are deceased; tho' the Number of Souls inhabiting this part of the Colony, is certainly multiplyd; reckoning the Foreigners yt have been import- ed, with their Familys; who are mostly em- ployd in Service, either of the Trust or private persons: many of them likewise have been dis- posed of in the South. I had it in my Inten- tion to have made a perfect List of the Num- bers of Men, Women, & Children, distinct: but we are at present in such a Fluid way, & so many alterations almost daily happen; yt w I cannot set down with certainty, I conceive is better defer'd a while, till we return to a more fixed and permanent State; which in good time I make no Question will come to pass; and that this froward Infant of 6 years Growth, which has been so tenderly nursed, will learn to do more for it self than hitherto has been done: tho' I dare not venture to answer for the im- mediate amendment of some peevish and dog- ged Dispositions, who make their own Will their only Guide. It must not be denyd that there are some few, among those noted to be away, who have taken pains, and endeavourd to live; but failing in their expectations of a Crop; with- out help from the Stores; and no Wages to be had for their labour now, if hired; Necessity
Difficulties of taking a census. .
Absentees.
CORRESPONDENCE
43
Will Stephens Supposedly to the Trustees.
has driven them to seek their Bread where they can find it; and whenever such can do it here they'll certainly return to their own Homes: but I think I may safely affirm yt the Return of at least two thirds of all yt are gone off, is rather to be feared than wishd: tis true indeed they added to the number of Fencible men; & during the Vapouring of the Spaniards, they were lookd on as usefull; but since his Majesty has been pleased to appoint a regular Force for our defence, Plough Sheers and Sickles I conceive at present more adapted to the use of the Husbandman here, than Guns & Swords; which nevertheless they ought not wholly to lay aside.
Mr. Causton shewing me a paragraph of his letter web he said he purposed to send to Your Honours by Capt Thomson, wherein tis alledged yt at the time when he meant to put an end to the Work of Road making under M'. Williams's Inspection, I prevailed with him to continue that work a while longer; believing the Gen- eral would like it, & procure your Honours ap- probation : I think it my Duty to offer a few Words, the better to illustrate that Passage. 'Twas some short time before Michas last (about 10 or 12 days as I remember) when Mr. Williams told me yt Mr. Causton had taken a Suddain resolution to break off that Work; which having no previous notice of, would be very detrimental, forasmuch as there was a Bridge newly framed and set up, at a consid- erable expence, over a Creek on that Road, about half a mile out of Town; & unless the
Necessity drives some to seek bread in other localities.
Plough shares and sickles versus guns and swords.
Mr. Caus- ton's evas- ive policy in regard to road work.
Takes a sudden reso. lution, the conse- quences of which apt to be harmful.
44
COLONIAL RECORDS
Will Stephens Supposedly to the Trustees.
Road leading near to it was raised to a propor- tionable height, so as gradually to surmount the crown of the Arch; all that was done, would be of no effect: therefore he wishd I would speak to M'. Causton about it, and perswade him to continue the men in that Employment, those few days only till Michaelmas, wch would bring it to a proper period, & the way to the Bridge would be made commodious; otherwise twas not passable: which knowing to be true, from seeing it my self; I promised him y I would talk wth Mr. Causton upon it, and when I did so, I should know better how far it was proper for me to meddle in such an affair: but I well knew yt Mr. Causton had some time be- fore reduced the number of those Workmen from 17 or 18 to 10; which I always understood to be a Prudential Act of saving, from himself; wherefore imagining this likewise to be so, in- deed I went so far as to say, when I conferd with him, y' I apprehended twas not a matter of very great moment, if the men went on for a few days more, as was requested, considering the circumstance of things relating to it; & I could not suppose the General would think much of it, whom we expected very soon, and who (it was known perfectly after) was at that time landed at St. Simons: whereupon twas agreed to; & the men were all discharged accordingly at Michass, the time appointed, after finishing what appeard to be so necessary, yt without
Working force re- duced one- half.
Conference with Mr. Causton on the subject.
45
CORRESPONDENCE
Will Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
it the whole Road beyond must have been use- less.
I remain
Honourable Gentlemen
Your most Obedient humble Servant Will: Stephens.
(Supposed to be to the Trustees.)
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 21.)
WILL STEPHENS TO MR. HARMAN VERELST AC- COMPTANT TO THE HONBLE THE TRUSTEES FOR ESTABLISHING THE COLONY AT THEIR OFFICE NEAR THE HOUSE OF LORDS, WESTMINSTER.
Red Wax Seal
Savannah 7 Feb. 173 8/9.
Dear ST.
After so much as I wrote you in 2 letters of the 2ª & 3ª ultmo; I may imagine you'll expect me to be more brief now: wherefore I shall avoid all rambling excursions, & come to those Points only weh I apprehend it necessary you should be acquainted with: The first of wch is relating to that affair of my late good Friend Collonel Horsey ; whose Family might with rea- son expect me to be ever ready in doing them what Service lay in my power ; & I am sure I
Relating to Colonel Horsey.
46
COLONIAL RECORDS
Will Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
Regrets in- ability to do more.
No com- mands from Oglethorpe.
The Gen. eral's re- turn awaited.
Some mark of his re- sentment appre. hended.
am so, from my heart: wherefore it really af- fects me very grievously, to think how ill I have been able to demonstrate it, by any act of mine, since I recd those letters, Powers, & Instruc- tions, from Capt Sam11 Horsey & yourself, in what manner to sollicit those Demands, that the Family in all appearance have so just a claim to, from the Governmt. of Carolina; wch I formerly (more y" once) wrote you, I had immediately acquainted our General wth; who was then in the South, but expected here every week since, from the time I recª those orders; wch. was tow's the latter end of Novbr: in all wch time nevertheless I have not had the hon- our of any Commands from him relating to it; and without his advice and assistance, 'twas not proper for me to stir, as I was very justly caution'd to act in it wholly under his conduct : & we yet continue here daily waiting his coming to this place, weh was once his Delight; but by degrees he seemd to grow more enamourd wth ye Southern Settlements; and the late mad Be- haviour of these people with their Representa- tion &c has more & more estranged him from it; in somuch yt it has ever been surmised by some, he would shew them a mark of his re- sentment, by passing by this place without stop- ping, at the time he first went to Charles Town : but I hope he'll not carry things to those ex- tremitys; for there is yet a Remnant here, of such as I apprehend worth more regard, who never wilfully meant to offend-(This by the By) -: Till I see him or hear from him, what can I say? Surely he means nothing but Good,
47
CORRESPONDENCE
Will Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
to the Family, weh he gave such large Proofs of Friendship to the Father of; and as soon as he allows me to proceed, twill quickly appear with wt a hearty good Will I go about it: in the mean while let me entreat you to perswade them not to suffer any ill impressions to be made, as if I wanted disposition to serve 'em, & I am continually in hopes of an opportunity soon to convince them effectually of that Truth : but till then, I have but little heart to write letters of no Significance.
When opportunity offers, a Rheam of Fools- cap paper in folio, & the like of Post paper in Ditto, would [torn] very acceptable, not know- ing easily under our present wants where to get it: little or none of what I [torn] has been, applyd to wrong uses; & what I have seen filld, I hope has not been all wasted: Pens, Ink, Wax, &c we have plenty of left.
I had thoughts of adding here a few small things, weh I should also be glad of for my own private use; but I rather postpone that till an- other time, when I may ask your leave to men- tion them, on presumption of your kind inclina- tion to contribute to the ease of
Sr. Your oblidged humble Servant
Will: Stephens.
Pray be so good as to forward the enclosed by the Post to the Isle of Wight.
[Addressed]
Ready to act when authorized.
Asks for certain supplies.
48
COLONIAL RECORDS
Thos. Jones to Mr. Harman Verelst.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 21.)
THO. JONES TO THE ACCOTANT, MR. HARMAN VERELST, RECP BY CAPTN. YEOMAN 14 MAY 1739 READ MAY 23, 1739.
Savannah Febry 8th. 1738. ST.
Finds it difficult to . follow in- structions.
Strife and wrangling due to the General's detention in the South.
Life of the writer threatened by intimi- dations.
The Instructions given me by The Honble. The Trustees, I find impossible strictly to com- ply with, unless I act without any regard had to their Interests, or the Rights of others- I have, by every oportunity that offered, inform'd His Excellency, Gener' Oglethorpe, wth the Scituacon of the Trustees Affairs here, And have been, from time to time, favoured wth his Orders which, to the best of my power, I have complied with. But He, The General, having been detained at the Southward for three Months past, I have been ever Since in One continued Scene of Strife and wrangling - The Threats I hear, of Actions to be brought against me by Some, and of being Shot or other- wise destroyed by others, no not in the least terrify me; If I can by any means prevent their Honours good Intention in establishing this Colony, from being defeated, And their Effects Secured from Plunder & Waste for the future,- What has been done, of that Nature, for two years last past, you will in a Short time discover, tho' too late for a Remedy.
CORRESPONDENCE
49
Thos. Jones to Mr. Harman Verelst.
That part of my instructions, relateing to The Notices to be affixed on the Doors of the Stores at Savannah & Frederica has been complied with as # my Letter to you in Octo 6th. But I have had no Accot. from Mr. White of the Re- main of Stores at Frederica. The General having taken that Affair under his Care and Inspection.
The Instruction-to issue the Stores, under my care, pursuant to the Orders of Wm. Stephens Esq. M. Thomas Causton and M. Henry Parker or any two of them- I have not Strictly conform'd to, but have had the Gen- eral's Orders, for my Guidance, in issuing Pro- visions &cª to Such as had Demands on the Store, As also for Magistrate & other Officers, The Widdows & Orphans, The Trustees Ser- vants and some others, But Such who had no Demand on the Store, I have conform'd to the Directions given me by Col" Stephens & M. Parker for the most part, yet have refused to comply wth Mr. Parker & M. Causton's Orders in Some instances-particularly in their Order, for issuing out of the Stores to M. Causton, One hundred Bushells of Corn, and a large Quantity of damaged Corn for his Cattle, the Quantity not mentioned, but So much as he Shª have occasion for; I told them, That the Stores being nigh exhausted of All Sorts of Provisions, excepting Corn, I could not find, how the Trustees Ser- vants and others that were to be provided for by the Store, could be Supplied, if So large a Quantity was issued to one person, who, I
No account from Mr. White.
Follows the General's order in issuing provisions.
Refuses to comply with orders froni Mr. Parker and Mr. Causton.
Reasons therefor.
50
COLONIAL RECORDS
Thos. Jones to Mr. Harman Verelst.
Stores nearly ex. hausted.
Provisions taken by Mr. Causton and Mr. Parker.
heard, had more Corn this Year raised on his own plantation, than any three other, in the Colony- They Said they would get M. Stephens to joyn wth them in that Order. I went imediately to Col" Stephens & represented to him, how destructive it would be, for him to concurr with them in Such unreasonable de- mands, when it was evident. Mr. Causton had plenty of Corn by him, as well as other provis- ions of all Sorts,- Mr. Causton had taken out of the Stores on ye 16th. September (being ye next day after he had received ye Copy of the Trustees Orders, > Capt. Piercy) a Large Quantity-as you may See by the particulars enclosed taken out of the Day Book, tho' Some people, (who Say they counted the Barrells of Beef on the Bluff as they were taking them into the Periager for Oxtead,) assert, there were Six More than he is charged with- And About two in the Morning of the following Night, Several Barr"'s of Beef & Flower were convey'd out of the Store to Mr. Parkers house, (but none put to his Accot. which were Seen by Mr. Sterling's Family, who lives next door to him, and he has been often reproached there- wth. - but was Silent thereat; as I am in- formd.
Irregular character of the pro- cedure.
Day Book missing.
I found an Inventory taken the 25th. June last of the Provisions and other Effects then in the Store, and having the Invoyces of what had been delivered into the Store Since that time: I imagined that I could easily discover by the Issues Set down in the Day Book, if any Such Frauds had been comitted, but found one of
51
CORRESPONDENCE
Thos. Jones to Mr. Harman Verelst.
ye Day Books (Nº 37) comencing from 24th. June to 27th. July missing (which Book I had in my Inventory of ye Books in the Compting house taken the 20th. October last) I have reason to Suspect, that Mr. Causton had prevailed wth. my Servant (whom I put into ye Compting house to take Care of the Books) to connive at their conveying that Book away. I have dis- charged that Serv. and his Family. I cannot find any one person whom I can confide in (ex- cepting one Mr. Harris, who came over wth Capt. Thomson, & who assists me in the Store) but what by Flatteries & presents are corrupted to betray the Trust reposed in them.
The Instructions I had, to examine into Mr. Bradleys Demands and Conduct I have not been able to comply with. I went to his house, the next day after my Arrival, and acquainted him wth the Instructions I had received. He said that he was then indisposed but hoped in a few days he should be able to Settle his Accots. with me. And in the mean time would order his Son to write out his Accot with the Trustees. I sent to Mr. Causton desiring him to order M. Bradley's Accot. from December 25 1737 to be given me: which could not obtain till 22ª December, which is very defective, I examind the Day Books (at some leisure hours) and find many mistakes and Omissions therein, as you will See by comparing it with that which I have taken (Nº. A.) tho' am not certain, having no Body to assist me in examining it- Please to observe the Valuation of the Provisions which was then given me (Nº. 1), at which I was Sur-
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