USA > Georgia > Colonial Records of the State of Georgia, Volume 23 > Part 24
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Mr. Spencer sick ever since arrival in Colony.
Mr. Terry's behavior rendered him oh. noxious.
388
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
Magistracy at Frederica at present, nor do I yet hear that Doc' Hawkins is so weary of his Place of first Magistrate there, as to lay it down in a Pett (however vain he is grown) wherefore I presume that Affair for the present may rest a while; till fresh Occasion is given their Hon- ours to consider it again.
Having thus far taken Notice of what I find most remarkable in both your Letters of the 24th & 29th of last March; I should next proceed to lay before the Honble : Trustees such Informa- tion of the present State we are in, as might the better enable 'em to support this Colony, now unhappily languishing under so many Evils; great parts whereof they have perversly brought on themselves; But to put that in a proper Light, must be a Work of more Time than I can afford just now; when I am sensible how much of it is already slipt away, without due Intelligence reed from me: partly occas- ion'd by that Packett of the 4th. of May going so far astray (as noted in my Journal) wherein were enclosed the usual monthly Papers, to that Time; & I am doubtfull, least what I now send, may be detain'd at Charles Town, for Want of a Conveyance thence: there being no Ship at present enter'd outwards for England, that I can hear of (which is often the Case at this Sea- son of the Year) & Mr. Hopton wrote me, that the last Letter I sent of the 18th of July, with a Packett from his Excellence, he could find no speedier Course for, than by the Way of Jaimaica: [sic] wherefore he committed it to
Colony lan- guishing under so many unhappy evils.
389
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
the Care of a particular Friend of his (Mr. Cle- land) bound thither, who engaged faithfully to forward it immediately from thence: & I wish this may have as favourable a Chance to get passage some Way or other with Safety: con- taining two Packetts under one Cover. After this done, I shall instantly go to work on form- ing a true State of the Colony, so far forth as I can attain to the Knowledge of it by any means: & I hope 'twill make its Way to the Trust before Winter is far gone; if peradven- ture it may thereby be of any Use.
I cannot allow my self to conceive otherwise, than that the IIonble Trusts Application to the Throne, will meet with a gracious Reception at his Majesty's Hands; and that He will enable them to support this Colony from sinking, which is known to be of such signal Use against our Enemies; & in process of Time probably add a farther Lustre to the Royal Crown. Whatever Aid his Majesty may judge proper to appoint : I beg leave to premise this one Thing more es- pecially needfull at present: which is, that with- out the Help of Hands sufficient to labour, so that they might be had at reasonable Wages (Negroes excluded) 'tis impracticable to carry on Plantation Work; & even those now occupied, tis to be fear'd must stand Still; most of our spare Hands being engaged in the Publick Ser- vice; and among those few that are left, none will work under 25 Shillings 2 Month & Pro- visions; & if they are employ'd by the Day,
Mr. Cleland personal friend of Mr. Hopton.
The Trustees' application to the Throne.
The diffi- culty of carrying on plan. tations.
390
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
they'll not take less than 2 Shillings & their Victuals.
Letter to Mr. Simpson relating to surplus of pro- visions.
Among other Letters herewith there is one from me to M'. Simpson, showing what is done relating to the Surplus of Provisions left with me after those Ships were deliver'd last Win- ter; & what Cash I have of his in my Hands on that Acct:, which I leave open for your Perusal; & youll please to seal & give it him.
Mrs. Watts's account.
Rent of house higher than any other in town.
I have also sent Mr. Watts's Accot: as it stands this Year, whereby it appears that I have £13 .. 15 .. 114; which shall be paid as you'll direct. She may easily imagine the Reason why Rents are so fallen, when so many people have deserted us for 2 or 3 Years past; so that no House in Town now lets at so high a Rate as Hers. The present Tenant is Mr. Watson; & at the Years End I expect near about the same Sum will be due as the last, after the like Deduc- tions : but she may reasonably admire that no farther Accot. is yet to be had from Mess". Causton & Williams, &c; whom I have often sought it from; but to no Effect; & they seem not to regard it: wherefore your farther Advice would be acceptable .- ME. Causton lives on his Plantation; but Mr. Williams has not been seen here for 2 Years past.
Mr. Caus. ton living on plan- tation.
ST.
Your very humble Servant
Will: Stephens.
CORRESPONDENCE
391
Mr. Geo. Whitefield, Supposedly to the Trustees.
From here in Stephens's writing.
P. S. 7 Sept.
I have not been able yet to get those Parcells, Boxes, &c, sent by Capt Thomson as ? Bill of Loading, no convenience offer- ing from Frederica. M' Jones now newly gone thither again, has promised me to take care & send em.
To M'. Harman Verelst.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
LETTER FROM MR. GEORGE WHITEFIELD SUPPOSED TO BE TO THE TRUSTEES.
Cambuslang near Glasgow Augst. 17th. 1742.
Hond. Gentlemen
Some letters which I have last week received from Georgia occasion my troubling You with this, which I doubt not will meet with a candid reception at Your hands- I find that Mr. Haber- sham & Mt. Barber have been taken up by a war- rant & imprisoned for above a week for a thing which I believe none of You, Honrd. Gentlemen will judge cognizable by the Civil Magistrates. It seems that W. Barber upon a private con- verse with ME. Orton ( who I suppose is the pres- ent Minister of Savannah) told him "He was "No Xtian, that He wonderd at Young Mens "Impudence to subscribe to Articles they did
Mr. Haber- sham and Mr. Barber imprisoned.
Mr. Barber's private conversa- tion with Mr. Ortou.
392
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Geo. Whitefield, Supposedly to the Trustees.
"not believe, & that He should think it his duty "to warn hes Friends not to hear him"- I ack- nowledge such language was too harsh- But M. Habersham who did not say near so. much was linked in the same prosecution & imprisoned with Him- Mr. Jones who was then at Fred- erica being informed of it declared such a pro- cedure Illegal- And his Excellency General Oglethorp desired my Friends to lay the matter before the board of Honourable Trustees- I being now upon the spot, they have sent me a very particular account of what has past, which if you please Honrd. Gentlemen I will transmit unto, or when I come to London, personally lay before You- I find also my Friends were de- nied a Copy of the proceedings of the Court- In which I am persuaded the Hond. Gentlemen to whom I am writing will think they have been wronged- My Friends require no satisfaction but only desire such proceedings may be ani- madverted upon; knowing that such a way of acting will be a sad discouragement against peoples coming to settle in Georgia- I am sorry also to inform You Hond. Gentlemen that five very small Swiss or Dutch Children, whose Parents lately died in their passage from Eng- land, have had their goods sold at Vandue, & been bound out to the Age of twenty one Years. This I think directly contrary to the Grant given me by You Hond. Gentlemen- For thereby I was impower'd to take in as many Orphans into the Orphan-house as my fund would admit of- The Magistrates I understand also have been at
Denied a copy of proceedings of the court.
CORRESPONDENCE
393
Mr. Geo. Whitefield, Supposedly to the Trustees.
the Orphan-house & claim a power to take away the Children when they please, whether the Children chuse it or complain of ill treatment or not- This grieves some of the Children, & makes others of them Insolent who are hereby taught that they have a power to go away when they will- This Hond. Gentlemen must be very discouraging to those who are entrusted with their Education, & who I am persuaded aim at nothing but the Glory of God, the welfare of the Colony & the Salvation of the Children's souls- I suppose the Magistrates (I mean M'. Parker & Fallowfield) have taken such liberty from some of the Instructions which were sent Honrd. Gentlemen from You some time agoe But M. Jones has told them they have misunderstood You- And His Excellency General Oglethorp I find has wrote to you Hond. Gentlemen about it- By the Accounts I have, our Plantation thrives well, & M. Habersham writes me word He hopes we shall do with white Servants- I do assure you Honrd. Gentlemen I will do all I can, with the most disinterested view to promote the good of Georgia- Only I beg the Manage- ment of the Orphan-house & Orphans may be secured to to me & my Successors for Ever, & the Magistrates not be suffered to disturb us when there is no ground of complaint- They acknowledged when att the Orphan-house last that the Children were taken good care of both as to Body & soul- And will it not then Hond. Gentlemen tend much to the Welfare of the Colony that the Orphan-house should meet with
Magistrates claim power to take away chil. dren from Orphan House.
Liberty taken with some in- structions.
White servants.
Manage. ment of Orphan- house and orphans asked.
394
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Geo. Whitefield, Supposedly to the Trustees.
Prevailed on to settle in Georgla.
The Orphan- house an addition to the Colony.
A gentleman sent over who will do justice.
all possible encouragement ? His Excellency Gen1 Oglethorp has informed my Friend Mr. Haber- sham that if I desire it, He thought You wod. grant me a large tract of Land which I should be obliged to give away in a Certain term of Years, & that we might have our own Magis- trates as the people at Ebenezer have -- Whether I shall desire such a favour I know not But if I should I wd. be willing to know what You Hon'd. Gentlemen wd. say to it? Many have applied to me to settle in Georgia- Hitherto I could give them no great Encouragement- I wish I may be be [sie] able to give them a great deal for the future. Indeed Hond. Gentlemen, I do not desire to find fault- I doubt not but You have been prejudiced against me & my Friends- The Event will shew what Friends we are to Georgia- The Orphan-house will certainly be an Addition to the Colony, & the Children educated therein I trust will be the Glory of the Society to which they belong -- They are bred up to Industry as well as other things, & taught to fear God & honour the King- If You please Hon'd. Gentlemen I will wait upon You when I return to London, & with all humility lay these matters before You- I am glad to hear You have lately sent over a Gentleman who (as is supposed) will do jus- tice -- I think I desire nothing else & heartily pray God to bless him & You Hond. Gentlemen & all that are concerned in the management of the Georgia affairs- I hope to be in Town in about two months- In the mean while I would
395
CORRESPONDENCE
Wm. Stephens to the Trustees.
beg the favour of line, by Your Secretary, & also entreat You Hond. Gentlemen to write to the Magistrates of Savannah to let the Orphan- house alone till I have laid matters before You & arrive at Georgia which God willing at the furthest will be the beginning of next Year -- If I or my Friends should happen to say or do any thing amiss, I assure You Hond. Gentlemen, You shall have all possible satisfaction given You by them, as also by, Honrd. Gentlemen
Your very humble Ser" ..
George Whitefield
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.) LETTER FROM WM. STEPHENS ESQR. TO THE TRUS- TEES RECD 12 FEB 1742.
Savannah 7 Sept. 1742.
Honourable Gentlemen
Having in my letter to M' Verelst of the 13th & 19th ultmo. wrote in answer to your Commands signifyd to me in his of the 24th & 29th of Mar (not to mention my 2 letters of the 13th & 18th of July, with the Generals Packets) whilst I waited for an opportunity of sending off that Packett, with my usual papers attending it; together with another packett of the 4th of May last, (whereof a particular account will be found in my late Journal) I am now indispensably bound to ac-
396
COLONIAL RECORDS
Wm. Stephens to the Trustees.
quaint Your Honours, with what a few days since have brought to light : for the better doing whereof, I must beg leave to refer to my Jour- nal continued, since the aforesaid 19th past : and to avoid being tiresome with dry repetitions, please to begin at the 2ª. inst.
Not without great Difficulty, I found means just now, of getting privately, a Coppy of that letter, which has been so craftily framed, as under a Shew of Gratitude to the General, for his great care of our preservation, & acknow- ledging his Goodness therein (which most un- doubtedly his Excellence is entitled to in the highest Degree) they have taken occasion from thence to raise such a bitter Invective against all who act in Authority under you here, and particularly levelld at me, as is most apparent, tho' without name; that to sit patient under it, the Stones in the Wall might ery out against us : but we have this inward Consolation, y' we as- sure our selves we shall be able, so to lay open the dark purposes of that letter, as not only to vindicate our own Innocence, & honest endea- vours in the whole Process of those alarms, to encourage the people that were able to bear Arms, and to provide amply for the Helpless (very greatly to the Trusts Cost) that the Fals- hood & malice of these people will appear evi- dent to all the World; as divers attempts of the same tendency, to destroy the Powers created by your Honours here, have proved; which some of these Complainers may be supposed to think would be fit themselves best. This we shall im-
Copy of letter craftily framed secretly secured.
Bitterness felt towards all in authority under the Trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
397
Wm. Stephens to the Trustees.
mediately take in hand: but as twill belove us to act therein with due caution, that not a tittle may pass, which cannot be sufficiently warran- ted; & foreseeing many references may be need- full; which will not admit of such brevity as could otherwise be wishd; I would be glad (if possible) yt the letter might this instant be laid before you, naked as tis, without any remarks whatever: for I am confident the Drift of it is so apparent, that it cannot miss being seen thro', by such Inspectors; whose Honour and Justice will not allow em to judge prejudicially of the persons accused, without knowing what Defence they can make. Wherefore I make no hesitation of taking this first Opportunity of sending it, under the same cover with this let- ter: intending what we have to say for our selves shall closely follow it.
We are preparing a like Vindication to lay before the General, who we are confident will strictly enquire into the truth of those allega- tions against us ; and judge rightly, without be- ing led aside in favour of one or tother; tho' we have reason to believe our Adversarys have been endeavouring to prepossess his Excellence with injurious Reports, before they attempted this open charge. I think I touchd a little, some- where in my Journal lately, upon a suddain new Alliance, wch was imagined to be ratifyd, be- twixt Messrs Jones and Causton (Two persons whom the World lookd as irreconcilable) : What gave the more Credit to that report was, that during the time of Mr. Jones's frequent resi-
Preparing vindication to lay before the General.
An alliance formed between Mr. Causton and Mr. Jones.
398
COLONIAL RECORDS
Wm. Stephens to the Trustees.
The forming of letter in question belleved to be work of Mr. Causton.
dence at Frederica; twas observ'd that M. Causton sometimes met him there; and what might ensue from thence, is to be found in ima- gination only, at present: but such a Conjunc- tion, wch visibly grew more cemented here after- wards, left it past doubt that they were made Friends. Tis generally believ'd that the form- ing of this letter was a Work of M'. Caustons : with what intent, or for what purpose, let the World judge. Why Mr. Jones took upon him the propagation of it, & so diligently employd him- self in perswading people to sign it, is past my understanding; nor can I conceive what should induce him to act so wicked a part, as he seems now about, in stirring up such discord, unless actuated by the same Spirit as Lucifer fallen.
Mr. Jones likened unto Lucifer.
But I must entreat Pardon for Excursions here (which are hardly to be withheld under such cruel Usage) and rather proceed to make good what may be expected (viz) a plain answer to those Crimes, which by Insinuation I am said to be guilty of: wherein I hope Truth will ap- pear fully. In the mean while I ought to desist from giving you farther trouble; but acquiesc- ing safely under your Protection, shall rest.
Honourable Gentlemen
Your most Obedient & Faithfull humble Servant
Will: Stephens.
To
the honble Trustees.
CORRESPONDENCE
399
Mr. Ffras. Moore to M .. Harman Verelst.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
LETTER FROM MR. FFRAS. MOORE TO MR. HARMAN VERELST RECD. 27 APRIL 1743
Frederica Sep: 10th: 1742/3.
Sir
On the 29th. of May I wrote to you by way of New York & have sent Duplicates by other Op- portunities, desiring the favour of you to pay to M'. Thos. Connor Linnen Draper in King Street Westm. the sum of £14 Sterling, which I then imagined you had of mine in your hands, but Captain Thomson has informed me that the said Sum was by you paid to him on my ac- count. I would not for any Consideration be so base as to draw on any Gentleman, if I thought he had not enough of mine in his hand to answer it, unless I had some other proper power or order for so doing. and therefore, that Mr. Conner might not be disappointed in his Money I have here inclosed a bill of Capt. Lieut. James Mackay's on W. Fury payable to yo'self for £14, wch. please to pay to him, but if you have already advanced ye money, it will serve to replace it, and there will be no need of de- livering him ye inclosed Letter. I humbly beg pardon for these frequent troubles but have no other way of returning yor. favours, than by sincerely wishing that it was in my power to
Mr. Thos. Connor Linnen Draper in King Street, Westmr.
400
COLONIAL RECORDS
Ffras. Moore to Mr. Harman Verelst.
show how sensible I am of y' kindness & how much I am / Sir
Your most obliged humble serv.
ffras : Moore
M. Verelst.
Frederica in Georgia Feb : 21st : 1742/3.
Sir
Mr. John Smith, bearer of letters.
The foregoing is Copy of a Letter which I have four times taken opportunities of sending to You, and in each I inclosed a bill. the 4th. I. have sent by Mr. John Smith who is now going to Cha3. Town in order to go for England with the Brigantine Georgia Packet. I send this @ Mr Burton & if the Prize gets safe home, I doubt not your receiving it. I make bold to inclose a Letter for my Sister, which I humbly beg the favour of you to order into the Post. As both She and my self find that no letters can go safe unless through your hand, I doubt not but you will excuse
Sir
Your most obliged humble servant
ffras: Moore
P. S.
I wrote to their Honours ye Trustees from Cha *. Town at the time when the Province was invaded, but have not yet been favoured with an answer.
Mr. Harman Verelst.
401
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Stephens to Benj. Martin.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
COPY OF MR. STEPHENS'S LETTER TO MR. BENJ MARTYN DATED OCT. 16, 1742 ORIGINAL SENT BY CAPT. SNOW WHO WAS TAKEN BY THE ENEMY RECD 2 SEPT. 1743
Savannah October the 16th: 1742
Sir
In Obedience to the Trusts Orders, signified to me in your Favour of the 3ª of March last (which I reed not till some Months after) re- lating to Thos: Eggerton Servant to his Grand- father Thos: Young; I lost no Time in examin- ing into that Affair together with the Magis- trates &c, when upon hearing both Sides, we found that the old Man had been peevish to- wards him more than usual tho' it did not ap- pear that he had neglected his Work; but was known by the Neighbourhood to be a hard work- ing diligent Lad; what the Boy stomached most was, that his Grandfather distinguish'd him from those Children which were his Wives, & he was not allow'd to fare as they did, either in Food or Raiment. We did what we could to reconcile them, and admonish'd the Old Man to deal more kindly with him for his own Sake: who would suffer by it if they parted; for that he got well by the Boys Work, who was become very usefull: whereupon we dismiss'd 'em, to make Experiment whether or not they could agree better: but a little while after they dif-
Thos. Egger- ton servant to his grand. father. Thos. Young.
Hard- working, diligent lad.
402
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
fer'd again; & the Grandfather (who could not conceal the Grudge he owed him for complain- ing before) took occasion for some slight Of- fence to cudy him severely : upon which the Lad applying himself to us again, told us plainly he could bear it no longer; nor did we think it reasonable farther to enjoin him: whereupon he took the Opportunity of a Boat going for Charles Town soon after, to take Passage thither, & to put himself on board the first Ship bound for England, where I wish he may arrive safe, without being intercepted by the Enemy, or impress'd by his own Countrymen. This Period happening very lately, I could not acquaint you with it sooner. What I write now in Answer to Mr. Verelsts Letters of 11th June & 2ª of July, takes off all Occasion of my giving you farther Trouble at present, who am Sir Your very humble Servant (Signed) William Stephens
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
COPPY OF MR. STEPHENS'S LETTER TO MR. VERELST OCT. 27TH, 1742 ORIGINAL WAS SENT { CAPT. SNOW. RECD 2 SEPT. 1743
Sir
My last to you was of the 13th & 19 Augt to- gether with one to the honble Trust of 7th Sep'. & the Coppy which I now send of a Schedule of
403
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
Papers that went in that Packett, as I shall for the future constantly observe to do, will at any time shew where a Defect may happen. I am now to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letters of the 11th June & 2ª of July + the Minerva (Cap" Cload) & the Georgia Packett (Cap" Mc- Clellan) which came to my hand the Beginning of this Month, as noted in my Journal.
As 'twas Matter of great Joy to see in the . printed Votes, the good & happy Success which the honble Trustees had met with before the Parliament, maugre all the Attempts of their wicked Opponents; so it could not but be griev- ous to me to find how large a Share of it their Agent (my rebellious, Son) had taken on him- self; & 'twas amazing to me, that after such a Vote of Censure had pass'd against him he came off with no farther Punishment than receiving a Reprimand on his Knees; when it might rather have been expected that Newgate would have been his Doom. The Coppys of the Pro- ceedings before the House, on his Petition to the King & Parliament with his hard Case &c as he calls it; I am much oblig'd to you for so kindly sending me; being a Work of so much Pains to transcribe.
After so many Professions as I have made of abhorring those base Actions of my Son, which to my farther Grief have been imputed to me by some, (whom I must look upon to be my worst Enemies) as if I underhand approved of what he did, tho outwardly would be thought to op- pose him; I know not of any Evidence to give
Good success met with by the Trustees before Par. liament.
Share taken by Col. Stepliens' son.
Professions of abhor. rence of base actions of son.
404
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Stephens to Mr. Verelst.
A surrender of grant of lands.
farther of my Resentment, than what you'll find in this Packett, enclosing my Petition to the Honble Trustees for a new Grant of those Lands I held by a former, which I now make a Sur- render of, in Order to deprive him of any Bene- fit from 'em; & praying the Trustees to appoint the Succession in the manner I humbly propose.
Future tenure of lands according to Trustees' resolutions.
The future Tenure of Lands according to the Trustees Resolutions of the 8th of March last must surely satisfy every Body; but such as are determin'd nothing shall content 'em less than an entire Annihilation of all that has been done in so many Years, & beginning again upon a New Plan of their own forming: such modest Men are to be found.
The Want of Servants, & the heavy Quit Rent, were the only Things that appeared to me needing a Remedy: for the latter I hear the honble Trustees have it in their Thoughts al- ready very kindly to apply themselves to the Throne; where I make no Doubt they will ob- tain such an Alleviation as they think proper to ask: & as to Servants I can easily assure myself, that Affair also will in such Sort be con- sider'd, as will enable those who are in earnest to improve their Land, & reap good Benefit thereby. In my next probably I may write my Thoughts more fully on that Head; which are at present taken up with a very disagreeable Re- trospect to whats past (Viz, the loss of that Packett I sent in Jan' last ? Cap" Harramond; which gives me the most sensible Concern; for- asmuch as I spared no Pains in getting to-
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