USA > Georgia > Colonial Records of the State of Georgia, Volume 23 > Part 32
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CORRESPONDENCE
521
John Calwell to the Trustees.
wrote relating to my Sallery as magestrate wherein he Acquaints me that your Honnours have directed regular payments to be made of y'. Expences in the south parts of Georgia with yr. Sola Bills sent over for y' purpose and where- in my Sallary was provided provided likewise that it seemd beyond all Doubt to y' Honours that I had recd paymt. before M'. Verelst wrote. In answer to wh I declare I never rec'd but 34 of one years Salery since I came to this place and have to the best of my power faithfully Dis- chargd the duty of a Magestrate these seven years past and wh. I shall allways do whilst tis yr. pleasurs to continue me in sª office & likewise observe there is no particular allowance pro- vided for any service before Michs. 1739 Except provissions or in speciall Instances an occasion- all reward given by the Use of a Servant &c in ans". to which I begg Leave to Acquaint yr Honours. I never recd any provision but what I was to have when I came hither from England wth. his Excelleney Gen1. Oglethorp in the year 1735 wh was only for the first year what more I rec'd I paid for & had my Acctts. drawn out & Sign'd by Mr. Elisha Dobery who was appointed Clerk to the Store which Acctt3. I resolv'd to send but M. Thos. Jones of Savanah who was at Frederica desir'd I would let him see the Acctts. in ord'. to Compare ym. with the Books as he pretended but I find it was only to Deprive me of ym. to prevent Me of convincing your Hon- ours how far I have paid for I Could never get them from him since and in regard to rewards
Payment of expenses to be made with sola bills.
Only three- fourths of one year's salary received.
Mr. Elisha Dobery appointed clerk to the store.
Deprived of accounts gotten on a pretense.
522
COLONIAL RECORDS
John Calwell to the Trustees.
Crops destroyed by Spanish invasion.
given by the Use of a servant. I had one man who had Neer one year to serve your Honours in Georgia for which I was oblig'd to pay £3 st. in about 6 weeks after I had him he ran away I now keep four servants to Cultivate my Land and hire others in planting time and have now 18 Acres of land well cleard and fenced and have had good Crops from it but the last was De- stroyed by the late Spanish Invasion there has been a report amongst us of a preamm. paid on Corn potatoes &c raisd in this province I Can- nott find uppon Enquiry that any man has ever been paid it in this south part of the province notwithstanding it was once publickly adver- tised which was last year after the planting sea- son was over consequently could not have the intended Effectt. I humbly begg yr. Honours will pleas to ordr. paymt. to be made in such a shape as that I may receive it Either in England or put it in such hands as will realy pay me here, & if yr. Honours would likewise Condescend to let me know if there is any thing in my power to promote the publick welfair here amongst us to observe it wth. the greatest Exactness would be the Ambition of
Honoured Sirs
Your Most obedt. Humble Servat. John Calwell.
Frederica 29th Feb. 1742/3.
523
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Thos. Hawkins to the Trustees.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.) LETTER FROM MR. THOS. HAWKINS TO THE TRUS- TEES RECD 4 JUNE 1743
Frederica in Georgia ye 25 Feb. 1742.
. My Honble. Lords and Genta:
The many Falsities asserted before the Honble and august Assembly in Parliament in Pre- judice of the Honb. the Trustees of this Pro- vince and their Majestrates here appointed in which Office I was constituted by Your Honours. and as I think my Self Injured by false repre- sentations I humble. Beg Leave in my own Vindi- cation to produce the Inclosed Copy of the Ori- ginal Warrant Serv'd on Capt Gascoign and to inform the Hon1. Board that another Copy is also Send with the Constables declaration of Service. which I hope will be Sufficient to prove the Specis of Creatures sett forward to destroy the Welfare of this Place. There are also Some declarations Sent to England concerning M. Norris which I beleive to be Real Truths the many Stratagems have ben used to Stifle the affair. M. Lawley Bore a very Indiferent Caracter and and [sic] of the two it would be hard to determine which was the Greater Villian to diceased poor Woman Gascoign or him who Lived here Several Months on the Spoils of Others and Steeling Hoggs as has ben since made apparent by his Confederates Since his
The many falsities asserted before Parliament.
Injured by false repre- sentations.
The specie of creatures endeavoring to destroy the welfare of the Colony.
Which is the greater villian, Mr. Norris
or Mr. Law. ley?
524
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Thos. Hawkins to the Trustees.
departure and in Case he had not timely re- moved himself would have had a Chance of re- ceiving his deserts
Honte Lords and Gentlemen I have ben punc- tual in answearing Your Several Queries in M. Varelst Letter of which I Send a Copy of my Answear fearing the other might have fail'd and have from my first appointment endeavourd to discharge the duty of my Office to the Best of my Knoledge of the Matter and Since the Commencement of the Estimate and in Con- clusion of my Letters desired to Know from Colonel Stephens whether there were any more Particulars requir'd from me and in what Man- ner and he Seemd perfectly Satisfied with what I had done I thought it not consistant with Rea- son to intermix those matters with Military I allways avoided Medling with Matters which I thought out of my Sphere and was not a Little Surprised to see my Small income Lessend without any Known Reason.
Income lessencd without known reason.
Suffered a heavy loss during invasion.
Impracti- cable to continue im. provements under conditions.
Dureing the late Invasion I realy suffer'd much and my Losses of Druggs Stock Produce and Part of a Sloop with sundry things besides has Reduced the Small Matter I had Saved to a much Less Sum which togather with the time of five Servants expiring next Month Renders it impracticable for me to do any more than I have done or even to Support what I have Brought to Perfection, the great Expence of Hire and uncertain dependance on any that can
CORRESPONDENCE
525
Mr. Thos. Hawkins to the Trustees.
be procured here is so Obvious that every Pri- vate Person Knows it to be impracticable to re- ceive any Proffitts or Advantage. And tis a Matter of no Small Concern Honte. Lords and Gentlemen to See the Endeavours of Seven Years return to its wonted wildness which I would gladly prevent was it in my Power, well Knowing the Land to be realy good and Cape- able of Produceing any Kind of Grain both Europian and Foreign of which I this Year have produced the first Fruits of my Labour, which proveing beyond Expectation pleased me with Hopes of the Future.
I am far from wrighting this with a View to insinuate my want of any Assistance more than punctual payment for Services realy performd. nor would I be that Wretch to represent imprac- ticable Schemes to Obtain Sums to bury in Ob- livion and divest future objects that may here- after Merit your Protection as to resigning or Continuing the Office I enjoy and discharge with much trouble and Expence (were the Salleries punctualy Paid) I should discharge it (if I could be thought Capeable) or Quitt with equal Pleas- ure. but as not Comply'd with but the Office dis- reguarded and trampled on the Resignation would be more Eligable I herewith inclose a de- claration of nonpayment and refer it to Your Honours Humanity and goodness to Consider of Some Measure to put a Period to the bad Pay-
Matter of no small concern to see endeavors of seven years return to wonted wildness.
A declara- tion of non- payment.
526
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Thos. Causton to Mr. Verelst and to the Trustees.
ment of our Dues And the inssuportable Difi- culties from thence ariseing to Y'' Honours most faithfull and Obedient Humble Servant Tho. Hawkins
To the Honble the Trustees
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.) LETTER FROM MR. THOS CAUSTON TO MR. HARMAN VERELST AND TO THE HONBLE TRUSTEES FOR ESTABLISHING GEORGIA IN AMERICA RECD 29 MAY 1743
These
Frederica March 1st. 1742. S'.
I wrote you on the 20 of Novem last, wch. I thought then to have dispatcht by Cap. Dunbar; But as he did not depart so soon; and least some other accident might happen, I have given a Duplicate wch I hope will be delivered to you by M. Smith.
No progress made in examination of accounts.
ffrom the date thereof, I have continued to attend the Comission for Acc's. at Savannah and urge the examination of the Accounts you men- tion in yo3. of Augt. 21st. But cannot get them to make any progress therein, and wt. proper
CORRESPONDENCE
527
Mr. Thos. Causton to Mr. Verelst and to the Trustees.
reasons they may each render to the Trustees for not doing it, I am at a loss to guess.
They have each promised me to assure the Trustees, that the advanc'd price on the Issues of Stores have been duly credited and apply'd to the use of the Colony, and that they do not know or beleive I have comitted any frauds or unjust Actings in any of the Trustees affairs.
Should any thing of this kind come to yours or the Trustees hands in any Shape testify'd by or through them; I imagine you will think that I ought to have my Acc. Setled, my Services rewarded, And just reparations made me.
The Gentlemen in Comission amuse each other, and Coll' Stephens and M'. Watson have each advis'd me to arrest Mr. Jones as the guilty person; I confess (tho' my damages are very great, and my Character sacrificed by the delay of Justice) I can't come into their way of thinking or proceed by their authority only. In my humble Opinion the Trustees are the proper Judges of the Crimes any one shall comitt in this Colony in Virtne or Colour of their Au- thority; And till I see Justice donyed me by them shall not pursue any contrary measures.
I am now at Frederica, have laid my case fully before General Oglethorpe, (Mr. Thos. Jones being also present) Mr. Jones has now declar'd he is ready to Join Colonel Stephens and M. Parker in a Certificate to the enclos'd purpurt: He says will return to Savannah with me, where I intend to urge again the execution of the Trus-
Mr. Causton thought to be free from accusations.
Advised to arrest Mr. Jones as the guilty person.
Mr. Jones now willing to sign certificate in favor of Mr. Causton.
528
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Thos. Causton to Mr. Verelst and to the Trustees.
tees Orders and my own Justification before some creditable witnesses: on which Occasion you will hear farther from me.
Rendered incapable of support- ing self.
I beg leave to add that my particular injurys and the ill Scituation of the Colonys affairs have rendred me uncapable of Subsisting witht. a Support; The Generall has been pleas'd to grant wt. is imediately necessary and I hope the Trustees will give such Judgmt. in my Affairs that I may be free from my Bonds, and in a Condition to perform such Services either in or out of the Colony As may regain my massa- cred Creditt, and the due Reputation of an Hon- est man
Who Am Sr. yor. very humble Servt. T. Causton.
Coppy of Certificate above mention'd.
Georgia Ss
We whose names are hereto subscribed being appointed by the Honoble the Trustees for Stat- ing and examining their Accounts in Georgia afores'd, have carefully perus'd and examin'd or caused to be examin'd, the books papers and entrys relateing thereto from the 25 of March 1734 to the 10th. of October 1738. agreable to the powers in and by the said Comission to us gran- ted. Do hereby certifye that the Stores bought and money reced by Thos. Causton late Store- keeper and Agent for the said Trustees Do ap- pear to have been duly chargd and accounted for
Certificate signed by Mr. Jones, Mr. Parker and Col. Stephens.
529
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
in the said books; That the advanc't prizes on the Issue of such Stores do appear in and by the said books and entrys to be duly and justly credited to the said Trustees and seem to be so made charged and intended to defend against the waist and charges arising by the said Stores; And it also appears. As well in and by the examination of said books, As also by the Testimony of such creditable persons to us or either of us given that the sd Thomas Causton hath not comitted any fraud or unjust action in the said Trustees affairs; but contrarwise hath acquitted himself by honest and just means; And hath from the time of the Arrivall of said Powers in Georgia to this day duly attended (as occasion requird the meetings of said Comis- sioners and assisted the execution thereof ac- cording to Justice.
"Thos. Causton hath not committed any fraud, etc."
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
LETTER FROM MR. BEAUFAIN TO THE EARL OF EG- MONT 6 MARCH 1742.
My Lord
I would have Sooner thank'd your Lordship for your letter of the 29th September, but that I waited to write by the Gibraltar man of war, the Government here has now the opportunity of a Safe conveyance to lay before the King a full account of our Scituation, and I hope it will be done, tho' I fear it will be too late, we are in a
Invasion expected.
530
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
No engineer in the province.
Keeping lands in expectation of a high market.
manner certain that we Shall be invaded this Spring, and we are but indiferently prepared for it, Something has been done towards fortify- ing the Town since the descent upon Georgia, but whether to any purpose no body here can tell, for we have no engineer in this Province, and it is a maxim with us to employ our own folks, the rest of our military preparations are I am afraid answerable, as for our Strength in men I need not mention it, your Lordship knows that the Country is engrossed by a few, who keep lands (as Stock Jobbers do Stock) in ex- pectation of a high market and thereby obstruct the peopling of this Province, to the manifest injury and hazard of the Publick; whether the Publick has a remedy or is bound to Suffer thro' the folly and covetousness of Such men. I am not able to Say, but it is plain that the Smallness of our number is owing to that intolerable abuse. and that till the abuse is removed this Province can never acquire a native Strength,
That intolerable abuse.
The over- stocking the country with slaves.
A law to stop importation of slaves soon to expire.
Next to the engrossing of lands, the over- stocking the Country with Slaves is an abuse that Shews how necessary it is to restrain men from pursuing their private interest contrary to that of the Publick, there is no man here but if he is ingenuous will own, that we have and have had these many years a greater number of Slaves than is consistent with the Safety of this Province, yet, because that trade yeldt great profit, there was no end of importing, a law was made at last to Stop importation for Some years, this law will expire I think in about ten
CORRESPONDENCE
531
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
months, and I am credibly informed that Sever- all Ships are already commissioned from hence to pour in Slaves upon us.
Tho' I have said My Lord that the chief causes of our weakness are evident, I must own that to many of us the weakness itself does not appear but at times of allarm, when that is over they take this Province to be well Settled, and this Town to be a Strong place, and therefore they oppose Such means of defence as are not to their liking, they are against fortifications be- cause of the charge, and against regular forces, because those, Say they, are dangerous to the liberties of the people, accordingly when appli- cation was made for three Companies, it was at the Same time thwarted from hence, and as it unluckily happened that Some Gentlemen, then going for England, were recommended as fit to command those Companies (which it must be owned was improper) merchants at home were made to believe that there was no other use for the Companies than to oblige those Gentlemen with Commissions, the consequence of which was, that most of the merchants refused to coun- tenance the petition, and Some declared against it, Some even Said they knew their interest in Charles Town to be as Secure as if it was in Cheapside, which wise Sentence Sufficiently Shew'd from what quarter the opposition origi- nally came
This Self Sufficiency of ours is well known to General Oglethorpe, who no doubt has been be- fore hand with me in animadverting upon it;
Arguments in regard to means of defence.
This self sufficiency.
532
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
A detaclı- ment under command of Col. Duroure.
Soon after the retreat of the Spaniards arrived from Jamaica a Detachment of 500 men, their Commander Colonell Duroure an old acquain- tance and good friend of mine Sent an express to the General for his orders, the General, in an- swer to a letter he received with that of the Col- onell, expressed himself with a good deal of warmth upon our not thinking ourselves in im- mediate danger, and to the Colonell he answer- ed, that in his opinion the Kings Service re- quired that the Detachment Should come to Frederica, but Since the people of this Province did not apprehend an immediate danger, he could not take upon him to give a positive order, and the Colonell was at liberty to do what Should appear most agreable to his instructions from General Wentworth, in this manner was an opportunity lost, which I fear will never offer again.
No prospect of a better under. standing between Gen. Ogle- thorpe and people of the Colony.
There is no prospect of a better understand- ing between General Oglethorpe and the people of this Province, which is much to be regretted, for tho' the General will be no less willing and ready to assist us, yet a friendly intercourse and frequent correspondance would greatly c' tribute to the common Safety and interest, and the want of it may prove of ill consequence
A secret expedition.
I make no doubt My lord as I said but we shall be invaded this Spring, unless the Spaniards be diverted from it by the Sailing of 11 or 12 men of war from Antigua upon a Secret expedition, it was the last time a question between the Com-
533
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
manders of the Spanish troops whether they Should attack this Province or the General, and they will hardly return where they Know there is no great booty, and where they got broken heads, especially as Frederica has been consid- erably fortified since the last attack, the mer- chandises in this Town and other circumstances, which they will have an account of by returned prisoners, will invite 'em hither.
I fear My Lord that from telling of news I have insensibly been led to observe upon things which it is not my Province to enquire into, if I have, I know your Lordship will excuse it as being well meant, I have indeed no Share in affairs of Government, and I may have erred in my opinion of measures taken but I think it the duty of all who are favoured with access to men of your Lordships Rank and character to give them such information as they apprehend to be for the Service of the Country I am great- ly obliged to your Lordship for your favour with My Lord Wilmington, it is possible I may Soon Stand in need of it, for I have unluckily quarrell'd with W. Hammerton Secretary of this Province, who now Says I am not qualified for my place, and that he will cause it to be taken from me, what makes me mention this to your Lordship is not that I am in any doubt of my qualifications, the Lords of the Treasury did inquire into that, and I had the Attorney Gen. erals opinion, which I left with my very good friend Colonel! Lameloniere, therefore I am clear of the imputation of taking a place for
Frederica considerably fortified since last attack.
Unluckily quartelled with Mr. Hammerton. Secretary of the Province.
534
COLONIAL RECORDS
Mr. Beaufain to the Earl of Egmont.
which I was not qualified, nor do I believe that Mr. Hammerton, if he really intends what he Says, will put it upon that issue, which as it would imply a reflection upon the said Lords and the Commissioners of the Customs, might do him no Service, but if the place is during pleasure, as I believe it is, he may possibly hurt me by Some Misrepresentation.
I forwarded not long ago to your Lordship a large packet from M' Dobell, who has I pre- sume informed your Lordship of what passes in Georgia.
I most heartily wish your Lordship an intire recovery of your health and a long enjoyment of it, and am with the greatest respect and gratitude
My Lord Your Lordships most obedient and most humble Servant H Berenger de Beaufain
Charlestown March 6th 17493
P. S. M. David Zubli tells me that the inhabi- tants of Vernonburgh and other places in Geor- gia have Signed a petition to the Honourable the Trustees, praying that his son MFF John Joachim Zubly now at St. Gal may be appointed their Pastor. M. David Zubly has the Charac- ter of a good honest man, I need Say no more to recomend him to your Lordships favour.
A petition signed by inhabitants of Vernon. burgh.
535
CORRESPONDENCE
Wm. Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
(From B. P. R. O., B. of T., Georgia, Vol. 22.)
LETTER FROM WILLIAM STEPHENS TO MR. HARMAN VERELST DATED STH OF MARCH 1742/3
Savannah March 8th: 1742/3.
Sir
In my last of the 22' Jan": { Cap": Styles in the Susanah I acquainted you with the Rect: of yours of 7th Sep' & 9th Oct":, with the several Packetts therewith sent, as is more particularly taken Notice of in my Journal of that Time, (viz') 11th & 18th of Jan'. The next Advices from you came to Hand on the 21st. Feb' : as noted in my Journal of that Day, & again on the 28th. Ditto; whereby you'll be inform'd, that I recd 2 short Letters more from you of 23ª & 26th Nov": but unhappily that Letter of 19th Novr which you referr'd to, & wherein I hoped to find some far- ther Intelligence, I still hear nothing of ; wherefore not having hitherto any Advice that Cap": Airs is arrived, my last Hopes are yet, that it may come by him. These unlucky Inci- dents I must plead in excuse for my protracting the Time a little longer than common, in sending the usual Papers required. But not to wait longer for such Uncertainties, I never want Mat- ter sufficient to fill a Letter as often as I write to you .- To begin where I left off in my last-
Just as I was closing my Packett of the 22ª Jan', two Petitions were put into my Hands, desiring I would forward them to the Trustees
in regard to packetts, etc., re- ceived.
Two petitions.
536
COLONIAL RECORDS
Wm. Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
from John Teasdeale & John Goddard; which I promised & did (as I never retuse any thing to go in my Packett which is brought me) but having then Time only to cast my Eye upon it, without taking farther Notice; I conceive some Blame may rest upon me, should I not take the first Opportunity of opening that Affair, for their Honours Direction therein, as well as for the future. From divers of my past Letters & Journals, I presume it may have been observ'd what a great Propensity some of our Freehold- ers here are fallen into of trafficking for Lotts in this Town & exchanging with one another; whereof I laid a particular List before the Trus- tees, enclosed in one of my late Packetts, with such Observations thereon, as I humbly hoped might a little Conduce to the better forming their Judgments upon each: which I shall wish to have. Teasdeale is a Taylor by Trade, mar- ried some Years since to a Widow (Relict of Will= Cross) in Right of which Widow he now holds the Lott where they live, Nº 7 in the 2ª Tything of the lower New Ward in the Year Benefit of his Children by a former Wife, he obtain'd a Lott in his own Name Nº: 5 in the 34 Tything of the lower NNew Ward in the Year 1741, which he enclosed and 'tis expected will build upon : they keep a publick House by Li- cence, which she understands the Management of well; & acting in a double Capacity, 'tis be- liev'd they get Money apace : but with a View of making more Speed, his Aim has been for a while past to get a Lott fronting the River,
Trafficking of lots.
Teasdeale a taylor by trade.
CORRESPONDENCE
537
Wm. Stephens to Mr. Harman Verelst.
where all Comers might readily find Entertain- ment assoon as ashore. The first best Lott in Town Nº 1 in Wilmington Tything in Derby Ward, belong'd to Jnº: Goddard; a most profli- gate extravagant young Man (whether a Minor yet, or newly of Age, is not certainly known) seldome to be seen at Savannah, but mostly up- on the Ramble; engaging frequently in various Employments, & as frequently when weary of one, getting into another; at present he is to be found in the publick Service, enter'd in the Guard Boat at Skeedaway Narrows. It may be suppos'd a Person endued with so vicious a Habit, needed not much Perswasion to part with his Lott, & thereby become Master of such a Sum of Money as he knew not the Value of : accordingly a Bargain was struck up betwixt Teasdeale & him for £25 to make Sale of the Lott; & upon Payment of that Sum Goddard was to give the other an Enfeofment & Posses- sion of the Same; as I find he did, for what in all Peoples Opinion was not near half the worth of it: & if I am rightly inform'd (as I think I am) in very few Days he had not a Penny left of it. I should hardly think it worth while to use many Words about it now; but let such a Wretch suffer for his Folly; were it not my Duty to represent it fully; that the Trustees may thereby see how this Itch prevails of buy- ing & selling before and Leave from their Hon- ours, & (as I conceive) without any Power of Alienation, unless such leave is obtain'd, to make the Title good. These Things I humbly
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