USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia, Volume I > Part 13
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Where wild Altama murmurs to their woe.
Far different these from all that charm'd before,
The various terrors of that horrid shore;
Those blazing suns that dart a downward ray,
And fiercely shed intolerable day ;
Those matted woods where birds forget to sing,
Bnt silent bats in drowsy clusters eling ;
Those poisonous fields with rank luxuriance crowned,
Where the dark scorpion gathers death around ; Where at each step the stranger fears to wake The rattling terrors of the vengeful snake ;
Where crouching tigers wait their hapless prey,
And savage men more mnrd'rons still than they ; While oft in whirls the mad tornado flies,
Mingling the ravag'd landscape with the skies.
Far different these from every former scene, The cooling brook, the grassy-vested green,
The breezy covert of the warbling grove,
That only sheltered thefts of harmless love."
On the 16th of November several of the trustees went to Gravesend, where the vessel was moored with the colonists on board, inquired strictly into the provisions made for their ac- commodation, ascertained that everything was in good order and that the emigrants were in fine spirits, addressed to them cheering words, and took formal leave of them. The following
1 Political State of Great Britain, Feb- Stevens in his History of Georgia, vol. i. ruary, 1733, vol xlv. p. 181, quoted by p. 81.
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DEPARTURE OF THE COLONISTS.
day the Anne, a galley of some two hundred tons burthen, com- manded by Captain Thomas, and having on board about one hundred and thirty persons, among whom were Mr. Oglethorpe, the Rev. Dr. Henry Herbert,1 a clergyman of the Church of England who went as chaplain, and Mr. Amatis, from Piedmont, who was engaged to instruct in breeding silk-worms and in the art of winding silk, departed from England bearing the first persons selected for the colonization of Georgia. Thirty-five fam- ilies were represented among these emigrants. There were car- penters, bricklayers, farmers, and mechanics, - all able-bodied and of good reputation. Mr. Oglethorpe furnished his own cabin, and, at his individual expense, laid in provisions sufficient not only for himself and servants but for the comfort of his fellow- passengers.2 Shaping her course for the island of Madeira, the Anne touched there and took on board five tuns of wine. Sail- ing thence she fetched a compass for Charlestown harbor, where she dropped anchor outside the bar on the 13th of January, 1733. The voyage, although a little protracted, proved pleasant and prosperous. Two delicate children had died at sea.3 With this exception no sorrow clouded the passage, and all the colonists were well and happy.
On the very night of their arrival, having first assembled the emigrants and returned thanks to Almighty God for this favora- ble termination of the voyage, Oglethorpe, accompanied by an escort, proceeded to Charlestown and waited upon his excellency Robert Jolinson, governor of the province of South Carolina. By him and his council was he warmly welcomed, and treated with the most distinguished hospitality. The Duke of Newcas- tle, then at the head of colonial affairs, had addressed eireu- lars to the governors of the American provinces, commending Oglethorpe and his mission to their courtesy and favor. The lords of the admiralty, too, had issued instructions to naval com- manders on the Virginia and Carolina stations to render every possible assistance to the Georgia colony and its leader. This courteous reception, therefore, was accorded both in obedience to royal command and as an expression of the good-will of the au- thorities of Carolina who were deeply interested in the success
1 Dr. Herbert charitably volunteered to go without any allowance, and to per- form all religious and ecclesiastical offices for the colonists.
2 Wright's Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 58. Loudou. 1867.
8 These were Richard Cannon's young- est son, aged eight months, and Robert Clarke's youngest son, aged one year and a half. - Journal of the Trustees.
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TIIE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
of the plantation. In truth, Georgia was to constitute a protec- tion to all of the American colonics, and especially to Carolina, against the encroachments of the Spaniards, who regarded with jealous and hostile eyes the growing power and expanding settle- ments of England upon American shores. This mutual sympa- thy and dependence were, at an early date, acknowledged by a contributor to the "London 'Magazine " in the following lines: -
" To Carolina be a Georgia joined ; Then shall both colonies sure progress make, Endeared to either for the other's sake ; Georgia shall Carolina's favour move, And Carolina bloom by Georgia's love."
Cheerfully responding to his needs, Governor Johnson ordered Mr. Middleton, the king's pilot, to attend upon Mr. Oglethorpe and to conduct the Anne into Port Royal. Instructions were also issued for small craft to convey the colonists thence to the Savannah River. Further assistance was cordially promised on the part of Carolina. The next morning Oglethorpe returned on board the Anne and sailed for Port Royal harbor. Having posted a detachment of eight men upon an island about midway between Beaufort and Savannah River, with injunction to " pre- pare huts for the reception of the colony against they should lie there in their passage," he proceeded to Beaufort-town, where he arrived early on the morning of the 19th. He was saluted by all the artillery there posted, and at his request the new barracks were made ready for the reception of the colonists who aseended the river and occupied them on the following day. Valuable assistance was rendered by Lieutenant Watts, Ensign Farring- ton, and the other officers of his majesty's independent com- pany, by Mr. Delabarr, and by some gentlemen of the neighbor- hood.
Leaving the colonists to refresh themselves at this pleasant place, Oglethorpe, accompanied by Colonel William Bull, pro- ceeded to the Savannah River and ascended that stream as far as Yamacraw Bluff. Regarding this as an eligible situation, he landed and marked out the site of a town which, from the river which flowed by, he called Savannah. This bluff, rising some forty feet above the level of the river, and possessing a bold frontage on the water of nearly a mile, ample enough for the riparian uses of a settlement of considerable magnitude, was the first high ground, abutting upon the stream, encountered by him in its ascent. To the south a high and dry plain, over-
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SAVANNAH LOCATED.
shadowed by pines, interspersed with live-oaks and magnolias, stretched away for a considerable distance. On the east and west were small creeks and swamps affording convenient drain- age for the intermediate territory. The river in front was capa- ble of floating ships of ordinary tonnage, and they could lie so near the shore that their cargoes might with facility be dis- charged. Northwardly, in the direction of Carolina, lay the rich delta of the river, with its islands and lowlands crowned with a dense growth of cypress, sweet-gum, tupelo, and other trees, many of them vine-covered and draped in long gray moss sway- ing gracefully in the ambient air. The yellow jessamine was already mingling its delicious perfume with the breath of the pine, and the trees were vocal with the voices of song-birds. Everything in this semi-tropical region was quickening into life and beauty under the reviving influences of returning spring. In its primeval repose it seemed a goodly land. The temperate rays of the sun gave no token of the heat of summer. There was no promise of the tornado and the thunder-storm in the gen- tle winds. In the balmy air lurked no suspicion of malarial fevers. Its proximity to the mouth of the river rendered this spot suitable alike for commercial purposes and for maintaining facile communication with the Carolina settlements.
Near by was an Indian village, the head-quarters of the Yamacraws, a small tribe the chief or mico of which was the venerable Tomo-chi-chi. Here too a post had been established by Musgrove,1 a Carolina trader, married to a half-breed named Mary. Before leading his colonists to this home which he had selected for their first habitation, Oglethorpe was anxions to propitiate the natives. He accordingly visited the village, and obtained an interview with Tomo-chi-chi. Mary Musgrove, who had acquired a tolerable knowledge of English and was favorably inclined toward her husband's countrymen, on this occasion not only acted as interpreter but exerted a valuable influence in se- cnring from the Indians pledges of amity. When first acquainted with Oglethorpe's design of forming a settlement at Yamacraw the natives manifested much uneasiness and even threatened to prevent by force the advent of the whites. Assured, however, of the friendly intentions of the English, and persuaded of the ben- efits which would flow from direct association with them, the In-
1 Musgrove's presence here contravened the stipulations of a treaty long existent between the colony of South Carolina and nah River.
the natives, which forbade the establish- ment of trading-posts south of the Savan-
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
dians finally withdrew their opposition and, with protestations of gladness, entered into an informal agreement by which the de- sired lands were ceded, and promises given to receive the stran- gers with good-will.
His preliminary arrangements having been thus accomplished, Oglethorpe returned to Beaufort, reaching that town on the 24th. During his absence the emigrants were greatly refreshed by their sojourn on shore. They had been the recipients of every atten- tion and hospitality. The following Sunday was observed as a day of special thanksgiving, the Rev. Lewis Jones preaching be- fore the colonists, and their chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Herbert, oc- cupying Mr. Jones' pulpit in Beaufort. The gentlemen of the neighborhood united with the colonists on this occasion, and the ceremonies terminated with a bountiful dinner provided by Ogle- thorpe. Among the articles mentioned as constituting this first feast were four fat hogs, eight turkeys, many fowls, English beef, a hogshead of punch, a hogshead of beer, and a generous quantity of wine. Although this repast was accompanied with a bounti- ful supply of malt liquor, wine, and spirits, we are informed that everything was conducted in such an agreeable manner that no one became drunk. Throughout the course of the entertainment there was an entire absence of everything savoring of disorder.
On the 30th of January the colonists, conveyed in a sloop of seventy tons and in five periaguas, set sail for Savannah. En- countering a storm they were forced to seek shelter from its vio- lence at a point known as Look Out. Here they lay all night, and the next day proceeded as far as John's, where the eight men, there stationed by Oglethorpe, had prepared huts for their reception. A plentiful supply of venison awaited their coming. Upon this they supped, and there they spent the night. Re- embarking in the morning, they arrived the same afternoon at Yamacraw Bluff. Before dark they erected four large tents (one for each tything) capable of accommodating all the people, and transferred their bedding and other necessaries ashore. There they slept, passing their first night upon the soil of Georgia.
Faithful to his trust, Oglethorpe, having posted his sentinels, sought no protection save the shelter of the towering pines, and lay upon the ground near the central watch-fire. The ocean had been crossed, and the germ of a new colony was planted in America.
Ole Jovanch Survey
A View of the Town of Savanah, in the Colony of Georgia, in South-Carolina. Humbly Inscribed to his Excellency Gen! Oglethorpe .--
References A Part of an Island called Hutchinson's Bland. B. The Stairs & Landing Place from de Buer to die Town Cost Coune & Bell on snow up any Goods bom Bes & to land diem. D. Tent poached rest the Landing Jo gen! Bylecharpe. E.t Guard House auch a Battery of Cannon lying before at. Y The Parsonage House Goed Plot of Ground to build a tharch on II ..! Fort, or Look out to the Hoodside I. The House Vor ad Jures K. The Court House of Chappel La The Hill House for the Publick Meet House for all Foragers a route of N. The Common Bake House O.A Draw-Hell for Mater P. The Wood levering the J'Bank of Sides of the Town with Several histe's cut was d.
From a Print published at London in 1741.
CHAPTER VIII.
EARLY LABORS OF THE COLONISTS AT SAVANNAH. - OGLETHORPE'S LET- TERS TO THE TRUSTEES. - COMMUNICATION AND RESOLUTIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF SOUTH CAROLINA. - ASSISTANCE FROM PRIVATE PARTIES IN CAROLINA. - ACCOUNT OF THE PROGRESS OF THE COLONIZA- TION WRITTEN BY A GENTLEMAN FROM CHARLESTOWN. - OGLETHORPE VISITS CHARLESTOWN AND ADDRESSES THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. - CON- GRATULATIONS FROM PENNSYLVANIA AND MASSACHUSETTS.
. EARLY on the morning of the 2d of February, 1733 (O. S.), Oglethorpe convened the people to thank God for his safe con- duet of the colony to its appointed destination, and to invoke his blessings upon the plantation. These religious services ended, he solemnly and earnestly reminded them of their duties as the founders of Georgia, impressing upon them an appreciation of the important fact that the seed now sown would yield a harvest either for good or bad in the coming generations. Against the evils of intemperance and idleness he uttered an emphatic warn- ing, and cautioned them to be prudent and upright in their in- tercourse with the Indians. " It is my hope," said he, "that through your good example the settlement of Georgia may prove a blessing and not a curse to the native inhabitants." Then, having explained the necessity for their laboring in common until the site of the town should be cleared, and having exhorted and encouraged them to work amicably and cheerfully, he dismissed them that they might enter upon the orderly discharge of the duties claiming immediate attention.1 Some were detailed for the erection of a crane with which to facilitate the landing of bulky articles. Others plied axes and felled the tall pines, ren- dering more comfortable the temporary shelters prepared so has- tily the evening before for the accommodation of the emigrants, and busying themselves with the erection of new booths. Others still were detailed to unload the vessels, to split and sharpen posts with which to stockade the town, and to begin the construction of a fort at the eastern extremity of the bluff. Varied and ardu- ous were these duties, but all with alaerity and energy entered
1 See Wright's Memoir of General Oglethorpe, p. 60. London. 1867.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
upon and prosecuted their performance. Sharing the privations and the labors of his people, Oglethorpe was present everywhere, planning, supervising, and encouraging. The general outline of Savannah was soon indicated. In marking out its squares, lots, and streets, the founder of the colony was assisted by Colonel William Bull of South Carolina, a gentleman of intelligence and experience, who generously lent four of his servants, expert saw- yers, to aid in preparing boards for houses. Oglethorpe elaimed in his own behalf and for his own comfort no labor from the colonists. He caused four clustering pines to be left standing near the bluff and opposite the centre of the encampment. Be- neath their shadow he pitched his tent, and this canvas was his abiding-place for nearly a year. Subsequently he contented him- self with hired lodgings in one of the houses of his people.
Upon his arrival at Charlestown on the 13th of January, Ogle- thorpe addressed a letter to the trustees communicating the happy intelligence, and on the 10th of February, from his camp at Savannah, penned his first communication on Georgia soil. It runs as follows : -
" To the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America.
" GENTLEMEN, - I gave you an Account in my last of our Ar- rival at Charles-Town. The Governor and Assembly have given us all possible Encouragement. Our People arrived at Beanfort on the 20th of January where I lodged them in some new Barracks built for the Soldiers, while I went myself to view the Savannah River. I fix'd upon a healthy situation about ten miles from the sea. The River here forms a Half-Moon, along the South- Side of which the Banks are about forty Foot high, and on the Top a Flat which they call a Bluff. The plain high Ground extends into the Country five or six Miles, and along the River- side about a Mile. Ships that draw twelve Foot Water can ride within ten Yards of the Bank. Upon the River-Side, in the Centre of this Plain, I have laid out the Town. Opposite to it is an Island of very rich Pasturage, which I think should be kept for the Trustees' Cattle. The River is pretty wide, the Water fresh, and from the Key of the Town you see its whole Course to the Sea, with the Island of Tybe, which forms the Mouth of the River; and the other way you see the River for about six Miles up into the Country. The Landskip is very agreeable, the Stream being wide, and border'd with high Woods on both Sides. The whole People arrived here on the first of
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F.
OGLETHORPE'S LETTER TO THE TRUSTEES.
February. At Night their Tents were got up. 'Till the seventh we were taken up in unloading and making a Crane which I then could not get finish'd, so took off the Hands, and set some to the Fortification and began to fell the woods. I mark'd out the Town and Common. Half of the former is already cleared, and the first House was begun Yesterday in the Afternoon. Not being able to get Negroes, I have taken ten of the Independent Company to work for us, for which I make them an allowance. I send you a copy of the Resolutions of the Assembly and the Governor and Council's Letter to me. Mr Whitaker has given us one hundred Head of Cattle. Col. Bull, M' Barlow, M' St Julian, and Mr Woodward are come up to assist us with some of their own Servants. I am so taken up in looking after a hun- dred necessary Things, that I write now short, but shall give you a more particular Account hereafter. A little Indian Nation, the only one within fifty Miles, is not only at Amity, but desirous to be Subjects to his Majesty King George, to have Lands given them among us, and to breed their Children at our Schools. Their Chief, and his Beloved Man, who is the Second Man in the Na- tion, desire to be instructed in the Christian Religion.
"I am, Gentlemen " Your Most Obedient, Humble Servant, " JAMES OGLETHORPE."
Here are the letter of the governor and council of South Caro- lina and the resolutions of the Assembly alluded to in the fore- going communication : -
" SIR. We can't omit the first Opportunity of Congratulat- ing you on your safe Arrival in this Province, wishing you all imaginable Success in your charitable and generous Undertaking in which we beg Leave to assure you any Assistance we can give shall not be wanting in promoting the same. The General Assembly having come to the Resolutions inclosed, we hope you will accept .it as an Instance of our sincere Intentions to forward so good a Work, and of our Attachment to a Person who has at all times so generously used his Endeavours to relieve the Poor and deliver them out of their Distress, in which you have been hitherto so successful that we are persuaded this Undertaking can't fail under your prudent conduct, which we most heartily wish for. The Rangers and Scout-Boats are order'd to attend you as soon as possible. Col : Bull, a Gentleman of this Board. and whom we esteem most capable to assist you in the Settling your new Colony, is desired to deliver you this, and to accom-
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
pany you and render you the best Services he is capable of, and is one whose Integrity you may very much depend on.
" We are with the greatest Regard and Esteem, Sir, " Your most obedient Humble Servants, Council Chamber, 26th of Jan: 1732.
JOHN PENWICKE, THOMAS WARING, J. HAMMERTON,
ROBERT JOHNSON,
THOMAS BROUGHTON,
AL: MIDDLETON,
A. SKEENE,
FRA : YONGE, JAMES KINLOCK."
" The Committee of his Majesty's Honourable Council ap- pointed to confer with a Committee of the Lower House on his Excellency's Message relating to the Arrival of the Honourable James Oglethorpe Esqr :
" Report : That agreeable to his Majesty's Instructions to his Excellency, sent down together with the said Message, we are unanimously of Opinion that all due Countenance and En- couragement ought to be given to the Settling of the Colony of Georgia.
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" And for that End your Committee apprehend it necessary that his Excellency be desired to give Orders and Directions that Capt MacPherson, together with fifteen of the Rangers do forthwith repair to the new Settlement of Georgia to cover and protect M' Oglethorpe, and those under his care, from any In- sults that may be offer'd them by the Indians, and that they continue and abide there till the new Settlers have enforted themselves, and for such further time as his Excellency may think necessary.
" That the Lientenant and four Men of the Apalachucola Garrison be order'd to march to the Fort on Combahee to Join those of the Rangers that remain; that the Commissary be or- der'd to find them with Provisions as usual. That his Excel- leney will please to give Directions that the Scont Boat at Port Royal do attend the new Settlers as often as his Excellency shall see Occasion. That a Present be given to M' Oglethorpe for the new Settlement of Georgia forthwith of an hundred Head of breeding Cattle, and five Bulls, as also twenty breeding Sows, and four Boars, with twenty Barrels of good and merchantable Rice ; the whole to be deliver'd at the Charge of the Publick at such Place in Georgia as M' Oglethorpe shall appoint.
" That Parriaguas be provided at the Charge of the Publick
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GIFTS TO TIIE COLONISTS.
to attend M' Oglethorpe at Port Royal in order to carry the new Settlers, arrived in the Ship Anne, to Georgia with their Effects and the Artillery and Ammunition now on Board.
" That Col. Bull be desired to go to Georgia with the Hon: James Oglethorpe Esq: to aid him with his best Advice and As- sistance in the Settling of that Place." 1
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This early and acceptable aid extended by the province of Carolina was supplemented by private benefactions. Thus, Colo- nel Bull, with four of his servants, came to Savannah and spent a month there, supervising the work of the sawyers, designating the proportions of the buildings, surveying the lots, and render- ing service most valuable. From Mr. Whitaker and his friends were received one hundred head of cattle, a free gift to the col- ony. 'Mr. St. Julian for several weeks directed the people in erecting their houses and advancing the settlement. A present of a silver boat and spoon was made by Mr. Hume for the first child born on Georgia soil. These were awarded to the infant of Mrs. Close. For two months Mr. Joseph Bryan gave his per- sonal attention and the labor of four of his servants, who were sawyers. Sixteen sheep were sent by the inhabitants of Edisto Island. Mr. Hammerton contributed a drum. Mrs. Ann Dray- ton loaned four of her sawyers, and Colonel Bull and Mr. Bryan furnished Mr. Oglethorpe with twenty servants to be employed in such manner as he might deem most advantageous. Governor Johnson presented seven horses.2
Well knowing that the planting of this colony to the south would essentially promote the security of Carolina, shielding that province from the direct assaults and machinations of the Span- iards in Florida, preventing the ready escape of fugitive slaves, guarding her lower borders from the incursions of Indians, in- creasing commercial relations, and enhancing the value of lands, the South Carolinians were eager to advance the prosperity of Georgia.
The following extract from a letter of Mr. Oglethorpe to the ·trustees, dated at Savannah, February 20, 1733, advises us of his further impressions of Yamacraw Bluff : -
" Our People are all in perfect Health. I chose the situation for the Town upon an high Ground forty Foot perpendicular
1 Sce Reasons for Establishing the Colony
? See Stevens' History of Georgia, vol. of Georgia with Regard to the Trade of i. p. 92. Philadelphia. MDCCCXLVII. Great Britain, etc., pp. 42-16. London. MDCCXXXIII.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
above High-Water Mark : The Soil dry and sandy, the Water of the River fresh, Springs coming out from the Sides of the Hills. I pitch'd on this Place not only for the Pleasantness of its Situa- tion, but because from the above-mention'd and other Signs I thought it Healthy, for it is shelter'd from the Western and Southern Winds (the worst in this Country) by vast Woods of Pine-trees many of which are an hundred, and few under seventy Foot high. There is no Moss on the Trees, tho' in most Parts of Carolina they are cover'd with it, and it hangs down two or three Foot from them ; The last and fullest Conviction of the Healtli- fulness of the Place was that an Indian Nation, who know the Nature of this Country, chose it for their Habitation." 1
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