USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia, Volume I > Part 22
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1 Voyage to Georgia, etc., p. 23. London. 1744.
14
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
consideration, and proceeded at once to examine the causes which induced the inhabitants to desire a change. Admitting that the existing " dissatisfaction was not groundless, and that there were many embarrassments connected with their situation," he never- theless endeavored to dissuade them from their purpose by re- minding them that the labor already expended in clearing their lands, building houses, and constructing roads would, upon re- moval, be almost wholly lost. The hardships incident upon forming an entirely new settlement were urged upon their seri- ous consideration. He also assured them that in felling the forests, and in bringing the lands on the bank of the Savannah River under cultivation, they would contract the same diseases which afflicted them in their present location. He concluded, however, by saying to them that if they were resolved upon making the change he would not forbid it, but would assist them, as far as practicable, in compassing their design.1
After this conference, and upon Mr. Oglethorpe's return to Savannah, the question of a change of location was again consid- ered by the Salzburgers, who resolved among themselves that a removal was essential to the prosperity of their colony. Acting upon this determination the community, without delay, set about migrating to the site selected for the new town. This was on a high ridge, near the Savannah River, called " Red Bluff " from the peculiar color of the soil. It received the name of New Ebenezer ; and, to the simple-minded Germans, oppressed by poverty and saddened by the disappointments of the past, seemed to offer future happiness and much-coveted prosperity. The labor of removal appears to have been compassed within less than two years. In June, 1738, Old Ebenezer 2 had degenerated
1 In reporting this change of location to the trustees, Mr. Oglethorpe, on the 13th of February, wrote as follows : " The people at Ebenezer are very discontented and Mr. Von Reck, and they that come with him, refuse to settle to the South- ward. I was forced to go to Ebenezer to quiet things there and have taken all the proceedings in writing. Finding the people were only ignorant and obstinate, but without any ill intention, I consented to the changing of their Town. They leave a sweet place where they had made great improvements, to go into a wood." See Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. iii. p. 13. Savannah. 1873.
Compare Harris' Biographical Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 130, 132. Boston. 1841. Wright's Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 113. London. 1867. Strobel's Salzburgers and their Descendants, p. 89. Baltimore. 1855.
2 Rev. Mr. John Wesley, writing in 1737, records in his Journal the following description of this abandoned settlement : " Old Ebenezer, where the Saltzburghers settled at first, lies twenty-five miles west of Savannah. A small Creek runs by the Town, down to the River, and many Brooks run between the little Hills : But the soil is a hungry, barren sand; and upon any sudden Shower, the Brooks rise
211
NEW EBENEZER.
into a cow-pen, where Joseph Barker resided and " had the care of the Trust's Cattle." William Stephens gives us a pitiable view of the abandoned spot when he visited it on the 26th of that month : Indian traders, returning from Savannah, lodging for the night with Barker, who was unable to give due account of the cattle under his charge, and a servant, Sommers, moving about with " the Small-Pox out full upon him."1 Thus early did " Old Ebenezer " take its silent place among the lost towns of Georgia. Its life of trials and sorrow, of ill-founded hope and sure disappointment, was measured by scarcely more than two years, and its frail memories were speedily lost amid the sighs and the shadows of the monotonous pines which environed the place.
The situation of the new town was quite romantic. " On the east lay the Savannah with its broad, smooth surface and its ever varying and beautiful scenery. On the sonth was a stream, then called Little Creek, but now known as Lockner's Creek. and a large lake called ' Neidlinger's Sea ;' while to the north, not very distant from the town, was to be seen their old ac- quaintance, Ebenezer Creek, sluggishly winding its way to min- gle with the waters of the Savannah. The surrounding country was gently undulating and covered with a fine growth of forest trees, while the jessamine, the woodbine, and the beautiful azalea. with its variety of gaudy colors, added a peculiar richness to the picturesque scene. But, unfortunately for the permanent pros- perity of the town, it was surrounded on three sides by low swamps which were subject to periodical inundation, and conse- quently generated a poisonous miasma prejudicial to the health of the inhabitants." 2
several Feet perpendicular, and overflow whatever is near them. Since the Salts- burghers remov'd, two English Families have been placed there; but these too say, That the Land is good for nothing ; and that the Creek is of little Use ; it being by Water twenty miles to the River ; and the Water generally so low in Summer-time, that a Boat cannot come within six or seren miles of the Town." See An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley's Journal, etc., pp. 59, 60. Bristol, n. d.
1 Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia, vol. i. pp. 226, 227. London. 1742. In 1740 this cow-pen was still in existence at Old Ebenezer, the trustees having a
great number of cattle there. "But," continues the narrative, " they were much neglected, there not being Horses or Men sufficient to drive up the young and out- lying cattle." Sec A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath in the Court of Savannah, November 10, 1740, p. 9. London. 1742. Compare An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 48. London. 1741. Harris' Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, etc., vol. ii. p. 337. London. 1748.
2 Strobel's Salzburgers and their De- scendants, p. 91. Baltimore. 1855.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
The plan adopted in laying out the town was prescribed by General Oglethorpe, and closely resembles that of Savannah ; the size of the lots and the width of the streets and lanes being in each case quite similar. To John Gerar, William DeBrahm, his majesty's Surveyor-General for the Southern District of North America, who in 1757 erected a fort at Ebenezer, are we indebted for an accurate plan of that town.1 As the village in- creased, this plan was extended. Its distinctive characteristics were retained. From contemporaneous notices we learn that New Ebenezer, within a short time after its settlement, gave manifest token of substantial growth and prosperity. The houses there erected were larger and more comfortable than those which had been built in the old town. Gardens and farms were cleared, inclosed, and brought under creditable cultivation, and the se- date, religious inhabitants enjoyed the fruits of their industry and economy.
Funds received from Germany for that purpose were employed in the erection of an orphan house, in which, for lack of a church, the community worshiped for several years.
We presume the account of the condition of Ebenezer in 1738-39, furnished by Benjamin Martyn,2 is as interesting and reliable as any that can be suggested. It is as follows : "Fifteen miles from Purysburg on the Georgia side, is Ebenezer, where the Saltzburghers are situated; their Houses are neat, and regu- larly set out in Streets, and the whole ŒEconomy of their town, under the Influence of their Ministers, Mess. Bolzius and Gronau, is very exemplary.3 For the Benefit of their Milch Cattle, a Herdsman is appointed to attend them in the Woods all the Day, and bring them Home in the Evening. Their Stock of out-lying
1 History of the Province of Georgia, etc., plan facing p. 24. Wormsloe. 1849. 2 An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 47. London. 1741.
8 Another contemporaneous account is almost identical : "On the Georgia side [of the Savannah River], twelve miles from Purysburg, is the Town of Ebenezer, which thrives very much ; there are very good Houses built for each of the Min- isters, and an Orphan House ; and they have partly framed Houses and partly Hats, neatly built, and formed into regu- lar streets; they have a great deal of Cattle and Corn-Ground, so that they
sell Provisions at Savannah ; for they raise much more than they can con- sume." See A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Outh in the Court of Savannah, November 10, 1740, p. 5. Lon- don, 1742. See also idem, pp. 29, 31. An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 13. London, 1741. Compare Harris' Com- plete Collection of Voyages and Travels, etc., vol. ii. p. 337. London. 1748.
The Rev. Mr. John Wesley's deserip- tion is as follows : "New Ebenezer, to which the Saltsburghers removed in March, 1736, lies six Miles Eastward from the Old, on a high bluff, near the Savannah
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213
NEW EBENEZER.
Cattle is also under the Care of two other Herdsmen, who attend them in their Feeding in the Day, and drive them into Cow- Pens at night. This secures the Owners from any Loss, and the Herdsmen are paid by a small Contribution among the People. These are very industrious, and subsist comfortably by their La- bour. Though there is no regular Court of Justice, as they live in Sobriety, they maintain great Order and Decency. In case of any Differences, the Minister calls three or four of the most prudent Elders together, who in a summary Way hear and de- termine as they think just, and the Parties always acquiesce with Content in their Judgment. They are very regular in their public Worship, which is on Week-Days in the Evening after their Work; and in the Forenoon and Evening on Sundays. They have built a large and convenient House for the Reception of Orphans, and other poor Children, who are maintained by Benefactions among the People, are well taken Care of and taught to work according as their Age and Ability will permit. The Number computed by Mr. Bolzius in June, 1738, whereof his Congregation consisted, was one hundred forty-six, and some more have since been settled among them. They are all in gen- eral so well pleased with their condition, that not one of their People has abandoned the Settlement."
General Oglethorpe received a letter, dated Ebenezer, March 13, 1739, signed by forty-nine men of the Salzburgers and veri- fied by their ministers, in which they assured him that they were well settled, and pleased with the climate and condition of the country ; that although the season was hotter than that of their native land, having become accustomed to it, they found it toler- able and convenient for working people ; and that their custom was to commence their out-door labor early in the morning and continue it until ten o'clock, resuming it again from three in the afternoon until sunset. During the heated term of midday, mat- ters within their houses engaged their attention. The general was also informed that they had practically demonstrated the fal- sity of the tale, told them on their arrival, that rice could be cul- tivated only by negroes. " We laugh at such a Talking," - so
River. Here are some Tracts of Fruitful Land, tho" the greatest Part of that ad- joining to the Town, is Pine-barren. The Huts, 60 in number, are neatly and reg- ularly built; the little Piece of Ground allotted to cach for a Garden, is every- where put to the best Use, no spot being
left unplanted. Nay, even one of the main Streets, being one more than was as yet wanted, bore them this year a crop of Indian Corn." - An Extract of the Rer. Mr. John Wesley's Journal, ctc., p. 60. Bristol, n. d.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
they wrote, - " seeing that several People of us have had, in last Harvest, a greater Crop of Rice than they wanted for their own Consumption. Of Corn, Pease, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Cabbage, &c., we had such a good Quantity that many bushels are sold, and much was spent in feeding Cows, Calves and Hogs." The letter concludes with an earnest petition that negroes should be excluded from their town and neighborhood, alleging as a reason that their houses and gardens would be robbed by them, and that, " besides other great inconveniences, white people were in danger of life from them." 1
Of humble origin, primitive in their habits, accustomed to labor, free from covetousness and ambition, temperate, indus- trious, frugal, and orderly, solicitous for the education of their children and the maintenance of the needy and the orphan, meddling not in the affairs of their neighbors, acknowledging al- legiance to the trustees and the king of England, maintaining direct connection with the parent church in Germany, and sub- mitting without question to the decisions of their ministers and elders in all matters, whether of a civil or ecclesiastical nature, engaging in no pursuits save of an agricultural or a mechanical character, and little given either to excitement or wandering, these Salzburgers for years preserved the integrity of their com- munity and their religion, and secured for themselves a comfort- able existence. As early as 1738 the Salzburgers at Ebenezer made some limited experiment in growing cotton and were much encouraged, the yield being abundant and of an excellent qual- ity. The trustees, however, having fixed their hopes upon silk and wine, the cultivation of that plant was not countenanced.2
It was estimated by Mr. Benjamin Martyn, secretary of the trustees, that up to the year 1741 not less than twelve hundred German Protestants had arrived in the colony. Their princi- pal settlements were at New Ebenezer, Bethany, Savannah, Frederica, Goshen, and along the road leading from Savannah to Ebenezer. They were all characterized by industry, sobriety, and thrift.
1 An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 69, 72. London. 1741. Compare A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath, etc., pp. 5, 29, 30, 32. London.
1742. An Account shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, etc., pp. 66, 69. London. 1741.
2 See McCall's History of Georgia, vol. i. p. 199. Savannah. 1811.
CHAPTER XV.
ANECDOTE OF TOMO-CHI-CHI. - OGLETHORPE ACCOMMODATES DISPUTES BETWEEN THE INDIANS AND CERTAIN TRESPASSERS FROM CAROLINA. - AUGUSTA LOCATED AND SETTLED. - FRANCIS MOORE'S DESCRIPTION OF SAVANNAH. - OGLETHORPE PROCEEDS TO ST. SIMON'S ISLAND AND DESIGNATES A PLAN FOR FREDERICA. - HE VISITS NEW INVERNESS, AND THEN, RETURNING TO TYBEE ROADS, CONDUCTS THE NEWLY ARRIVED IM- MIGRANTS TO ST. SIMON'S ISLAND. - DESCRIPTION OF FREDERICA, FORTS ST. ANDREW, ST. SIMON, AND GEORGE. - OGLETHORPE ASCERTAINS THE BOUNDARY LINE BETWEEN GEORGIA AND FLORIDA. - INDIAN DANCE.
RETURNING from our visit to the Salzburgers, during which we have traced the development of the German settlements beyond the stage of colonization claiming present notice, we find Mr. Oglethorpe in Savannah engaged in arranging for his con- templated departure to St. Simon's Island. Fifty rangers, one hundred workmen, and Captain McPherson and his company have been ordered overland to Darien that they might support the Highlanders on the Alatamaha, and assist in founding the town of Frederica. The road leading from Savannah to the Ala- tamaha River is being definitely located. A deputation from Purrysburgh, consisting of the honorable Hector Berenger de Beaufain, M. Tisley Dechillon, a patrician of Berne, and several other Swiss gentlemen, waits upon Mr. Oglethorpe to congratu- late him on his return, and to acquaint him with the condition of their settlement. A military review is had, and before the parade is dismissed Mr. Oglethorpe addresses the assembled multitude in an animated speech full of commendation, sage counsels, and good wishes.
On the 12th of February he returned to the ships which were still riding at anchor in Tybee Roads. While there, on board the Symond, he received a formal visit from Tomo-chi-chi, Seenauki his wife, Toonahowi his nephew, and several attendants. They expressed their joy at his return, and offered presents of venison and other refreshments. When introduced to the missionaries, the old mico remarked to Mr. John Wesley, "I am glad you are come. When I was in England I desired that some would speak
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
the great word to me. I will go up and speak to the wise men of our nation, and I hope they will hear. But we would not be made Christians as the Spaniards make Christians : we would be taught before we are baptized." Scenauki then presented the missionaries with two large jars, one containing honey and the other milk, and invited them to come to Yamacraw and instruct the Indian children, saying that the milk and honey represented their kindly inclinations.
Tomo-chi-chi informed Mr. Oglethorpe that he had been for two months anxiously awaiting his coming, and that, during this time, he had retained two Indian runners in order that the intel- ligence of his arrival might be communicated at the earliest moment to the Lower and Upper Creeks. Those runners had been dispatched to convey the tidings. He further advised him that he had a party of his warriors at Darien assisting the High- landers in building their town. He also told him of a complaint made by the Uchees that, contrary to the terms of the existing treaty, cattle had been brought into their territory ; and that, in opposition to their wishes, planters from Carolina, with their negroes, had formed settlements within their reserved limits. Or- ders were thereupon issued by Mr. Oglethorpe directing Captain Eneas McIntosh to notify these trespassers to withdraw their cattle and negroes within three days. If within the designated period they were not sent away, they were then to be arrested, brought to Savannah, and turned over to the magistrates, by whom proceedings for their punishment would be forthwith insti- tnted. At the same time he forwarded to Savannah Town, a copy of the act entitled " An Act for maintaining the Peace with the Indians in the Province of Georgia," prepared by the honorable the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America, and approved by his majesty George II. in council on the 3d of April, 1735, with directions to acquaint every Indian trader with its provisions, and to enjoin upon all strict compliance with its requirements. This prompt action on the part of Ogle- thorpe illustrates alike his decision of character, the sedulity with which he guarded the rights of the Indians and maintained the good faith which should be observed between them and the colo- nists, and the confidence he reposed in the veracity of Tomo- chi-chi.
As illustrating another trait in the character of the founder of the colony of Georgia, - which may be properly designated his delicate appreciation of honor and propriety, - we mention this
217
SETTLEMENT OF AUGUSTA.
circumstance. Mr. Spangenberg, the Moravian minister, and a great friend of the Wesleys, wishing to ingratiate himself with Oglethorpe and render a service to the colony, informed him that several Germans, over whom he wielded influence, had gone to Pennsylvania. He offered to journey thither and bring them to Georgia that they might increase and strengthen the province. To this suggestion Oglethorpe responded that he would not be instrumental in enticing any one from another colony, but that if Mr. Penn consented to their coming he would receive them.1
Although his thoughts had been for some time largely occu- pied in maturing plans and accumulating stores for the popula- tion and protection of the southern frontier of Georgia, Mr. Oglethorpe did not neglect the establishment and maintenance of necessary posts in other quarters. In 1735 the town of Angusta 2 was marked out, and the next year a garrison was de- tailed for its defense. Warehouses were built and furnished with goods suitable for the Indian trade. Boats, each capable of conveying about ten thousand weight of peltry, soon navigated the Savannah River, conducting lucrative commerce with Charles- town and Savannah. This point became a general resort in the spring of the year for Indian traders. Here they annually pur- chased from the Indians some two thousand pack-horse loads of skins and other articles offered by the natives in the way of barter. Including residents of the town, pack-horse men, boat- hands, and servants, it is estimated that at an early date not less than six hundred white persons were here engaged in commerce.
1 Moore's Voyage to Georgia, p. 38. London. 1744.
2 As early as 1716 Savannah Town, bet- ter known as Fort Moore, had been located on the left bank of the Savannah River, not a great distance below the site occu- pied by the more modern village of Ham- burg. Its establishment was suggested by the Carolina authorities to facilitate the trade with the Upper Creeks and the Cherokees. To this point goods were transported from Charlestown both by land and water. The first agent in charge of the storchonse at Savannah Town was Captain Theophilus Hastings. Ile was assisted by John Sharp and Samuel Muckleroy. This settlement received its name from the Sawaunos or Savannahs, a native tribe dwelling upon the banks of the river. So rapidly did the traffie
with the aborigines increase that before the close of 1716 Hastings applied for three additional assistants to aid him in its conduct. At Savannah Town a laced hat readily commanded eight buck-skins; a calico petticoat could not be purchased for less than twelve; and so great was the demand for salt, gunpowder, kettles. rum, looking-glasses, and other articles of European manufacture that the trad- ers were allowed by the commissioners to exact as much as the savages could be persuaded to give in exchange for them.
Upon the settlement of Augusta and the opening of stores at that point. Sa- vannah Town lost its vantage ground as a trading post, and soon fell into decay. Its fort, however, was long garrisonel by the Carolinians, and maintained as a valuable outpost.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
Multitudes of Indians flocked hither at certain seasons. So ad- vantageous was its situation for traffic with the savage nations that the town soon became a mart for Indian trade superior to any other within the limits of either South Carolina or Georgia. A road capable of being traveled on horseback, was opened to Savannah.1 O'Bryan began the settlement of the town of Au- gusta at his own expense, and there erected a well-furnished storehouse. As a reward for his energy and enterprise Ogle- thorpe, on the 8th of March, 1739, recommended the trustees " to sign in his favor a grant of five hundred acres of land." Roger de Lacey, a noted Indian trader, was another of the early settlers of Augusta, and the garrison there supported by the trustees was for some time commanded by Captain Kent.2 Be- fore the name of the royal princess was here perpetuated, a trad- ing post, in contravention of treaty stipulations, had been estab- lished on the right bank of the Savannah, hard by the junction of what is now known as Rae's Creek with that river.
Before departing with Mr. Oglethorpe for Frederica, let us, in company with Mr. Francis Moore, view the attractions of the metropolis of the province, and note the development which has occurred during the past three years : -
"Savannah is about a mile and a quarter in Circumference ; it stands upon the flat of a Hill ; the Bank of the River (which they in barbarous English call a Bluff) is steep, and about 45 Foot perpendicular, so that all heavy Goods are brought up by a Crane, an Inconvenience designed to be remedied by a bridged Wharf, and an easy Ascent, which in laying out the Town, care was taken to allow room for, there being a very wide Strand be- tween the first Row of Houses and the River. From this Strand there is a very pleasant Prospect ; you see the River wash the Foot of the Hill which is a hard, clear, sandy Beach a mile in Length ; the Water is fresh, and the River 1000 Foot wide. Eastward you see the River increased by the Northern Branch which runs round Hutchinson's Island, and the Carolina Shore beyond it, and the Woody Islands at the Sea, which close the Prospect at 10 or 12 Miles Distance. Over against it is Hutchin- son's Island, great part of which is open Ground, where they mow Hay for the Trust's Horses and Cattle. The rest is Woods,
McCall's History of Georgia, vol. i. p. 50. Colony of Georgia, etc., p. 22. London. Savannah. 1811. MDCCXLI. A State of the Province of
1 Account showing the Progress of the
2 Compare Stevens' History of Georgia, Georgia, attested upon Oath, etc., p. 6. vol. i. p. 137. New York. MDCCCXLVII.
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