USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia, Volume I > Part 25
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Including the camp on the north, the parade on the east, and a small wood on the south which served as a blind in the event of an attack from ships coming up the river, the set- tlement was about a mile and a half in circumference. The town proper was to be protected by embankment and ditch, and places for two gates, called respectively the Town and Water posts, were indicated. The citadel was to be made of tabby and formidably armed. In front a water battery, mount- ing several eighteen-pounder guns, was designed to command the
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MISSION OF MR. DEMPSEY.
river. It was contemplated to guard the town on the land side by a formidable intrenchment, the exterior ditch of which could be filled with water.
As Savannah was the commercial metropolis of the colony, so was Frederica its southern outpost and strong defense. St. Simon's Island was soon to become the Thermopyla of the Southern Anglo-American provinces. In the military history of the colony there is no brighter chapter, in the eventful life of Oglethorpe no more illustrious epoch than that which com- memorates the protracted and successful struggle with the Span- iards for the retention of this charming island.
While planning this new settlement to the south, the trustees were not unmindful that they were about to engage in an enter- prise the execution of which would probably provoke the pro- hibitory intervention of Spain. Although peace conferences had been held and concessions made, that nation, ex imo corde, re- fused to abandon all claim to the territory lying between the Savannah and the Alatamaha rivers, and still viewed, with ill- concealed jealousy, any extension of British colonization in the direction of the St. John.
To conciliate the Spanish authorities in Florida and compass, as far as practicable, a pacification of slumbering disagreements, Mr. Charles Dempsey, with the sanction of the Spanish ambassador then resident near the Court of St. James, was commissioned by the British government to proceed to St. Augustine and there arrange the terms of a convention between the governors of Georgia and Florida with a view to the settlement of any dis- putes touching the boundary line between those provinces. Ile accompanied Mr. Oglethorpe to Georgia in the Symond.
Previous to his first departure from Tybee Roads to St. Simon's Island, Mr. Oglethorpe had instructed Major Richards of Purrys- burgh to procure a suitable boat, and proceed with Mr. Dempsey to St. Augustine. On the 19th of February, 1736, those gentle- men set out upon their mission ; Mr. Dempsey, in addition to his dispatches from the home government, conveying a conciliatory letter from Mr. Oglethorpe to the governor of Florida.
When on the 18th of March Mr. Oglethorpe left Frederica upon his southern reconnaissance, no advices had been received from Mr. Dempsey. Wishing to ascertain the cause of this si- lence, and being solicitous for his safety, Mr. Oglethorpe gladly hastened the inception of the expedition, knowing that its course would lead to the Florida coast, where he hoped at an early day
240
THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
to learn definitely of the movements and success of the commis- sioner. Another reason which induced Mr. Oglethorpe to go just at this time when his services on St. Simon's Island were greatly needed was the fear that the Indians, if unrestrained by his personal presence, might in their animosity feel themselves strong enough to attack some of the feeble advanced posts of the Spaniards, and by this means, in the unsettled state of feeling, precipitate general hostilities between the Spaniards and the colonists.
He also desired, as has been intimated, to ascertain from the Indians the boundary line, as they understood it, which separated Georgia from Florida. Having proceeded as far as the mouth of the St. John, he landed to make inquiry of the Spanish guard, there posted, concerning the fate of Mr. Dempsey and Major Richards. Unfortunately the post was deserted and he was una- ble to satisfy his anxieties. The next morning, however, he met Major Richards in a boat returning from St. Augustine, and from him received the following explanation of Mr. Dempsey's delay and continued absence. Before reaching St. Augustine the yawl in which they were proceeding was capsized. The en- tire party was compelled to scramble through the breakers to the shore, dragging the overturned boat with them. After walk- ing several leagues through the sand, they were overtaken by Don Pedro Lamberto, a captain of horse, who conducted them to the Spanish governor, by whom they were received with great civility. Mr. Dempsey's return was postponed in consequence of repairs which it was necessary to put upon the boat. Major Richards brought letters to Mr. Oglethorpe from Don Francisco del Moral Sanchez, captain-general of Florida and governor of St. Augustine, in which, after profuse compliments and ex- pressions of thanks for the letters received at the hands of Mr. Dempsey, he complained that the Creek Indians had fallen upon some of the Spaniards and defeated them, and that he was in daily apprehension of further hostilities which he desired Mr. Oglethorpe to prevent. Major Richards added that the Spanish authorities at Havana had been fully advised of what was transpiring on the coast, and that he had promised the governor of Florida to return within three weeks with the reply which Mr. Oglethorpe might desire to make to his communication.
From other sources Mr. Oglethorpe received information that, notwithstanding these professions of friendship and assurances of an earnest desire on his part to perpetuate the amicable relations
241
DUPLICITY OF THE SPANIARDS.
existing between Georgia and Florida, the governor of St. All- gustine had sent to Charlestown to purchase arms which he in- tended placing in the hands of the Florida Indians, and that by their assistance, in conjunction with the Yemassees and a detach- ment from the garrison at St. Augustine, he purposed an early movement upon the colonists at Frederica, hoping to accomplish either their utter destruction, or total expulsion from the island of St. Simon. He was also advised that the alleged hostility on the part of the Creeks was simply a pretext for this covert movement, and designed to shift in advance the burden of a commencement of hostilities from the shoulders of the Span- iards to those of the English ; that the garrison at St. Augustine consisted of five companies of infantry of sixty men each, and a company of horse numbering about forty men ; and that rein- forcements had been called for and were daily expected from Havana.1 Regarding this information as entirely reliable, Mr. Oglethorpe dispatched a periagua with twenty oars and four swivel guns, accompanied by a scout-boat, well armed, to the mouth of the St. John's River, with orders to patrol that river and prevent any Indians from crossing, hoping thus to preclude the possibility of an attack by the Indians in this quarter. The fort located upon the St. George's Island passage was rapidly pressed to completion in order that its guns might assist the periagua in hindering the ascent of any hostile boats through the island channels. Two ships were posted in the river near Freder- ica to engage the Spanish vessels, should an entrance from the sea be attempted by them. The fortifications on St. Simon's Island were strengthened by every means at command, and addi- tional troops summoned for their defense. Through the aid of Tomo-chi-chi, parties of Indians were sent out with instructions to intercept the Creek hunters and dissuade them from attacking the Spanish outposts until a general conference could be held. Other warriors were stationed in the woods on the coast oppo- site Frederica, with orders to prevent any Spanish cavalry from advancing across the country upon the settlement of the High- landers at Darien, and at all times to hold themselves in readi- ness to cross over and unite in the defense of Frederica should that place be threatened.
On the 13th of April Mr. Oglethorpe dispatched Major Rich- ards and Mr. Horton with his reply to the captain-general of Florida. They went in the marine boat, accompanied by a peri-
1 See Francis Moore's Voyage.
16
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
agua carrying a three months' supply of provisions. In his re- sponse Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted his excellency that in order to remove all cause of uneasiness and to prevent lawless persons from creating any disturbance between the subjects of the two Crowns, he had commissioned armed boats to patrol the waters separating the British and Spanish territories. He concluded by thanking him for his former civilities, and by commending Major Richards and his companions to his favorable consideration.
Upon reaching St. George's Fort, Major Richards sent over to the Spanish side of the river St. John to announce his arrival ; but neither men nor horses were there, as had been promised, to conduct him to St. Augustine. As the major was anxious to keep his appointment, - which was that he would report at St. Augustine within three weeks from the time of his departure, - and as a voyage in open boat involved too much danger and ex- posure, Mr. Horton prevailed upon him to remain where he was. With two servants he set out on foot to visit the governor and advise him that Major Richards had arrived upon the confines of Florida bearing letters from Mr. Oglethorpe. A few days after- wards two smokes, which were the signal agreed upon, were per- ceived at the Spanish look-out. The marine boat was immediately sent over. It returned with the intelligence that a guard and horses were ready to conduct Major Richards to St. Augustine, but that the Spaniards behaved more like enemies than friends. The officers and men of the boat counseled Major Richards not to go with them unless the Spaniards left some one as security for his safety. The major resolved to venture, nevertheless, and having been taken in charge by the Spaniards on the other side set out at once upon his journey. Some days after this, another smoke appearing at the Spanish post, the boat again went over, when a dirty paper, containing a message in German, traced with a pencil, was handed to the officer in charge. The Spaniards said it had been written by Major Richards and was addressed to Captain Hermsdorf. It simply advised him that he had safely reached the quarters of the Spanish captain of horse. The Span- iards appearing in numbers more formidable than usual, Mr. Horton not returning, and Major Richards sending such a short dispatch, Captain Hermsdorf concluded that the latter was de- tained as a prisoner. His fort not being tenable, and " his men proving indifferent," that officer resolved to abandon his exposed position and retire to Amelia Sound whence, if repulsed, he could retire under the protection of the guns at St. Andrew. While
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ANXIETY ON ACCOUNT OF MAJOR RICIIARDS.
lying at anchor near the south end of Cumberland Island, he was overtaken by Mr. Oglethorpe in Captain Gascoigne's six-oared yawl-boat, attended by Rae's scout-boat, who ordered him to fol- low. Leaving Captain Hermsdorf with the periagua and the marine-boat at St. George, Mr. Oglethorpe proceeded with the yawl and the scout-boat, bearing a flag of truce, to the Spanish side that he might ascertain what had become of Major Richards, Mr. Horton, and their companions. The customary post was de- serted. After traversing the neighborhood for some time, and seeing no one, Oglethorpe was about returning when one of his lads, named Frazier, appeared driving before him a tall man with a musket upon his shoulder, two pistols in his girdle, and a long and a short sword depending from his side. " Here, sir, I have caught a Spaniard for you," said the boy. Having treated the captive civilly, and having given him wine and victuals, Mr. Oglethorpe inquired concerning Major Richards and Mr. Horton ; whereupon the fellow pulled out a letter which he said was from Mr. Horton, whom, with Major Richards, he added, the governor of St. Augustine had put under arrest. Mr. Oglethorpe rewarded him, and designated noon of the next day for returning an an- swer. This information led Mr. Oglethorpe to anticipate an early attack from the Spaniards. He withdrew at once to St. George, which he placed in the best possible attitude of defense. During the night fires were kindled at various points to light up the adjacent waters and discover the enemy if he attempted to pass. Returning to the Spanish look-out on the morrow, at the appointed hour, he was chagrined at finding that the Spaniard had not kept his engagement. Some horsemen were observed concealing themselves behind the sand-hills, and a launch, filled with men, was seen lying under the shelter of a sand-bank near the mouth of the St. Jolin's River. Upon rowing in the direc- tion of this launch, her crew started up and pulled out to sea. Finally he succeeded in having a conference with a horseman, well mounted and dressed in blue, to whom he entrusted the let- ters intended for the Spaniard whom he had met on the previous day. The horseman promised to attend to their proper delivery, and also to return with replies. Having waited two days for a response, and none being delivered, Mr. Oglethorpe, leaving all the other boats at Fort St. George, repaired in the yawl to Fred- erica.
Advices received from Florida induced Mr. Oglethorpe to ex- pect an early demonstration against that town. Every precaution
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
was taken and all preparations were made which the utmost pru- dence, forethought, and military ingenuity could devise to place the colonists there and the garrisons in the dependent forts in the best practical attitude, both offensive and defensive. The more closely we scrutinize the efforts of the commander-in-chief at this important juncture, the more remarkable appear the re- sults which he then achieved with the small numbers and scanty resources at command. His energy was untiring, and his watch- fulness unceasing. No exposure proved too hazardous, no per- sonal exertion too onerous. During this period of doubt and peril he was bravely seconded by his subalterns, and by the vener- able Tomo-chi-chi, who remained ever near, accompanying him upon his scouts by land and water, assisting in the construction of forts and in the disposition of troops, by means of guides and runners giving information of the movements of the Spaniards, and by his presence and influence inciting his warriors to the cheerful performance of continued and valuable services.
Beyond all question the Spaniards purposed an early attack upon Frederica. By the time, however, that they had consum- mated their arrangements, such reports were conveyed to them of the strength of the positions occupied by the colonists, of the obstacles to be overcome, and of the probable loss to be encoun- tered, that the projected expedition was delayed. When, more than two years afterwards, it was launched against St. Simon's Island, the Spanish arms encountered only disappointment, de- moralization, and defeat. The history of this island and the heroic memories of its gallant defense are among the most memo- rable recollections of the colonial period of Georgia. They illus- trate at once the ability, valor, and military skill of Mr. Ogle- thorpe, the patience, endurance, and bravery of the colonists, and the fidelity of the aged mico of the Yamacraws and his followers.
To the great relief of all Mr. Horton arrived at Frederica dur- ing the night of the 14th of June. IIe had met Mr. Oglethorpe en route. To Mr. Francis Moore he gave the following account of his adventures : After departing, with two servants, from the Spanish look-out, he walked along the sea-shore until he reached the river flowing near the castle of St. Augustine. Arriving there about four o'clock in the afternoon, he fired his gun several times as a signal for a boat to convey him across. At last one came. Having crossed the river he was conducted to the gover- nor, who received him with much civility. Thence he went to Don Carlos Dempsey's house. The next day a detachment was
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MAJOR RICHARDS ARRESTED.
sent to escort Major Richards to St. Augustine, who arrived shortly afterwards. Both he and Mr. Horton were welcomed by the inhabitants, " who looked upon them as the Messengers of their Deliverance, for bringing them the news that the English boats patrole upon the River to hinder the barbarous Indians from passing and molesting them."
While waiting for the governor's answer to Mr. Oglethorpe's communication, they were one night invited to a dance at the residence of the governor's interpreter, where they remained until one o'clock in the morning and then returned to their lodgings at Mr. Dempsey's house. While they were still in bed, the town major, Diego Paulo, attended by a file of musketeers, waited upon Mr. Dempsey and informed him that Major Richards, Mr. Horton, and their servants were charged with having been en- gaged that very morning in "taking a plan of the town and castle," and that the governor, acting upon the accusation, had ordered a sergeant and twelve men to make prisoners of them.
About ten o'clock the same morning, the governor " came to Don Carlos's Lodging, accompany'd by some officers and the pub- lic Scrivener of the Garison, and having sat down, began a formal Information and Examination of Major Richards. The Governor ask'd him what brought him there ; he answer'd that he was come pursuant to his promise to his Excellency of returning to him with Letters from Mr. Oglethorpe. He then asked where Mr. Oglethorpe was ? He answered he could not tell where he then was, but he had left him at Frederica. Upon which he asked what Fortifications and number of Men were at Frederica ? To which the Major answered he did not know. He then asked what Fortifications and number of Men were at Jekyl Sound, Cumberland Island, Amelia Island, and St. John's ? To which the Major answered the same as before. Whereupon the Gov- ernor retired ; and some time after sent for the Major to his House. He then examined Mr. Horton as to the Strength of Georgia ; but he refus'd to give them any answer : Upon which they threaten'd to send him to the Mines. To which he answer'd that he was a Subject of Great Britain, and his Sovereign was powerful enough to do him Justice.
" The next Day, upon Don Carlos's application, the Guards were taken off, he undertaking for them, and promising upon Honour, that they should not walk about the Town, nor leave it without his Excellency's Permission. Some Days after, they sept out Don Ignatio Rosso, - Lieutenant Colonel of the Garrison, -
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
with a Detachment of it, in a large Boat called a Launch. He staid out about five Days, and returned extremely fatigu'd, - the Men having row'd the Skin off their Hands, -and reported that the Islands were all fortified and full of Men and arm'd Boats.
" After this Don Carlos spoke to the Governor, Bishop, and the rest of the Officers. A Council of War was call'd, and it was resolv'd to send back Major Richards, Mr. Horton and the other Men, and also letters of Civility to Mr. Oglethorpe with Don Carlos Dempsey, Don Pedro Lamberto, Captain of Horse, and Don Manuel d' Arcy, Adjutant of the Garrison, and to desire Friendship." Mr. Horton was accordingly released, and, while returning with his servants in a boat, met Mr. Oglethorpe, to whom he communicated the intelligence of the approach of the Spanish authorities and Mr. Dempsey in a launch. IIe was ordered by Mr. Oglethorpe to press on as rapidly as he could and to arrange for the reception of those gentlemen on board Captain Gascoigne's vessel, that they might acquire no informa- tion of the situation and strength of Frederica and its adjacent forts. That Mr. Dempsey, who, during his residence at St. Au- gustine, was handsomely supported by the trustees, labored hon- estly and effectually to maintain amicable relations between the Spaniards in Florida and the colonists in Georgia cannot be doubted. That he was largely instrumental in bringing about a pacification on more than one occasion will be admitted ; but it is most certain that the energy and daring of Oglethorpe, coupled with a very respectable show of batteries, scout-boats, and armed men, were more potent than all else in restraining the Spaniards from the commission of hostilities.
The circumstances attendant npon the reception of the Spanish authorities and the confirmation of a treaty of friendship between the colonies may be summed up as follows : -
On the 12th of June, Oglethorpe, accompanied by Tomo-chi-chi and his Indians in their canoes, started with a large periagua and two ten-oared boats containing fifty men, cannon, and two months' provisions, to relieve Fort St. George which he feared might at that time be besieged. On his way he met a boat in which was Mr. Horton, who had been released and was at that time return- ing home, by whom he was informed that two Spanish officers were coming on a friendly mission to St. Simon. Not being able to postpone his visit to St. George, Mr. Oglethorpe sent orders to Captain Gascoigne to entertain the Spanish officers on his vessel, the Hawk, and to keep them on board until his return,
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ARRIVAL OF SPANISH COMMISSIONERS.
so that they might not be able by personal inspection to gain any definite knowledge of the strength or location of Frederica. When within a few miles of his destination, the launch hove in sight which conveyed the Spanish commissioners, - Don Pedro de Lamberto, colonel of horse, and Don Manuel D'Arcy, secretary to the governor, - and also Mr. Dempsey and Major Richards.1 Wishing to avoid the ceremony which must ensue if he made himself known to them, and anxious to compass his visit to Fort St. George, Mr. Oglethorpe desired Mr. Mackay to communicate with the launch and advise the commissioners to come to an anchor until a safeguard could be furnished, because the coun- try was full of Indians. They accordingly did so. It was with great difficulty that Tomo-chi-chi and his Indians could be re- strained from attacking the launch and killing the Spanish com- missioners, so intense was the desire for revenge which animated their breasts.
Having concluded his visit to Fort St. George, Mr. Oglethorpe set out on his return to Frederica that he might receive the com- missioners with becoming state. He passed unobserved very near Captain Gascoigne's ship, where the commissioners were being handsomely entertained. As soon as he reached Frederica lie detailed Ensign Mackay to bring from Darien "some of the genteelest Highlanders " that they might be present at the con- ference.2 He " ordered two handsome tents lined with Chinese, with marquises and walls of canvas, to be sent down and pitched upon Jekyl island." He also forwarded some refreshments, and dispatched two gentlemen to the commissioners to acquaint them with the fact that he would wait upon them in person the next day.
On the 18th Mr. Oglethorpe, with seven mounted men (which were all he had), repaired to the Sea-point that the Spaniards might see there were men and horses there. "At his setting out a number of cannons were fired, which they also could hear at Jekyl island. When he arrived at the point, the independent company was under arms, being drawn up in one line at double distances, to make them appear a larger number to the Spaniards who lay upon Jekyl island; the independent company saluted him with their cannon, managing them so as to seem to have many more guns by reloading." 3
Captain Gascoigne came over in his boat with two scout-boats,
1 Wright's Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 159.
3 Georgia Historical Society Collections,
2 Moore's Voyage.
i. 150.
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THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.
and having taken Mr. Oglethorpe on board conveyed him to Jekyll Island, where he landed and welcomed the Spanish officers. An invitation for dinner the next day on board the Hawk, ex- tended by Captain Gascoigne, was accepted by Mr. Oglethorpe and the commissioners, Mr. Oglethorpe saying that he would on that occasion formally receive any communication they desired to make.
The following day, the 19th, Ensign Mackay arrived on board the man-of-war, with the Highlanders, who, with their broad- swords, targets, plaids, etc., were drawn up on one side of the ship, while a detachment of the independent company in regi- mentals lined the other side. The sailors manned the shrouds, and kept sentry with drawn cutlasses at the cabin door. The Spanish commissioners were handsomely entertained, and after dinner delivered their messages in writing. They drank the health of the king of Great Britain and the royal family ; so did Mr. Oglethorpe that of the king and queen of Spain. The cannons of the ship fired, and were answered by such heavy guns as were within hearing. The next day they were entertained in like manner, and had long conferences with Mr. Oglethorpe.
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