USA > Georgia > The history of Georgia: containing brief sketches of the most remarkable events, up to the present day, Vol. I > Part 12
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1742.
surprised and made prisoners, not deeming them. selves so far in front of the main army. From these prisoners information was received, that the whole Spanish army was advancing : this was immediately communicated by an Indian runner to the general, who detached captain Dunbar with a company of grenadiers, to join the regulars and Indians, with orders to ha- rass the enemy on their advance. These detach- ments having formed a junction, observed at a distance the Spanish army on the march ; and taking a favorable position near a marsh, formed an ambuscade. The enemy fortunately halted within a hundred paces of this position, stacked their arms, made fires, and were preparing their kettles for cooking, when a horse observed some of the party in ambuscade, and frightened at the uniform of the regulars, began to snort, and gave the alarm. The Spaniards ran to their arms, but were shot down in great numbers by Ogle- thorpe's detachment, who continued invisible to the enemy ; and after repeated attempts to formy in which some of their principal officers fell, they fled with the utmost precipitation, leaving their camp equipage on the field, and never halted until they had got under cover of the guns of their battery and ships. General Oglethorpe had detached major Horton with a reinforcement, who arrived only in time to join in the pursuit. So complete was the surprise of the enemy, that many fled without their arms ; others in a rapid
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retreat, discharged their muskets over their shoul- ders at their pursuers ; and many were killed by the loaded arms which were left on the ground : generally the Spaniards fired so much at random that the trees were pruned by the balls from their muskets : their loss in killed, wounded and pri- soners, was estimated at five hundred. The loss in Oglethorpe's detachment was very inconsider- able. From the signal victory obtained over the enemy, and the great slaughter amongst the Spanish troops, the scene of action just describ- ed, has ever since been denominated the bloody marsh. On the 14th, the Spaniards burned all the works and houses on the south end of St. Simons and Jekyl Islands. On the 15th, all the large vessels with the Cuba forces on board, sailed to the southward, and the governor and troops from St Augustine embarked in the small craft, and went by the inland passage, and en- camped on the north end of Cumberland, at fort St. Andrews. On the 16th, the general pursued the enemy by the inland passage and landed where they had encamped, and sent an express in the night to ensign Stuart, who command- ed at fort William, directing him in case of an attack, to defend it to the last extremity, and that he would reinforce him early the next day. At
day-light twenty eight sail of the Spanish line ap- peared off fort William, fourteen of which came into the harbor, and demanded a surrender of the garrison : Stuart replied that it should not
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1742.
be surrendered, nor could it be taken : they at- tacked the works from their gallies and other ves- sels, and attempted to land, but were repulsed by.a small party of rangers who had arrived by · a forced march down the island. Stuart with on- ly sixty men, defended the fort with such brave- ry, that after an assault of three hours, the enemy discovered the approach of Oglethorpe, and put to sea with considerable loss : two gallies were disa- bled and abandoned, and the governor of Augus- tine proceeded with his troops by the inland pas- sage : ensign Stuart was rewarded by promotion, for the bravery of his defence.
Thus was the province of Georgia delivered, when brought to the very brink of destruction, by a formidable enemy. Don Manuel de Mon- teano, had been fifteen days on the small island of St. Simons, without gaining the least advan- tage over a handful of men ; and in the seve- ral skirmishes, had lost a considerable number of his best troops ; while Oglethorpe's loss . was very inconsiderable. In this resolute de- fence of the provinces, Oglethorpe displayed great military skill and personal bravery, and just- ly merited the encomiums of Carolina as well as Georgia. It is more than probable that the Spaniards had Carolina chiefly in view, and had meditated a conquest where rich plunder could have been obtained, and where by an accession of slaves, they might have increased their force in the same ratio with their progress. The Co.
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1742.
rolinians made a poor figure in defence of their country : when union, activity, and military ex- ertions were so requisite, they ingloriously stood aloof, and suffered private pique to prevail over public utility, and seemed determined to risk the safety of their country, rather than that general Oglethorpe, by their assistance, should gain the smallest degree of honor and reputation. They at length sent some ships, but coming so late, they proved useful rather from the fortunate co- operation of an incidental stratagem, than from the zeal and public spirit of the colony. The Georgians, with justice reproached their more powerful neighbors, who, by keeping at a dis- tance in the hour of danger, hazarded the safety of both provinces. Had the enemy pursued their operations with vigor and courage, the province of Georgia must have fallen a prey to the invad- ers, and Carolina had every thing to dread from such a conquest. Instead of raising or exaggera- ting this success, to do honor to the general's cha- racter, we ought rather to lessen or abridge some of its circumstances, to render it in such an age as that, more credible ; but having attempted no embellishments, the facts are represented step by step, and the reader is left to judge whether he did not gather laurels, which he well deserved to wear.
The province of Carolina justified her conduct, by acknowledgements made to the governor, not only for his zeal and diligence in putting Charles-
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ton and the province, in the best posture for defence against the enemy, but also for giving their invaded neighbors in Georgia, all the relief and assistance his circumstances would permit ; and that if the officer who commanded the relief sent to the coast of Georgia, did not think fit to pursue and attack the enemy, with the twelve ves- sels under his command, the governor of Caroli- na was not chargeable with that neglect, as he had directed that officer to adopt the most effectual measures for repelling the present invasion of Georgia, and destroying the ships and vessels of the Spaniards ; as well while they continued with- in the ports, harbors, or districts of that colony, as on the sea-coast thereof, or even in Augustine itself : and that the commodores conduct, had not been consonant to the governors orders, was matter of real chagrin. This effort to throw the blame upon the commodore, was a flimsy resort : the enemy was treble his number and force ; yet he was required not only to drive them from the coast of Georgia, but to annoy them in their own port. The narrow and impolitic consideration of its own security, appears to have been the gov- erning principle of Carolina ; nor had the govern- or been able to overcome the chagrin occasioned by the appointment of Oglethorpe, to the chief command over that province, as well as the one of which he was governor.
When the Spanish troops returned to the Havanna, their commander was arrested and
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1742-3.
tried by a court martial, found guilty and dismis- sed with disgrace, for his improper conduct on an expedition, the result of which proved so shameful and ignominious to the Spanish arms.
After the invasion of Georgia, the Spaniards made an effort to strengthen the frontier of East- Florida, by sending a troop of dragoons to St. Johns river, where they attacked and defeated a party of Indians. Oglethorpe was informed the next day, that a strong party was on their march from Augustine to reinforce them. On the 20th of March, the general embarked in small boats against them, with the highland company and the rangers of his own regiment, and landed in the night at St. Johns, where he was joined by the Indians. They advanced undiscovered in the night, surprised the Spaniards, and killed up- wards of forty of them, with the loss of only one Indian : the next morning the general pursued the enemy so closely, that his Indians killed seve- ral of their rear guard : he continued the pursuit to Augustine, where he used every effort to draw the Spanish force out to action, but without ef- fect-he posted the grenadiers and some of his troops in ambuscade, advanced himself with a few men and some Indians in sight of the town, intending to skirmish and retire, in order to draw them into action, but to no purpose. The In- dians pressed the retreating enemy so close that several were killed under cover of their cannon : having driven the enemy into their strong hold, he returned to Frederica.
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1743.
The Carolinians were still divided in their opinions, respecting the military character of Oglethorpe : while one party acknowledged hi+ signal services, and poured out the highest en- comiums on his courage and military skill, an- other shamefully censured his conduct and mean- ly detracted from his merit. No public notice was taken of his services in South-Carolina, ex- cept by the inhabitants in and about Port Royal ; from which place a number of them addressed him as follows :-
" We the inhabitants of the southern parts of Carolina, beg leave to congratulate your excellen- cy on your late wonderful success over your and our inveterate enemies, the Spaniards ; who late- ly invaded Georgia, in such a numerous and for- midable body, to the great terror of his majesty's subjects in these southern parts. It was very cer- tain that if the Spaniards had succeeded in those attempts against your excellency, they would al- so have entirely destroyed us ; laid our province waste and desolate, and filled our habitations with blood and slaughter ; so that his majesty must have lost the fine and spacious harbor of . Port-Royal, where the largest ships of the British nation may remain in security, on any occasion.
" We are very sensible of the great protection and safety we have long enjoyed, by your excel- lency's being to the southward of us, and keeping your armed sloops cruising on the coast, which has given more security to our trade and property
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than all the ships of war ever stationed at Charles- ton ; but more by your late resolution in frustrat- ing the attempts of the Spaniards when nothing could have saved us from utter ruin, next to the providence of Almighty God, but your excellen- cy's-singular exertions, and the bravery of the troops under your command : we think it our duty to pray God to protect your excellency, and send you success in all your undertakings for his majesty's service ; and we assure your excel- lency, that there is not a man of us, but would most willingly have ventured his all, in support of your excellency, and your gallant troops, had we been assisted and put in a condition to have been of service to you ; and that we always con- sidered our interest to be so united to that of the. colony of Georgia, that had your excellency been cut off, we must have fallen of course."
The governors of New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North- Carolina, addressed letters to general Oglethorpe, congratulating him upon the important services rendered to the colonies ; and assuring him of the interest they felt in the honor he had acquired by his indefatigable exertions, constant exposure, extraordinary courage, and unequalled military conduct ; offering their humble thanks to the Su- preme Governor of the universe, for placing the fate of the southern colonies under the direction of a general, so well qualified for the important task.
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While these governors and a few of the inhat .. itants about Port-Royal in South Carolina, were thus tendering tributes of respect and gratitude to general Oglethorpe, reports prejudicial to his character were circulating in Charleston, particu- larly by the writers of some letters which were addressed to the trustees, and pamphlets to the public, which have been noticed heretofore ; in- somuch that his honor and integrity were called in question : these malicious rumours had reach- ed London and occasioned some of his bills of exchange to be returned to America, protested. Lieutenant Colonel William Cook, who owed his preferment to the general's particular friend- ship, on pretence of indisposition, had left Geor- gia before the invasion ; exhibited nineteen char- ges against him, and named several officers, sol- diers and citizens in Georgia, who were to be summoned to prove the general's guilt. As Ogle- thorpe had stretched his credit, exhausted his strength, and risked his life for the defence of Ca- rolina and its frontier colony, such a recompense must have been equally mortifying as it was un- merited : and as such injurious treatment could not have had its birth amongst the wise and wor- thy part of the community, it must be ascribed to the envious and malicious, too many of whom are to be found in all communities. Envy can- not brook the blaze of superior virtues ; and ma- lice rejoices in the stains which even falsehood throws on a distinguished character : and under
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colour of the freedom of the press, the worst of men may step forth under its shield, and tarnish for a time, the reputation of the best men. Ogle- thorpe stood high enough to treat these charges with contempt ; but the rude attack of an inferior officer, required such a repulse, that himself might fall into the pit, which his ingratitude had prompt- ed him to dig for another. The general accord- ingly embarked, and arrived in England in Sep- tember : a general court-martial was ordered for his trial, to convene at the Horse-guards ; several days were spent in the examination of the various articles of complaint lodged against him, and after the most mature deliberation, the court adjudged the charges to be false, malicious, and groundless ; and his honorable acquittal was reported to the king : in consequence of which, lieutenant-colonel Cook, was dismissed from the service, and declared incapable of serving his majesty in any military capacity whatever. By these means the reputation of general Oglethorpe, was cleared of those calumnies with which it had been assailed, and he appeared to the world in his true character. Carolina owed to this benefactor, her friendship and affections : Georgia was in- debted to him for her existence and protection : and his generous services to both colonies, de- serve to be deeply imprinted on the memory of every inhabitant, and the benefits resulting from them to be gratefully remembered to the latest. ages.
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A list of the Spanish forces, employed in the invasion of Geor. gia, under the command of Don Manuel de Monteano :
One regiment of dismounted Dragoons, . 400
Havanna Regiment,
500
Havanna Militia,
Regiment of Artillery, . · 1,000
400
Florida Militia,
400
Batallion of Mulattoes,
300
Black Regiment,
400
Indians,
90
Marines,
600
Seamen, .
. 1,000
Total,
5,090
General OGLETHORPE's command consisted of
His Regiment, 472
Company of Rangers, 30
Highlanders, ·
50
Armed Militia,
.
.
40
Indians, .
60
Total,
652
Ensign Stuart's command at fort William, on the south end of Cumberland island, consisted of sixty men : fort William was about fifty miles south west from Frederica.
In this expedition, Tomochichi the old king, had no share : he died on the 15th of October, 1739, about four miles from Savannah, in the
HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1743. 197
ninety-seventh year of his age. He appeared to be apprised of his approaching fate, and ob- served in his last hours, that he had but little con- cern about dying, as he should in the event of war with Spain, be unable to take an active part in it. He expressed the greatest tenderness for general Oglethorpe, and exhorted the Indians to bear in remembrance the kindness with which he had been received by the king of England, and hoped that they would always be friendly to his subjects. He had requested that his body might be buried amongst the English in Savan- nah; the corpse was accordingly brought there and interred in Percival square, with military honors, and the general ordered a pyramid to be erected over the grave, with an inscription suitable to his . character and standing.
General Oglethorpe did not return to Georgia ; but upon all occasions, discovered an uncommon zeal for its prosperity and improvement. From its first settlement, the colony had been under a military government, executed by the general, and such officers as he chose to nominate and appoint. But now the trustees thought proper to establish a kind of civil government, and committed the charge of it to a president, and four councillors or assistants, who were to act agreeably to the instructions they should re- ceive from them ; and to be accountable to that corporation for their public conduct. William Stephens was appointed president or chief mag-
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1743.
istrate ; and Thomas Jones, Henry Parker, Jolin Fallowfield and Samuel Mercer, were appointed members of the council, or assistants : they were instructed to hold four general courts at Savan- nah every year, for the regulation of public af. fairs and to determine all differences relating to private property : no public money could be dis- posed of but by a warrant under the hand and seal of the president and a majority of the assist- ants in council assembled, who were instructed to exhibit monthly accounts to the trustees of money expended, and of the particular purposes to which it was applied. The militia were or- ganized for the purpose of keeping the men properly disciplined for military service, and Oglethorpe's regiment was left for the defence of the colony, under the command of major Hor- ton. The infant province under the care of gen- cral Oglethorpe, had combatted and surmounted many difficulties and disadvantages, yet it prom- ised but a. poor recompense to the mother coun- try, for the great sums of money expended for its protection and settlement. The indigent emi- grants, especially those from England, having lit- tle acquaintance with husbandry and less inclina- tion to labor, made bad farmers ; and as great- er privileges were allowed them in the adjoining province, they were easily decoyed to that colony : the Highlanders and Germans being more frugal and industrious, succeeded better; but hitherto had made but little progress, owing to the wars with
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1743.
the Spaniards, and to the hardships attending all kinds of culture. The staple commodities in- tended to be raised in Georgia, though profit- able articles, were of the most improper kind for the first settlers of a new country. It ap- pears that the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer as ear- ly as the year 1738, had made some small exper- iments in cotton, which they found to yield abundantly and of an excellent quality. The trustees however seem to have fixed their minds upon wine and silk, and were not disposed to en- courage any other cultivation. With all their industry, their farms turned out to little amount ; the most successful could little more than sub- sist their families, and the indolent remained in a starved and miserable condition about Savannah.
Notwithstanding all that Great-Britain had done for the population and improvement of the . colony, it still remained in a poor languishing condition. The settlers consisted of two de- scriptions of people ; first, of indigent subjects and foreigners, whom the trustees supported and maintained for many years : secondly, of men of some substance, whom flattering descriptions of the province had deceived and seduced: after the peace with Spain, a considerable part of Ogle- thorpe's regiment being disbanded, a number of soldiers accepted the encouragement offered then by government, and took up their residence in the colony : all adventurers who had brought property with them, having by this time exhaust-
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ed their stock in fruitless experiments, were re: duced to indigence ; so that emigrants from Bri- · tain, foreigners and disbanded soldiers, were all upon a level, and the prospect before them pro- mised little else than that of living poor, dying beggars, and leaving poverty as an inheritance to their children : nor was the trade of the pro- vince more promising than its agriculture. For. merly the inhabitants about Savannah had trans. mitted to the trustees a representation of their grievances, but had obtained nothing which amounted to relief : but now chagrined with dis- appointments, and dispirited by the inhospitality of the climate, they viewed the designs of the trustees in no other light, than that of having de- coyed them into misery. If they had been fa- vored with credit, and had proved successful, which was far from being the case, as the tenure of their freehold was restricted to male heirs, the oldest son only could reap the benefit of their toil, and the rest left in a state of dependence on his bounty, or be left wholly to the charge of that Being, who feeds the fowls of the air. They considered their younger children equally enti- tled to paternal regard, and could not brook the idea of their holding lands under such tenure, as excluded thein from the rights and privileges of other colonists. They saw numbers daily leav- ing the province, under the pressure of absolute necessity, and frankly represented to the trustees. that nothing could prevent it from being totally
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1742-3.
deserted, but the same encouragements as their more fortunate neighbors in Carolina. That the trustees might have a correct view of their situation, they reiterated their complaints, and renewed their supplications for redress : they stated, that the British constitution, abounding with zealous provisions for the rights and lib- erties of mankind, would not permit subjects, who had voluntarily risked their lives, and spent their substance on the public faith, to effect a set- tlement in the most dangerous frontiers of the British empire, to be deprived of the common privileges of colonists : they complained that the land-holders in Georgia were prohibited from selling or leasing their possessions ; that a tract containing fifty acres of the best land, was too small an allowance for the maintenance of a fa- mily, and much more so, when they were refu- sed a freedom to choose it ; that a much higher quit-rent was exacted from them than was paid for the best lands in other parts of North America ; that the importation of negroes was prohibited, and white people were utterly unequal to the la- bors requisite to the cultivation of the swamp or low lands ; that the public money granted by par- liament for the relicf of the settlement and the im- provement of the province, was misapplied, and therefore the purposes for which it was gran- ted, were by no means answered. That these inconveniences and hardships, kept them in a state of poverty and misery; and that the chief
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HISTORY OF GEORGIA, 1743-4.
causes of their calamities, were the strict ad- herence of the trustees to their chimerical and impracticable schemes of settlement ; by which the people were refused the obvious means of subsistence, and cut off from every possible prospect of success. The trustees ought to have followed the example of the proprietors of South- Carolina, and enlarged their plan with respect to liberty and property : they could have encour- aged emigration by such indulgences, and anima- ted the inhabitants to diligence and perseverance. The plan of settlement ought to have been regu- lated by the nature of the climate, country, soil, the circumstances of the settlers, the result of experience, and not by wild speculations.
CHAPTER V.
MAJOR Wm. HORTON, of Gen. Oglethorpe's regiment at Frederica, was vested with the com- mand of all the troops in the colony, in case of attack from an enemy. He interfered but little with the civil matters of the province, except when his assistance was required to enforce the measures of the president and council, and on
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these occasions acted with calmness and humani- ty ; by which means he acquired the esteem and friendship of all the better kind of people in the province. Bailiffs or justices of the peace, were appointed in the different parts of the province, but vested with very limited powers.
On the 22d of March, 1744, the bomb maga -. zine was blown up at Frederica. Very little dam- age was done, though it contained three thou- sand bombs. Whether fire was communicated by design or accident, is not known ; if the shells had not been well bedded, the damage must have been very considerable. By some it was attri- buted to an Irishman, who arrived there a few days before, and disappeared immediately after the accident happened.
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