A school history of Georgia. Georgia as a colony and a state, 1733-1893

Preface

In comparison with most of the states which composed the original thirteen, Georgia has not a great deal of history, being the youngest tree that was planted by more than half a century. But that history is very interesting and should be made familiar to the young people, whether they be children of the state by nativity or adoption.

This little book is not intended to embrace all of that history in its many details, but is merely an abridgment compiled from larger and more comprehensive works. It begins with Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony, and comes down through many changes, many disasters and successes to the present hopeful and prosperous condition.

1 o this compilation have been added a few chapters concerning slavery, its origin, continuance and abolition. Also concerning the causes that provoked the late unhappy war •ind the results that followed in its wake. These historic readings contain the facts of the case — facts that have been established but have not heretofore been published in any °k of history. The author regards these readings as especially important to the young people whose fathers and grandfathers fought in that war — fought for something thev believed to be right.

1 he Appendix will be found valuable to teachers and pupils and to every family for ready reference, and will save much

PREFACE.

~iv

time in investigating important statistics relating to the state.

The author makes no apology for faults of omission or commission but commends this unpretending volume to the good will and charity of all Georgians.

CHAS. H. SMITH.

Contents

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

Chapter. Page.

I. Oglethorpe i

Chapter I. Oglethorpe

i. The history of a state is chiefly a biography of its notable $ pic. The colonial history of Georgia is in great part the *.%. rk. of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony. An outline of his illustrious life is worthy of the first place in t: n l»>ok. and this chapter will be devoted to him.

He was the son of Sir Theophilus Oglethorpe, and was !*>rn near London, England, in i6S3, and died at Cranham Hdi in 17S5. He lived through the reigns of George I,, II. *■ d 111., kings of England, and such was the purity, philan-

• -r »py and nobility of his character that he excited the envy of

• ”h-, but gained the admiration of all. His patriotism was

any personal ambition, above party, faction and intrigue, nd his life-work was the love of his countrv and her unfortunate ; > “pie. Such was his extraordinary ability as a soldier and a *’• itoman that he easily attained the highest place. In 1714. "•is a captain in the Oueen’s Guards. In 1722 he was '*• *' d to a seat in Parliament and remained a member for • ty \ears. In 1740 he was the colonel of a regiment. In !* ;; he was appointed a major-general, in 1747 a lieutenant- - ' ' r o, and in 1760. when he was seventv-two years old, he ' ,;| “sc general of all 11 is Majesty's forces. Such was his . ‘ ui ti!d age, and so erect was he and so commanding in G’pearance, that in his eighty-seventh year he was urged to take

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

command of the 'English forces in the war of the Revolution. He declined, because the king refused to give him full authority to do justice to the colonies and make peace with them.

3. Sir William Howe was placed in command. When peace was made and Mr. Adams was sent to England as the representative of the United States, Oglethorpe was the first to

| receive and congratulate him. In 17S4, when eighty years of" age. Hannah More wrote of him : I have got a new admirer.

I O • O

f It is General Oglethorpe, the most remarkable man of his time.

He is much above ninety, and the finest figure you ever saw.

{ His literature is great, his knowledge of the world extensive and his faculties as bright as ever. He is quite a chevalier — I heroic, romantic and full of old gallantry/’ Thomson, Pope and l>r. Johnson paid tribute to Oglethorpe’s noble character and his public services.

4. In 172S, while a member of Parliament, he was, at his ! own request, made chairman of the committee for inquiring into

the state of the jails and their inmates. He visited the dark | and pestilential dungeons of the prisons, which at that time j disgraced the government. 1 he law of imprisonment for * . debt was then in force, and hundreds of unfortunate debtors were found there languishing in a life of helpless miserv. Some were confined for political reasons, some from motives of . revenge, and many as a means of forcing their friends or relatives to pay the debt. Oglethorpe was untiring in his efforts : to better their condition, to rescue them from despair and to

inspire them with hope. He succeeded most happily, not onlv with those confined for debt, but with many who were charged with crimes of which they were not guilty.

5. His great work of prison reform was so effectual that it made him beloved and admired a!! over England. I'ortv vears afterward, when prison c.^eijcme had again lapsed into brutalitv, his example inspired John Howard, High Sheriff of Bedford, who had charge of the very jail in which John Bunvan was

* w-'.gWT

OGLETHORPE.

P imprisoned for twelve years, and where he wrote his ** Pilgrim's Progress.” After reforming the jails of England, Howard spent ten years of his life in travelling over Europe and visiting its prisons, and his presence was hailed with joy and thankfulness by thousands whom he released and restored to their families, or whose condition he otherwise ameliorated. Burke compared him to Oglethorpe and said : He has dived into

the depths of dungeons, plunged into the infections of hospitals, f surveyed the mansions of sorrow, pain and misery. Pie has

l remembered those who were forgotten, visited the forsaken and

relieved the distresses of men in all countries.”

6. It would have been a grateful tribute from our people if

; the colony that Oglethorpe planted had been named for him

| instead of for King George. That was not permitted, but

we have named a county and a town for him and erected a beautiful monument to his memory. Other colonies had long before been planted for profit, power and speculation, but ■ < Oglethorpe planted ours from motives of benevolence. The

motto on his colonial seal was, “ Not for ourselves, but for others,” and the device was a silk-worm spinning its cocoon.

7. Oglethorpe's philanthropy was not confined to the debtors in the prisons, but extended to all unfortunate and oppressed people. And so when he obtained the charter from King George for the settlement of Georgia, the grant included all poor subjects who, through misfortune, were not able to maintain their families. Another purpose of the grant was the

ccupation of that disputed territory between South Carolina >nd Florida, for the protection of the Carolina colonies from ’he frequent raids of the Indians and Spaniards on the South.

V 1 r>i lux?. — 1. Who was the founder of the colony of Georgia? 2.

h< n was he horn? lie lived during the reigns of what kings? W hat ' of his patriotism? Tell of his ability and progress a.> a soldier. * * ; ‘ * 'va^ he offered in his S7 1 h year? Why did he refuse? 3. What Hannah More write of him? Who else paid tribute to him? 4. Of

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

what committee was he made chairman ? Tell of his efforts to help the poor. 5. What was the effect of his example in after years? 6. What have Georgians done in his honor? In what respect was the founding of Georgia different from other colonies? What motto was chosen? 7. What did the charter for Georgia include? What was another purpose of the grant ?

Chapter II. Original Grant And Its Changes

1. On the 9th of June, 1732, George II., King of England, granted to Oglethorpe and his associates, a large portion of country lying between the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers, and extending due west from their head-waters by two parallel lines to the south seas, which meant to the Pacific Ocean. It was customary in that day for monarchs to claim all the land their seamen discovered, and as much more as was partly occupied by nations too weak to defend their title, hence this grant of the king extended much further westward than the territory he had any right to or dominion over. The lines were never run. however, beyond the Mississippi River, and so the territory covered by the first grant was in the peculiar shape that is shown by Map Xo. 1.

2. At that time the King of Spain claimed all the land lying south of the Altamaha. including all the territory now known as Florida, and all of Alabama and Mississippi except a narrow strip bordering on the gulf. After thirty years of contention, a treaty with Spain gave to England this territory, and King George III. then granted to his trustees for the Georgia colony all that Spain had ceded, except that portion known as East and \\e:>t Horiila. hence the Georgia domain was greatly enlarged, and by addition ll grants took the shape shown on Map No. 2.

Oglethorpe’s charter.

3. After the Revolutionary war of 1776, Georgia became an independent state, and one of the United States of America. In 1S02 she ceded to the United States all that territory lying south of Tennessee and west of the Chattahoochee River, up to the great bend, making her reserved territory as appears by the boundaries shown in Map No. 3.

4. There were Indian reservations covering much of this territory, but their claims were not considered as permanent, and from time to time their title was extinguished by treaties which gave them considerable money and more land beyond the Mississippi River. They were not cheated but were rather forced to make the trade.

— 1. When and by whom was the grant made to Oglethorpe? \\ here was the land ? 2. Who claimed all the land south of the Altamaha?

Huw did England obtain this land? To what colony did King George grant it ? 3. When did Georgia become an independent state ? What did

Georgia do in 1S02? 4. What is said of the Indian claims?

CHAPTER III. Oglethorpe’s charter

1. The grant was made and stamped with the seal of England, June 9, 1732. It included all that portion of our present state that lies between the Savannah and Altamaha Rivers. This land previous to 1733 was a wilderness, and was claimed by Spain as well as England. It was divided into cl.-ht equal parts and named Georgia, for King George IT. of England. The charter did not donate these lands in fee '•uiiple, but only for twenty-one years. ** In trust for the poor,”

a corporation of trustees for settling the colony of Georgia.

2. Each family was limited by the charter to 500 acres. Icn years after the land was granted, a yearly rent of four ''hillings on each one hundred acres was to be charged. The

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

colonists were to be subjects of Great Britain, and absolute freedom of worship was granted to all except papists. The governor of the colony was to be appointed with the approval of the king, and subject to his orders.

3. The trustees met in London on July 7, 1732, to make laws. Kach male inhabitant was regarded both as a planter and as a soldier. He was to be provided with arms for defence, and with tools for the cultivation of the soil. In order to insure industry, the settlers were to be required to clear and cultivate within a given time, ten acres, and to plant one hundred white mulberry trees.

4. Knowing the silk industry to be easy work and the keeping of negroes expensive, the trustees agreed to prohibit slavery. So Georgia was the first American colony to declare against this traffic. Many charitable people gave liberally to the emigrant fund, and Parliament made a donation to Georgia.

5. The first emigrants were chosen with great care. Only those who were unfortunate and deserved aid were allowed to join the colonists. A rigid examination of each person’s claim to charity was made, and preference was given to those who came well recommended by clergymen. There were no. lawless and abandoned wretches. Georgia permitted no one to enter her borders, who was not adjudged by competent authority worthy of the rights of citizenship.

6. On November 12, 1732, the good ship Anne, commanded by Captain Thomas, left Gravesend for Charleston. There were one hundred and twenty emigrants aboard under the direction of General Oglethorpe. The Reverend Dr. Henry Plubert, of the Church of England, went as chaplain, and Mr. Amatis was engaged to instruct in the silk worm culture. Among the emigrants there were carpenters, bricklayers, farmers and mechanics. Aboard the vessel were arms, agricultural implements, tools and stores for the use and support of the colonists. The voyage proved pleasant, and after two months they dropped anchor in Charleston Harbor, January 2, 1733.

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35th PARALLEL

EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS.

7. South Carolina had been settled sixty years before. There had been many wars with the Spaniards and Indians, but the colonists were generally triumphant. Charleston, a prosperous town, was the capital. In 1681, ten years after Carolina was settled, the colony of Pennsylvania was settled. Fifty years afterwards came the emigrants to settle Georgia, the last of the thirteen original states, and this settlement was made just 126 years after Jamestown, the first English settlement in America, was founded in Virginia. What John Smith was to Virginia, Raleigh to the Carolinas and William Penn to Pennsylvania, Oglethorpe was to Georgia.

Questions. — 1. When was the grant made? What did it include? What was the land previous to 1 7 ^3 ? By whom claimed? How was it divided? For whom named? How did the charter donate this land, and for how long? To whom were they granted? 2. What was the limit of land? The colonies were to be subjects of what country? What of their freedom of worship ? What is said concerning the governor of the colony? When did they meet? For what purpose? How were the men to be regarded? What was done to insure industry? 4. Why did the trustees prohibit slavery ? What help did Georgia have? 6. How were the first emigrants chosen? Who were allowed to join the colonists? How were the claims of the colonists settled ? Who did Georgia permit within her borders? 7. When did the first ship sail for the colony? By whom commanded? Who was aboard? Who was engaged to instruct in silk culture? What was brought over for use of the colonists? When and where did they land? S. How long had Carolina been settled? When was Pennsylvania settled? How long after did the colonists come to Georgia ?

Chapter IV. Ea R Liest Settlements

1. On the evening of their arrival Oglethorpe, accompanied by an escort, went to call upon the Governor of South Carolina. He was warmly welcomed and every assistance given him. Leaving the colonists at Beaufort, Carolina, Oglethorpe and

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

Colonel William Bull set out to find a suitable place for the new town. They soon reached the Savannah River, and ascended it as far as Yamacraw Bluff. This bluff rising forty feet above the river seemed the very spot for a town. Near by was a small Indian village and a Carolina trading post. The village was the headquarters of the Yamacraw, a small Indian tribe with Tomochichi for the chief.

2. The trading post had been established by Mary Musgrove, a woman of remarkable history, who had much to do with the early settlers of Georgia. She was born in Coweta, the chief town of the Creek Indians. When seven years of age her father took her to Pompom in South Carolina. Here she was educated and instructed in Christianity and married John Musgrove. In 1732 they established the trading post.

3. When Oglethorpe arrived at Yamacraw he found the Indians very hostile. They considered the settling of white people southward of the Savannah River a violation of their treaty with South Carolina. Oglethorpe was anxious to make peace before bringing the colonists to their new home. He visited the Indian chief, accompanied by Mary Musgrove who spoke both English and Creek. By her influence Tomochichi soon became convinced that the new settlement would benefit the Creeks. A treaty was made for a large tract of land, and the Indians assured Oglethorpe of their good will.

4. After making these arrangements Oglethorpe returned to Beaufort, and on the 30th of January set sail with the emigrants for their new home. On reaching Yamacraw they erected four large tents, and in these they slept their first night on the soil of Georgia. The next morning they at once set to work on the new town, and soon the outlines of Savannah were made.

5. Oglethorpe would have no house made for himself, but dwelt in a tent the first year he spent in the colony. Soon after the founding of the new settlement was made, he won the friendship of all the neighboring tribes of Indians, conciliating

EARLIEST SETTLEMENTS.

them by presents and by his kindly disposition. His acquaintance with Tomochichi soon became a close friendship.

6. In May, 1733, the ship James brought out more emigrants. This was the first vessel from England to sail up the Savannah River. Captain Yoakley received the prize offered by the trustees for the first ship load of emigrants.

7. Oglethorpe next built a fort on the Great Ogeechee River, and named it Fort Argyle in honor of the Duke of Argyle. Five miles south of Savannah the village of High-gate was laid out and twelve French families sent there from the colony. Near by Hamstead was laid out and peopled with Germans. A small fort was placed on St. Augustine Creek and called Thunderbolt. On the Skidway Islands ten families were placed, and a fort built for their protection. Josephstown on the Savannah River was peopled by Scotch. All these settlements were short lived, however. The swamp fever caused many deaths and the towns were soon deserted. As more emigrants came out, more plantations were formed and business went on in perfect order. A light-house was commenced on the northern end of Great Tybee Island.

8. On the 23d of January, Oglethorpe, with sixteen attendants, sailed southward to find out what defence they could make against the Spaniards. He reached St. 'Simons Island on the 27th, and on the next day he found another island which he named in honor of his friend Sir Joseph Jekyl. He decided that a strong fort should be placed on St. Simons, a military station and settlement be made at the mouth of the Altamaha River, and also selected a sight for Frederica and New Inverness.

9. In March, 1734. the ship Purisburg brought over the Lutheran Salzburgers, a persecuted band of Germans. They were warmly welcomed, and Oglethorpe chose for them a home in a pine forest. They called their town Ebenezer. Their piety was deep and fervent and worthy of much admiration.

TO

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

Early in 1735 the settlement was strengthened by fifty-seven more Salzburgers.

10. In May, 1734, Oglethorpe, Tomochichi, his wife and adopted son and five Cherokee chiefs made a visit to England. The Indian chiefs took presents to the king and queen, renewed their treaty with the trustees, and after four months’ stay returned home much impressed with civilization. Oglethorpe remained in England for the purpose of sending more emigrants out. In 1735 he sent over a colony of Swiss and Mora\ians. They settled on the Ogeechee River. In October the same year, a regiment of Scotch Highlanders sailed from Inverness. Arriving at the Altamaha River in January, 1736, they settled at New Inverness in the district called Darien.

Questions. — 1. What did Oglethorpe do upon his arrival? What was his next move? Who went with him? Tell of their journey. What did they find ? Who was the Indian chief ? 2. Whose trading post ? Tell

something of Mary Musgrove. Where was the post established? 3. How did Oglethorpe find the Indians ? Who helped him make friendly settlements ? 4. When did Oglethorpe return to Beaufort and when did the

emigrants sail for their new home? What did they do upon their arrival? What town did they lay out next morning? 5. Where did Oglethorpe dwell ? What of his success with the Indians ? 6. When did more

emigrants come over? 7. Where was a fort built and for whom named? What village was begun and with whom peopled? What other settlements were made? Where were the Scotch placed? How did these settlements prosper? 8. Where did Oglethorpe now sail? What islands did he find? For what towns did he select sites? 9. When did the Purisburg come over? What emigrants came? Where were they settled? When was the settlement at Ebenezer strengthened? 10. Where did Oglethorpe now sail and who accompanied him ? What did the Indians take with them and what were their impressions ? For what purpose did Oglethorpe remain? Who did he send over in 1735? Where did they settle?

PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.

Chapter V. Progress Of The Colony

i. In October, 1735, Oglethorpe, accompanied by John and Charles Wesley brought out 225 emigrants. Among them were many English people, more German Lutherans and Moravians. The Germans were sent to Ebenezer, the Moravians to the settlement on the Ogeechee. The Reverend John Wesley had been appointed missionary to Georgia. He was a religious enthusiast and a reformer, and became the head of a society that had been formed by his brother Charles, for good works among the poor. On arriving at Savannah he began his labors, and sacrificed all personal considerations for the spiritual and temporal good of the settlers and the Indians. He read the liturgy daily, preached and exhorted — forded rivers, slept on the ground, fasted, and went barefooted among those who had no shoes. His missionary work was not, however, well received by the colonists, and he returned to England in 173S and formed the first Methodist society. His aggressive jj methods and independence were distasteful to the established church and the doors were closed against him. He then joined George Whitefield in open-air preaching, and built the first Methodist chapel at Bristol, and formed many societies under the name of Methodists. His brother Charles came with him to Georgia, as secretary to General Oglethorpe, but they did not long remain together. He returned to England in 1836. These two brothers were very gifted and earnest men, and have left their impress upon the religious world as the founders of

Reverend George Whitefield.

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

Armenian Methodism. The hymns of Charles Wesley are sung everywhere in Christian churches, and will no doubt remain as the best standards of sacred songs. Reverend George Whitefield who succeeded John Wesley was a pulpit orator of extraordinary power. He labored diligently in mission work and in founding an orphanage in Savannah. Between 1738 and 1751 he crossed the ocean six times, in furtherance of his work. He preached 18,000 sermons, and his voice was so clear and musical that it could be distinctly heard by an audience of 25,000 people. His elocution and his gestures formed the model of orators and actors in his day. His separation from the Wesleys was because they differed in faith and creed. They were Armenians while he was a Calvinist.

2. In November, 1735, a town was laid out far up on the Savannah River and named by Oglethorpe, Augusta for one of the royal princesses. O'Bryan was the first settler. A large Indian trade between this town and Charleston at once began.

% In 1736 Augusta was garrisoned, ware-houses were built, boats navigated the Savannah River, and at an early date not less than 600 persons wrere here engaged in commerce. A road was opened to Savannah, and Augusta became the most important trading past in the Southern States. February 18, 1736, Oglethorpe went to St. Simons to establish

a settlement and fort. Work was at once begun on the town which was named Frederica, in honor of Frederick, Prince of Wales. A strong fort was built for its defense. Near this town was the only home Oglethorpe ever owned in Georgia.

3. Leaving Frederica in the hands of the builders, Oglethorpe, accompanied by friends, Tomochichi and other Indian chiefs, proceeded to reconnoiter the Southern Frontier. They went in scout-boats to Jekyl and placed a fort on its southern extremity. The island south of this was, at the urgent request of one of the Indian chiefs, named Cumberland in honor of the

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PROGRESS OF THE COLONY.

Duke of Cumberland, who had presented the chief with a watch while in London. Here Oglethorpe marked out Fort Andrew, and left Colonel Mackay and his men to built it. Two more islands were visited and named Amelia and Talbot.

4. The colonists were in a state of constant alarm. Attacks from the Spaniards in Florida were daily expected. Oglethorpe established another fort on the southern end of St. Simons. This commanded the entrance to Jekyl Sound. Upon San Juan Island near the mouth of the St. John’s River, Oglethorpe discovered the ruins of an old fort. He sent Captain Hermsdorf and a detachment of Highlanders to repair and occupy it. This island was included in the grant of Georgia, so they renamed it George and the fort St. George. Scout boats were constantly sent out as far as the mouth of St. John’s River, and Indian runners watched the walls of St. Augustine to notify Oglethorpe of every movement of the enemy. The chiefs of the Cheehaws and Creeks offered aid. A large body of volunteers were promised from Carolina.

5. To conciliate the Spaniards, Charles Dempsey was sent to St. Augustine to arrange a meeting between the governors of Florida and Georgia, with a view of settling the boundary line between the two provinces. The Spanish officials in great splendor visited Oglethorpe at Frederica, and made many protestations of friendship. Shortly after this they demanded that the English evacuate all territory lying south of St. Helena Sound. Feeling that a stronger force was necessary for the protection of the colony, Oglethorpe sailed for England on the 29th of November, 1736, to consult with the trustees.

6. The trustees petitioned the crown for forces to protect the Georgia colony. The petition was granted, and Oglethorpe made colonel of the regiment and commander-in-chief of all his majesty’s forces in Carolina and Georgia. So threatening was the attitude of the Spaniards, that a detachment of troops was ordered at once to Georgia. Reverend George Whitefield,

THE HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

who had been appointed missionary in place of John Wesley, was a passenger on board the same vessel. Oglethorpe returned to Georgia in time to mourn with all the colonists the death of the great warrior Tomochichi.

7. Spain now threatened to exterminate the colony and war was declared by England November 5, 1739. This war and subsequent contentions came from disputes over boundary lines and what was called the right of discovery. A party of Spaniards attacked the fort on Amelia Island. Oglethorpe with a thousand Indians, a troop of horse and a Highland regiment drove them back into St. Augustine and burned their boats. The whole of St. John’s River was soon in his possession. Garrisoning all the captured forts, he returned to Frederica. There he was reinforced by troops from Carolina and prepared for an attack upon St. Augustine.

8. Finding that boats could not approach the city, he advanced upon land and placing the city in siege, demanded a surrender from the Spanish governor. The mighty Don sent him for an answer, “ I will be pleased to shake hands with you in my castle.” At this defiant reply, Oglethorpe opened his battery and shelled the town. For twenty days this siege continued, when the Spaniards were reinforced from Havana. Oglethorpe was taken sick and the English returned to Frederica, having lost about fifty men.

Questions. — 1. When did Oglethorpe return? By whom accompanied? Where were the emigrants sent? Tell something of John Wesley. What of Charles Wesley? Who succeeded John Wesley as missionary to Georgia? 'fell of his successful work. 2. When was Augusta laid out? Who was the first settler? What of the Indian trade and Augusta’s growth ? What did Oglethorpe do February, 1736? What town was begun? When was Oglethorpe’s home? 3. Where did Oglethorpe now go? Where was a fort placed and what three islands were visited and named? 4. Why were the colonists alarmed ? Where did Oglethorpe establish other forts? What did he re-name San Juan? What precautions were taken against the enemy’s approach? 5. What was done to conciliate the Spaniards? Who visited Oglethorpe ? What

SPANISH INVASION.

did they demand ? Why did Oglethorpe go to England? 6. What petition did the trustees grant ? What was Oglethorpe made ? Who came over with the troops? Who died? 7. What did Spain threaten? For what was war declared? When was the first attack made? How did Oglethorpe meet the Spaniards? What was his success? 8. How did he approach St. Augustine? Tell of the siege.

Chapter VI. Spanish Invasion

1. Quiet was restored for a while. The colony showed thrift, but much dissatisfaction was felt among the colonists. The land and climate seemed not suited for the culture of silk, yet the trustees insisted upon that industry and did not wish cotton cultivated, though it was the successful crop. Many complaints were made of the magistrates, and Oglethorpe was accused of partiality.