The history of Georgia : from its earliest settlement to the present time

Front matter

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Chapter I

Introductory observations — Georgia discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh — His voyage along the coast — His conference with an Indian chief — Reasons for planting the colony — Jealousy of the Spaniards — A regiment of blacks formed at St. Augustine — Disagi-eement concerning the English and Spanish boundaries — A fort built by the Carolinians on the Alatamaha — A charter obtained for a new province — The proposed settlers to be persons in decayed circumstances — Their outfits and allotments — Stipulations with the adventurers — Negroes to be prohibited — Private contributions solicited — The first embarkation 15

CHAPTER 11.

Arrival of the colonists in Charleston — Oglethorpe visits the Savannah, and selects Yamacraw Bluff as the site for a town — His letter to the trustees — Treats with the Indians for their lands — Certain lands reserved by the Indians — • Government assists the trustees in the settlement — Glowing descriptions of the new colony , 28

Chapter III

Oglethorpe sails for England, taking with him several Indian chiefs — Speech of Tomochichi to the king — The king's reply — The Indians return to Georgia — Tomochichi's advice to his nation — Georgia found less healthy and productive than was supposed — Condition of the colonists during Oglethorpe's absence — Justice Causton — His arbitrary proceedings — The regulations of trustees found inoperative — Government assists the colony — Immigration of Scotch and Germans — John Wesley arrives in Georgia 37

Chapter IV

Oglethorpe makes a treaty with, the Governor of East Florida — Confers with a commissioner from Havana — Embarks for England — Revival of discontents among the colonists — They petition the trustees for fee-simple titles, and the use of slaves — Counter-petitions from the Germans and Scotch — The true condition of the settlers stated 44

Chapter V

DiflBculties between England and Spain still continue — Spanish encroachments — England declares war — Agents from St. Augustine deceive the Creeks — Oglethorpe's troubles — The trustees change the tenure of land in Georgia — Refuse to admit negroes or ardent sj^irits — Spanish perfidy — Conspiracy to murder Oglethorpe — His narrow escape — The ringleaders shot — Negro insurrection in Carolina quelled — Declaration of war — Oglethorpe projects an expedition to St. Augustine, which fails — Conduct of his enemies in Georgia and Carolina — Condition of Georgia in 1740 50

Chapter VI

Rev. George Whitefield arrives in Georgia — His piety and benevolence — His Orphan -house — Whitefield's character and life — His death 59

Chapter VII

Description of Frederica — Its fortifications — Zeal and energy of Oglethorpe — Descent of the Spaniards upon Georgia — Lukewarmness of the Carolinians — Indians and Highlanders assist Oglethorpe — Spanish fleet enter the harbour and land — The Spaniards defeated in three engagements — Oglethorpe's successful stratagem — The Spanish defeated at Bloody Marsh — The enemy retreats from Georgia — Spanish commander tried and disgraced — The provincial governors congratulate Oglethorpe — Charges brought against him by Colonel Cooke — He is tried and acquitted — Cooke disgraced — Civil government established 66

Chapter VIII

Slavery introduced — Daring scheme of Thomas Bosomworth — Malatche made Emperor of the Creeks — Signs a deed to

CONTENTS.

Mary Bosomwortli for the Indian reserved lands — Mary assumes the title of empress — She threatens destruction to the colony — March of the Creeks — The president prepares for defence — The Indians reach Savannah — Bosomworth and Mary seized and confined... 81

Chapter IX

Fickleness of Malatche — His speech — The president's reply — Bosomworth and Mary threaten vengeance against the colony — The Indians prevailed on to return home — Bosomworth and Mary released — Bosomworth reasserts his claims by a suit at law — Decision of the English courts — Another suit instituted 90

Chapter X

Condition of the province — Hostile attitude of the Cherokees — Trustees resign their charter — Georgia formed into a royal government — Quarrel between the Virginians and Cherokees — Treachery of Occonostota — Captain Coytmore killed — Indian hostages massacred — The savages desolate the frontiers — Colonel Montgomery sent against them — Defeats them and burns all the lower towns — Returns to Fort Prince George — Enters the nation again — Bloody battle near Etchoe town — Returns to Fort Prince George — Siege and capitulation of Fort Loudon — Treachery of the savages — AttakullakuUa rescues Captain Stewart — Hostilities encouraged by the French — Grant marches against the Indians, "and defeats them — Treaty of peace concluded 98

CHAPTER XL

"Wright appointed governor — Prosperity of Georgia — Emigration continues — Political aspect of the colony overclouded — Dr. Franklin appointed agent in England — The legislature define their rights and demand redress — Corresponding committees nominated — Georgia charged with lukewarmness — Defence of the same — Republican spirit manifested — Powder magazine in Savannah broken open and its contents secreted — Cannon spiked on the battery — Delegates appointed to the Congress at Philadelphia — Munitions of war seized — Georgia declares her independence — Governor Wright imprisoned — Escapes in the night — Troops ordered to be raised — Bill of credit issued — Nine merchant vessels burned or dismantled — Patriotism of the citizens of Savannah 114

Chapter XII

Loyalists take refuge in Florida — Their predatory incursions — Treachery of the McGirth's — Expedition against the Cherokees — Treaty of peace with that nation — Unsuccessful invasions of Florida — Howe's attempt — The American army retreats — Georgia attacked on the south — Skirmish at Bulltown Swamp — Battle at Medway — Scriven mortally wounded — White retreats to the Ogechee — Sunbury invested — Heroic reply of Colonel Mcintosh — The enemy retreats.. 126

Chapter XIII

Defensive operations of General Howe — Approach of the British fleet — Exposed condition of Savannah — British army land at Brewton's Hill — Capture of Savannah — Provost takes Sunbury — The Rev. Moses Allen drowned — Lincoln assumes command of the southern army — Provost unites with Campbell — Proclamation of the enemy — Unsuccessful conference for the exchange of prisoners 134

Chapter XIV

Position of Lincoln — His force — Moultrie defeats Gardiner — Skirmishes in Burke county — Campbell occupies Augusta — Pickens and Dooley besiege Hamilton at Carr's Fort- Pursuit of Boyd — Battle of Kettle Creek — Death of Boyd — British outposts surprised and captured 147

Chapter XV

Campbell evacuates Augusta — Lincoln proposes the recovery of Georgia — Ash defeated at Brier Creek — Force of the British in Georgia — Campbell leaves for England — Censure of Ash by a court of inquiry — Embarrassed condition of Lincoln — Shameful treatment of the American prisoners — Lincoln marches into Georgia — Provost advances towards Charleston — Battle at Stono River — Cooper defeats a British detachment — Spencer captures a British cutter — Sir James Wright resumes the government of Georgia 158

CHAPTER XVL

France acknowledges the independence of the United States — D'Estaing agrees to co-operate with Lincoln — British preparations for defence — French forces disembarked — D'Estaing demands the surrender of Savannah — Truco granted — Provost reinforced — Siege of Savannah — Assault — Eepulse of the combined armies — Jasper wounded — Count Pulaski wounded — Force of the allied army — Force of the British — Siege raised — Lincoln retreats to Ebenezer. 174

Chapter XVII

Heroic instances of devotion to freedom — The grenadiers of Count Dillon — Anecdote of Lieutenant Lloyd — Sergeant Jasper — His daring bravery at Fort Moultrie — His roving commission — Captures ten men near Savannah — Presented with a sword by Governor Rutledge — Plants the colours on Spring Hill redoubt — Is mortally wounded — Count Pulaski — His early life — Confederates with others for the redemption of Poland — Captures Stanislaus — Seeks refuge in France — Appointed a brigadier-general in the American service — His de^th 185

Chapter XVIII

Sufferings of the Georgians — Mrs. Mcintosh — The forged letter — Skirmish at Ogechee Ferry — Siege and surrender of Charleston — Removal of the Georgia records — Governor Howley — Defection of Brigadier-general Williamson — Murder of Colonel Dooley — Inhuman treatment of Mrs. McKay — Defeat of the loyalists by Jones — Skirmish at Waflford's Iron-works — Clarke defeats the British at Musgrove's Mill. 193

Chapter XIX

Comwallis violates his pledges of protection — Indignation of the people— Clarke returns to Georgia — Siege of Augusta — Brown's desperate defence — Cruger advances to reinforce Brown — Retreat of Clarke — Cruelty of Brown towards his prisoners — Savage treatment of Mr. Alexander by Colonel Grierson — Ferguson ordered to intercept — Is pursued himself — Battle of King's Mountain — Skirmishes — Clarke wounded 209

Chapter XX

Skirmish at Seattle's Mill — Sickness of Clarke — Death of McCall — Georgians harass the British — Skirmish at Wiggins's Hill — Death of Rannal McKay and others — Augusta invested by Williamson — Clarke assumes command — Is reinforced by Pickens and Lee — Fort Grierson abandoned — Colonel Grierson shot— Surrender of Brown— Mrs. McKay's interview with him — Fort Ninety-Six abandoned by Cmger — Wayne advances towards Savannah — Defeats three hundred Creek Indians — Pickens marches against the Cherokees — Closing of the war — Savannah evacuated — Treaty of peace concluded at Paris 220

Chapter XXI

Condition of the colonies at the close of the war — Re-organization of the Federal government proposed — Delegates meet at Annapolis — Recommend a convention to meet at Philadelphia — Convention meets — Number of states represented — Washington elected chairman — Rules of proceeding — The first questions considered, ratio of representation, and rules of voting — Contest between the larger and smaller states — Vote of Georgia — The executive — A counter project — Grand committee of conference — Proposition of Franklin — Rule of appointment — Committee of detail — New difficulties — Compromises — Doubts and fears respecting the constitution — Territorial suit between Georgia and South Carolina — Georgia called upon to cede her public lands — Congress of 1790 — Slavery petitions 233

Chapter XXII

Recapitulation of the various treaties made between Georgia and the Indians — Oglethorpe's treaty— Treaty of Augusta — Florida restored to the Spaniards — Frontier war commenced — Treaty of Galphinton — Treaty of Shoulderbone — Continuation of Indian hostiltiies — Washington appoints commissioners to treat with McGiUivray — Romantic history of the latter — Conference at Rock Landing — Failure of negotiations — Colonel Willet sent on a secret mission — Interview with McGiUivray — Indian council at Ositchy — Speech of the Hollowing King — McGiUivray departs for New York — His reception — Treaty of New York — Its reception by Georgia — Dissatisfaction of the Creeks — Bowles the freebooter — McGiUivray in Florida — Capture of Bowles 252

Chapter XXIII

New constitution adopted — Synopsis — Indian territory — Speculations in wild lands — Combined Society — Yazoo companies — Sale of Yazoo lands — Sale annulled — Seat of government removed to Louisville — Education — University of Georgia — Congress passes the fugitive slave law — Liability of states to individuals — Land speculations — Fraudulent sale by the legislature of Yazoo lands — Sale ratified by

Congress — Great excitement in Georgia — Yazoo land sales repudiated — Records burned — Difficulties in relation to the Yazoo sales — Congress appoints commissioners to negotiate for the public territory of Georgia — Compact entered into — Report of commissioners concerning the Yazoo claims — Randolph's resolutions 268

Chapter XXIV

Ellieott appointed to run the line between the Creeks and Georgians — Obstacles — Assertion of Spanish claims to the Indian territory — Intrigues of McGillivray — Appointed Superintendent-general of Spain in the Creek nation — Irritation of the Georgians — Their determined stand — Sickness of McGillivray — His death — Frontier excesses — Georgia arms against the Indians — Failure of the invasion — Seagrove attends a council of the Creek chiefs — Friendly disposition of the Indians — Seagrove attacked in his house and plundered — Arrival of Genet — His extraordinary course — Fits out privateers — Organizes expeditions from Kentucky and Georgia against New Orleans and Florida — The Spanish governor remonstrates — Course of Governors Shelby and Matthews — Genet recalled — Projects of Clarke — Settles the Oconee lands — Ordered off — Refuses — Is driven off by the militia of Georgia 282

Chapter XXV

Council of Coleraine — Treaty of New York formally renewed and ratified — Discontent of Georgia — Treaty with Spain — Settlement of boundaries — Ellieott appointed commissioner to run the boundary between Spain and the United States — Intrigues of Carondelet — His reluctance to carrry out the conditions of the treaty — Sends an emissary to Kentucky — Fort Panmure summoned by the Americans — Increase of American force — Gayoso evacuates Fort Panmure — Survey commenced — Interruptions feared from the Creeks — Council ■ at Miller's Bluff — Governor Folcb, of Pensacola, instigates the Creeks to break up the survey — Ellieott proceeds to St. Marks — Joins the surveyors on the St. Mary's — Bowles the freebooter — Refuses to enter the Spanish service — Sent to Manilla — Escapes — Reaches Florida — Is captured — Sent to Havana — Dies in Moro Castle 295

Chapter XXVI

Revision of the Constitution of 1789 — Cession of Louisiana to France — Jefferson's letter to Livingston — Negotiations —

Louisiana purchased by the United States — Claiborne appointed governor — Takes possession of New Orleans — Flourishing condition of Georgia — Milledgeville laid off — Becomes the seat of government — Foreign relations of the United States — Disputes with England — Embargo laid on French ports — Berlin and Milan decrees of Napoleon — Injuries sustained by American commerce — Declaration of war against England — Dissatisfaction among the Indians — Tecumseh — Confers with the British agents at Detroit — Departs for the south — Stimulates the Seminoles to hostilities — Enters the Creek nation — gains many proselytes — Returns to his nation — Outrages on the frontier — Civil war among the Indians — Creet war — War with Great Britain — Peace proclaimed — Difficulties between Georgia and the general government 305

Chapter XXVII

The soil of Georgia — Tide-swamp lands — Sea Islands — Swamp lands of the Savannah, Alatamaha, Ogechee, and the Great St. Ula — Character of the soils in the middle regions of the state — Lands in south-western Georgia — Cherokee Georgia — The gold region — Railroads — Cotton manufactories — Fidelity of Georgia to the Union — Sends volunteers to Georgia — Mexico — Conclusion 323

HISTORY OF GEORaiA.

Chapter I

Introductory observations — Georgia discovered by Sir Walter Raleigh — His voyage along the coast — His conference with an Indian chief — Reasons for planting the colony — Jealousy of the Spaniards — A regiment of blacks formed at St. Augustine — Disagreement concerning the English and Spanish boundaries — A fort built by the Carolinians on the Alatamaha ■ — A charter obtained for a new province — The proposed settlers to be persons in decayed circumstances — Their outfits and allotments — Stipulations with the adventurers — • Negroes to be prohibited — Private contributions solicited — • The first embarkation.

That portion of the United States of North America which now forms the State of Georgia was originally included in a patent granted to South Carolina; first, as a proprietary government, and afterwards, in 1719, as a regal one, bounded by the thirty-first and thirty-sixth degrees of north latitude.

For the first discovery of this portion of the North American continent, we are indebted to the zeal of the unfortunate Sir Walter Kaleigh.

Being deeply interested in the adventures of his half brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who had obtained a patent from Queen Elizabeth, granting him permission to possess and colonize such countries as he might discover, Sir Walter made a successful application for a similar grant, and on the 23d of April, 1584, despatched two ships, under the command of Captains Amadas and Barlow, for the purpose of visiting the countries of which he contemplated the future settlement.

-To avoid the error of Gilbert in shaping his course too far to the north, Sir Walter took the route by the West India islands, and approached the North American continent at the Gulf of Florida, from whence he followed the coast, and touched the shore, occasionally, visiting and conversing with the natives, until he reached Pamlico Sound on the borders of North Carolina. From thence he proceeded northward along the coast, and returned to England in September of the same year.

There have been some doubts expressed by historians as to whether Sir Walter ever visited North America in person. But when James Edward Oglethorpe, the principal founder of the colony of Georgia, came over from England, he is said to have brought with him Sir Walter Raleigh's written journal, from which it appeared, by the latitude of Savannah and b;; the traditions of the natives, that Raleigh landed at the mouth of Savannah River, and visited the bluff on which the city was afterwards built.

According to the statement made by the Indians to Mr. Oglethorpe, Sir Walter was the

REASONS FOR PLANTING THE COLONY. 17 first Englishman their forefathers ever saw. So favourable was the impression made by the gallant knight upon this rude forest people, that their chief king, before he died, desired to be taken to a high mound of earth, about half a mile from Savannah, in order that he might be buried at the spot where he talked with the great and good white stranger.

The policy of planting a new colony south of Savannah River was an object of great importance to South Carolina, in consequence of the differences existing between England and Spain in regard to the respective boundaries of their settlements in North and South America.

The rapid increase of population in North America, and its growing commercial importance, had long been viewed by Spain with a jealous eye. Already occupying, in right of discovery and possession, the territory of Florida ; the Spanish government sought, by garrisoning the coast with troops, to command not only the Indian trade brought down the Mississippi, but also the trade of those large rivers to the north of it. These encroachments could not be made without seriously endangering the province of South Carolina, which at that time was numerously stocked with negroes, brought from Africa by British merchants, and sold to the rice-planters, whose wealth consisted almost entirely of slaves.

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18 HISTOHy OF GEORGIA.

It being the interest of Spain to throw every obstacle in the way of the English planters, the most favourable means of doing so seemed that of enticing the negroes from the service of their masters, by pointing out to them the happiness of freedom, and promising them all the privileges enjoyed by the subjects of Spain.

To more effectually accomplish this sinister purpose, a black regiment was formed at St. Augustine, consisting entirely of runaway slaves from Carolina; and though there was no war existing at that time between the rival nations, all the remonstrances addressed to the Spanish governor were disregarded.

One cause of this vexatious state of things was the uncertainty in regard to the correct boundaries between the British provinces and Florida. These had never been settled by any public agreement, neither were they marked or well understood. To prevent negroes escaping from the Carolinas to St. Augustine, a fort was built on the Alatamaha river, and garrisoned. This gave offence to the Spanish governor, who complained of it to the court of Madrid as an encroachment on the dominions of his royal master. The Spanish ambassador at London was immediately authorized to demand that the troops should be removed and the fort demolished.

It was thereupon agreed, that the governors of

PETITION FOR A NEW PROVINCE. 19 the respective nations in America should meet in an amicable manner, and adjust the boundaries between the British and Spanish dominions in that quarter.

Commissioners were accordingly appointed for that purpose. They met at Charleston, but the negotiation ended unsatisfactorily to both parties. The fort was soon after burned down, and the southern frontier of South Carolina again left exposed and defenceless.

Finding that the Spanish authorities in Florida still continued their acts of aggression, the people of South Carolina, alarmed at the danger to which they were continually exposed, endeavoured to protect their property in future by placing a more efficient barrier between themselves and their imperious neighbours in Florida.

With these views, they advocated the formation of a new colony between the Savannah and Alatamaha rivers ; and encouraged a number of gentlemen, of wealth and station in England, to embark in the humane design of sending over a number of poor people, who had no means of i supporting themselves and families in the mother country.

Accordingly, twenty-one persons petitioned the throne ; and, on the 9 th of June, 1732, obtained a charter for a separate and distinct province from Carolina, between the Savannah and Alatamaha rivers, by the name of Georgia, in honour of the king hj "whom the charter was granted.

Subsequently, the limits of Georgia were extended to the Chattahoochee riverj which now forms its western boundary.

In pursuance of this charter, the trustees, with Lord Purcival at their head, met in London about the middle of July, for the purpose of fixing upon some fit person to superintend the settlement of the colony, and also to establish rules for its government.

In order to carry out the intents and purposes for which the charter was obtained, it was finally resolved, that none were to have the benefit of the charity fund, for their transportation and subsequent subsistence, except such as were in decayed circumstances, and thereby disabled from any profitable business in England ; and such as, having large families, were in a measure dependent upon their respective parishes. No drunken or vicious persons were to be received.

The trustees consented to give to such persons as they sent upon charity — to every grown male, a watch-coat, musket and bayonet, hatchet, hammer, hand-saw, sod-shovel or spade, broadhoe, narrovf-hoe, gimlet, and drawing-knife ; a public grindstone to each ward or village ; and to each man, an iron-pot, pot-hooks, and fryingpan.

For his maintenance for one year, they allowed

STIPULATIONS. 21

Mm three hundred pounds of beef or pork, one hundred and fourteen pounds of rice, one hundred and fourteen pounds of peas, one hundred and fourteen pounds of flour, forty-four gallons of strong beer, sixty-four quarts of molasses, eighteen pounds of cheese, nine pounds of butter, nine ounces of spice, nine pounds of sugar, five gallons of vinegar, thirty pounds of salt, twelve quarts of lamp oil, and twelve pounds of soap. The same allowances, with the exception of beer, were extended to each of the mothers, wives, other females, and children over twelve years of age ; half allowance for children of seven and under twelve ; and one-third for those from two to seven; passage paid, and sea stores allowed extra.

Before embarkation, the emigrants were required to enter into the following covenants :

That they would repair on board such ship as should be provided for them ; demean themselves well during the voyage, and go to such place in the province of Georgia as should be designated, and then obey such orders as should be given them for establishing and governing the said colony.

That for the first twelve months after landing in the province, they would labour in clearing their lands, making habitations and necessary defences, and on all other works for the common good and public benefit of the said province, according to such plans and directions as should be given them.

That after the expiration of the said twelve months, they would, during the next two succeeding years, inhabit the province of Georgia, and cultivate the lands allotted to them and their male heirs, according to their best skill and ability.

All such persons were to be settled in the same colony, either in new towns or villages. Those in the towns were to have, each of them, a lot sixty feet front by ninety deep, whereon they were to build a house, and as much land in the adjoining country as would, in the whole, make up fifty acres. Those in the villages were each of them to have a lot of fifty acres, upon which a house was to be built ; and a rent-charge was placed alike upon all, of two shillings and sixpence sterling upon every fifty-acre lot, for the support of the colony.

By another provision^ the trustees allowed every freeholder to take over with him one male servant, or apprentice, of the age of eighteen and upwards, to be bound for no less than four years. By way of loan to such freeholder, they agreed to advance the charges of passage for such servant or apprentice, and to furnish him with the following clothing and provisions :

OBJECT OF THE TRUSTEES. 23 sers of osnaburg, a pair of English shoes, two pairs of colonial shoes, two hundred pounds of meat, three hundred and forty-two pounds of rice, peas, or Indian corn. The expenses of passage, clothing, and provision, to be reimbursed to the trustees by the master, within the third year from their embarkation from England.

To each man-servant and his male heirs, upon a certificate of good behaviour from his master, were to be granted, after the expiration of the term of service, twenty acres of land, under the same rents and agreements as had been granted to any other man-servant in like circumstances.

The inhabitants of Georgia were to be considered as soldiers and planters, and provided with arms for defence, as well as tools for cultivation ; occasional military exercise being held as requisite to the safety and prosperity of the colony, as the more peaceful labours of agriculture.

Towns were to be laid out for settlement, and lands allotted to each colonist as near as convenient ; so that the towns, which were to be regarded in the nature of garrisons, might be easily reached, and each man arrive at his post of defence at a short notice in case of emergency.

As the object of the trustees — having in view the protection of the Carolinas — was to found a province partly military and partly agricultural, and as the military strength was particularly to

24 HISTOEY OF GEORGIA.

be taken care of, it was deemed necessary to establish sucb tenures of lands as might most effectually preserve the number of planters, or soldiers, equal to the number of lots of land within a narrow compass ; therefore, each lot of land was to be considered as a military fief, and to contain no more than was deemed sufficient for the support of the planter and his family. Pifty acres were judged sufficient, and provision was made to prevent any increase or diminution of this quantity, lest, on the one hand, the means of defence should be weakened, or, on the otherj subsistence found to be too scanty.

In the infancy of the colony, the lands granted were to descend to male heirs only, as most likely to answer the purposes of the donors ; and, in consideration of the service expected of the colonists, they were to be maintained at the public expense during their voyage, and their passage paid ; and were to be provided (for the space of one year) with arms, implements, seeds, and other necessaries, from the general store.

To others, who should come over at their own charges, particular grants were agreed upon under the same tenure, and on the condition that they should settle in Georgia within twelve months from the date of their grants, bringing with them one man-servant for every fifty acres ; should inhabit there for three years ; clear and cultivate within the first ten years one-fifth of the land so

SLAVES PROHIBITED. 25 granted ; within the next ten years, clear and cultivate three-fifths more, and plant one thousand white mulberry trees upon every hundred acres cleared — the raising of raw silk being one of the principal objects contemplated by the founders of the colony. One particular restriction was placed upon all the colonists alike, and this was, that no negro should be employed or harboured within the limits of Georgia, on any pretence whatever, unless by special leave of the trustees.

The object of this prohibition was to present a military frontier to South Carolina consisting of Europeans only ; to shield the slave population of the latter State from the artifices and allurements held out by the Spaniards, and to shut out from among the colonists of Georgia all those incentives to idleness which the introduction of a slave population is so apt to favour. It was further argued, that the introduction of negroes into Georgia would facilitate the desertion of the Carolina slaves, and instead of proving a frontier, would promote the evil which was intended to be checked, and give additional strength to the Spanish force at St. Augustine. In the execution of this laudable plan, the trustees, after having themselves contributed largely towards the scheme, undertook to solicit donations from others, and to apply the money towards clothing, arming, purchasing implements for cultivation, and transporting such poor people as should consent to go over and begin a settlement.

To prevent any misapplication or abuse of the funds thus collected, they agreed to deposit the money in the Bank of England, to keep a correct list of the names of the donors, and the sum received from each ; and bound themselves and their successors in office, to lay an annual statement of the moneys contributed and expended before the lord chancellor, the lords chief justices of the King's Bench and Common Pleas, the master of the rolls, and the lord chief baron of the Exchequer.