James Lusk

A Translation.   Copy of a Letter from Mr. Urlsperger dated at Augsburg March 27, 1735.   No. 13078.   Read 25th March 1735.*   To Mr. Newman.

Dear Sir: I long very much to hear what the Court of Great Britain and the Society may have farther resolved in behalf of the Bohemians, having received fresh and undoubted Accounts how barbarously these people are dealt with, which I shall communicate in my next.

That the Carinthians now residing at Ratisbon have resolved to go to Georgia appears by the inclosed if the Society should think fit to receive them on the same foot as the Saltzburgers it would be necessary for the Society to procure and order of his Britannick Majesty to his Embassy Ministers at Ratisbon, that by their interceeding with the Imperial Ministers at Ratisbon these Carinthian Colonists for Georgia now residing at Ratisbon may be helped to receive their Wives and Children, as many of them as are left in Carinthia, and likewise if possible their Goods and Chattells.

By the last letters from Mr. Bolzius I see that these Ministers as well as their Congregation need very much the Society’s and Trustees Advice Assistance and protection, of which Mr. Ziegenhagen will make ampler remonstration for I must conclude on Account of so many other Occupations and remain

&c. S.U.

P.S.: Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck has left us for Eight days and is gone upon some private Business of his own.

In the Conference of the Evangelick Body held at Ratisbon March 5, 1735.   No. 13078.

(1) It has been resolved on account of so many religious Grievances relating to the Country near the Ens laid before them, to make Remonstrances of them to the imperial Ministers here by the Electoral Ministers of Saxony, and recommend this Affair to such Courts as have their Ministers residing at Vienna That Application may be made to the Ministry of the Emperor for the remedying of them.

(2) The Minister of the Elector of Saxony has reported that a Collection has been remitted hither out of Switzerland of 349 fl. 45 creutzers half of which to be given to the Saltzburgers returned from Holland and the other half to such Emigrants as are most needy.

(3) Because the Emigration of the Saltzburgers for Religion’s sake still continues, and some of them want Assistance It has been resolved to assist them out of the Cash (at Ratisbon) And whereas amongst the Saltzburg Emigrants in Prussia and Hanover are a great many disabled, sick and helpless people, and several of such are found and maintained in the Hospitals of of the Imperial Cities of Augsburg, Memmingen, Hauffbearen [Kaufbeuren] and Nordlingen, it is thought meet to take 21000 fl. out of the Cash for their benefit, and regulate the distribution of it in the next Session.

Extract of a Letter from a friend at Ratisbon [probably J. von Reck] to Mr. Urlsperger Mar. 17, 1735.   No. 13078.

In this letter Mr. Urlsperger is told

(1) That the Carinthians after mature deliberation have resolved to go to Georgia.

(2) That they desire nothing else than that Application may be made in their behalf for obtaining their Wives and Children some of them being left in Carinthia they being willing to forsake all the rest.

(3) A good Character is given of these people.

(4) ’Tis said that more application will be made in their Behalf as well at Vienna as at Ratisbon.

(5) The following List of them is subjoyned

A List of the Carinthians now at Ratisbon who have resolved to go to Georgia.²⁶⁵

Copy of a Letter from Messrs. Bolzius & Gronau dated Ebenezer 6 Feb. 1734/5.   No. 13112.   Read 19 Apr. 1735.   To James Vernon, Esq. in London.

Most honoured Sir: The great many Affairs you are pleased to undertake for the Welfare of the Church and State made us formerly afraid to trouble You with our humble Lines, tho’ the great kindness and favour you have laid upon us at Dover, by writing a very obliging letter to us was at any time fresh in our memory, however the great many Benefits which are shewed to the Saltzburgers at London, and in their Sea Voyage by Your and other Benefactors Care, constrain us to let you know by this our Joy and humble thanks. Almighty and mercifull God who hath moved your heart to Compassion to this persecuted people will never forget your work and labour of Charity. He will mercifully hear our prayers for Your and other dear Benefactors Happiness and Welfare, and will give you that what he hath promised Psalm 41 v. 1. 2. 3. Blessed is he that considereth the poor the Lord will deliver him in the time of trouble; the Lord will preserve and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed upon the Earth; and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his Enemies; The Lord will strengthen him upon the Bed of Anguish. Mr. Vat, under the Conduct of whom the new Saltzburgers came to us, employs now his whole Care to settle them as happily as possibly he can and to look very earnestly for a good piece of land in this Country since there are very few good pieces about Ebenezer. The people have a great desire to till the Ground, and perform after this manner the Intention of the Honourable the Trustees, if God grant them good health and his Blessing to their works. Eleven people of the first Saltzburgers that came over together with us, are dead, and one of them still afflicted with Sickness and is almost past hope of recovery. Our Doctor Mr. Zwiffler is exceeding glad and we very much surprized to see the great many Physical herbs and other Medicines and Utensills for distilling allowed to him by our most Honourable Benefactors; in requital of which he promises to do his utmost Endeavour for the relief and recovery of sick people. We are told the salt Beef and Pork contribute very much to the Sicknesses that are so common in this Country. If the Honourable the Trustees would have the same Goodness as Mr. Oglethorpe in the former time to grant us some Oxen for fresh meat, we surely believe these Benefits would prevent several Infirmities. However we are fully satisfied with whatever the Trustees shall think fit. We intreat you humbly to present our most humble Respects to all Honourable the Trustees wishing them all manner of Prosperity for all Benefits bestowed up us and our flock and so entirely commending You to divine Conduct and Blessings, and us to[gether w]ith our flock to your favour, we subscribe our Selves

Most Honoured Sir   Your most humble Servants
John Martin Bolzius   Israel Christian Gronau

Copy of a letter from Mr. Bolzius dated at Ebenezer in Georgia 7 Feb. 1734/5.   No. 13113.   Read 19 Apr. 1735.   To Mr. Oglethorpe.

Most Honoured Sir: My Duty obliges me to render you my humble Submission and respect, by these lines. I am not ignorant your mighty Affairs give you very little leisure to read them over. I did the same the 16 July & 12 December last, which letters I hope are come to your hands. Eleven people of our small Company are dead, wherefore I am exceeding glad together with the Saltzburgers that You were pleased after your Generosity to send a new Body of their Persecuted Brethren under the Conduct of Mr. Vat, which came safely on shoare the 30 December[.] what Goodness and Benefits they have received by your order, and the good Care of Mr. Dunbar, You will hear from Mr. Newman, to whom I gave a short Account of it. I must return you a thousand thanks for all your favours and concerns for my Self and my Collegue as well as for our flock. Beseeching You to believe we have such a Sense of all your favours that we want [lack] words to express it sufficiently. What thanks and prayers the people put up daily to Almighty God for you and other great Benefactors I need not to tell you since you are ascertained of the Saltzburgers Godliness and tender love to you; Be pleased to assure your Self the longer the more that they fear and love God the more earnestly will they endeavour (as far as lies in their power) to till the Ground according to the Intent and will of their Benefactors. However I cannot forbear to mention after my humble Duty that at present even so as formerly the English and other people as often as they come to our place talk very much from [about] the Settlement of the Saltzburgers; They call our land Pine barren, where nothing else will grow but Indian peese and [sweet] potatoes. Hence it is that the poor people are some times disheartned by such talkings tho’ we do our utmost endeavour to encourage them by the holy word of God. Some Acres about the [Ebenezer] River seem to be good, but they are few, and some are covered newly by the high Water of the River and Swamps[.] notwithstanding they have worked hitherto in the Ground as much as possibly they could for the great troubles they have had till this time in fetching their Provisions and other things from Savannah which by modest Computation is no less than 44 English Miles by Water. The people in some measure cleared the River in such manner that if the Water is high they can come up with a small boat to our Town, but if the water is low they can come no further than within four miles of the town to the Landing place; And the Currents of Savannah River from Abricorn [Abercorn] Creek to the mouth of Ebenezer River are so strong that the people with a small boat carrying about one thousand pounds weight cannot perform the Voyage down and up in less than 4 days time being obliged to land at night in such places where they can have no Accomodations for refreshing or resting themselves, unless they make small Hutts, and lie upon the Ground, which in Summertime weakened their Bodies so much that they very frequently fall sick especially wanting proper refreshments,²⁶⁶ and in the Winter and wet Seasons the[y] suffer very much by the Cold and rainy Nights, but the people is never out of patience[,] it is a new Testimony of the tender Care of our Benefactors for our best, that by their order Rolf [Roth] and his Wife [Mary Barbara] were obliged to quite Ebenezer. There is no Body in our Congregation that must not suffer several Importunities from them heretofore. This order came just at this time to Mr. Causton as the said Rolf was willing [intending] according to his open threatnings to kill treacherously two persons at Ebenezer, of which wickedness Mr. Causton was informed by my letter to him. After the aforesaid good order he is hindred to pursue his wicked purpose. He intended to go by sea for Germany, but since his Voyage was stopt by my Letter, that I must [had to] send to Mr. Causton after my Duty and Mr. Causton’s desire he shewd together with his Wife a great Indignation against me with a scornfull mein. The Behaviour of the Saltzburgers towards God and man gives us a great Satisfaction wherefore I hope no Body should blame me for mine Eagerness to see many more such people in our Congregation. My dear Colleague Mr. Gronau, Mr. Zwiffler and all the Saltzburgers present you their most humble Respects and due Acknowledgements for all your favours and benefits; and so expecting your Commands to do what may please you in all things I remain

Most honoured Sir   Your most humble Servant
John Martin Bolzius

Extrait d’une lettre de Gaisern [Goisern] le 13 Jan. 1735 touchant les Sujets Evangeliques persecutes dans l’Autriche Superieure. No. 13115.   Read 19 April 1735.

Nous confesseurs de la religion Protestante environ 350 personnes enregistes, etant restés depuis la derniere Sortie dans les terres Salinaires²⁶⁷ de Sa Majesté Impériale vivons dans la plus grande oppression n’ ayant ni Service divin ni les Sts. Sacremens, ni la grace ou bien vieillance de nos Superieurs. Par ordre du magistrate quelques uns ont vendue leurs maisons, et biens, avce beaucoup de perte. On ne veut plus batiser nos enfans. La Commission de la reformation nous a aussi defendu toutes les assemblees á prier, et a louer Dieu sou peine d’etre fait Soldat, et envoye aux tranchees et Sosseés [Fossées]. Si nous ne pouvons pas esperer la liberté de conscience dans notre patrie, nous supplions que Dieu veuille toucher les coeurs de Ses princes et de Ses elus, a nous Secourer avec conseils, intercessions, et pouvoirs, et á mettre fin à notre misere. Nous craignons aussi en cas de Sortie qu’on retienne les jeunes gens à les forcer au Papisme, que Dieu veuille empecher On veut debiter de nous beaucoup de demarches, rechutes &c. mais comme il arrive, dans le tens de la tentation quelques uns ne restent pas toujours fideles Pourtant l’eglise Evangelique accroit et s’augmente.

Aussi nous faisons savoir que Thomas Laserer etant parti pour Vienne y recevoir les Saints Sacremens est detenu à Lintz depuis la derniere emigration dans une dure captivité, et jusqu’à cette heure sans esperance de sa liberté[.] son compagnon Balthaser Daubler l’ayant sû s’est retiré peu avant qu’on a visité sa Maison pour le chercher querir. Nous prions pour l’amour de Jesus Christ d’avoir une chrétienne et efficace pitié de ces innocens prisonniers comme aussi de 5 autres nommes Georg Pains, Matthias Reisenbechler, Matthias Hübner, Michael Lohmer, Joseph Lohmer, Au reste nous souhaitions à jouir de la liberté Evangelique dans notre patrie, ou au moins de la permission à partir une fois I’année quelque part a communier; ou á nous rendre chés nos amis et parens en Transylvanie supposé qu’ils ont lá la liberté de conscience, ou enfin aller où Dieu nous conduire, pour qu’on nous donne les passesports necessaires, nous laisse aller, et emporter le peu de bien que nous avons sans en payer le Droit de rabat.

[Translation of the Foregoing letter, by George Fenwick Jones.]

Extract of a letter from Gaisern dated 13 January 1735 concerning the Protestant subjects being persecuted in Upper Austria. No. 13115. Read 19 April 1735.

We adherants of the Protestant Faith, about 350 registered people, having remained since the last emigration in His Imperial Majesty’s salt lands [Salzkammergut], live under the direst oppression having neither divine service nor the blessed sacraments nor the understanding and good will of our superiors. By order of the magistrate some have sold their houses and goods at a great loss. We can no longer baptise our children. The Reformation Commission has also forbidden us all prayer meetings for worshiping God under pain of being made a soldier and sent to the trenches. If we cannot hope to have freedom of conscience in our homeland we pray that God might touch the hearts of His Princes and His chosen people, so that they might come to our help with advice, intervention, and power on our behalf and put an end to our misery. We also fear that should anyone depart hence that the young ones will be retained and forced to become Catholic, which may God prevent. People wish to spread many stories about us, our backsliding, etc. but in time of temptation some few do not always remain faithful. Nevertheless, the Protestant Church is growing.

We also make it known that Thomas Laserer, having departed for Vienna to receive the Holy Sacraments there, has been detained at Lintz since the last emigration at hard labor and even to this hour without hope of liberty. His companion, Balthasar Daubler, having known it, withdrew shortly before they visited his house to search for him. We beg you for the love of Jesus Christ to have a Christian and effective pity for these innocent prisoners as also for five others named George Pains, Matthias Reisenbechler, Matthias Hübner, Michael Lohmer, Joseph Lohmer. Moreover, we hope to enjoy Protestant liberty in our homeland, or at least permission to leave once each year to have communion somewhere or to betake ourselves to our friends and relations in Transylvania, assuming that they have liberty of conscience, or finally to go where God leads us, provided that [?] we are given the necessary passports and allowed to go and take the few goods that we have without paying any sales excises.

Relation de la Carinthie de 16. Feb. 1735 touchant les Persecutions et Oppressions de la religion Protestante.

Il arriva qu’on enmena de nouveau 43 garcons de Spaltrian [?] dont quelques unes furent fait soldats, les autres transportés nous ne savons par où. Lorsque nous lisons le Dimanche des livres Evangeliques, le juge est lá, qui les arrache de nos mains, lorsque nous nous assemblons de nuit à lire, ou à chanter, les sentinelles sont postés qui nous saississent par voye des chiens. Une femme ayant niée qu’elle avoit les livres evangeliques a eté deshabillée jus qu’au chemise et chargee de 30 coups de baton. Dans le baillage provincial de Biberstein et Mühlstadt [Millstatt] on traine les jeunes à la milice, et les vieux dans une dure captivité comme aussi les femmes; les enfans sont retenus pour les faire Catholiques, et les remettre un jour dans les biens de leurs peres.

Au commencement on nous a permis à lire nos livres, nous ayant confessés à cela; et cette heure on nous les arrache, on les met au feu en sans en etre consumés on les hache, coupe, et taille en pieces. Qu’ils l’ont reiteré trois fois en ayant encore une grande quantité a massée de rester.

[Translation of the foregoing account, by George Fenwick Jones.]

Account from Carinthia, dated 16 Feb. 1735, concerning the persecution and oppressions of the Protestant religion.

They have again taken away 43 young men from Spaltrian, of whom some were made soldiers, the others transported we don’t know where. On Sundays, when we read our Protestant books, the judge is there and snatches them from our hands. When we gather at night to read or to sing, the sentries are posted and seize us with their dogs. A woman having denied that she had Protestant books, she was undressed down to her chemise and punished with 30 blows with a stick. In the provincial bailiwick of Biberstein and Mühlstadt they drag the young people to the militia and the old ones to hard labor, as they do the women too. The children are retained to be made Catholic and to be reinstated some day with the goods of their fathers.

At the beginning we were allowed to read our books, having confessed to so doing; now they are snatched from us, put on a fire and before being so much as burnt are hacked at, slashed and cut into pieces. They have repeated this action three times and still have a great pile left.

Extract of the Amsterdam Dutch Gazette translated by Dr. Guerdes viz.   No. 13116.   Read 19 April 1735.

Ratisbon April 14, 1735.

We are credibly informed and assured by letters that the Roman Catholick Clergy, and at their Instigation the Bailiffs of several great Provinces, and among them particularly in Carinthia, are continually going on in a very hard and astonishing manner to oppress all such as favour the Protestant Religion that they might, if possible, extinguish all light shining unto these people.

And if the unaccountable practices are such in reality as they are related, it must be allowed that they are far beyond any thing that hath hitherto happened any where else to the Oppression of these poor people, which become therefore the most worthy of Compassion as their Sufferings are such as hitherto has not been heard of even amongst Turks and Heathens.

They have renewed their request with the Evangelick Body for an Intercession with his Imperial Majesty that they may have leave to emigrant.

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg March 7th 1735.   No. 13126.   Read 29 April 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Dear Sir: Tho’ I have nothing particular at present to write to you, still expecting your answers to my Letters since February the 14th yet I would not forbear sending you a Translation of the Inscription of a screwed Medal concerning the East India Mission lately published here, and deserved as well to be seen as those about the Saltzburgers. Value 3½ florins.

An Engraver here being resolved to engrave the Indian King and his Nephew,²⁶⁸ who lately have been in England, desires me to be informed, whether the Figures upon the Indian Kings Face and Breast, which appear so abundantly in the print published in England, are natural marks, or made by painting or incision. The Answer to this be pleased only to communicate to Mr. Degmair.

Neither the Plan nor the Map of Georgia is come to hand. My Sickness continuing now 11 days hinders me from writing to Mr. Degmair to wish him a good Voyage. The Accounts continue that many in Saltzburg are resolved to leave their Countrey, but when and in what manner it is unknown. I remain

Dear Sir   &c.   Samuel Urlsperger

Translation of a French Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsbourg 28th April 1735 N.S.   No. 13133.   Read 29th April 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Sir: I cannot sufficiently express my Joy with which the Compassion of the Honourable Society, signified in your Letters of the 15 and 18 of the last month, towards the persecuted Bohemians, has filled me; At present we must wait for an answer from the Court of Vienna. Several of the publick Ministers at Ratisbonne desire that a powerfull Intercession may be made in their Behalf at Vienna, by the Crown of Great Britain, and by other powers in Alliance with it, in such a manner that it may be evident that they have this Affair very much at heart.

As soon as I had the honour to be informed by you, that it was designed to extend the same favour to the Carinthians and others, who have quitted their native Countrey for the Sake of Religion, as to the Saltzburgers, I thereupon wrote to Ratisbon to know certainly the Resolution of the Carithians as to the Assistance offered for conducting them to, and settling them in Georgia, and directed them to send to me two Deputies in the name of the rest. The two Deputies are arrived with their answers; They humbly accept the Protection of his Britannick Majesty, and the Charitable Terms granted to them as well as to the Saltzburgers in Georgia, adding only this, that they most humbly intreat His Britannick Majesty will be pleased to obtain that their Wives and Children may be suffered to go with them, without whom they cannot depart from hence. I have conferred thereupon with the Envoy Mr. [J.] de Reck, who is at present here, having assisted at the affiancing of his Son, the Secretary of the Embassy, which was cellebrated here. He is of the same Sentements, that the said Carinthians being engaged as Colonists to his Britannick Majesty, that the Gentlemen who are Trustees will in Compassion procure his Majesty’s orders to his Ministers at Vienna and Ratisbon to treat on this Matter with those of his Imperial Majesty, that their Wives and Children may be suffered to come to their Husbands and Parents. I add in order thereto, the number of the Carinthians consisting of 77 Persons; of whom there are 35 Men; married 11; Boys 24; Women 15; married 11; and 5 Daughters, and 27 Small Children. They have amongst them, 6 Masons; 3 Carpenters; 2 Taylors; 6 Linnen Weavers, the others are all Peasants. They confirm the Account, which I have had the honour to send you from time to time; and say their Compatriots at Ratisbon are firmly attached to the Evangelical Religion and were forced to quit their native Countrey by Stealth lest they should have been made Soldiers or Prisoners with their Brethren, Nevertheless they had a free passage and were graciously received at Ratisbon, notwithstanding the Imperial Embassy residing there. The Advertisement published here, I send you. For want of Accounts from Saltzburg I have no news of the motion or Tranquillity of that Archbishoprick. What you are pleased to signify in your kind letter with regard to a separate Account of the Carinthians and Saltzburgers shall be punctually observed. My most humble Complements to the Honourable Society. I am

&c. Samuel Urlsperger

P.S.: Pray acquaint Mr. Ziegenhagen that the worthy Dr. Ramback is dead suddenly at Giessen of a malignant Fever. I have received the letter from Mr. Degmair of the 4 Instant and I have obtained Permission for him to stay 2 or 3 Months longer in England to make himself a better Master of the English Tongue. He has only God to trust in who will take Care of his Subsistence.

Translation of Letter in French from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Lindau 12 July 1735.   No. 13254.   Read 22 July 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman. (NB This Letter is entr. here by Mistake it should have been in fol. 174 according to the Date.)

Sir: I am now at Lindau upon the Lake of Constance taking the Mineral Waters for restablishing my health. I lodge in the Countrey at Mr. Riesch, who is the Minister who sent from hence to the last Transport of the Colonists of Georgia the best People, of [from] whom I have had the pleasure to understand with great Joy that the Suisse at St. Gal [St. Gallen] have testified to our Emigrants so much Charity, besides giving them good Examples.

Sir You will learn by the enclosed from Mr. [Ph.] de Reck (which I have already answered) what he has wrote to me here, and as the 30 Austrians are ready to be transported, I expect by the first post, a Specification of the persons to regulate the Subsistence of them. I am very sorry that for so long a time, I have not heard whether his Britannick Majesty would most graciously intercede in behalf of the Carinthians, or no, for their being allowed their Wives and Children, because the Transport is thereby very much retarded, and things being thus uncertain I am asked by the Post of this day from two of my Correspondents whether 50 or 60 Bohemians, who have lately left their Country and understand the German Language and who are of the Augsburg Confession may not resolve to go with the Austrians.

Besides that I must acquaint you Sir I have taken up from Mr. de Münch 500 florins to furnish them with Necessaries that come from time to time, and to reimburse what I have taken from the General Cash for the Emigration towards the Expence of the Georgian Colonists, which general Cash for Emigrants has been almost quite exhausted, chiefly by the Young Men who have been bound out Apprentices, and for diverse other Saltzburgers who have suffered by Sickness, and of whom, some of them in working, have broken their Legs and Arms, concerning whom I shall be more particular if it please God, at my return to Augsburg being

Sir   Your most humble Servant   Samuel Urlsperger

Translation of the Extract of a Letter from Monsieur [Ph] de Reck at Ratisbonne of the 5 July N.S. sent from Mr. Urlsperger to H. Newman.   No. 12254.   Read 22 July 1735.

I have the Honour to inform you in answer to your Letter of the 30th of last month that for certain 30 Austrians are always ready to depart hence. They will find here Work and Subsistence till St. James’s Day, but after that they must depart or be subsisted by the Society; these honest people and true Christians are as little disposed as I am, to change their resolution for going to Georgia.

Mean time the Grand Bailiff of Carinthia and the Country about Ens has sent a long Writing to the Imperial Embassador here, which being in terms very severe against the Evangelick Religion and the Evangelick Body at Ratisbon, is taken for an Answer to the Griefs proposed, and contains at the same time a fanifest [manifest?] declation [declaration] of the Emperor, that he will not permit²⁶⁹ any Emigration from his Estates nor even any private Exercise of Religion.

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg, 9 May 1735.   No. 13165.   Read 27 May 1735.   To. Mr. Newman.

Sir: Here I communicate to you what hath been wrote to me from Vienna and what I have wrote to Ratisbon on that account. Likewise a Copy of a Letter which I received this day from Mr. John Tobler Mathematician in Rehetobel in the Canton of Appenzell in Swisserland, beseeching you to deliver the same to the Trustees, whom I most humbly desire to send an Instruction to Mr. [Ph.] von Reck what Answer he must give to the people who desire to go to Georgia and are no Emigrants, especially to the above mentioned that have wrote to me, and to those who have wrote to me from St. Gal. It is impossible for me to mind any other Business, besides that of the Emigrants; but if I am able to give good advice I will do it with all my heart, and serve Mr. Von Reck in his Correspondence with the Trustees. Particularly Mr. von Reck should be informed, whether Georgia is really so good and fruitfull a Countrey as hath been wrote about it 2 years ago to the end that he may give a good account of it to the People in Swisserland.²⁷⁰ I would fain take the Correspondence with the Trustees upon me, but am afraid of undertaking more than I am able to perform.

I remain   Sir   Your most humble Servant   Samuel Urlsperger

Copy of Mr. Urlsperger’s Letter to the Envoy Mr. [J.] von Reck dated 19 May 1735.   No. 13165.   Read 27 May 1735.

Honoured Sir: I take the liberty to acquaint your Excellency with what hath been wrote to me from Vienna the 4th Instant in the following terms: Concerning the pressed Brethren in B[ohemia?] a forcible order is come to the Embassy from England and Hannover, but having annexed no Speciem Facti or the like, whereupon to ground the Representation, nothing hath hitherto been done in the Case. The Hannoverian Envoy is today gone from hence to Saxony, and will be some weeks before he returns hither, Consequently very little will be done in this Affair at present. I have also spoke with the Danish Envoy about the Business, who declared himself to make it communem causam together with the others; but it is to be wished these Gentleman would earnestly undertake the Affair, and to be pressing when they make Representations, and not to be put off with equivocal and insignificant Answers. God Almighty help the miserable People and come to their Assistance for they have little hopes for help from Mankind. I shall not fail to put the others in mind of the Business. I return you hearty thanks for the printed Advertisement sent me. The Valliant and Christian General Mr. von Wuttgenau hath also let his light shine here, and I have had the Satisfaction to pass many hours with him with edifying Discourses. God hath been pleased to visit him with a dangerous Sickness here, from which he is not yet quite recovered; however he hopes to be able to set out from hence within 10 or 12 days for Mantua, and then he will take his leave of you.

By this you see, how necessary it is, that a Copy of the Memorial from Bohemia and of the Writings annexed from Ratisbonne be sent to the Hannoverian Embassy at Vienna to the End that, at the return of the Hannoverian Envoy at Vienna, the Cause may [be] immediately removed etc.

A Copy of a Letter from Mr. John Tobler, Mathematician in Rehetobel in Appenzel dated the 6th May 1735.   No. 13165.   Read 27th May 1735.   To Mr. Urlsperger.

Having with great pleasure and Satisfaction read several Books and Writings concerning Carolina causes me to write these lines to you, which liberty I would not have taken if Mr. Zublin²⁷¹ in St. Gal had not encouraged me by praising your particular Goodness. And some persons here having a desire to go to Carolina I beg the favour of you to let me know whether they can’t go thither with the Saltzburgers, and whether they can go from Augsbourg under the same Pasport or not; likewise when or about what time they go thither, to the End that these people here may know what to do in this Case, which is of no little moment; and I should think it a happy Voyage if they could go with so good People. Concerning the people who at present are resolved to go thither, I believe they will be no hindrance to the Colonists in Georgia, but very serviceable, they being well skilled, not only in breeding Cattle, but also manuring the Ground for Flax, especially in manufacturing all sorts of Linnen Cloth, and other arts, and in sowing and planting of Fruits. How many will go thither I cannot specify yet, but will do it next time if required, however 30 or 40 Persons will prepare themselves for it. There would be more, but some cannot afford the Charges and some lead such a life here, that it is better to go from them than with them. For my part I cannot go this year for reason of some Difficulties which happen yet, but my Father and my Son are resolved, God willing, to go, and if they do well, as I hope, next year a great number of brave people will go, and the number would very much encrease, if the King of England would give some of them the free Passage only over Sea, or lend them the money till they can pay it again. Some of them, among which is my Father, take poor people with them and pay their Charges, for which they shall serve them till they have worked it out. In short they want nothing more to undertake this Voyage, than the Ordering and Recommendation by a Gentleman who is well acquainted with this Affair, and I know no person more proper for it than you good Sir, if you would be pleased to do it. I would have wrote also to Mr. [Ph.] von Reck if Mr. Zublin had not told me, he was gone on a Journey. Concerning the Religion, it is here the Reformed, but we will make no Scruple of living with the Lutherans, because we have here many Books of theirs which we read with great Edification. As to the Almanack, we use here, as they do in England, the old Julian Almanack, as the inclosed, which is my Work, sheweth, made from the Year 1722 till 1751 however, as you see, I have had no other Master for my Assistance than God Almighty and what I have found in Books on this Subject.

Extract of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsbourg 16 May 1735.   No. 13165.   Read 27 May 1735.   To Mr. Ziegenhagen.

Because the last Suissers had occasioned great Complaints in Holland, their High Mightinesses have ordered their Residents, and amongst these the Resident at Ratisbon, to notify every where, and consequently to the Commissary Mr. [Ph.] von Reck, that they would not permit any more Colonists to pass Their Territories, except they are provided with an authentick Passport, and can travel thro’ without giving any trouble to the States: Whereupon I wrote to the Dutch Minister, de Galliers, that the two Transports of the Colonists of Georgia had not given the least trouble to the States, nor was any such thing to be feared of a future Transport; but if His Excellency would be pleased to intercede with His Principals for obtaining a free Passage for the Emigrants, as Colonists of Georgia without paying any Toll or being unnecessarily detained, considering they carry nothing with them but their penury, it would be very thankfully acknowledged. To which His Excellency was pleased to return this Answer; That as to the free Passage, there would be, in his Opinion, no more required than that the Trustees and the Society did endeavour to represent their Case to Their High Mightinesses in few words by the English Envoy at the Hague not doubting, but it would be taken into Consideration, he himself having humbly recommended it.

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsbourg 19 May 1735.   No. 13175.   Read 27 May 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman [from Ph. von Reck].

Sir: Upon my Commissions given to the Commissary Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck, who is at present in Ratisbonne, he sent me the following Answer, dated the 17th Instant.

I. Concerning the Saxon Envoy Mr. von Schönberg. This Gentleman hath often advised the Carinthians who are here to give a memorial to the Imperial Embassy in behalf of their Wives and Children left behind them, which out of too great fear, they never would do: Wherefore I offered my Self not only to draw up a Memorial, as Lit. A. sheweth and get it signed by the CARINTHIANS but also to deliver it for them, with which his Excellency [von Schönberg] was well pleased, and promises himself a good Effect from it. As to the maintaining the CARINTHIANS who are very poor and have no work to get their Living by, it is thought proper, not to maintain them out of the Emigrants Cash, for fear they should grow idle, and have a mind to stay here; but if they would go to Georgia, the Saxon Envoy would procure them a considerable Viaticum of money.

II. Concerning the Electoral Brunswick Envoy Mr. von Hugo. In respect to the CARINTHIAN Wives and Children left behind he is of the Opinion with the Electoral Saxon Envoy [von Schönberg] and promises to second my Memorial with a Representation by word of Mouth. He, as well as the Electoral Brunswick Envoy at Vienna Mr. von Erff, hath got a Rescript from Court, concerning the B.B. [Bohemian Brothers?] according to which he will do his utmost Endeavour for their best, and send the BOHEMIAN Memorial to Vienna.

In case the Envoy Mr. [J.] von Reck²⁷² should die, he [von Hugo] will be very glad to correspond with you Sir, as well in Affairs concerning Religion as that of Georgia, likewise His Excellency will have an Opportunity to send your Letters along with the Kings Pacquet to London.²⁷³

III. With regard to the Envoy from Holland Mr. Gallieres. He assures me that in the Bohemian Affair, he entirely concurs with the rest of the Envoys; and that by the last post he had sent to the High and Mighty States General a very forcible and moving Representation in favour of the B.B. which he does not doubt will have a good Effect. He together with some other Envoys doth not only think it proper but highly necessary that the BOHEMIAN Memorial be printed and published in England without delay because it is intended to do the same in Holland. Their High Mightynesses assure the Trustees and the Society of their Assistance in this Affair, and would by the Help of the King of England endeavour that when, as is expected, a Peace shall be concluded with France, a particular Article may be inserted in favour of the B.B. The Crisis of the present time being so favourable that either one must make an advantage of it or by neglecting such an Opportunity renounce his Right almost for ever.²⁷⁴

As to the March of the GEORGIAN Transport thro’ Holland it would be acceptable to their High-Mightinesses if the Honourable Society or the Trustees would give notice to Mr. Dayrolles,²⁷⁵ which would contribute very much to a more easy and speedy Journey for us. This Week, God willing, I shall take an opportunity to speak with the Electoral Brandenborgh-Danish-Swedish and other Protestant Envoys.

If anything shall be done in the BOHEMIAN Affair, the Envoys here are of Opinion that the Grievances and the redressing thereof be represented to the Emperor in a particular [private] Audience.

The Privy Counselour Mr. Goebel²⁷⁶ assures me that in the Berchtolsgaden District are still above 100 Emigrants, and that he expects to hear within a fortnight the time fixed for their departure.

Memorial of the Carinthians referred to in the foregoing Letter.²⁷⁷

(A.).

High and wellborn Free Lords of the Empire.

Gracious Lords: Your Excellencies’s praiseworthy Clemency and Commisseration towards all miserable people, causes us also in our Affliction, most humbly to seek our Refuge by you. For whereas we have for the sake of liberty of Conscience, left our Country, Effects, Wives and Children, lived here for a while, and now are obliged to proceed in our Pilgrimage into other Protestant Countryes, which is very hard as well for our Wives and Children as for us; We most humbly beg your Excellencies graciously to consider our miserable Condition, and to grant that our Wives and Children may follow us, and that we may get somewhat of our Effects left behind us to bring us to our Journey’s end. Which act of Compassion the most gracious God will reward, and hear our Prayers for your Excellencies Welfare. In hopes of Your Excellencies granting us our desire, we remain with all Submission,

Your Excellencies,   Most humble and most obedient Emigrants from CARINTHIA

Extract of a Letter from Ratisbon dated 17 May 1735.²⁷⁸

The Dollar your Reverence sent me, to which I have begged another from the Emigrants Cash, which makes in all 3 Guilders, shall certainly be delivered by the first Opportunity into the hands of [Hans] Lerchner the good Saltzburger now in prison in Raab in Hungaria, to whom I sent a while ago some Guilders. I have also procured 8 Guilders for honest Simon Sigel, from K. [Kärnten, Carinthia]) who is likewise at the same place in prison, and as it is said for his life time, which he hath received just in the time when he was in the greatest misery, and as he himself mentions was ready to starve²⁷⁹ of Cold for want of Cloaths so that no body could know him. I knew him, because by his Letter from K. he was the first that told me of God’s wonder [miracle] which happened at the said place, of which more might be said. I pitty him with all my heart, God send him strength and Comfort, and give him grace for his Faithfullness. I have heard good news from Holland, concerning the Emigrants in CADSAND [Cadzand]; those who are there still, thank God and do not desire to go from thence. Several of them have bought themselves necessaries. They have now a Church of their own, and got a house for their Minister Mr. Fisher, God give his Blessing to his Word in their Souls! Many are very well placed in the HANNOVERIAN Countries, some return, the Artists are gone to Nurnberg. Just now the CARINTHIANS were with me and signed a Memorial concerning their Wives and Children, which tomorrow will be delivered to the most excellent Imperial and Austrian Embassy, God grant it a happy Effect! Mr. Von Reck will give you a farther Information. Here follows a Specification of the Age, Names etc. as far as I could be informed by those that are here, especially of those that are married. Several are gone to Anspach to work; In Ratisbon it is impossible that so many Emigrants should get work, however as much as possible.

A further Specification of the names Age and Families of the Emigrants from GARINTHIA, & their Relations.

From the Jurisdiction Biberstein.

(i)   Frantz Sandler, a Master Linnen Weaver 36 years his wife Brigitta of the same Age, they have 4 Children.

1. Maria 14

2. Matthias 10

3. Ursula 7

4. Eva 3 years old.

(ii)  Nicolaus Neidhart, a Master Taylor 42 years, his Wife Maria 26 years, and 4 Children.

1. Matthias-8

2. Simon - 6

3. Balthasar 3

4. Caspar 1 year

(iii) Christian Steinacher, a Bricklayer 52 years his Wife Margaretha 43 years and one Child.

1. Elizabeth 6 years.

From the same Jurisdiction Biberstein, three Single Women, namely

1. Magdalena Anna Weinin 25 years

2. Maria Sublin - 21 years

3. Catherina Sieblin - 16 years

From the Jurisdiction Mühlstadt [Millstatt]

(I)   Matthias Egarter, a Countreyman 34 Years, his Wife Susanne 27 years, and one Child.

1. Christiana 6 years.

(II)  Gregory Rochler, a Countryman 32 years, his Wife Lucia 27 years and one Child.

1. Maria 1 year.

(III) Clement Leidter, a Countryman 48 Years, his Wife __________ 44 years, and 2 Children.

1. Maria 13 years & 2. Maria 6 years.

(IV)  Simon Moser, a Master Lennen Weaver & Bricklayer 43 Years his Wife 39 years, and 3 Children.

1. Maria 18 years.

2. Christina 12 & 3dly Afra 6 years. (V) John Unterwald a Countryman 49 years, his Wife Maria 47 Years and 5 Children whose names are yet unknown.

(VI)  Bartholomäus Globischeig a Countryman 49 years his Wife Christina 45 Years and 7 Children, whose names are unknown, the Father being in Anspach at work.

(VII) Johann Egger, a Countreyman 53 years, whose Wife and Children never owned themselves Protestants.

NB.  The Wives and Children are yet in Carinthia as I have signified in my former Letter.

Sir I expect an answer upon this as well as my former Letters, as soon as possible, because they contain weighty Affairs, and hereby acquaint you that at last I have got leave for Mr. Degmair from his father and the protestant privy Counselor here, that he may stay 2 or 3 Months longer in England, which I have done for reason that he may make himself more perfect in the English Tongue and afterwards be usefull to me in the Correspondence to England; But because his father’s Circumstances, he being but poor and since some years sick and having many Children, will not permit to maintain him any longer, and the Protestant privy Counselor, upon my Request having giving him 200 Guilders I am obliged to acquaint the honourable Society with the Circumstances of this young Mr. Degmair, of whom one may promise ones Self much Good, and therefore recommend him to the Charity of the Honourable Society, humbly beging Pardon for taking that Liberty.

I remember very well that upon the desire of the Society, I have promised to give a further Account of the Demarches and Views of Count Zinz; but because it cannot be done now, it shall perhaps be done in my next. Since 3 Weeks ago things have happened which are not to be allowed. I most heartily recommend the Saltzburgers in Eben Ezer and remain

Sir   Your most humble Servant   S.U.

Copy of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 2 Jun. 1735.   No. 13188.   Read 3 Jun. 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Sir: I write and give notice to the Honourable Society in answer to theirs of the 29th April and 6th May by the hands of a Merchants Clerke, whom God hath truly converted through the Service of my Son in law [Wenndrich] when he was still Preacher in Venice, and who being now on his Journey from Venice to Hamburgh, where he has an English Mother and German Father, has during these Whitsun-holdays lodged in my house.

(1) That I shall send over the 25 Screw Medals of the Protestant Mission in the East Indies, as soon as possible

(2) ’Tis impossible to write whether any Saltzburger out of that Archbishoprick may come this Summer or not, altho’ ’tis known for certain that more than a thousand have declared themselves Protestants, but that it is

(3) Rather to be expected that one hundred of Berchtolsgaders will go out

(4) That altho’ this were not, yet will a Transport to Georgia of an hundred Persons meet together mostly out of CARINTHIA with some SALTZBURGERS and OSTERREICHERS [Austrians], provided those of Carinthia, as I have already mentioned, can get their Wives & Children

(5) That the Dutch Resident at Ratisbon Mr. de Gallieris let me know again by a third person, that it would be very good for a new Transport to Georgia if the Society or Trustees would by means of the British minister at the Hague Mr. de Ayrolles²⁸⁰ procure a Pass for them from the General States.

As for the rest I have read the Society’s printed Circular Letter with great Joy, since I see thereby that God is with this Society, and because God is with it, all future Undertakings towards the Promotion of the great Gospel, whereof I preached last Monday out of St. John Chap. 3 v. 16 must for certain have good Success, which I likewise wish and pray for, and am also heartily willing to sacrifice all that is in my power in behalf thereof.

You find here Extracts of two Letters, the first one, of the Privy Counsellor Mr. Van Herold, and the other of the Commissary Mr. [Ph.] von Reck to which I add that after the Sermon on Whitsunday, where in I had made mention of our Protestant East India Mission, and as I was going out of the Church, a topping Person, whom two days before, I had communicated the 37th Continuation of that Mission,²⁸¹ squeezed five and twenty guilders with many tears of Joy into my hand, with the proviso to keep the name concealed. The Lord be praised who works in England and Germany, that the hearts are moved to administer both great and small Gifts, and that, because God hath given them his Son. I remain

Your etc.   S. Urlsperger

Extract of a Letter from the Prussia Privy Counsellor Mr. Van Herold to Mr. Urlsperger, dated Berlin the 17 May 1735. Viz.

In the interim I have not omitted directly to consign unto the Elders of this poor Church of the BOHEMIAN Brethren, the fifty Guilders that were sent me, and the adjoyned receipt which themselves have set to paper, will more particularly shew, with what hearty thankfullness they received this unexpected Gift. The said Church is already encreased to upwards of 600 Souls, and continually still more appear in secret; the most of them are pious and labourious Persons, and as his Royal Majesty [of Prussia] has in general most graciously committed the Direction of the Established Collonists in the new Frederick Town to me, so hath he likewise, even since last year, and also when His Majesty was in the Campagne, particularly enjoyned me to take care of these people in the very best manner. Now because their former Preacher Liberta has been arrested in Saxony, and likewise this poor Church with their many Children that are not yet brought up, going astray, I with the help of Professor [G. A.] Frank in Hall, have in the intrim got a pious Student out of Hungary for them, who is also pretty well versed in the Bohemish Language, and takes Care of the poor Children, the number whereof almost amounts to Eighty, that they are instructed in Christianity, and the German Language, where in 2 grown Bohemish Scholars assist him, and since the Clearing of the aforesaid Liberta seems yet so far off, I am in hopes to obtain the permission of his Majesty to get them for a Preacher a certain fit and pious man, whose name is Macher and is at present in the School in Cottbus, he understands also Bohemian well. The good people were much rejoyced when they heard by the Relation given them by you Reverend Sir what has been resolved in England in regard to their Affair, and I assure you my most gracious King and Lord will withall efficaciously officiate in this affair. With the SALTZBURGERS that are settled in Prussia thank God it goes better than has perhaps been reported with you; they are reputed as pious and diligent people in their work, seeing their Preachers that have been given them so well as those they serve, testify the same of them; This only is to be pitied that they have been brought, I know not by whom, to a Notion as if the Archbishoprick of Saltzburg must pay them for what was left behind them according to their Tax, and as in the present Conjunctures it proves very difficult in the Sale of the Goods, to obtain hardly half so much as what they have vallued them at, most of them seem ill pleased therewith, and refuse to give up the Documents they have in hand to this purpose, wherefore one hath much to do with them, tho’ many indeed submit themselves, seeing that his Majesty the King useth all pains & diligence for them and that the Case cannot possibly be pushed farther whereas for want of inspection their good would only decline more and more in price.

Extract of a Letter from the Comissary [Ph.] von Reck to Mr. Urlsperger, dated at Ratisbon the 24th May 1735 etc.

The 21st Instant two CARINTHIANS delivered their Memorial to the Embassy of Austria[.] Mr. Concommis Saxy Baron of Joddci has not let them come before him, but sent however for the Memorial and returned it with the answer “He would not interpose for them, they were perhaps gone astray, they must have recourse to the Baron de Palm as Embassador of Austria,” which accordingly they did, who let them come before him, took the Memorial, read it over, kept it, and gave for answer. “He would write to the Captain of the Land thereabouts,²⁸² that still an Emigration of some few would not be hindred, but by no means permitted or allowed to many, because the Land would Suffer a very great damage thereby.”

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 2 May 1735.   No. 13191.   Read June 10th 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Sir: I hope my last letter, dated April 28th You have received. I desire only to deliver those three pieces to the Honoured Gentlemen, Mr. Oglethorpe and Mr. Vernon, as also to acquaint the Honourable Society of the Contents of them.

I have lately mentioned to Mr. Labhart Merchant in St. Gallen that he might directly send his Project to the Honourable Trustees or to one of them Mr. Oglethorpe in the French Tongue; but I wrote to him at the same time, preliminary

(1) That the Honourable Society and the Trustees had promised to take Care of the Saltzburgers that they might always live together by themselves, consequently never mixed with other People.

(2) That I hardly could believe that the Honourable Society would grant all that to the 30 Men of St. Gallen which they have done to the Saltzburgers and such like because it is quite an other thing with this people.

(3) They should not think Eben-Ezer to be so great a Town as to set up now already Contoirs [business establishments] for great Merchants.

(4) That it methinks would be much more convenient to settle their first Transport on a particular Place, tho’ it might be in the Neighbourhood of Eben-Ezer, because they designed to send some hundred Persons of St. Gallen after.

(5) That, if the sending over of the Swissar Colonists should meet with good Success, I might assure them that they would not be hindred in their Exercise of the reformed Religion common amongst the Swissers.

(6) That I besides had to acquaint them that as much as I know, only such Fabriques and Manufactures would be allowed to be erected in Georgia which may not hinder those in Great Britain.²⁸³

Now you will see what the abovementioned Mr. Labhart with his Companions will write to Mr. Oglethorpe. I only would mention this at this time to the Honourable Trustees a little before, that they may have time enough to consider of this matter.

Mr. Commissary [Ph.] von Reck is sent by me to Regenspurg to perform some Business there according to my order. To conclude I commend you to the divine Grace and Protection giving my humble Service to the Honourable Society remaining.

Sir   Your most humble Servant   S. Urlsperger

Translation.   The following three Pieces are desired to be communicated to the two Honourable Gentlemen Mr. Oglethorpe and Mr. Vernon.   No. 13191.   Read 10 June 1735.

An Enquiry and Proposal of the Senior Minister Mr. Urlsperger in behalf of Commissary [Ph.] Von Reck.

My last letter directed to the Society takes more particular Notice of the Stability of the Resolution, the Carinthians (who are at Ratisbon) have taken of going to Georgia and that as soon as they shall by the means of England have their Wives and Children (still remaining in Carinthia) Returned to them. And as there is a great likelihood that this Summer a fresh Transport will set out for that Colony under the Conduct of Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck, because the number of the Carinthians alone amounts to 78 persons, I had a mind to sound that Gentleman whether he might not be disposed to remain in Georgia for good, in case the Trustees should think fit to allot him a certain quantity of Land, and to give him a place with a Salary or only a Pension sufficient for his Subsistence untill he could put himself in a way to do without? To which he answered: That in Case he had a Call from the Trustees and necessary Provision was made for his Subsistence, he could gladly resolve for the sake of his fellow Creatures to stay during Life in Georgia to continue in the Service of the Trustees, and to employ what little Fortune he has of his own in that Countrey.²⁸⁴ Wherefore I beg the two Honourable Gentlemen Mr. Oglethorpe and Mr. Vernon would be pleased to take this Affair into Consideration, and if they should think it may be brought to bear, lay before the Trustees at their Meeting in order for their speedy resolution that the said Mr. Von Reck may be able to govern himself accordingly, and get such of his Effects in readiness against the departure of a Transport as may be proper to be carried with him from Germany. For my part, should this able, brisk, couragious, disinterested, serviceable and pious Man be employed by the Trustees and engaged to continue there, it is my opinion it would be of very great Advantage to the Colony. For he is equally qualified to be of use in Spiritual as well as in temporal Concerns. His Uncle the Publick Minister at Ratisbon [J. von Reck], who was lately here, and with whom I had some Discourse about this Affair spoke to this Effect: “I know not which way my Nephew can serve both God and man better, and if the Trustees should require him, I would gladly resign him for ever on so good an account.”

Translation of a Copy of a Letter from Mr. John Henry Labhart Merchant, dated St. Gall April 25th 1735.   No. 13191.   Read 10 June 1735.   To Mr. Senior Urlsperger.

Very Reverend Sir: I take the Liberty to acquaint you with my humble Thoughts concerning the intended Transportation of some People for Eben-Ezer in Georgia. A Set of Gentlemen sent last year 3 of our Citizens upon their Charges to Purisburg, who were joyned by two others. This was all entirely done pursuant to the Invitation, and promises of Colonel Pury sent to me. He promised each man should have 50 Acres of good Land given him for ever, besides 1 Acre to build upon in the Town for the habitation of Self and family, together with the necessary Subsistence for one year. The sending those Persons was with a view of becoming able to represent this year to our gracious Governours with good Grounds the Possibility, and Facility to find out ways and means of providing in a more plentifull manner for the poorer sort of our Inhabitants, and at the same time ease the publick Treasury of very considerable Burthens thence arising. But neither of these 3 Men (contrary to expectation notwithstanding the repeated Charge and Instruction they had given them) having hitherto sent the least Account, it is to be feared the Success has not answered the Prospect either thro’ their own or Mr. Pury’s Fault. Thus the proposed End remains unanswered and some of those Gentlemen who have disbursed money towards it are quite disheartned, others on the Contrary cheered up by the report of Mr. Zubly my Countryman from what he heard of [from] the highly honoured Commissary [Ph.] von Reck during his full stay at Augsburg begin to take new Courage, which induces me to do my Self the Honour to send to you inclosed my thoughts on that Subject humbly requesting you would be pleased after perusal to correct them where it may appear necessary and to favour me with your Opinion, whether there be room under your Patronage for me to flatter my Self of bringing about such an establishment, and moreover to give me some Instruction what farther steps you think ought to be taken etc.

The inclosed Thoughts referred to in the foresaid Letter.

The desire of this City as well as others in our Confederacy of erecting a Colony in Carolina has induced last year some Gentlemen to send 3 Burghers to Purisburg, in order to gain by that method a previous, certain, and impartial Information of the Condition and nature of that Country the better to be able to lay the Case before our High Magistrate. But having to this very hour not received any such account, we cannot possibly think of any Colony this year, nay people have in a manner lost all inclination towards it.

However since we are assured by diverse Accounts that the Establishment of the Saltzburgers at Eben Ezer in Georgia has met with Success, and that the land is better, and clearer from Woods,²⁸⁵ than Carolina, we heartily wish from a peculiar and just Confidence we bear to the Saltzburgers, we might make a Settlement among them at Eben Ezer and that in the following manner.

We would pick out about 30 good tempered labourious and ingenious men fit for Agriculture, planting of Vineyards, skilled in Handicraft Trades and Sciences, as also understanding the Silk and Linnen Manufactures. For these people we should desire a district of Land answering to 50 Acres per head, the Enjoyment of which they should have on the same Condition with the same Prerogatives and Privileges which the Saltzburgers are endowed with. They desire to continue in the free Exercise of the Reformed Religion as established in Switzerland; in all civil Affairs they subject themselves to the same terms with the Saltzburgers. It is farther judged necessary that these men should have gratis allowed them in the Town of Eben Ezer a certain spot where they might build a spacious house, with yard, gardens & stabling. They must also be sure of the same quantity of necessaries of Life at their arrival, as was given to the 5 Men who went from hence to Purisburg last year, for one whole year viz.

Provisions for 5 Men one year.

Three hundred pound weight of Beef 50 of pork 20 quarter of Flower, 2 quarter of Salt, 1 Cow, 1 Calf, 1 Hogg, an Axe, two Hatchets. It is calculated that to compleat their Voyage from hence to Carolina they had given them 2000 florins which summe was judged sufficient for their support during their Journey along the Rhein by land, and so afterwards to London, and from thence to Georgia by Sea, and the purchasing of some Horses, Cattle etc.

Of the number of these 30 Men 20 should be Husbandmen the which should immediately after their Arrival in the month of November, sow one hundred Acres with Corn, Rice or other Grain, which with the Blessing of God, would yield about 200 Bushells of Indian Corn per Acre,²⁸⁶ or about 6 hundred Weight of Rice to be ripped about May. The 20th part of which should be laid up for their provision of the year ensuing. This, together with the Cattle reared the first year is judged to be sufficient for their Subsistence, in so much that they have an opportunity of selling the rest of the produce of their land either Northward or any where else where it turns to the best account, the profit of which they may employ either for building, materials or other incumbent Charges. If after such a Tryal, the end of this current year, or the beginning of the next, should furnish us, with the News of the good Success of these people, and in the mean time a convenient tract of Land should be pointed out proper to establish a Colony on, our gracious Magistracy will not be wanting [will not fail] to send a Colony of some hundred persons, taking proper time for and more mature deliberation about it, as also making necessary Provision & Regulation. In the mean time assure your self that for this purpose none but warlike,²⁸⁷ labourious, peaceable and experienced Men will be employed, provided with Pastors and prudent Leaders and what else they shall have occasion for.

No. 13191.   Read 24 June 1735.

The Humble Petition of the Subjects of his Imperial Majesty, Professors of the Gospel and Inhabitants of Gaisern [Goisern], in upper Austria, being three hundred and fifty persons, concerning the Persecutions that they Suffer from the Papists, dated at Gaisern May 25th 1735.

Grace and Blessing from GOD be to all those who love the Lord Jesus Christ.

We the undermentioned Protestants of his Imperial Majesty’s Salt Office do humble and prostrate our Selves chiefly in the presence of Almighty God, seeking with the greatest Contrition to move his Compassion towards us, in humble Confidence that our Submissive Complaints and Sighs will obtain of him Deliverance from the Miseries we endure, and next to the hope we have in him, we rely upon and intreat to be favoured with the Assistance, and Succours, and good Offices, which our deplorable Condition requires, from the Compassion of those temporal Princes, and Ecclesiastical Dignitaries in the Church of Christ, whose Glory and Duty it is in a more eminent manner powerfully to forward every good Work, and to succour and intercede for the oppressed, according to the Will of God, beging they will pardon the liberty we take of throwing our selves under their Protection, and entertaining a comfortable Expectation of every thing proper for us to hope for, and necessary in our Condition, from their well known Piety & Christian Affection.

Since the last Transport of our Brethren removed into Transilvania is gone, We who are all the registered Protestants that are left here, are 350 Persons, and are left here as Sheep without a Sheppard, being tormented and persecuted, on all sides, experiencing in some measure what our Lord Jesus Christ says Mark 13.9 And ye shall be brought before Rulers and Kings, for my sake.

Six of our people are in close imprisonment at Lintz; one of them Thomas Laseres was taken up a year ago and imprisoned because he went to Vienna to receive the Sacraments. The other five, whose names are Matthias Chiesenbuhler, Matthias Humber, Michael & Joseph Leimber & George Gimps, were fettered and chained 16 Weeks ago, and thrown into the water Tower at Lintz, where they lie in a most sordid Dungeon because they were found praying to God, and visiting some of their sick Brethren who had desired it of them.

We earnestly request you in the name of our Saviour Jesus Christ to remember their Chains; to intercede and pray for them, that God would be pleased to endue them with Christian Patience, and Strength to persevere in his Truth, notwithstanding the Examinations our Persecutors compel ’em to undergo thrice a Week in order to pervert them to Popery.

Another great hardship we undergo is their taking away our Evangelical Books of Instruction, and our hymns and Catechisms etc. which is the more grievous because we cannot get others. Among other hardships we have suffered it happened that some friends being met on a Saturday at the house of Matthias Humber (whose Son is one of the Prisoners abovementioned) to sing Psalms, and to read a Sermon; the Bailiff of the Place, with a Priest, a Register and two Archers [constables], came and surprized them at ten o Clock at night, and took away all the Books they could find. As God is just and incomprehensible in all his ways, we are not much surprized at their showing so little regard for the word of God, and submit to him in all these Sufferings, adoring his Justice, acknowledging Our Unworthiness, and not doubting, but that every thing will end to his Glory and our Salvation.

Notwithstanding how much they deprive us of all that may yield any Consolation or Comfort to us in this miserable Life, they have gone so far as even to forbid us under very severe Penalties to sing or read.

Upon the death of one of our Brethren, some friends went to comfort the Parents of the deceased, and to strengthen them to bear the loss, by joyning in prayer and singing some Hymns, which they continued to do every day till the day of his Interment; They have thereupon forbid us this pious Exercise, the great duty of Christians, and which was a great Consolation to us; and since this rigorous Prohibition, a Patrole of Priests and Archers go often about upon such Occasions to molest the afflicted.

When the Popish Priests understand that any of us are sick, they come every day to us, forcing themselves upon us in that weak Condition to try if they can make us stagger in the faith; at first they appear to us in Sheeps Cloathing, making use of soft insinuating Language, and if we do not give Ear to that, they fly out into a violent rage, and terrible Excreations, which would make one tremble if possible. They also refuse Christian Burial to us allowing it only to Children, and have forbade the Bells to be rung at our Interments on pain of Imprisonment, and will scarcely suffer the nearest Relations to attend our Funerals; and yet their Priests and other Clergy demand their Fees to be given them by us, as if every thing were done, as the law appoints, and in good order.

We most humbly intreat from our hearts the divine mercy and the pity and Compassion of the Protestant Princes and Lords, that they would be pleased to deliver us from our Sufferings, that we might according to the Principles of the Evangelical Religion which we profess, go to Church and receive the holy Sacraments, and if this cannot be obtained in our native Country, that we may be allowed to go from thence to some neighbouring place where we may receive the Communion, and freely joyn in all other Acts of Religion with the Protestants, for a remote Emigration, is what we have no prospect of at present, neither do we desire to leave our Country, and so good a Prince as his Imperial Majesty is, for whom we are ready, and better disposed than formerly to sacrifice our Goods, Blood, life and all things, might we but enjoy liberty of Conscience, and the freedom of publick Worship and not to be left any longer as a Flock abandoned of their Shepherd and destitute of Pasture.

We made mention above, that part of our People were removed into Transilvania, some of us being forced to depart thither, and others to remain here, it so happened that Part of the Baggage belonging to those here was carried to Transylvania, and our Persecutors, on that Occasion separated even married Persons; in Particular Thomas Deiller was carried thither in Chains, and his wife left here; so little regard they pay to the Sacrament of Marriage, as they call it, when they resolve to distress us.

As to what remains. We suffer great hardships from our Superiors, with regard to temporal Things, They conceal part of our Goods, and in effect will not suffer us to live.

We commit all into the hands of the Almighty and recommend our deplorable Condition to the Counsel, Succour, Assistance & Intercession of all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ and his word; Saluting them a thousand and a thousand times, most humbly; By us

The whole remaining Evangelical Body of registered Protestants of the Salt Office, who since the last Removal are 350 Persons.

Translation of a Letter out of French from Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 30 June 1735.   No. 13238.   Read 8th July 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Sir: I have the honour to communicate to You the Extract of Letters which Mr. [J.] De Reck sent last to me from Ratisbonne. I beg you Sir to let me know as soon as may be the resolution of the Honourable Society thereon, If they agree that Mr. [Ph.] De Reck, having assembled a number of 50 Persons, may transport them to England, that you would procure for him a Passport to this Effect on the part of Her Majesty the Queen without naming the precise Number, because that cannot be yet known.

The letter here inclosed is with their permision to recall Mr. Degmair who has lost his father some days since whose funeral Sermon I preached from the 8th Chap. & 27th v. of the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans.

I beg you Sir to let me know by the first Opportunity an Account of his behaviour, and how the Gentlemen of the Society have found him because that may be of good use and you will very much oblige

Sir   Your most humble Servant   Urlsperger

P.S.: Since it is impossible for me to send You a Translation of Mr. [Ph.] De Reck’s Letter being on the point of going hence to use the mineral Waters in the Imperial Town of Lindau because of the much impaired State of my Health, I take the liberty to communicate it to you as I received it in High Dutch.

Translation of an Extract of a Letter from Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck to Mr. Urlsperger.

The Austrians, who are about 30 in number, declared the day before yesterday to me that they could no longer subsist here till St. James’s day, being obliged then to give their Landlords Warning, and to leave their Work to others, that they already had prepared themselves for their Journey, and sold their Things that were of no use to them.

The Carinthians, who some weeks ago went to their Country for their Wives, are returned back without them, assuring that it is impossible to get their Wives and Children privately [secretly] out of the Country. Mr. von Palm hath sent for them and told them that the answer he had got upon His letter was, that the Emperor would not let their Wives and Children depart, and the Case being carried on too far, they could not be permitted to depart privately; and that the Carinthians might return back into their Country, and worship God in private, and avoid Assemblies. Notwithstanding this Threatening and Flattery the Carinthians insist upon going to Georgia, and expect some time or other, help from England for their Wives and Children; But this Negotiation going on very slowly, the unmarried Carinthians resolving perhaps to depart immediately; The Austrians being not able to stay any longer than till St. James’s day the best time for travelling passing away, and as soon as good news from this Transport comes to Germany, a considerable number of Austrian Emigrants, besides the Carinthians, will doubtless follow their Country People. I expect your Opinion whether the Society would not take it amiss, if I within four weeks time the farthest, set out with these few people; for which purpose I humbly beg them to procure a pass from Her Majesty the Queen, and to send it to me about that time.

Postscript by Mr. Urlsperger to the Society.

My Cash being almost quite emptied I have borrowed 500 fl. from Mr. van Münch, which I desire may be reimbursed. As soon as I have occasion again to write, I shall let you know to what the rest of the money which was in my hands hath been employed.

Farewell

A Translation of the Receipt accompanying the Origin of the foregoing Letter.

A Receit for 500 florins, which at my request was paid me in ready money by Mr. Christian Von Münch for him to be reimbursed by the highly Honourable Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge at London likewise for a double receit of the same tenure tho’ but for one and the same Summ Attested in Augsburg June 30th 1735.

Samuel Urlsperger   Senior Minister   Pastor of St. Ann

£ 56 12.0 St.

(at 8 5/6 of a Florin for one pound Sterling)

Copy of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Lindau July 12th 1735.   No. 13254 vid. Entered fol. 147.   To Mr. Newman. [Entered on page 553 above.]

Translation of a Letter from Baron [J.] von Reck dated Ratisbon 8th August N.S. 1735.   To Mr. Newman.   No. 13278.   Read 12 August 1735.

Sir: Your kind Letter of the 11th July O.S. advises me of a new Transport designed to be sent to Georgia and at the same time covers the Royal Passport for my Nephew [Ph. von Reck] that he may conduct them.

As to my Nephew he only waited the Arrival of this order to give them Satisfaction but as their numbers cannot be yet determined for want of the Emperor’s Resolution whether the Wives and Children of the Carinthians who desire to follow their Husbands and parents may be permitted to go out of their Countrey, concerning which Mr. Robinson hath undertaken to sollicit, and therefore we must have a little patience.

Mr. Urlsperger is on his return to Augsburg, and will do all that he possibly can with my Nephew to execute the orders of the Society as soon as it shall be practicable. My Nephew will tell you the rest and I am

Sir   Your most humble Servant   J. De Reck²⁸⁸

Translation of a Letter from Mr. Ph. Geo. Fred. De Reck at Ratisbon 8th August N.S. 1735.

Sir: In hopes of sending you news of my departure with a Transport I have deferred writing to you. Being provided now with a Passport from Her Majesty which you have been so good to send under Cover to my dear Uncle [J. von Reck] and being provided with Letters of Credit I wish and hope that Mr. Robinson may procure us the Colonists, who tho’ they have long since promised to go to Georgia neverthless stay for their Wives and Children from Carinthia.

Messrs. the Honourable Trustees for Georgia have presented me with 500 Acres of Land in Georgia, the Passage & support for one year for 10 Persons beside a Gratuity which Mr. Oglethorpe will give me. I gratefully acknowledge this particular favour as a Gift from God, of which may his Grace render me worthy. I joyn the freshest news from Carinthia and am with great esteem

Your most obedient humble Servant   Philip Geo. Fred De Reck

P.S. I beg you’l forward the inclosed as directed.

Translation of an Account from Carinthia 14th June 1735.

They refuse the Labourers the necessary work the only means whereby they can subsist in their Countrey; they force us to send our Children to the Roman Catholick Catechism under the penalty of a Ducat to be paid every time they miss going there; therefore they condemned Steven Engelmeyer and Peter Walter in the penalty of 3 Ducats each. Many are beat because they will not go to their Churches. The 12th June, being assembled to sing Psalms and pray, the Bailiff and Serjeant surprized us, and fired upon us, and encouraged a great Dog to fall upon us. Four of us were beaten with Sticks and drove to Church and to the Procession. They have kept back 44 small Children and sent their Fathers and Mothers to Transylvania. They brought hither from Clagenfurt the 9th May 3 Men with their Wives and 3 Boys. Elizabetha Sateleekeim²⁸⁹ is still in prison with her Daughter. The Prisoners live at their own Expences and pay 30 to 40 florins, their Goods are appraised two or three times to increase the Expences, and they seek by forcible means and by threats to oblige the people to the Belief of their Doctrine, of which we could hereto add a very great and ample Account.

Translation of Letter from Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 11 August 1735.   To Mr. Newman.   No. 13299.   Read 19 August 1735.

Sir: My last of the 12th July I hope you have received, as I have your most agreable Letters of 20th June and 8th & 15th July all in due time. Some few days ago I returned from Lindau in a better State of Health after having spent a Week at St. Gall in Swisserland, where I received from the Magistrates of the reformed Ministry, as also from several other persons, most uncommon marks of Love and Friendship. I have met with there many worthy people of all Ranks and Conditions, who were greatly rejoyced when I told them of the uncommon Care the honourable Society have taken of the poor Emigrants.

Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck hath received the Royal Pass and sent me a Copy thereof. It is great Pity Mr. Robinson has not yet writ neither to this place nor to Ratisbonne any Account of the Imperial Court’s permitting the Wives and Children of the Carinthians to follow them, notwithstanding I immediately, on the Reception of yours of the 20th June, writ from Lindau to him at Vienne and sent him an accurate list of the Carinthians, and this delay of the Imperial Resolution is the Occasion that the Transport cannot yet set out. I have therfore writ by the last post to the Envoy [J.] Von Reck to intreat Mr. Robinson to be very pressing in this Affair. I have taken Care that some of the Bohemian Emigrants that understand the German Tongue and who are united to our Augsburg Confession, and in a Condition to labour, to get some of them that they should go and be united to the Colony of Ebenezer. My Correspondent to whom I have committed this Affair, is not only capable but has in him the fear of God, is therfore already gone from Silesia to Cottbus and Grossherrnersdorff [Grosshennersdorf] where the greatest part of those Bohemian Emigrants have resided for these two years past and I expect [await] by the first Opportunity what Success he has had therein. Should 50, 60 or 80 of these Bohemians resolve to go, of which I can scarce make the least doubt, they should march under the Conduct of my Correspondent to Frankfort, where Mr. Commissary [J.] Von Reck might joyn them with his 30 Austrichians [Austrians] and Saltzburgers that are at Ratisbonne, and so proceed on their Journey to Rotterdam England and Georgia.

Should it so happen that after the departure of these Transports consisting of Austrichians Bohemians and Saltzburgers that the Carinthians Wives and Children should have leave to come to them, these Carinthians might make a second Transport; What may occur in this Affair I shall give you a regular Account thereof from time to time.

The good Testimony you my dearest Secretary gives of Mr. Degmayer has greatly rejoyced both me & others. I likewise believe that upon the filling the ministerial Vacancies a due Consideration will be had of him. I have learnt with great Satisfaction not only that the honourable Society has been pleased to reimburse the 500 florins to Messrs. Meyer and Jansen that were advanced to me by Mr. Von Münch, but also that the Trustees have granted such great Advantages to Mr. Commissary [Ph.] Von Reck towards his Settlement in Georgia, of which Mr. Oglethorpe has writ to Mr. Von Reck who immediately thereupon sent me Copies thereof. Mr. Commissary Von Reck, as likewise his Uncle [J. von Reck] are highly rejoyced therewith. And since the Trustees are pleased to have so tender a regard to my recommendation, and that Mr. Oglethorpe and Mr. Vernon have so generously seconded the same, therefore I beg my most humble thanks may be made to them for the same as likewise to the honourable Society that they have lately been pleased to grant so generous an Assistance to Mr. Degmayer. The Lord bless the undertakings of the Society in a most abundant manner I remain

Sir   Your most obedient humble Servant   Samuel Urlsperger

P.S.: I hear for some time past that the Bohemians inclining to Protestantism are not so severely treated as formerly; they have declared from the Pulpit that whoever would become Bohemian Emigrants, have only to declare themselves as such, but this the people with good reason have no Confidence in.

Copy of a Letter from Mr. John Vat dated 30 May at Ebenezer in Georgia 1735.   No. 13300.   Read 26th August 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Sir: Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter I had the honour of writing to you the 10th February last, which I suppose to be in your hands long before this time. Few days afterwards I was so ill, and brought so low, that on the 15th February when Mr. Causton, Mr. [Noble] Jones, and Capt. Dunbar were here I could hardly stand upon my legs, which Weakness continued several Weeks, but upon taking proper Medicines of Mr. Zwiffler, and recovering some Strength, altho’ the defluction upon my Eyes held on, I resolved about Easter to leave this place, and to return to England; which Resolution however I since altered upon a Rumour of some motions of the Indians in the Spanish Interest; and I am thinking of continuing to be here, till I shall hear of the final Resolution of the Trustees for Georgia concerning the present Settlement of the Saltzburgers; for should the People be obliged to settle in this barren place, I could not but with the greatest Grief behold the Misery which must evidently attend them. The Experiments we have made this Spring evidently confirm the Opinion, and the dismall Accounts given by every body concerning Pine-barren Lands! For all the Seeds we had from the Trustees were sown in due time, and most of them came forth plentifully to the great Joy of the people, but there being no Substance in the Ground of Sand, hardly any of them are coming to any Seed. The Kidney and Sandwich Beans will scarely yield one pint for sowing next Spring, and the Indian Corn, which the people have planted here and there every week since the beginning of February last, gives but a very small Prospect, there being only here and there a fine plant coming up, yet Mr. Causton, who, together with several Persons hath been here thrice within these three months magnifies a small spot of Ground of about twenty feet Square in the midst of an Inclosure of half an Acre near Guhwandel’s [Geschwandel’s] House, where some Cattle stood for some Months, and thence concludeth that by a small Stock of Cattle this Soil may be improved, so as to produce plentifully hereafter, and cries this place up as the best land in all the province. It even seems by his Actings that he is fully bent upon the Continuance of the Settlement in this place, for on the 14th of February last he sent hither two men for sawing of Boards for finishing the Six Houses ordered by Mr. Oglethorpe to be built here One of them viz. Mr. Bolzius’s being finished. Two others viz. the Store House and the Schoolmasters, joining together are so wretchedly slight, that by making one single step, both Houses shake so, as to be in danger of falling to the ground, and upon any rain I am forced to shift my Bed, in one of rooms therein, occupied by my Self and three families besides. And the frames of the three others, now standing naked, are so bad, that I wonder how any one shall be prevailed on to occupy them when they shall be covered and boarded. These Sawyers have sawed no more than 159 boards, and have left of [off] working, but Mr. Causton saith he will send other Sawyers to finish the said Houses. Upon the Return of some of our men from Savannah, the women resolved to clear some Ground by themselves for Gardens; the single men took thereby Occasion to do the like, and then on the 3rd of March the men began joyntly to clear a Spot of Ground, which hath been since fenced in, and planted with Indian Corn and Pease. On the 8th of March, hearing of some disturbances at Savannah, we began the Building of a Block Watch House 28 Feet in length and 18 feet in Breadth, which is now made use of as a Church and School, as also as a Warehouse; and we afterwards built a Bridge over the River in this town, and another Bridge over a small Swamp in going hence to the landing place, in order to bring thence our Provisions, partly upon our backs or by a small Waggon, whilst the Waters are so low that no boat could be of any service since the 16th of April last to this time; and this is like to be so all this Summer. On the 15th April last I went to Savannah, and prevailed with Mr. Causton for sending us Provisions for six months. He agreed with Mr. Mamour to bring part of them in his Periawgoe [periagua, pirogue] to the landing, but Mamour could come no higher than within two miles of the mouth of Ebenezer River; from thence we carried them in our own small Boat to the Landing. As about 40 Bushells of Indian Corn were scattered loose in the Periawgoe, and some Hogs and pigs lying amongst it, which our people cannot eat for its nastiness, and as there were Six Inches of a Cask of Wine of twenty Six Inches deep sent by another Boat wanting, I desired Mr. Causton to buy a proper boat for our carrying our own provisions. That Periawgoe employed 12 days in coming from Savannah town to the mouth of our River, one Mr. Guthry hath since made two trips in five days each, with part of our provisions from Savannah town to our landing place, for which he is to have Forty pounds Currency²⁹⁰ and Mamour 30 £ besides the Wages of five men at Eighteen pence a day, each. This Shews that the Charges of carrying down, or bringing up anything will for ever keep our people in a very low state, even were the Soil as good as some people would have it. And I cannot see how the poor people will get any thing for procuring linnen and Shoes, of which they are now in great want, not to mention many other necessaries, as Earthen Ware and Utensels for the Kitchen. I could wish the Society had given orders for one hand Saw to Each Freeholder instead of but Eight for all, also some large Coppers for boiling of beer, the River water being very bad especially in Summer. We indeed very lately upon searching for a vein of water, and fixing a Rice Cask, found a very fine and strong spring, but in this great drought it runs so very small, that it’s apprehended it will soon be dried up. It is very observable that hitherto all our Childbearing Women are delivered of their Children before their full Growth, and that most of the Women died, and the former happened to Mrs. Smith an English Woman, who lately miscarried in this town, so that such of our Women as are now pregnant are in deadly apprehensions that the present Soil is pernicious both to the growth of Children and Seeds. The list of such as died since we have been here is as follows—

As the Bread kind Provisions of 6 pounds a Week per head will not admit baking bread, it’s supposed the want of bread is of no small detriment to the health of our people, who were used thereto from their tender years. We have no Ovens but some of us bake Bread in our large iron Pots, which is very tedious as well as our grinding of Corn with small iron hand Mills almost good for nothing; some Mill Stones of a midling Size would be very usefull, as also some fishing Tackle for catching Fish. As Sebastian Glantz, who died at Purrysburg without a Will and no Relation here, left some small matter, I desire to know the pleasure of the Trustees concerning his Effects; Mr. Bolzius being of opinion for dividing of them to the poorer sort of his Congregation, which may be attended with some difficulties; but my opinion is for selling them to the highest Bidder, and for lodging the produce thereof in Mr. Boltzius’s hands. Capt. Dunbar hath, as I doubt not, by this time, given you an Account of our Voyage, and of the Scituation of the place, and I hope a faithfull Representation of the nature of the Soil thereof. As in the Account of the Stores put on board the prince of Wales mention is made of a Box of medicines shipped by Mr. Newman, but could find no such Box, we suppose a Trunk of Medicines B.G. No. 5, which Mr. Zwiffler has received, is meant thereby. The Barrell of Molassus was so slight that it was broke at Sea, and tho’ we shifted it into another Cask, yet we saved but fifty four quarts thereof when we received it here. Capt. Thompson as also Mr. [John?] West²⁹¹ will doubtlessly give you a faithfull Account of the Barrenness of this place as having both been here. And I submit it to the Consideration of the Society, Whether, in Case the people are removed hence to a better Soil, they will be so kind to send the following Particulars Viz. Some Sand-hour-Glasses, Tinn-Funnels, Pewter-Quarts, Pints and half Pints, for measuring Wine & Beer; Half Bushells, Pecks etc. for measuring Corn etc. Divers sorts of Ropes; Small Scales of about 18 Inches Diameter and Brass weights, Gold Scales & Weights for weighing small things; Divers sorts of Iron Wires; One middling sized Bell for ringing to Church and publick Work. Some Joyner’s Glue; Flannel for night Wast Coats, Some great Gunns for alarm and defence; Black Smiths Tools; Some Coopers Tools for making pails & Casks; and large Bellows; Tinn Plates; Sives of several Sizes, and Turners Tools. But every thing must be packed up, for the Sailors broke three of the four Lantherns sent on board the Prince of Wales; and they took several of the Bedding Blankets which we could never see again. When I was last at Savannah, I went several times to Mr. Spangenberg’s five Acres Lot to see his men who seem to be very industrious at work. I wish the Soil of Ogeechee which is designed for Count Zinzendorf, may be as good as That within two miles of Savannah Town; for I look upon the beginning of a Settlement, as upon the Foundations of Houses, unless these be solid in themselves the Superstructure must in Course be affected; and that a Soil to be made good by dung is an undertaking too precarious for poor Husbandmen, and not so easily to be done as some persons would persuade others, who know the Consequences thereof by Experience; and it is no small Discouragement to our Saltzburgers, that they do not yet know their respective Lots, altho’ in the printed Accounts published in Germany, they had promises of having immediately at their Arrival here, their Portions of Land assigned to them. And in this the Reputation of the Reverend Mr. Senior Urlsperger and some of the chief Magistrates at Augsburg is highly concerned, for it was upon their publickly appearing in the Affair, that these innocent people ventured their all, in leaving their Services in good Families;²⁹² and the Roman Catholicks in that Town will not be wanting in insults for sending people into such a desart, where in two years they cannot reap the Corn or Seed they sowed. Some people here indeed lay the fault upon the unseasonable Coming of the first Saltzburgers into this Countrey, and upon their not knowing the manner of sowing and planting therein, likewise the extraordinary heats of this Spring almost without rain. Next year perhaps the Fault will be laid upon the Rainy Season; but I am fully persuaded and convinced, that the real Cause of its not producing is in the Foundation of the Soil, as being sandy without any Cohesion of Particles. This seems to be the reason that Pine Trees wholly consumed and burnt, leave no manner of Ashes, but only sandy Particles, and Pine Trees cut, or thrown down and laying on the Ground one year, are generally decayed and rotten as if they had been twenty years before on the Ground. As to the Cattle, they do indeed at present look very well, but it is quite the reverse in the Heats of the Summer and dead of the Winter, being obliged to range a great way off for getting their Subsistence in Swamps or Cane lands, the Grass being too rank and sour. The old Saltzburgers²⁹³ did not see their Cattle all last Winter, and of thirty head of Cattle given them last year, they have now but five Cowes that casted their Calves this Spring, the others being either wild or lost. At the latter end of February last, Mr. Causton sent twelve Hogs to Abercorn for the new Saltzburgers, one of them died in bringing hither, two of them broke loose from the ropes and are lost, and after having kept the others several Weeks in a Stye, three of them likewise run away and have not since been seen. Mr. Causton hath given us Six Bushells and a half of rough rice for sewing in our Swamps which are now quite dry, we are very glad of trying every thing, and are now preparing a proper place for that purpose, but I apprehend the Success thereof will be no better than with the Indian Corn, for it is to be observed that in Carolina the Negroes, as the only proper Planters thereof, are made use of, and that whenever White People are employed in that way of working, they die like flies, as being unable to endure the Waters in such Swamps, much less the Heats of the greatest part of the day in Summer time, the clearing such Swamps being more difficult and labourious, than the dry land, be it never so much overrun with large or small wood of any kind; And considering these people were born and bred in high and rocky lands, which are as different from the nature of these here as the day is from the night, some knowing people say, It would be better to shoot the people at once than to put them into such a way of planting. Mr. Boltzius hath taken a memorandum of such demands as some of our People have to make in the ArchBishoprick of Saltzburg, or of some of their Countrymen who are gone into Prussia. The attempting of getting them in, is, as I humbly conceive, a work to be recommended by the Crown of Great Britain!

Moreover should the Trustees think fit to remove hence these Industrious and worthy people, I should notwithstanding the Indisposition upon my Eyes, be inclined to assist them in a New Settlement till next Spring, and in that Case I hope the Society will give proper Instructions for my Support for I receive from the Stores no more than any other man, unless when I am at Savannah. Mr. Causton and his Lady overheap me with Goodness and Civilities, and I am constantly troublesome to them.

I am,   Sir   Your most obedient and most humble Servant
John Vat

Ebenezer May 30th 1735.

Copy of a Letter from Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau dated Ebenezer April 2nd, 1735.   No. 13301.   Read 26 August 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Dear Sir: We doubt not but that our letters, dated the 10th of December and 8th of February last, are come to your hands, and that our Journals have been laid by the Reverend Mr. Zeigenhagen before the Society. We shall be no ways wanting to give from time to time to our Benefactors an exact account of the State and Condition of our Hearers as well as of our Selves, and we are in hopes they will take our freedom in writing in good part. We are much pleased to understand by Your letter of 21st Jan. that the Society are in hopes our endeavours in performing divine Offices will redound to the honour of our Blessed Saviour, and to the happiness of our people, as well as of the poor Indians in this Colony, which sit in darkness without any knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It grieves us to the very bottom of our hearts to see so many people walk in many ways that lead to eternal misery. We therefore endeavour as much as lies in our power to be able to shew them by and by the way of their Happiness according to the holy Gospel.

The progress, made in learning the Indian Language, is yet very small, by reason from the beginning of our Settlement here divers affairs have prevented our applying our Selves thereto, so that we have had very little time to acquire more knowledge in the English Tongue. Having no Indian Linguist²⁹⁴ is likewise a great hindrance to our undertaking. We indeed hear frequently many words spoken by the Indians, in shewing them the things, whereof we want to know their Signification, but these are only Substantives, and we cannot learn from them the Signification of Verbs and Particals, which are necessary to have the Construction thereof. We are apt to flatter our selves that the proposals we lately made to Mr. Ziegenhagen will be approved of by the Society and Trustees for Georgia, and we believe that then this Undertaking will go on with more Success. Our Conversation with the Indians for some months since hath been but very small because our Settlement is too far distant from Savannah River, and from the places of their ordinary Dwellings. If we should be so happy to have some sober Indian Families at Ebenezer according to Mr. Oglethorpe’s Direction, their dwelling among us might be by God’s Blessing a great advantage in learning this Language. Your letter informs us of Mr. Spangenberg’s Intention of settling in this Colony. We wish with all our heart, he may approve himself in such a manner as you are pleased to mention. He made some time ago many disturbances at Hall being of the same Principles of Count Zinzendorff, who seems to be endeavouring to reform the Christian Church. His new notions were then very much disliked to every one that loves truth, peace and the Conservation of our holy doctrine, which unhappy divisions are yet fresh in our memory as living at the same time in that town. If his Behaviour in time to come is such as to avoid the intended Separation from the Communion of our Church, we shall be exceeding glad to live with him in the same cordial manner as we did before we knew fully his Principles, to exalt every where the Glory of our great Redeemer, and his glorious Kingdom, for this is and ought to be thro’ God’s Grace the chief and only Business of our whole life. And the more fellow-labourers there are for this purpose, the greater is our Comfort and joy thereof. We have frequent opportunities of conversing with English people, and being persuaded that some of them take great delight to borrow or to have English Books for their Edification, we beg the Society will be pleased to send us some for this purpose. Mr. Quincy hath favoured us with a good many of them, but we wish we might have some more of divers sorts. Mr. Ortman our Schoolmaster and his Wife go on in the path of Christian Virtues, and he is more and more serviceable to the Children of our School. We pray therefore the Society would forgive them their former Offences, for they repent heartily of the same. The present State of our Congregation, as well as of our Selves, will be, reported by Mr. Vat, particularly the nature of the Soil of this place, which is almost nothing else but sand. We humbly thank the Society for all their favours and bounties bestowed upon us and our flock, wishing that God Almighty may grant them, all manner of Blessings to their own persons, and to their noble Undertakings they persue. Be pleased to present our most humble respects to all the Gentlemen of the Society begging the favour of them to continue their paternal Care for us and our flock, and to give us leave to subscribe our Selves their and Sir

Your obedient humble Servants   John Martin Bolzius, Israel Christian Gronau

Ebenezer 2 April 1735

Postscript: Mr. Vat who intended to leave our Countrey hath altered his Resolutions for such reasons as are mentioned in our Letters to Mr. Ziegenhagen. He presents his humble Respects to the Gentlemen of the Society, and intends to give a short Account of the present State and Settlement of the poor Saltzburgers, as soon as possibly he can. We received the 1st of May the second Bill of Exchange, together with the Copies of Letters and Invoice of the Goods we received by Capt. Dunbar. That the said Bill was accepted and since paid by Mr. Montaiguh [Montaigut] is already mentioned in the letter, which we took the liberty to write to you the 8th of Feb. last. God bless you with happiness & good health and reward you a thousand times for all your kindness and favours laid upon us. And so we remain Dear Sir

Yours   etc. J. M. Bolzius, I. C. Gronau

Ebenezer May 5, 1735

Copy of a Letter from Messrs. Bolzius and Gronau dated Ebenezer 19 May 1735.   To Mr. H. Newman.

Sir: We received the favour of your letter dated the 19th of February last, after the parcel of our letters and Journal for London was already delivered to Mr. Savey, who is going by the way of England to Geneve. We have likewise sent some letters the 2nd of April to Charles Town to be conveyed by Capt. Dunbar which we hope will come safe to your hands. By the said letters and Journals you will be informed of the State and Condition of the Saltzburgers. It is a very great Comfort to us, that the Society, as your letters tell us, go on to be very carefull in promoting the Spiritual and temporal Welfare of our flock, which encourageth them to put up constantly their fervent and united prayers to God for rewarding with his divine Blessings, such great Kindnesses and favours. For the Books you were pleased to send us by the hands of the Reverend Mr. Quincy in the name of the Society, we are highly obliged, being very desirous to read them for our own use, as well as to distribute them to several people, we have some times occasion for. Those we have already distributed formerly, have been accepted with great pleasure & thankfulness, and we hope God will accompany the reading of them with his blessing to every Readers Welfare. Some persons in this Colony have no Opportunity to hear any Sermon preached by the Reverend Mr. Quincy, because they are constrained by their Business to live far off from Savannah, and therefore they account it a great Benefit to receive good Books for private Edification of their Souls. We firmly believe it would be not a small help for converting the poor Indians, if the Christian People in this Colony should be brought by the holy Word of God and other wholesome remedies to such a way as to set every time a good Example to these heathens. We long very much for the coming of Capt. Meckperson [MacPherson] to our place, and want to speak with him to let us have for a short time one of his Servants, who speaks the Indian Language, and was lately willing to give us some Intimation thereto. We are by Gods Grace so desirous to be serviceable to every Body in this Colony for their eternal Happiness that we want words to express it, and are in hopes God Almighty will himself lead us by his holy Spirit in that path we must go in performing his blessed Will and Intention, concerning the Souls of men. If there should be any Opportunity to teach the Indian Children, it is supposed it would be easier to instill the principles of Christian Knowledge into their minds than into those of the grown people. We dare not trouble You with a farther Account of the Settlement of the Saltzburgers, being very well persuaded that Mr. Vat will do it with this Opportunity better than it may be expected by us. We recommend our Selves and our Flock to the continuance of the fatherly care and favour of the Society, and wishing You and them all manner of divine Blessings to Your & their praise worthy Undertaking We remain

Dear Sir   Your most humble Servants   John Martin Bolzius, Israel Christian Gronau

P.S. Mr. Vat presents his humble Service to you & intends to write by this Opportunity unless his receiving of the Provisions for half a year & delivering some part thereof doth prevent him.

Copy of a Letter from Mr. Quincy dated Savannah 4th July 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Dear Sir: I received your favour by Capt. Lusk sometime since together with a Box of small Tracts from the Honourable Society. I sent to Mr. Bolzius according to order 100 Journals and some of the Tracts against Popery which he desired and shall be ready to deliver to him as many more of them as he thinks will be serviceable to his People.

Mr. Bolzius desires me to acquaint you that he humbly begs the Assistance and direction of the Honourable Society in an Affair that has lately happened to him. Mr. Montagute having an order to pay Mr. Bolzius a Sum of money and being well acquainted with the Carolina Currency had received counterfeit Bills; which false Bills, not knowing them to be such, he paid to Mr. Bolzius to the number of 8 or 9 £ 15 Bills which amounts to £ 16 or 18 Sterling money. This Loss is like to fall upon Mr. Bolzius; for he having kept the Bills by him 3 Months, not suspecting that they were bad; when he would have returned them, Mr. Montagute absolutely refused to take them, because of the distance of time, alledging that if he should do it, all the counterfeit Bills in the province might be brought to him. Our Magistrates have given it as their Opinion that Mr. Montagute ought to make the Bills good, but he refuses to stand to their determination and they cannot oblige him, because he belongs to Purrysbourg and is not under the Jurisdiction of their Court. Mr. Bolzius begs directions how to proceed in this Affair; Such a loss would be heavy upon him in his present Circumstances.

I have endeavoured to inform my Self as much as possible concerning what you write that I might acquaint the Honourable Society therewith Viz. Whether we have any Romish Missionaries from Home that keep a Correspondence here; but I cannot find that there are any. We have several Persons supposed to be Roman Catholicks and some known to be such, but if they carry on any designs of proselyting others, it is extremely private [secret], and I rather believe there is no such design, because Religion seems to be the least minded of any thing in the place; and if there were any such thing a foot I apprehend there would at least be more of the face of it. Since I have received your Letter I have put my Clerke who is a sober young man, upon getting a Society of other young men, to meet every Sunday night, which they have done for about 6 Weeks past to the number of 7 or 8 of them, after the Example of Some Societies in London. There method is to read the Epistle and Gospel of the day, with Comments upon them, to say the Evening Service with a Collect composed for the Occasion, and confer on what they have heard. I look upon this by the Blessing of God, to be one likely means to preserve them from being tainted with Errours. And if there are any designing Persons of the Romish Communion it may be a means of discovering them because as I have heard it observed, they frequently mix themselves with such young Societies. I shall therefore narrowly watch over them, and often visit them to give them Instructions and directions.

You desire in one of your letters to know whether the Jews amongst us seem inclined to embrace Christianity. We have here two sorts of Jews, Portugueze and Germans. The first, having professed Christianity in Portugal or the Brazils, are more lax in their way, and dispense with a great many of their Jewish Rites; and two young men, the Sons of a Jew Doctor [Nunez],²⁹⁵ sometimes come to Church, and for these reasons are thought by some People to be inclined to be Christian but I cannot find they really are so, only that their Education in those Countries, where they were obliged to appear Christians, makes them less rigid and stiff in their way. The German Jews,²⁹⁶ who are thought the better sort of them, are a great deal more strict in their way, and rigid Observers of their Laws. Their kindness shewed to Mr. Bolzius and the Saltzburgers, was owing to the good temper and humanity of the people, and not to any Inclination to change their Religion, as I understand. They all in general behave themselves very well, and are industrious in their Business.

I have by this Opportunity conveyed Letters from Mr. Bolzius and Mr. Vat, which I believe are chiefly on the Subject of their Lands. I mentioned in a letter, which I hope you have long since received, something of the same matter. There Dependence is very much on the Honourable Society to use their Interest with the Trustees, to get them removed to a more fertile Soil, without which they have no prospect of ever subsisting themselves.

I am Dear Sir   Your most obedient humble Servant   S. Quincy

Translation of a Letter from Mr. P. G. F. de Reck dated at Ratisbon 15 August 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Sir: I hope that my letters of the 8th Instant are come safe. Herewith I send you his Excellency Mr. Robinson’s Answer which I have just received, whereby you may perceive that he has not obtained the Imperial Resolution, and it is much to be doubted whether ever he will receive any the Imperial Court being accustomed for many years to give not the least answer to the Grievances that have been represented in behalf of the Evangelical Body. I expect your order that in Case of the Refusal or Silence, or in case there do not come any more Emigrants, I might engage other poor Protestants who deserve Charity as well as the Emigrants. I am with all imaginable Respect

Sir   Your most humble and most obedient Servant
Philip George Frederick de Reck

Translation of the Answer from Mr. Robinson dated Vienna the 10th of August to Mr. de Reck.

’Twas impossible for me to answer sooner the Letter you wrote me the 19th of last month in which you sent me the List of the Carinthians who are to go to the Colony of Georgia. Immediately upon the reception of that List, I presented a new Memorial to this Court in the most pressing Terms, and the most proper for obtaining immediately the Liberty of the Wives and Children to come to their Husbands and Fathers. I shall take Care to inform you of the Success of my reiterated Instances; and I pray you to believe that no one can be etc.   J.²⁹⁷ Robinson

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated 21st August at Augsburg 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Sir: Your most acceptable Letter of the 22nd of July I received by the way of Ratisbonne, and hope that mine of the 15th of August will be delivered to you in due time.

Last Thursday I writ to the Reverend Mr. Waneck at Grosshennersdorf being not far from Zittau, where the greatest part of the Bohemian Emigrants are assembled, and sent him a full power to deliver to my Correspondent that is gone thither from Silesia, which power is confirmed by our Evangelical Privy Council here; That when he had or could bring together Sixty Bohemians he should without delay march with them directly to Frankfurt. I have likewise writ to Mr. Commissary [Ph.] von Reck that since Mr. Vernon in his last presses Mr. von Reck’s speedy departure, that he would without delay come from Ratisbonne with the few Austrians and joyn the few Saltzburgers that are here, and so hasten with them to Frankfurt, where I wish my appointed Commissary in Lussatia may get a sufficient number of Bohemians and meet them in due time in Frankfurt that Mr. von Reck may proceed in his March with the United Transport.

I am not able to give an exact Account of the number of those that will go from hence and from Ratisbonne; partly, since many at Ratisbonne, who were resolved to Go, are dissauded from it; partly, since many will not determine to go till the others are ready to set out; but I shall inform You as soon as possible, and time enough. I only wish that Mr. Oglethorpe would stay for Dear Mr. von Reck, that He with his Transport may have the happiness to go with him to Georgia.

Mr. Robinson writes to me from Vienna on the 10th of August 1735 as follows

“I received under Cover of Mr. Von Reck the letter you writ to me on the 20th of last Month. As I had already received from Ratisbonne some days before a list of the Carinthians who are to go to Georgia, I had likewise already presented a new Memorial to this Court in the most proper terms to procure immediately liberty to the Wives and Children of these Carinthians to come to their husbands & Fathers. I shall inform you of the Success of my Representations and I am perfectly etc.” Robinson

Since we know not when the Imperial Court will think fit to notify their Resolution, tho’ both at Ratisbon and here we have little hopes of its being favourable, and tho’ it were favourable, the Romish Priests have been known in many Instances in Carinthia and Saltzburg to detain them notwithstanding. Therefore I think it convenient to take the first Opportunity to dispatch them and that Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck should have the advantage of going with Mr. Oglethorpe. If it should happen as I mentioned in my last, that they should obtain liberty to leave the Countrey, I hope the good Providence of God will furnish me with a fit person as Commissary to conduct those that are left behind to England.

I expect Mr. Von Reck here in two days in order to consult with him fully on this Affair. We will loose no time, if God gives us but Strength and Wisdom in this weighty Affair, and bless all our Endeavours for the honour of his Holy Name.

I am Sir   Your most humble Servant   S. Urlsperger

P.S. I wish Mr. Ziegenhagen a better State of health and shall write to him by the first Opportunity. I hope Mr. Degmair is set out on his Journey, for his presence here is very necessary.

Copy of a Letter from Mr. Urlsperger a Augsbourg le 1 Septembre N.S. 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Sir: Mr. le Commissaire [Ph.] de Reck arriva ici hier au soir avec 16 Autrichiens, auxquels se joindront 20 Saltzbourgeois qui partiront ensemble d’ici lundi prochain pour Francfort. Voila la liste de ces gens, mais qui selon toutes apparences sera augmentee de quelques uns qu’on attend encore de jour à autre; la premiere poste en portera une liste plus accurate. Il est à plaindre que la cour imperiale n’a pas donnée la moindre resolution touchant les Carinthiens; De sorte que Mr. de Reck est necessite a se mettre en marche sans les attendre. Aus si vois je par les dernieres lettres de Lusatie que les Bohemians ne se peuvent pas resoudre à aller en Georgie sans un Ministre qui leur preche L’Evangile dans leur langue martenelle [maternelle] à cause qu’ils ‘nentendent point l’Allemand; Vous verres tout par la copie ci ‘jointe de la lettre de Lusatie. Il s’agit à ce qu il me semble, Si Messrs. les Trusteés agreeront a prendre quelques cens Bohemians aux mêmes conditions qui ont ete recu les Saltzbourgeois agreeront à leur donner un ministre qui entend la langue Boheme; et enfin Si s’interesseront à la cour de Saxe pour le Lipperda dont la sudite lettre fait mention Je vois dans cette Affaire de tous cotés beaucoup de difficultes et autant de depenses. Le Transport qui part se montera à 40 personnes, y contant Mr. le Commissaire et son frere²⁹⁸ qui l’accompagne. Dieu se Souvienne des siens Souffrans et je Suis

Monsieur   Votre tres humble et tres obeissant Servant
Sam. Urlsperger

P.S. N’ayant rien à ajouter que Vous assurer de mes respects comme aussi Mr. Vernon et Mr. Oglethorpe pe je Vous prie de le retardes,²⁹⁹ et de leur communiques comme aussi a Mr. Simond la liste des Emigrans.   Reck

[Translation of foregoing letter, by George Fenwick Jones.]

Sir, Mr. [Ph.] de Reck the Commissary arrived here yesterday evening with 16 Austrians, who will be joined by 20 Saltzburgers and will leave here together for Frankfurt next Monday. Here is the list of these people, but one which will to all appearances be increased by a few more whom we expect any day now; the first post will bring a more accurate list. It is to be regretted that the Imperial Court has not made the slightest resolution concerning the Carinthians so that Mr. de Reck is obliged to set out without waiting for them. I also see, from the latest letters from Lusatia, that the Bohemians cannot bring themselves to go into Georgia without a minister to preach the Gospel to them in their mother tongue as they do not understand German; you will see it all in the copy of the letter from Lusatia enclosed herewith. In my opinion, it is a question of whether the Lord Trustees will agree to take a few hundred Bohemians on the same terms as the Saltzburgers and to grant them a minister who speaks Bohemian; and finally whether the Court of Saxony will take an interest in the Lipperda of whom mention is made in the letter mentioned above. I foresee on all sides of this affair many difficulties and as many expenses. The transport which is leaving will amount to 40 people, including the Commissary and his brother²⁹⁸ who will accompany him. May God remember his suffering children, I remain, Sir,

Your very humble and obedient servant   Sam. Urlsperger

P.S. having no more to add but to assure you of my respects to you as well as to Mr. Vernon and Mr. Oglethorpe, whom I beg you to detain,²⁹⁹ and to communicate the list of emigrants to them as well as to Mr. Simon.

The list of emigrants who are to be found here at this time and who will leave next Monday. All peasants:

La liste des Emigrants qui se trouvent à cette heure ici et qui partiront lundi prochain. Tous paisans

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. Samuel Urlsperger dated Augsburg September 8, 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Honoured & Dear Sir: I have received your agreable Letter of 15th of August O.S. by the way of Ratisbonne which came to my hand but yesterday the 7th of September N.S. I must acquaint you that You would for the future direct your Letters by the way of Frankfort on the main which is a more Expeditious way for if they come by the way of Ratisbonne they will be three or four days later.

The Transport set out from hence the 6th Instant[.] I accompanied them half a days Journey with some persons of distinction as likewise good Christians when Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck’s Brother and my parting with him was very Affecting and moving. I have given to Mr. Commissary Von Reck all necessary Instructions, particularly that he would pursue his Journey with all speed that he may have the great Advantage of overtaking Mr. Oglethorpe and I make not the least doubt but that he will pursue my directions. I here recommend him with his Brother in the best manner possible to the worthy Trustees and Honourable Society.

The letter that my dear Mr. Secretary wrote to him in the name of the Society I shall send him this Instant and hope he will receive it in three days time. With regard to the proper Expedient for the Carinthians to leave three or four grave and elderly persons to wait the release of their Wives and Children which are now pressed at the Imperial Court by the British Minister there, and that the Trustees for Georgia will at any time receive and transport those Women & Children after their husbands and parents, it has been already proposed to them, but they would not accept of it, Since scarce any one even of the Evangelical Envoys at Ratisbonne will believe that the Imperial Court will give a favourable answer, or should the Court even give one the Romish Clergy in Carinthia would raise many difficulties to oppose it, as we have hitherto found by many Examples.

I for my part am in hopes that the Imperial Court will give a favourable Resolution, and in that Case I shall employ my utmost endeavours that the 4th Transport should proceed. But for this purpose I shall want a proper Commissary to conduct those people to Rotterdam or London, it would be therefore necessary that I should have a Pass from Her Majesty the Queen in such a manner that a Blank therein should be left to put in the Commissary’s name which to me hitherto is unknown. I write this day to Mr. Commissary Von Reck to send me, by every post, the Route he takes, as likewise An Account of all other Circumstances that in case a new Commissary should conduct the Carinthians, he might have the use and benefit of the same.

Be pleased to assure the honourable Society that I have hitherto omitted nothing that could be done towards the dispatch of this Affair, and they may be assured that for the future every thing shall be done according to the power that God is pleased to give me.

Mr. Von Reck is witness that this Transport has occasioned my whole family to be employed from Morning till late at night & has created more trouble and Care than any other Transport has hitherto done.

I praise God that he hath supported me in it, and that I brought together to the number of 37 persons. I write again this day to Vienna and Ratisbonne with regard to the Carinthians[.] the Lord in mercy grant his Blessing to all I remain

Honoured & Dear Sir   Your most humble Servant
Samuel Urlsperger

P.S.: I hope that our most worthy Mr. Oglethorpe will wait for the Transport under Mr. Von Reck’s Conduct, for upon that Account even I and my Family have done almost beyond our power.

Translation of a letter from the Reverend Mr. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 22 September 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Dear Sir: Yesterday I received yours dated the 26 Aug. upon which I know nothing to answer but what I have mentioned in my former. I have received three letters from Ebenezer. The Journals are still with Mr. Ziegenhagen. By the letters I see that it will be very necessary as well for the Saltzburgers who are there and for their Posterity as for those who are to come to them that another place and land be given to them, because as Experience shews the land about Ebenezer is not so good as it hath been taken to be at first. I therefore most humbly beseech the honourable Society to entreat the Trustees especially Mr. Oglethorpe that our Saltzburgers may get a better land and that the representations made by the Ministers who have shewed themselves hitherto as very good men in every respect, likewise by Mr. Vat who certainly is impartial, may be heard[.] It is certainly a matter of great moment that these people may soon be comforted in this point, and that they may be assisted in their temporal Business so that their Souls my remain in enjoying daily the word of God. These good people acknowledge the great Benefactions they have received, but they would also fain see themselves in such a Condition that they might eat their own bread. It is a particular Temptation for the Saltzburgers that whereas Georgia being a fruitfull Country they should see just the contrary of it[.] However it must also be said in this case per Crucem ad Lucern.³⁰⁰

The Ministers praise Mr. Zwiffler very much for his Diligence and faithfullness in assisting the sick People, wherefore I wish he also might be provided for that he may have something certain for the future having as yet nothing certain besides his Maintenance and the extraordinary Presents of the Society. I remain

Honoured & Dear Sir   Your most humble Servant   Urlsperger

Translation of a Letter from the Reverend Mr. S. Urlsperger dated Augsburg 15th September 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Dear Sir: I hope my Letters dated the 15th and 22nd of August and the 1st and 8th Instant are come to your hands. Yesterday I received yours dated the 19th August upon which I have nothing to answer but that Mr. [Ph.] Von Reck is arrived at Marcksteft the 10th Instant and hopes to be at Frankfort the 16th and will not tarry; and to the end that he may the more easily pass by Mayntz [Mainz], I write by this post to the General Count of Seckendorff who is Commander in chief there and have the honour to be particularly acquainted with him. I am very glad that this Transport will come in time to go with Mr. Oglethorpe. Concerning the Carinthians no Resolution is come yet, and if it was, I doubt whether they could go this year. However on this head I expect an Instruction as well from the Society as from the Trustees. The day before the departure of Mr. Von Reck I received the full Account of the Saltzburg Emigrants who are settled in America, which I have caused to be printed at Hall and given to Mr. Von Reck in order to deliver it to the Secretaries of the Trustees and the Society that they might produce the same in due places because I have ventured to dedicate it to the Trustees and the Society which I hope they will kindly accept of.

Having mentioned in my former that the last Colonists, especially the Austrians, were very poor I now acquaint you that the 500 florins which Mr. Van Münch paid me are spent and more too. I have paid out of it Mr. Von Reck’s Maintenance from the

Besides other trifling things. These charges will be divided into two, so that the Society pay one half and the Trustees the other half. For tho’ the Saltzburgers are the most in number yet they have not wanted so much Clothing as the others.

And because all the money for the Colonists being thus spent I have kept the 262 florins which I was to remit to Mr. Ziegenhagen for the Congregations in Pensylvania Virginia etc. desiring that they may be paid again to Mr. Ziegenhagen by the honourable Society. I remain

Dear Sir   Your most humble Servant   Urlsperger

Translation of a letter from Mr. P. G. F. de Reck on Bord the London Merchant in the Downs dated 27 October 1735.   To Mr. Newman.

Sir: ’Tis by God’s Providence we just now arrived here where I received the letter which you was pleased to send me I humbly thank you and pray God to keep you always in good health and to reward you both here and hereafter for all the favours you have bestowed on me. Thank God we are now all in good health. I have had the happiness to see my dear Friend Mr. Oglethorpe on bord the Symonds and our ship in good health. we are now at Anchor waiting for a fair wind. I recommend to you the enclosed and beg you’d forward it to his Excellency.

My most humble respects to Mr. Vernon and Mr. Ziegenhagen. I am always ready to be

Sir   Your most humble & most obedient Servant   Reck

P.S. My Brother gives his humble Service to you.