Chief Justice William Grover to Henry Ellis, May 5, 1759, Savannah, received Nov. 26, read Dec. 14, 1759, C.O. 5/646, C. 66, proposing changes in the judicial system. Enclosed in Ellis to Board of Trade, July 26, 1759.

May it please your Excellency.

I take the liberty of representing to you that I have received complaints from some of the principal persons here that the Jurors in this Province are summoned to attend the General & also the Courts of Oyer & Terminer at the distance of 150 Miles from Savannah & that they are, as these Courts are constituted, obliged to attend six times in a year & that two of these attendances are fixed at times of the year when the heat of the weather & the time of the Harvest render such attendances particularly inconvenient.

As I am not clear that it is in my power to lighten this Burthen by an alteration of the fixed days for holding these Courts I presume to suggest to your Excellency a method of doing it, vizt: by fixing the Courts of Oyer and Terminer for the future on the second Tuesday in October. As two of the general Courts are fixed on these days this Method would make the attendances only 4 times instead of six and would in a great measure remove the inconvenience of their travelling in excessive heats as the July Courts would be abolished. I doubt not but that your Excellency will give attention to this matter which seems of real concern to the Province.

I beg leave to represent one thing more relative to the Courts that there is only one Ministerial Officer the Clerk or prothonotary and that the person who occupies that employment a Merchant & planter and wholly unacquainted with Law or the forms thereof and it is absolutely necessary that such Officer should be a person well versed in both to preserve order in the proceedings and to prevent the Courts from being in the utmost contempt. The Office of prothonotary is now worth about £12 a year which prevents any Gentleman qualified for the business from accepting it, particularly as the prothonotary is disqualified from acting as an Attorney. I apprehend that if a Salary of £50 a year was established for this Officer a proper person might be found who would accept it.

Order in Council, Aug. 10, 1759, Kensington, received May 29, read July 8, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 16, approving two Georgia laws, one preventing private persons purchasing Indian lands, the other limiting the time to claim lands.

WHEREAS by Commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain the Governor Council and Assembly of His Majesty’s Province of Georgia are authorized and empowered to make constitute and ordain Laws Statutes and Ordinances for the public peace welfare and good government of the said Province which Laws Statutes and ordinances are to be as near as conveniently may be agreeable to the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom and to be transmitted for His Majesty’s Royal approbation or disallowance. And whereas in pursuance of the said Powers Two Acts were passed in the said Province in February and March 1758 and transmitted entituled as follows:

An Act to prevent private persons from purchasing Lands from the Indians and for preventing persons trading without License:

An Act for limiting the time for Persons claiming Lands by virtue of Warrants of Survey, Allotments, nominal Titles or possession derived from and under the late honorable Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia their President or Assistants or any others acting by and under their authority:

Which Acts having been perused and considered by the Lords Commissioners for Trade & plantations and by then presented to his Majesty at this Board as fit to be confirmed. His Majesty was this day pleased with the advice of His Privy Council to declare his approbation thereof. And pursuant to His Majesty’s Royal Pleasure thereupon expressed the said Acts are hereby confirmed finally enacted and ratified accordingly; Whereof the Governor or Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s said Province of Georgia for the time being and all others whom it may concern are to take notice and govern themselves accordingly.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Sept. 6, 1759, Georgia, received Jan. 2, 1760, C.O. 5/646, C. 69, divulging a Cherokee plot to fall upon the back settlers of the province.

My Lords

In my last letter of the 26th of July I slightly hinted at the fluctuating & dubious state in which our Indian affairs then stood. Soon afterwards we were alarmed by some fresh Murders committed by the Cherokees & a discovery that they in conjunction with a few discontented frenchified Creeks had projected a design of cutting off the Traders in both Nations & falling upon our back Settlers. This Conspiracy (whether real or imaginary) was accidently detected a few days ago & that discovery we are told prevented its execution. An alarm was immediately spread and proper Measures taken for the public Security. An express was likewise dispatched to the Creek Nation to put the Traders on their guard and to acquaint the head men there that the Cherokees had disclosed the plot & laid the blame upon them. The Creeks were extremely provoked at this supposed treachery and absolutely denied having been concerned with the Cherokees, but their is reason to doubt their sincerity for the French have been excessively Busy with & uncommonly liberal to them since the Agents intention of visiting those Savages has been known. In the meantime I have the satisfaction to acquaint your Lordships that the danger of their breaking with us is no longer apprehended. Nevertheless I have thought it necessary to send for some of the leading men in order to make them perfectly easy as to our doubts of their fidelity which might disturb them.

In respect to the Cherokees no sooner was their Councils divulged & the conduct of the Creek Nation known to them than they dispatched a Talk to me requesting that I would undertake to settle their difference with the neighbouring Governments. This was a most fortunate incident & has paved the way for recomposing matters & freeing the Inhabitants of these provinces from apprehensions which were growing daily more serious. To avoid any altercation with the Government of South Carolina which would have been excessively jealous of our intermeddling in an affair that seemed more particularly in its department and known the address & superior abilities of my friend Governor Lyttleton in the management of such transactions, I immediately sent the Cherokee talk to him & urged the necessity of availing ourselves of their overture at the same time offering either to act as mediator or leave the negociation altogether to him. The last was most agreeable whereupon his Excellency dispatched a proper talk to the Cherokees inviting them to a conference at Charles Town. This I seconded by another talk to the same people exhorting them to accept of that invitation & giving them hopes that upon proper submissions & a promise of behaving better for the future they would be restored to favour.

Thus are our Indian Affairs circumstanced at present I think in a very fair way of being reestablished upon as good a footing as ever. As to all other matters they remain in the same situation as when I last described them.

Your Lordships will be so good as to over look the defects of this Letter as the sudden departure of my Conveyance has scarce afforded me time to write much less to correct.

The Memorial of Benjamin Martyn to the Board of Trade, Nov. 12, 1759, London, read Nov. 13, 1759, C.O. 5/646, C. 64, asking a warrant to pay for rebuilding the filature in Savannah.

HUMBLY SHEWETH

That he has received a letter from the Governor of Georgia with advice of his having drawn Bills of Exchange on your Memorialist to the amount of £483.1.4 for rebuilding the filature & that the said Building and its appurtenances have cost £500.

That there is no other provision for paying the said Bills but the surplus sum which he was authorized and directed by a Warrant from the late Lords Justices dated July 29th 1755 to pay to such uses & services for the Colony of Georgia as your Lordships by your Warrants should direct & appoint.

That the remainder of the said surplus sum in his hands (including what must be paid for passing the account of the same through the several Offices) is £671.6.6 1/4.

Your Memorialist therefore prays your Lordships Warrant for his paying the aforesaid sum of £483.1.4 And such further sums as may be drawn for rebuilding the filature & its appurtenances & also for the sum of £5.11.6 which he has paid for a silk Reel with a large case for the same and the sum of £6.1.6 for freight of the same to Georgia.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Nov. 25, 1759, Georgia, received Feb. 18, read March 11, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 1, offering his resignation because of continual suffering in Georgia’s heat and suggesting a Lieutenant-Governor as a replacement until he returned to London.

My Lords

As my health continues in a very bad State, and there appears no prospect of recovering it here, I am at length reduced to the necessity of humbly Petitioning your Lordships that you will be pleased to obtain his Majestys Permission for me to return to Europe. The leave of going to one of the Northern Colony during our violent heats, which your Lordships were so good to procure for me last Year, I could not possibly avail myself of, without manifest prejudice to the Kings service. And as affairs are still in an unsettled poisture in these parts, and the Gentleman on whom this Government would devolve in case of my absence, is not at all qualified to administer it, nor capable of preserving that order and Authority which ought to be maintained. ⁴⁵ My quiting the Colony under such circumstances would inevitably occasion much mischief and confusion. And as my remaining longer here under the pressure of an indisposition that almost incapacitates me from acting as I ought, can be of no service to the Publick; Yet my going home posibly may, having many things to lay before your Lordships in reference to the Affairs of this Quarter highly deserving attention. And I beg your Lordships will allow me to express an only wish upon this occasion; it is, that I might be relieved by a Lieut Governor, as Mr. Reynolds was, and retain my Rank, &c. until I got home, when I would chearfully resign it. I persuade myself your Lordships would pardon this seemingly presumptuous intimation did you know how much I am a Sufferer by this Government. But if my wish should be thought too unreasonable to be indulged, I must then earnestly intreat, that by your Lordships means, I may obtain his Majestys leave to resign this Government altogether; in order that I may be able to remove from hence before the intense heats of the next Summer begin; which is usually about the latter end of June. For I dread the consequence of continuing here much longer, with a constitution so greatly injured, that I have at present very little enjoyment of Life.

J. West to John Pownall, Secretary of the Board of Trade, Dec. 13, 1759, Treasury Chambers, received & read Dec. 14, 1759, C.O. 5/646, C. 68, informing the Board that the Chancellor of the Exchequer received his Majesty’s command to prepare an estimate of Georgia’s expense for 1759-1760 for the Board.

Sir

I desire you will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of Trade & plantations that the Chancellor of the Exchequer hath received His Majesty’s Commands That your Lordships should prepare and lay before the House of Commons an Estimate of the expense attending the Colony of Georgia from the 24th day of June 1759 to Midsummer 1760.

Order in Council, Dec. 20, 1759, Whitehall, received Jan. 4, read Jan. 24, 1760, C.O. 5/646, C. 70, directing the Board of Trade to consider Issac Levy’s petitions in the Bosomworth Affair and report to the Council-

HIS MAJESTY having been pleased by his order in Council of the 15th of this instant to refer unto this Committee Two Petitions, The one in the name of John Whiteside and Thomas le Breton of Sun Court Cornhill London, Gentlemen, Agents for and on the behalf of Isaac Levy formerly of Broad Street London Esqr but now resident at Philadelphia in America; And the other in the name of the said Isaac Levy both of which Petitions represent the right of the said Isaac Levy to a Moiety of some Lands in the Colony of Georgia which have been lately advertized to be sold at the Town of Savannah in Georgia agreeable to His Majesty’s order in Council for the Benefit of Thomas Bosomworth & Mary his Wife, otherwise the Princess Couseponakeesa. And therefore pray that the said Isaac Levy may be restored to his share of the said Lands or to have a recompense for the same. The Lords of the Committee this day took the said Petitions into their consideration and are hereby pleased to refer the same (Copys whereof are hereunto annexed) to the Lords Commissioners for Trade & plantations to consider thereof and report to this Committee what they conceive adviseable to be done thereupon.

Petition of agents for Isaac Levy, enclosed with Order in Council of Dec. 20, 1759, London, received Jan. 4, read Jan. 24, 1760, C.O. 5/646, C. 70, asking that the sale of the three islands in Georgia be stopped until Isaac Levy’s claim is satisfied.

SHEWETH

THAT the Revd Thomas Bosomworth & Mary his Wife otherwise called Couseponakeesa the Princess and natural and lawful heiress of the Upper & Lower Creek indian Countrys in America being in England in the year 1754 entered into a Treaty with the said Isaac Levy for the sale of one Moiety of the Islands St. Catherines, Usseba, and Sappola which had been duly conveyed and granted to Opiya Mico Emperor of the Upper and Lower Creek Nations in behalf of himself his subjects and Vassals unto the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife, otherwise the Princess Cousaponakeesa, and which grant had been duly ratified by the Seven Kings of the Creek Nations in their general Assembly and the original Treaties entered into by Lieut. Genl. Oglethorpe by virtue of your Majestys Authority on behalf of the Trustees for establishing Your Majestys Colony of Georgia in America having been produced together with such Grants and Conveyances with other authentic evidences of the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife the said Isaac Levy agreed to their proposals and advanced them several sums of Money thereupon:

That by Articles of Agreement of the 14th Oct. 1754 the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife covenanted and agreed to convey a Moiety of the said Islands to the said Isaac Levy his heirs and assignes for ever on or before the 18th of the same October;

That in pursuance of such Articles of Agreement the said Thomas Bosomworth and his Wife by Indentures of Lease and release of the 17th & 18th days of October 1754 and bargain and sale inrolled conveyed a Moiety of the said three Islands to the said Isaac Levy his heirs and assignes for ever;

That the said Isaac Levy on obtaining this conveyance settled all his affairs in England and went to live and reside in America & hath been at great expenses in improving his aforesaid Acquisitions;

That the said Isaac Levy hath lately discovered that the said Thomas Bosomworth some time since unknown to the said Isaac Levy entered into a treaty for the surrendering up the said Two Islands of Usseba and Sappola to your Majesty and laid proposals for that purpose before his Excellency the Governor of your Majesty’s Colony of Georgia in which he claimed to be indemnified and saved harmless against the said Isaac Levy with respect to the articles of Agreement entered into between them on the said 14th of October 1754 and annexed a Copy of such Articles to his proposals and also claimed to have the sum of £3000 sterling paid him and the said Island of St. Catherine ratified & confirmed to him and his heirs upon the Terms that other Lands are held in the province which proposals he executed under his hand & seal and delivered to the Secretary of the said Province;

That without any notice given to the said Isaac Levy or any consent obtained from him an Agreement was made with the said Thomas Bosomworth and an Advertizement published in the South Carolina Gazette giving Notice that on the 10th December would be exposed to sale agreeable to your Majesty’s Order in Council in the Town of Savannah the valuable Islands of Osseba and Sappelo lying on the Coast of that province.

This Advertisement very much surprised the said Isaac Levy and he immediately thereupon procured an Advertizement to be printed and put up in all the public Places in Georgia and in the South Carolina Gazette reciting the Advertizement for the sales of Osseba and Sappelo and that he had a valid and legal title to a Moiety of the same Islands by virtue of a good & sufficient Deed of Bargain and Sale from Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife who were the original Purchasers under Mico the Prince and Chief of all the assembled States of the Lower Creek Indians to whom the same formerly of right belonged which said Purchase has been ratified and confirmed in public Treaty with the said Indians & reciting that he was determined immediately in all humble manner to present a Petition to your Majesty setting forth his right & title to the same Moiety of the said Islands in humble hopes and assurance of having the same restored and secured to him agreable to his right and the rules of law and Justice.

Therefore he did thereby give notice and advertize the public and all such Persons as should become purchasers of the same Islands of his said Claim right and pretensions & of his intention and resolution of making such Application to your Majesty that such purchasers might purchase under the Incumbrance of his Title and might not take the advantages usually allowed to Bona fide purchasers without notice and at the same time the said Isaac Levy wrote to his Excellency the Governor of Georgia intreating him to put off the Sale to a further time till your Majestys pleasure might be known thereupon for that he would Petition your Majesty to be restored to his Moiety of the said Islands and the said Isaac Levy hath accordingly transmitted the Petition annexed and herewith laid before your Majesty;

That the said Isaac Levy is ready and willing to submit to any thing which your Majesty will please to order for the good and security of the said Province or your Majestys service and is willing if the same shall be required to surrender up his Title to the said three Islands to the Governor of Georgia or any other persons to be appointed by your Majesty and to release the said Thomas Bosomworth and his Wife from the said articles of the 14th October 1754 for which the said Thomas Bosomworth is to be indemnified upon the said Isaac Levy’s receiving a proper recompense for the same either by Grants of Lands equivalent with those he shall give up or by a satisfaction in money.

Petition of Issac Levy, enclosed with Order in Council of Dec. 20, 1759, London, received Jan 14, read Jan. 24, 1760, C. O. 5/646, C. 70, seeking to demonstrate his right and title to the islands of Ossabaw and Sapelo before they are sold to satisfy the Bosomworth claims.

Most humbly Sheweth

THAT for many ages before the Settlement of any of His Majesty’s Subjects upon the Continent of America different Nations and Tribes of Indians who inhabited that vast Tract of Land were the true and lawful Owners and proprietors thereof and have always been so held and esteemed by the English Nation as may appear from many Treaties of peace and commerce entered into with the said Nations by persons from time to time duly authorized by your most gracious Majesty’s Predecessors Kings and Queens of Great Britain: &ca

That on the 9th of June in the year of our Lord 1732 your most gracious Majesty was pleased to grant your Letters Patent constituting a Corporation by the name of the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America with Capacity to purchase and take up Lands from the natural born heirs the Indians for the enlarging your Majesty’s dominions;

That in the year 1733 Lieut. General Oglethorpe entered into a conditional Treaty with the Creek Nations in behalf of your Majesty which was afterwards renewed and extended by a subsequent Treaty in the year 1739 concluded by the said General Oglethorpe in behalf of the said Trustees by virtue of full power and authority from your Majesty with the assembled States of the Creek Nations. In which Treaty it is declared “That all the dominions territories and Lands from the River Savannah to the “River St. Johns and all the Islands between the said Rivers and “from the River St. Johns to the Bay of Appalache within which is “the Appalache Old Fields and from the said Bay of Appalache to “the Mountains do by ancient right belong to the Creek Nations “who have maintained Possession of their said Right against all “opposers by war and can shew the heaps of Bones of their Enemies slain by them in defence of said Land.” And the said Creek Nations did further acknowledge thereby the Grant they had before made to the said Trustees of all the Lands upon the Savannah River as far as the River Ogechee and all the Lands along the Sea Coast as far as the River St. Johns and as high as the tide flows and all the Islands as far as the said River particularly the Islands of Frederica, Cumberland and Amelia. But they further declare by the said Treaty “That they did and do reserve to themselves the “Lands from Pipe Makers Bluff to Savannah and the Islands of St. “Catherine, Useba and Sappala.”

That Malatchi Miya Mico Emperor of the Upper and Lower Creek Nations in belief of himself his Subjects and Vassals did by his Deed of Feoffment under his hand and seal for a valuable consideration therein expressed and to him truly paid grant bargain sell enfeoff and confirm unto Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife otherwise called Cousaponakeesa the Princess and natural and lawful heiress of the Upper and Lower Creek Indian Countries and to their Heirs and Assignes for ever all that Tract or Tracts of Land Island or Islands known or distinguished by the names of St. Catherines, Sappela and Useba Islands bounded on the North East by Useba Sound on the South West by Doeboy Sound and divided by the Sounds of St. Catherines and Sappela on the South by the Sea and on the North West by the said several Islands from the Continent together with their Priviledges and appurtenances; To hold to them the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife their heirs and assigns as long as the Sun shall shine or the Waters run in the River for ever;

That the same day Livery Possession and Seizin of the Premises was had and taken by the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife; To hold to them their heirs and assigns for ever according to the true Intent and Meaning of the above mentioned Deed of Feoffment in a due and legal manner;

That afterwards the 2nd day of August in the year 1750 the aforesaid Islands and premises by a Deed of Confirmation duly and legally executed were ratified and confirmed by the seven Kings of the Creek Indian Nations unto the said Thos Bosomworth and Mary his Wife their heirs and Assignes for ever according to the true Intent and Meaning of the said Deed of Feoffment;

That at a Conference or Treaty held by the Commissioners for and in behalf of your Majesty with the said Upper and Lower Creek Nations on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th days of December 1755 the said Islands and Premises were again confirmed to the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife and their Heirs. The Indians did then declare that they might give sell or dispose of them as they pleased;

That the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife being seized of the Premises as aforesaid in fee by their Indenture duly executed bearing date the 18th day of October in the year 1754 did grant and convey unto your Petitioner his heirs and assignes One undivided Moiety or equal half part into two equal parts to be divided of and in the said Islands Premises and their appurtenances To hold to your Petitioner his heirs and assignes for ever;

That your Petitioner hath observed an advertisement in the South Carolina Gazette giving notice that on the 10th day of December next will be exposed to Sale in the Town of Savannah in Georgia agreable to your Majestys Order in Council the said Islands of Useba and Sappala.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Jan. 6, 1760, Georgia, read March 11, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 2, containing observation on several acts lately passed and on the conduct of Mr. Atkins, the Indian agent.

My Lords,

The last Letter I did myself the honour to write to your Lordships was of the 12th of November. It contained an account of the Cherokee disturbances, and our proceedings with the Creeks in consequence of them, and as I then foresaw that the former must submit, in case the latter did not join them, so it has come to pass. For Governor Lyttelton has advised me that on the 26th Ultimate he concluded a Treaty with the Cherokees,⁴⁶ whereby they have agreed to give satisfaction for their late Outrages; by which event the tranquility of these parts is again established. Considering the many difficulties Governor Lyttelton had to contend with, in the Prosecution of his Enterprize he has been extremely fortunate, tho it must be acknowledged, not more so than he deserves, for he has great Merit.

As to the Affairs of this Colony, they remain in their usual prosperous and quiet state. Our Assembly have sate for sometime, but without finishing any other business than the passing an Act for quitting possessions. This became very necessary, as many of the Inhabitants were frequently disturbed and Alarmed by the threats of Alderman Baker’s Attorneys, and by many obsolete Claims which were daily trumping up against them. The Act I shall transmit by the first good opportunity, and I hope it will meet with your Lordships approbation. We have also found it necessary to strengthen the Law for preventing a clandestine traffick with the Neighbouring Indians, by adding a new Clause thereto, obliging Delinquents to give security to answer such Suits as their transgressions may involve them in.

His Majestys Agent Mr. Atkin is returned from the Creek Nation; and, as that Philosopher who first concealed truth in a Well, boasted of having brought it out, so this Gentleman piques himself on having left Matters there in a settled state, after he had greatly disturbed and embarrassed them. I can without any prejudice to Mr. Atkin assure your Lordships, that he appears very ill calculated for the employment he is in; and that in my humble opinion the Scheme for managing the powerful Indian Nations in this quarter, as to the Northward, by a general Agent, is liable to many considerable objections and inconveniencies. And nothing can more strongly evince this observation than the Measures lately pursued here in consequence of the Cherokee disputes, which I presume could not easily have been composed by such an Agent. I may possibly trouble your Lordships with some remarks upon this Subject hereafter, but as I know of no certain Conveyance for what I now write, I shall not enlarge further.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Feb. 15, 1760, Georgia, read April 22, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 3, informing the Board of the measures he has taken in relation to the Cherokees’ violations of the recent treaty signed with Gov. Lyttelton.

My Lords,

My last Letter to your Lordships was of the 6th Ultimate notifying Governor Lytteltons Treaty with the Cherokees. We were in hopes it would have re-established the tranquility of these parts, but the event has proved us mistaken. That Treaty was indeed a better one than I should have attempted to make. It was too mortifying to be observed by the Cherokees, and, they have broke it accordingly. We have received many Accounts of their hostile proceedings. The Inhabitants on the Frontiers of South Carolina have already suffered greatly. Many of them have been cut off, and numbers are daily flying to places of more safety. Those Savages have also attacked some of our setlers, but were repulsed by them. They did however kill one person his Wife and Child before the Neighbours could be got together. To prevent further mischief I have sent all the force I could collect to the back parts which I hope will enable the people there, to make a stand, untill succour arrives from the Northward. In the meantime, I have importunately demanded from the Creeks that assistance, which they promised to afford us, in case we should be Molested by the Cherokees. And as nothing would contribute more to our safety than the setting those two Savage Nations at variance, I am using my utmost endeavours for that purpose, and the better to effect it, my Agents have a Credit upon me for Goods to the Value of £1000 Sterling. I had made this reserve out of the Kings Presents, apprehensive that it might be wanted for such an occasion. I have likewise offered £5 Sterling a head for every Cherokee scalp brought in by an Indian. And as the Assembly is sitting I have proposed to them the Amending, reviving and carrying into execution, the Act for erecting places of defence throughout the Province; and to provide Subsistence for 200 Militia, in case I shall be obliged to call them out upon actual Service. These points they have agreed to; and also engaged to second my other Measures to the utmost of their power.⁴⁷

As these Expensive transactions, and the frequent intercourse I must keep up with the Creeks at this Juncture, will soon absorb the Kings Presents remaining in my hands, I must not neglect this opportunity of intreating your Lordships to employ your influence towards our speedily obtaining a further supply, which will be the surest means to preserve our Interest with these Indians, and avert those Calamities which their defection would inevitably bring on the People of these Provinces.

In the great hurry of business occasion’d by these disturbances, I have only time to assure your Lordships, that nothing shall be left undone for the Public Service.

Henry Ellis to William Pitt, Feb. 16, 1760, Georgia, read May 22, 1760, giving an account of the Cherokee uprising and the Colony’s measures to combat the outbreak.

Sir:

In my last I had the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 5th of February and several others, which I received from Mr. Wood, notifying the Successes of his Majestys Arms in different parts. Things at that time being in a tranquil state here, I had no other subject of any Consequence to touch upon. But our quiet was soon afterwards interrupted by some discontented Cherokees, who apprehending they had receivd ill treatment, while they were attending the Expedition against Fort Duquesne, were determined to gratify their resentment nearer home. They accordingly committed several outrages and even Murders in the back parts of the neighbouring Provinces. Their insolence and cruelty increased to such a degree, that the Government of South Carolina judged it expedient to chastise them, and obtain satisfaction for their enormities. For this purpose Governor Lyttelton with the Regulars and a Body of the Militia of his Province marched into their country. On the appearance of this Force the Savages desired a Conference, and declared their inclination to settle matters in an amicable way. These overtures being agreed to after some days discussion a Treaty of Peace was concluded and hostages taken from the Cherokees as a Security for their performance of certain conditions stipulated therein. Matters being thus accommodated, the Army was disbanded and the Governor set out for Charles Town. But no sooner had he turned his back than these faithless barbarians broke out into an open War, massacred the English trading in their Country, and fell upon the Out Setlers of the Adjacent Provinces, many of whom they cut off by surprize, and have since spread terror and desolation throughout the frontiers. Their fury has not as yet been directed this way, altho they border close upon us. But how long we are to be spared is uncertain.

In the meantime, as our Assembly is sitting, I have represented to them the dangers with which the Country is threatned, and the necessity of taking the most speedy and efficacious measures to guard against them. In consequence thereof, they have enabled me to erect Log forts in the parts most exposed, wherein the helpless people may take shelter in case of any sudden Emergency. And they have also provided subsistence for 200 of the Militia whom I intend to draft and keep on constant duty until assistance can arrive. Inconsiderable as these efforts may seem, when compared to those of the other Provinces, they do nevertheless greatly exceed my expectations. And are indeed, the utmost in the power of this young Colony, as well as the strongest marks it has exhibited since its Establishment, of its growing strength and ability. As a further Security I have stationed the Rangers lately augmented, still more backward, so that the Enemy cannot easily approach undiscovered. And as the Creek and Chickesaw Indians continue our friends, I have sent for some of the head men of each nation, with a view, if possible, to engage their assistance. But as all these precautions may be insufficient to the end proposed, I have thought it necessary to acquaint General Amherst with our situation and circumstances and desired such succour as they may require. For should the Cherokees fall upon us it would be almost impossible, in our weak condition, long to resist, much less repel them, since their Number is double that of our Militia, which being dispersd over a large extent of country, is the less capable of Uniting to oppose any sudden erruption of so active and fierce an Enemy.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, March 5, 1760, Georgia, read June 13, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 6, respecting the further measures he has taken for preventing the troubles that threaten the colony from the hostilities of the Cherokees.

My Lords

The last Letter I had the honour to write to your Lordships was of the 17th Ultimate giving an account of the troubles broke out with the Cherokees, and our Measures in consequence of them. These Savages continue to annoy and desolate the back parts of South Carolina. Many of the Inhabitants are fled from thence and taking shelter amongst us. This Colony has been greatly alarmed of late, but as yet very little hurt by the Cherokees; and we owe this indulgence partly to our not having offended them, but chiefly, I apprehend, to our engagements with the Creeks, and their menacing to revenge any hostilities that may be committed on the Inhabitants of Georgia.

The Chickesaws scout with our parties, and some of the Creeks have done the same. The former declare they will live and die with the English; but the latter dare not act openly, until they learn what part their Nation will take, which I am endeavouring by every Means in my power to involve in a War with the Cherokees.

It would be endless to relate to your Lordships the variety of steps we have taken for this purpose. It may perhaps be sufficient to observe, that they were such, as are the most likely to succeed. Numbers of the Creeks visit me daily, who seem to have very good dispositions which I strive to improve to the utmost. This intercourse is expensive, and will probably be more so; whether these Indians declare in our favour, or Adhere to their Neutrality, a further supply of Presents will therefore be very much wanted soon.

In respect to the interior concerns of the Colony no material alteration has fallen out since the date of my last.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, March 15, 1760, Georgia, read June 13, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 7 acknowledging the receipt of two letters from the Board, containing an account of the present state of Indian affairs, and enclosing an abstract of lands granted from January 27, 1758, to July 27, 1758.

My Lords

I had the honour to receive your Lordships Letter of the 24th of July last, with an Instruction from his Majesty, repealing a former one, and nominating anew, the Members of the Council for this Province. They have taken their Seats accordingly, except Mr. Charles Pryce, and Mr. William Butler, who are at present obliged by much business and ill health to decline that honour. Your Lordships are very full and satisfactory in respect to the other points you were pleased to touch upon in the course of that Letter.

The 25th of last Month I had also your Letter of the 14th of November signifying the Kings Commands, that a day of public thanksgiving might be appointed here, in acknowledgment of the signal successes with which the Almighty had been pleased to bless his Majestys Arms. The same was accordingly appointed, and celebrated in the most solemn manner throughout the Province.

In my Letter of the 5th Instant I gave your Lordships an account of the situation of things here, and must beg Leave to refer to that Letter at present, as since that time no material alteration has taken place.

We do not hear of any fresh hostilities committed by the Cherokees in this Province; and our Accounts from the Creeks and Chickesaws are far from being unfavourable. The apprehensions of the people in general begin to abate, but our Measures to prevent any Mischief happening to them, will be continued. The Bosomworths are very active in promoting my design of seting the Creeks upon the Enemy, and have even prevailed on a party to go out against them and bloody the path, on certain conditions of reward, which I have agreed to. If these Savages perform this business, it will have excellent consequences.

I ought to acquaint your Lordships that these Indian troubles have discouraged people so much, that we could not sell for anything like their value, the Islands and Indian Lands lately claimed by the Bosomworths; and this has hitherto prevented our putting a finishing hand to that affair. But no ill effects can ensue from this delay, as they know it has been unavoidable and for their advantage. It was very fortunate that we accomodated our disputes with them at the very time we did.

Your Lordships will receive herewith all the Public papers that could be got ready.

An Abstract of Grants of Lands Registered in the Province of Georgia from Jan. 27 to July 27, 1758, enclosed with Governor Henry Ellis’ letter to the Board of Trade, March 15, 1760, received June 5, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 8.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Edward Way for 450 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 2d February 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Joseph Summers for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 2d February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Joseph Summers for 270 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 2d February 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Edmund Tannatt for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in the fourth Tything Reynolds Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 6th February 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Edmund Tannatt for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 43, Registred 6th February 1758,

Grant Dated 30th Septemebr 1757.

To James Read for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 8th February 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To John Osgood for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 8th February 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Thomas Red for a Lot in Augusta No.2, Registred 10th February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 30th Septemeber 1757.

To Thomas Red for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 10th February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Mungo Graham for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 83, Registred 10th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Elliott for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 10th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Benjamin Williamson for 203 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 10th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Henry Ellis Esqr. for 576 l/2 Acres of Land in the District of Great Ogechee, Registred 11th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Henry Ellis Esqr. for Two Lots in the Town of Savannah, Registred 11th February 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Adrian Loyer for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 243, Registred 14th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Lee for 90 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 14th February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Lee for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in Holland Tything Percival Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 15th February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Lee for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 8 in More Tything Percival Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 15th February 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Lachlan McGillivray & John Spencer for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 18th February 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To John Paul Miller for two Lots and 50 Acres of Land in the Town and District of Ebenezer, Registred 22d February 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To John Fitch for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 22d February 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Jacob Kubler for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Goshin, Registred 22d February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John MacDonald for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Darien, Registred 24th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Murdock MacLoud for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Darien, Registred 24th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Daniel Mackay for 150 Acres of Land in the District of Darien, Registred 25th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Humphrys for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 25th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Peter Manley for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 4 in Holland Tything Percival Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 28th February 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Daniel Dunham for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 11, Registred 28th February 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To James Dunham and William Dunham for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 1st March 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Benjamin Andrews for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 1st March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To David Lewis for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 1st March 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Thomas Burrington Esqr. for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 184, Registred 1st March 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Thomas Burrington Esqr. for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 3d March 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Thomas Burrington Esqr, for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 3d March 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Abigal Minis for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 4th March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Clifton for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 106, Registred 4th March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Bruce for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 107, Registred 6th March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Bruce for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Great Ogechee, Registred 6th March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Henry Yonge Esqr. in trust for his Son Henry 100 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 6th March 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To John Martin Paulitsch for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Ebenezer, Registred 6th March 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Jacob Cusmal for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 8th March 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Conrade Hover for 179 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 8th March 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To James Miller for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 6 in the fourth Tything Reynold Ward and 5 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 14th March 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Bell for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 9 in the first Tything Reynold Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 14th March 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Sarah Boddie for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Great Ogechee, Registred 22d March 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Sarah Boddie for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 95, Registred 22d March 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Alexander Rose for 250 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 24th March 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Jeremiah Sliterman for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in Laroche Tything Heathcote Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 6th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Peter Elliott for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 6th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To William Russell for 45 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 6th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Donald Clarke for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Darien, Registred 8th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To William Ewen for a Moiety of a Publick Lot in the Town of Savannah Letter P, Registred 12th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To William Ewen for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 12th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To James Burnsides for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 12th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To James Burnsides for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 3 in Tyrconnel Tything Derby Ward and 50 Acres of land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 13th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Kennedy for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Ebenzer, Registred 13th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Philip Delegal for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 14th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Philip Delegal for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 14th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Philip Delegal for 150 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 14th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Philip Delegal for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 14th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Jonathan Bryan for 140 Acres of Land in the Township & District of Savannah, Registred 20th April 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Jonathan Bryan for 600 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 20th April 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Jonathan Bryan for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 8 in the second Tything Reynolds Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 20th April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Graham for 700 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 20th April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Graham for a Lot in the Town of Savannah Letter A, Registred 22d April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Graham for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 68, Registred 22d April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Harriotte Crooke for 500 Acres of Land in Bermuda Island between Midway & Newport Rivers, Registred 22d April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Harriotte Crooke for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 137, Registred 22d April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Hugh Ross for 250 Acres of Land in the District of Darien, Registred 24th April 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Hugh Ross for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Abercorn, Registred 24th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Hugh Ross for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Abercorn, Registred 24th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Hugh Ross for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in the third Tything Reynolds Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 24th April 1758.

Allotted to him by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Joseph Wood for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 56, Registred 25th April 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Jno. George Ziegler for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Ebenezer, Registred 26th April 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To William Gibbons for 90 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 4th May 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Isaac Tripp for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 6th May 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To George Philip Bortz for 50 Acres of land in the District of Abercorn, Registred 6th May 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Mathew Mauve for a Lot in the Town of Hardwick No. 152, Registred 10th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Mary Jones for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in Carpenters Tything Deckers Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 12th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Noble Wimberly Jones for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 7 in Wilmington Tything Darby Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 12th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Noble Jones for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 2 in the first Tything Reynolds Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 12th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Noble Jones in Trust for Mary Pember her heirs & for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 2 in the fourth Tything Anson Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 12th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Joseph Stanly for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 16th May 1758.

Grant Dated 16th January 1756.

To Joseph Stanly for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 16th May 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To John Todd Senr. for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 20th May 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To John Feaster for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 20th May 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Steadman for 70 Acres of Land on Skidoway Island, Registred 26th May 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Benedict Bourquin for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Little Ogechee, Registred 1st June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Benedict Bourquin for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Great Ogechee, Registred 1st June 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Benedict Bourquin for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 113, Registred 1st June 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To John Cain for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 2d June 1758.

Grant Dated 15th May 1756.

To William Little for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Great Ogechee, Registred 2d June 1758.

Grant Dated 15th May 1756.

To William Little for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 52, Registred 2d June 1758.

Grant Dated 15th May 1756.

To William Little for Moiety of a Publick Lot in the Town of Savannah Letter O, Registred 2d June 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Thomas Vincent for 300 Acres of Land on Wilmington Island, Registred 5th June 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Thomas Vincent for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 48, Registred 5th June 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Thomas Vincent for Moiety of a Publick Lot in the Town of Savannah Letter Y, Registred 5th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To John Stewart Senr. for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Newport, Registred 16th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Nathaniel Clark for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 16th June 1758.

Grant Dated 4th October 1757.

To John Jagger for 400 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 17th June 1758.

Grant Dated 4th October 1757.

To John Jagger for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 2, Registred 17th June 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Robert Humphrys for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Ebenezer, Registred 20th June 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To Henry Curtis for 200 Acres of Land being Little Warsaw Island, Registred 28th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Daniel Demetre for 200 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 29th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Daniel Demetre for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 29th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Daniel Demetre for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 8 in Heathcote Tything Deckers Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything & Ward, Registred 29th June 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Thomas Harris for 350 Acres of Land in the District of Sapola, Registred 1st July 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Thomas Harris for 136 Acres of Land in the District of Savannah, Registred 1st July 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Thomas Harris for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 7 in Frederick Tything Derby Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything & Ward, Registred 3d July 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Thomas Harris for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 6 in Laroche Tything Heathcote Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 3d July 1758.

Allotted by the Late President and Assistants.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To George Philip Bortz for 50 Acres of Land in the District of Abercorn, Registred 5th July 1758.

Grant Dated 30th September 1757.

To William Clement for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registred 5th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Jonathan Bryan for 900 Acres of Land being Broughton Island on the River Alatamaha, Registred 5th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Lachlan McIntosh for 500 Acres of Land being an Island on the River Alatamaha, Registred 5th July 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Thomas Collins for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Ogechee, Registred 7th July 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To William Carr for 500 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 7th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Samuel Gandy for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. George, Registred 7th July 1758.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Richard Dowdee for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 84, Registred 8th July 1758.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To William Booth for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Augusta, Registed 8th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To White Outerbridge for a Lot in the Town of Augusta No. 35, Registred 10th July 1758.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Jacob Lockerman for 350 Acres of Land in the District of Medway, Registred 11th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Henry Ellis Esqr. for 700 Acres of Land on St. Simons Island in the Parish of St. James, Registred 11th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Alexander Rose for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Philip, Registred 20th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Nicholas Lawrence for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. John, Registred 22d July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Nicholas Lawrence for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Philip, Registred 22d July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Nicholas Lawrence for 300 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. John, Registred 22d July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Robert Bolton for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 81, Registred 24th July 1758.

Grant dated 4th July 1758.

To Robert Bolton for 450 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Philip, Registred 24th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Matthias Kougle for a Lot in the Town of Hardwicke No. 128, Registred 26th July 1758.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Thomas Young for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 10 in the fourth Tything Reynold Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward, Registred 26th July 1758.

Examined and Compared with the Original Register at Savannah this 3d of August 1758 by

Pat Houstoun, Register

Henry Ellis to William Pitt, March 5, 1760, Georgia, received May 22, 1760, giving an account of troubles with the Indians and measures he has taken to insure the colony’s safety.

Sir

The last letter I had the honour to write to you was of the 16th Ultimo, giving an account of the troubles broke out with the Cherokees, and our measures in consequence of them. These Savages continue to annoy and desolate the back parts of South Carolina. Many of the Inhabitants are fled from thence, and taking shelter amongst us. This Colony has been greatly Alarmed of late, but as yet, very little hurt by the Cherokees; and we owe this indulgence partly to our not having offended them, but chiefly, I apprehend, to our engagements with the Creeks, and their menacing to revenge any hostilities that may be committed on the Inhabitants of Georgia.

The Chickesaws scout with our parties, and some of the Creeks have done the same; the former declare they will live and die with the English; but the latter, dare not act openly until they learn what part their Nation will take; which I am endeavoring by every means in my power to involve in a War with the Cherokees.

It would be endless to relate to you Sir, the variety of steps we have taken for this purpose. It may perhaps be sufficient to observe, that they were such as are the most likely to succeed. Numbers of the Creeks visit me daily who seem to have very good dispositions which I strive to improve to the utmost. The intercourse is expensive and will probably be more so whether these Indians declare in our favour or continue in their Neutrality. A further supply of Presents will therefore be very much wanted soon. Thus I have directed the Agent for the Colony to Soliicit not doubting but the necessity of the Service will insure his Success.

In respect to the other Concerns of this Government no material alteration has fallen out since the date of my last except that I have prevailed on the Inhabitants to erect Log-Forts in different parts, and I shall omit nothing that prudence can suggest, or our ability accomplish for the further security of the Colony.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, April 16, 1760, Georgia, received July 1, 1760, read Nov. 12, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 1, urging the necessity of more presents to set the Creeks against the Cherokees.

My Lords

The 16th Ultimate I had the honour to write to your Lordships an account of the situation of Affairs in these parts, and our proceedings in Consequence of them. I mentiond that I was using my utmost endeavours to engage the Creek Indians in a War with the Cherokees, which I am still employed in, tho’ it proves a work of much difficulty, as the french and Cherokees have great influence in that Nation. But whilst I am negotiating publickly I am working in private with the stragling parties of Creeks that occasionally visit me in hopes by their means to embroil their Nation insensibly, and as it were against their inclination. We have already prevailed on different gangs to go against the Cherokees, and I have this day had the satisfaction of seeing one party return with the Scalps of three of them. I shall to the utmost of my power endeavour to improve this earnest of success, but as nothing is to be effected with the Savages without distributing of Considerable Presents and treating the head Men and Warriors as well as subsisting their Wives and Children in their absence when they go to War, there is a necessity that I should be amply supplyd with Goods and Money for such purposes.

It is of the last importance that the Creeks should be induced to assist us, for otherwise the War with the Cherokees may prove a very tedious & Expensive one. £5000 laid out in this way may save ten times that Sum in another. I have already set the Chick-esaws upon the Enemy who will be serviceable but Expensive Auxiliaries, and should I not have wherewithal to support our Interest and perform such promises as the Circumstances of affairs may oblige me to make to the Indians it may have very pernicious effects at this Juncture.

I have urged this matter to his Majestys Secretary of State, and I hope it will be considered with that attention its importance requires.

There has been no mischief done by the Cherokees in this Province since I wrote last, but it is not improbable that the parties fitted out from hence, and the endeavours we are using to set the Creek Nation upon them will provoke and iritate them so far as to bring them upon us, which if it is not to be avoided, we must make the best of.

As to other Matters they remain in their Usual situation, which makes it unnecessary for me to say more upon this occasion.

Henry Ellis to William Pitt, April 16, 1760, Georgia, received June 20, 1760, urging the necessity of more presents to set the Creeks against the Cherokees and proposing an expedition against the French fort at Mobile.

Sir:

The 5th Ultimate I had the honour to transmit to you a state of the affairs of these parts, and our proceedings in consequence of them. I mentioned that I was using my utmost endeavours to engage the Creek Indians in a War with the Cherokees which I am still employed in, tho’ it proves a work of much dificulty as the French and Cherokees have great influence in that Nation. But whilst I am negotiating Publickly I am working in private with the stragling parties of Creeks that occasionally visit me in hopes by their means to embroil their Nation insensibly and as it were against its inclination. We have already prevaild on different gangs to go against the Cherokees, and I have this day had the satisfaction of seeing one party return with the Scalps of three of them. I shall to the utmost of my power improve this earnest of success, but as nothing is to be effected with the Savages without distributing of considerable Presents, and treating the head Men and Warriors as well as subsisting their Wives and Children in their absence when they go to War there is a necessity that I should be amply supplyed with Goods and Money for such purposes. It is of the last importance that the Creeks should be induced to assist us for otherwise the War with the Cherokees may be a very tedious and Expensive one. £5000 laid out in this way may save ten times that Sum in another.

I have already set the Chickesaws upon the Enemy who will be very serviceable but Expensive Auxiliaries and should I not have wherewithal to support our Interest and perform such promises as the Circumstances of affairs may oblige me to make to the Indians it may have very pernicious effects at this Juncture.

Whilst I am upon this Subject I cannot but express my Wishes that an Expedition were provided against the French Fort at Mobille which I am persuaded might be attempted with Success. Two or three thousand Troops and half a dozen flat bottom Vessels carrying four or Six large Cannon each would be a sufficient force. The Joint fire from those Vessels would carry every thing before it, especially if they were assisted by a Bombardment. The Fort at Mobille I am informed is very weak, constructed of Brick, mounts but fourteen Cannon, and is Garrisond by about 600 Men. Pilots for the River on which it stands might be procured at Charles Town, and the Winter is said to be a favourable Season for such an Enterprize which must not be attempted otherwise than by Water, whereas the natural difficulties and obstructions attendant to a long march by Land thro’ such a country as this, the Indians would be apt to oppose it, as the french might easily persuade them they were to be attacked and not the French who we might only come at by Water. It would be of infinite Consequence to the Nation could we at this time possess our selves of that important post for the Fort of Tombegbi amongst the Chactaws, and that of Toulouse in the Country of the Albamas or Creeks would fall of course. It is by means of those Forts that the French maintain an Interest with those powerful Nations, and in a great Measure exclude us from a Correspondence with them as well as with the numerous tribes of Savages inhabiting the borders of the Mississippi. Hence the loss of Mobille would be followed by that of their Trade & influence in those parts which would augment and extend ours in proportion. Our present Indian Neighbours would become more Submissive and Manageable as more dependent, and the Cherokee War might be soon terminated. Was it only to raise our Military Character amongst the Savages of this quarter such an undertaking would be necessary for the fame of our Exploits to the Northward, so that the Artifices of the french made but slight impressions upon them.

It may be objected that such a Conquest amongst the Spanish Settlements would give Umbrage to Spain, which might happen. Yet I am persuaded it would be our Interest to make it, even were we to yield it to the Spaniards afterwards, who are less dangerous, and in every view more eligible Neighbours than the french.

Copy of an Order in Council, May 13, 1760, Kensington, received and read the same day by the Board of Trade, C.O. 5/647, D. 4, approving a representation to allow Gov. Henry Ellis permission to return to England for the recovery of his health.

Upon reading this day at the Board, a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, setting forth, that Henry Ellis Esquire, His Majestys Governor of the Province of Georgia, hath represented to them, that the excessive heat of the Climate has reduced his health to so bad a State, as renders him almost incapable of discharging properly, the Dutys of his Station, and that he has no prospect of recovering in America; The said Lords Commissioners therefore propose, that His Majesty will be graciously pleased to grant the said Governor His Royal permission to return to this Kingdom. His Majesty in Council approving thereof, is pleased to Order, as it is hereby Ordered, that the said Henry Ellis Esquire be accordingly permitted to return to this Kingdom for the recovery of his health. And that the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations do cause a Warrant to be prepared for that purpose, and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board.

Copy of an Order in Council, May 13, 1760, Kensington, received and read the same day by the Board of Trade, C.O. 5/647, D. 5, approving a representation proposing James Wright to be Lieutenant Governor of Georgia and directing a commission to be prepared.

Upon reading this day at the Board, a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, proposing that James Wright Esquire may be appointed Lieutenant Governor of His Majestys Province of Georgia, in America, His Majesty in Council approving thereof, is pleased to Order, as it is hereby ordered, that the said James Wright Esquire be constituted and appointed Lieutenant Governor of His Majestys said Provence of Georgia. And that the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, do Cause a Commission to be prepared for that purpose, and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, May 15, 1760, Georgia, read Nov. 12, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 2, relating to the Chickasaw and Creek Indians.

My Lords,

I wrote your Lordships the 16th Ultimate, an account of such matters as this place afforded. So little alteration has taken place since, that I am at a loss what to offer at present, and only write because there is an opportunity of doing so.

Though the Cherokees continue to do much mischief in the Neighbouring Provinces yet the parties of Rangers and Indians that we keep constantly Scouting in the back parts, have prevented any late outrages being Committed upon the Inhabitants of this Colony. The Chickesaws and some gangs of Creeks which I prevaild on to go against the Enemy have brought in several Scalps, and United in burning Estatoe & Keowee, two of their Frontier Towns on this side. The Cherokees do not resent these hostilities of the Creeks, for fear of drawing that Nation upon them, which still adheres to its Neutrality; and disavows its authorizing the Violences of such of its People as are influenced by us. I am in hopes however, that in some of these Excursions the Enemy will kill some of the Creeks, whose death their friends must revenge, and so the Nation may be at length compelled to make the Cause its own. An Event that would be more advantageous than if our Solicitations prevaild on them to Join us; but the bringing this about will create an Expence that we have no way of defraying, for our Presents and funds are near Exhausted.

In respect to other Matters, I have nothing new at present to mention. Our internal quiet continues, but the dangers with which the Colony is surrounded, must of course retard and check that prosperity which it had a fair prospect of attaining.

As to myself My Lords, my health is in so poor a state, as renders it impossible for me long to support my self under the accumulated load of business and fatigue that these troubles occasion. I shall therefore humbly hope, and impatiently expect, that by your Lordships influence and good offices, I may be speedily relieved.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, June 7, 1760, Georgia, read Nov. 12, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 3, acquainting the Board that, by the instigation of the French and Cherokees, several traders have been murdered in the Upper Creek towns.

My Lords

The last Letter I had the honour of writing to your Lordships was of the 15th Ultimate, and contained the then state of Affairs here, which was rather favourable than otherwise. But it is with very great Concern I must now acquaint your Lordships, that the Endeavours of our Enemies, the French and Cherokees, seem to have been more prevalent with the Creeks, than those we have been employing. For on the 4th Instant, I was by an Express from the Creek Nation informed, that several of our Traders in the Upper Towns were on the 16th Ultimate Murdered, and their effects Seized, and divided amongst some of those Savages. This step, is always looked upon as a declaration of War. But notwithstanding so alarming a Circumstance, considering the Number of our Indian friends, I cannot be persuaded the defection of that Nation in general, or that a War with us is determined, especially as several of their principal people are now with me, and many of them are dispersd thro’ our Settlements, who would certainly have been early apprized of it, had there been such a design, and withdrawn themselves out of our power. For these reasons, I have not suffered any of them to be molested.⁴⁸

I am very Sensible, My Lords, how exceedingly prejudicial it would be to his Majestys Service at this Juncture, should the Number of our Enemies be increased by so formidable a Tribe as the Creek Indians, I am therefore exerting my most strenuous efforts to prevent it, and frustrate the Views of the French, who spare neither pains nor Expense to embroil us with our Savage Neighbours. That I may the better succeed herein, I have thought it absolutely necessary to impute the Murder of our Traders to the deceiving Arts, and false Suggestions of our Enemies, excusing the Creeks thereby, and giving that, an Affection for them, and a regard to our Treaties, as reasons for our not insisting upon the Murderers being immediately delivered to us.

By these temperate Measures, I am hopeful that if we shall not be able to establish the peace of this Colony on a lasting foundation, we may at least keep the Creeks quiet for some time; which in our present Circumstances would answer some very important purposes. For if the War with the Cherokees, and our Conquests to the North can be soon finished, I cannot doubt but that due attention will then be shown to the defence of this important frontier Colony; through which should the Creeks desert us, the French and their Indians will have an opportunity of greatly annoying the Southern Provinces. In the mean time, I have the satisfaction to find, that the Government of South Carolina entertains Sentiments conformable to mine, which encourages me to hope that we may yet elude the Storm which now threatens us.

My Lords I have often urged the insecure state of this Colony, the weakest in itself, and opposed to the most powerful Indian Neighbours of any Province upon this Continent; but I am sorry to say my remonstrances have not had sufficient effect. It is inconceivable the pains I have taken these three Years past, to preserve the repose of these parts, and keep the Creeks in good temper. For Carolina has in this period, too much Neglected them. Untill the Cherokees Joind their influence with the French, my labours were attended with Success and the Colony increased very much, even on this account, but now people start as from a dream finding themselves encompassed with, and threatned by, such formidable Tribes of Merciless barbarians, whose friendship appears so little to be depended upon.

And their apprehensions naturally increase when they observe this Government unable either from its own resources, or the assistance afforded it by the Mother Country, effectually to protect them. Hence hundreds of families have quitted their habitations, and are moving to the other Provinces, and we may expect many more will follow, if a War with the Creeks should prove unavoidable.

Your Lordships will be good enough to excuse my not touching on other matters untill I have a little more leisure, for these new troubles occupy me very much at present.

Memorial of Benjamin Martyn, Agent for Georgia, to the Board of Trade, June 20, 1760, London, read the same day, C.O. 5/647, D. 9, asking a warrant to apply £48.1.6 for the freight of goods sent for Indian presents out of balance of contingency funds remaining in his hands.

Sheweth,

That he has in his hands the Sum of £144.15.7-3/4, the remainder of the Money, which he was authorised by the Lords Justices to pay for such Services, as Your Lordships by Your Warrants should direct and appoint.

That the Goods for Indian Presents, to the Value of about £1250, are shipp’d on board the Union, Capt. James Strachan, and the freight for the same amounts to £48.1.6. That £250, the remaining Part of £1500 granted by his Majesty for the Presents, is barely sufficient to defray the Expences attending the Distribution of them.

Your Memorialist therefore begs leave to offer to your Lordships Consideration, whether it may not be proper to pay £48.1.6 for the freight out of the aforesaid Sum of £144.15.7-3/4.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, June 27, 1760, Georgia, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 10, containing a full account of the sale of Sapelo and Ossabau Islands and other Indian lands to satisfy the Bosomworth claims against the Crown, with four enclosures.

My Lords

Having at Length fully satisfied the Bosomworths, not only in respect to their Demands on Account of Services done the Government in the last Spanish War; but also, in reference to their Pretensions to certain Lands which the Creek Indians had reserved to themselves by Treaty with General Oglethorpe, I take this Opportunity of laying before your Lordships the Grounds whereon, and Manner in which we proceeded in this Transaction. As your Lordships were pleased to represent to his Majesty the necessity of Adjusting these Affairs, which in their unsettled State, threatned very mischevious Consequences to the Colony, the King was graciously pleased to honour me with his Royal Instructions for that purpose, dated the 9th February 1759, whereby I was Authorized to dispose of the Islands Ossaba and Sappalo and other Indian Lands near Savannah at Public Auction the same having been ceded to his Majesty by a Deed from the Head Men of the Creek Nation the 22d April 1758 and out of the Money arising therefrom to discharge the aforesaid Demands of the Bosomworths and to Grant to them the Island of St. Catharine in Consideration of their having settled & improved the same.

Your Lordships may remember that the Indian Lands near Savannah consisting of about 4000 Acres were by the President and Assistants allotted to several Persons who settled thereon and have continued to cultivate & improve them ever since 1752. These Settlers applied for his Majestys Grants, when the Royal Government was established here; but were prevented from obtaining them partly by Mr. Bosomworths entering Caveats against Grants being issued but chiefly by a Letter from your Lordships Board recommending an Examination into the Grounds of his Pretensions. As soon as I received the Kings Instruction impowering me to proceed in these Matters, I summoned Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife to appear before me in Council to show Cause why those Caveats should not be rejected. At the Day appointed for this Purpose the Bosomworths attended, and after a fair hearing it appeared, that all they could alledge in support of their Claim to the said Lands was insufficient to establish it upon any legal or equitable Foundation. The Board therefore Ordered the Caveats to be dismissed. I was then presented with the Account (A) and Case (B) transmitted herewith specifying their other Demands upon the Government, which the Board having likewise examined and duely considered were of Opinion that Mrs. Bosomworth ought to be disbursed the Sum of £450 for and on Account of that value in Goods which She had expended for his Majesty’s Service in the Years 1747 and 1748 by Order of Lieutenant Colonel Heron. And also that She should be allowed at the rate of one hundred Pounds per Annum for sixteen Years & a half during which Time she acted in this Government as Agent and Interpretess to the Creek Indians, and that the same should be paid to her agreable to his Majesty’s Instructions out of the Monies arising from the Sale of the Islands Ossaba and Sappalo provided they produced so much. These Resolutions being signified to Mr. and Mrs. Bosomworth they after some Deliberation acquiesed therein & declared themselves perfectly satisfied therewith. Whereupon the Attorney General was directed (with the Assistance of the Chief Justice) to draw up the heads of this Agreement which was accordingly done and signed the next Day by the Bosomworths on the one Part, and myself and the Members of the Council on the other. This Affair being so far compleated Mr. and Mrs. Bosomworth withdrew, I then advised with his Majesty’s Council as to the properest Method of disposing of the Islands Osseba and Sappalo whether in small Tracts or otherwise.

The Board upon due Consideration thereof was of Opinion that it might be best to sell them in parcels each Tract not exceeding a thousand Acres on Condition however that if the Sum arising from such Sale should not exceed what might be Offered in a private way for the whole of both Islands such Sale should be Void. After these Islands were Advertized in the Carolina Gazettes during four Months they were on the 10th December last put up at Auction in 500 Acre Tracts conditioned to go to the highest bidder in Case that the aggregate Sum bid for the whole should amount to two thousand Guineas and not otherwise that being deemed the lowest value of these Islands. But the Cherokee Troubles breaking out about that Time so discouraged People here that no more was bid for them than £1500 which Circumstances, altho’ no private Offer had been made for either of them, induced me to declare the Sale invalid.

They were again advertized to be peremptorily disposed of on the 14th April last at Auction seperately and without dividing them in Tracts as before. In which Manner they were put up and the Island of Ossaba was Sold at £1350 and that of Sappalo for £700 which Sums respectively I paid to Mr. Bosomworth and made out a Grant to Mrs. Bosomworth of the Island of St. Catharine each of them having first executed a General Renunciation and Discharge of all Claims and Pretensions upon his Majesty of what Nature or kind soever, Copies of these Papers mark’d C & D accompany this and are Registered in the Secretary’s Office of this Province.

In Respect to the Remainder of the said Indian Lands, Vizt., what lays between the Town of Savannah and Pipe Makers Creek, they being already as I have observed in the Possession of several Persons who settled and improved them on the Faith of the Trustees Government. I presume it is not his Majesty’s Intention that they should be Sold notwithstanding these Lands are not excepted in the Royal Instruction, and therefore I have not given the present Possessors any uneasiness on that Account, being humbly of Opinion that, when his Majesty is made acquainted with their particular Circumstances, leave will be given to make out their respective Grants, or at least that they may be permitted to purchase them on the same Terms that vacant Lands are purchased here from the Crown. It would be a great piece of Justice, as well as an Act of Humanity should your Lordships condescend to make these Peoples Case known to his Majesty and procure for them the Indulgence I mention. I must not however neglect informing your Lordships upon this Occasion that I discovered there were about 130 Acres, Part of those Indian Lands bordering upon this Town Vacant, which had hitherto been deemed Common. This I have sold in small Lots from whence after deducting all Expences attending the different Sales there has been produced and remains in my Hands the Sum of £606.10.3 as appears by the Account E which is to be applied hereafter to such Service as his Majesty shall think proper to direct, & of which I have in Obedience to the Kings Commands informed the Right Honorable Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury. Thus have I given your Lordships as clear and distinct an Account of these Transactions as I am able.

A Statement of Mrs. Bosomworth’s Case with respect to her services, losses, expenses, and demands of the colony of Georgia, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 11, enclosure A in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

That before the Charter for Establishing the Colony of Georgia Mrs. Bosomworth with her Family was settled on the river Savannah, a small space above where the Town of Savannah now stands, had large Credits from Merchants in Charles Town, South Carolina, and Carried on a Considerable Trafic with the Indians whereby she had already made very large Remittances in Skins, and was moreover Possess’d of a very Good Cowpen & Plantation upon the same River.

That Mr. Oglethorpe’s Arrival with the first Adventures to settle a Colony under the aforesaid Charter gave great uneasiness to the Indians then upon the spot, who threatne’d to take up arms against them. Nor would they have permitted Mr. Oglethorpe & his people a Quiet Possession (as they look’d upon the white People’s settling to the Southward of Savannah River contrary to the Treaty of Peace, enter’d into between the Indians & the Government of South Carolina after the Indian War in the year 1716) had not the Governor & Council wrote to Mrs. Bosomworth (by Mr. Oglethorpe) to use the utmost of her Interest with the Indians for that Purpose and to give the new settlers all the Aid & Assistance their Necessities might require. In Compliance with the request contain’d in that Letter, and from Motives of regard to the British Interest, Mrs. Bosomworth by her Influence, Quieted the Indians; allay’d all Animosity, obtain’d a present Asylum for the Adventures, and in about the space of twelve months, by her steady Adherence and good Offices settled & procur’d to be ratified a Treaty between the Indians & Mr. Oglethorpe in behalf of the Trustees for Establishing that Colony.⁴⁹

That by the Trafic she then carried on with the Indians there was no Impediment to her soon raising a Considerable Intrest. Yet Mrs. Bosomworth could not unmov’d see a Colony (scarce begun) expos’d to the Incursions of the Spaniards & their Indians (the frequent & then late ravages of the frontiers of Carolina) and whose Protection she well knew in their defenceless situation, could only be secur’d by the Friendship and Alliance with the Creek Indians she therefore upon Promises of adequate rewards from the Government Induc’d the Indians who were her Hunters and supplied her with Skins, most Generally to Employ themselves in Expeditions for the Public Service.

That in the Years 1736 & 1737 when Mr. Oglethorpe thought it Expedient to Improve the southern Part of the Province, first by a settlement on the Island of St. Simon’s, and by another settlement (of Scotch People) at Darian on the Altamaha River, the Assistance of the Creek Indians then became of so much greater Importance, as there were advices at that time that Spaniards were making Preparations to Disloge the Inhabitants of this new Colony & the more still effectually to further the Preservation & Growth of the frontier settlements. Mrs. Bosomworth at the Earnest request of General Oglethorpe (buoy’d up by Extensive Promises, & the Large Rewards so signal a Service for the public Welfare would Merit) settled a Trading House on the south side of the said River Altamaha about 150 miles up the same river by water at a Place call’d Mount Venture, the Intention of which settlement was that the Creek Indians, who would be constantly with her there might be an advanc’d Guard to prevent any Incursions of the Spaniards, or Indians in friendship with them, and be always more ready at hand when his Majesty’s Service requir’d their Assistance which throughly Answer’d the Intentions of the Public.

That after the Declaration of war against Spain the service of the Indians were so frequently requir’d that no Benefit could possibly arise from any Trade with them that might induce Mrs. Bosomworth’s stay there, nevertheless so great was her zeal that without the least Prospect of Interest to herself she was daily expos’d at that Settlement, for the public Service, in keeping the Indians upon Excursions, and sending for her Friends & Relations from the nation to go to war whenever his Majesty’s Service requir’d.

That at the time of Mr. Oglethorpe’s first Arrival there being no House or Settlement on the Place except Mrs. Bosomworth’s, She at the request of Mr. Oglethorpe, supplied the new Settlers and other Persons Employ’d on Public Services in their Greatest Wants not only with every thing her Plantation & store afforded but also with Liquor & other Necessari’s, purchas’d on her own Credit from Merchants in Charles Town whereby she Loss’d in bad Debts so Contracted and acumalated the sum of £826 sterling as can be Evidently prov’d from a state of her Books, and has been before amongst other Complaints, set forth & humbly represented to the Government.

That by Mrs. Bosomworth’s Employing in his Maj sty’s service those Indians who used by Hunting, to supply her with Skins (the Chief support of herself & Family) her Trade naturally Decreas’d, and went nearly to ruin, a large Party of them who she prevail’d on assisted his Majesty’s Arms & went to the siege of St. Augustine where many of them were kill’d, particularly her own Brother & other near Relations, By this Incident she greatly suffer’d in the Loss of Indian Debts amounting to several Thousand Weight of Leather for which she never yet receiv’d any satisfaction altho promiss’d it from time to time by Mr. Oglethorpe.

That from the time of settling the Southern Frontier aforementiond Mr. Oglethorpe was continually sending for Mrs. Bosomworth on all Affairs of Consequence with the Indians which expos’d her to many Dangers and Hardships the distance being Great & the Convenience for Passage being only in an open Boat, her own Affairs and Improvements on her Land neglected & running to ruin, being left Intirely to the Management of Servants for Months at a Time. That in the Spring 1739/40 Mrs. Bosomworth had a Large Stock of Cattle at her Cowpen on Savannah River, but General Oglethorpe hearing that her Cowpen Keeper was a very Good Woodsman, in the absence of Mrs. Bosomworth at the Alatamaha Settlement, without her Consent or Knowledge, sent orders to the said Cowpen keeper to go directly as a Guide to a Troop of Rangers who were sent by Land to the Siege of St. Augustine which Orders he durst not to disobey, though sensible of the Loss would be to Mrs. Bosomworth’s Interest, and, as it happen’d the Loss of his own Life; he being kill’d in that Expedition, by which means all Mrs. Bosomworth’s Affairs at Savannah, Stock of Cattle, Improvements etc., which were very Considerable, went intirely to ruin, for which Losses no Satisfaction ever was made, although Constantly & solemnly Promissed her.

In the year 1742 Mrs. Bosomworth’s then Husband, Captain Matthews, being taken sick at her settlement on the Alatamaha she was obliged to bring him from thence (On occasion of proper sustenance and Advice) to Savannah where he soon after died. Her Affairs on account of his Death demanding her stay in Savannah for some Time, The Indians at the Alatamaha were very uneasy and Disgusted that she did not return, and on that Account left the place. The small Garrison that were there being in great want of Provisions & ammunition, a Party of Yamasee, or Spanish Indians came upon them, and after Committing several Barbarous Murthers, totally burnt and destroy’d the settlement and all Mrs. Bosomworth’s Effects became a prey to the Enemy. Which great Loss General Oglethorpe promiss’d her should be made up to her by the Government; he well knowing in Truth that that Settlement was Calculated and made for the sole Benefit of his Majestys Service and the Protection of the Southern Frontier.

That in the Year 1745 Mr. Bosomworth was at the Expence of a Voyage to England in order to Claim the Performance of the various Promises from time to time for a series of years made, or otherwise to apply to the Government in behalf of his Wife but the public Confusion at that Time in England rendering any Private Application to the Government, unseasonable,⁵⁰ he was Obliged to return to America, only with Assurances from General Oglethorpe, that as soon as the then Disturbances were settled, Mrs. Bosomworth might depend upon his Honour for full satisfaction for all her services, and that in the Interim Mr. Bosomworth might draw upon him for any sum not Exceeding £1000 as the Exigency of Affairs might require. This is all the satisfaction Mr. Bosomworth obtain’d in Consequence of that Voyage excepting a Letter to the Commanding Officer then in Georgia; a Copy whereof is annex’d.

In the year 1746 upon the Faith of General Oglethorps Promise, Mr. Bosomworth was induc’d to draw several Bills of Exchange upon him; but the Cloud he was at that time under in respect to his Conduct in the North,⁵¹ render’d him incapable of paying any of them as appears by his Letter dated Whitehall July 16th, 1746 so that the Bills were all return’d upon Mr. Bosomworth with the heavy Charges of Protest etc., amounting to £600 or £700 sterling most of which remains at this Day unpaid.

That Mr. Bosomworth at his own great Expence in the year 1746 made another Settlement on the Alatamaha at a place call’d the Forks about 300 Miles by water up the same river; built a very good Dwelling House, outhouses, a large store and Fortify’d the whole round, against any Attempts of Enemy Indians, with an intent to carry on a Considerable Indian Trade, withal knowing of what Consequence a former Settlement on that river had been to the public welfare of Georgia and upon the Credit of his Bills drawn on General Oglethorpe had receiv’d for that Purpose a Large Cargoe of Indian Goods.

That upon the Arrival of Colonel Alexander Heron in the year 1747 to take the Command of his Majestys Forces in Georgia a General rupture with the Indians was thought unavoidable. He in his Letter the 8th July of that year applied to Mrs. Bosomworth then settled at the Forks to use her Endeavours & Influence to reconcile matters amongst the Indians; & in another Letter so soon after as the 20th of the same Month he informs her that he thought it Expedient to send an Agent to the Creek Nation and earnestly desires her to supply that Agent with such requisites as the Service demanded and also to give the Indians with her then at the Forks (then lately arriv’d there from the nation) such Presents as might Possibly appease them & secure their Friendship.

Accordingly at this Critical Juncture on the earnest solicitation of the said Colonel Heron, Mrs. Bosomworth advanc’d for his Majestys Service sundry Goods out of her own private Store to the amount of £650.15.7-1/2 as appears by a particular Account thereof laid before the proper Boards in England when for Reasons the Commanding Officer himself in the aforemention’d Letter of the 20th July; and in others to Andrew Stone Esquire, deputy secretary of State, it would not have been in his Power otherwise to prevent the dangerous Consequences of a Rupture with the Indians.

That no Consideration whatever would have induced Mrs. Bosomworth at that Time to strip her store of her Indian Goods (upon which the Fate of her Trade absolutely depended) but a firm Attachment to the Welfare of the Colony & the strongest Assurances from Colonel Heron that those Goods should be immediately replaced in her Store at the Forks as soon as ever Conveniencies could be got ready for sending them up the River; and that she might also depend on an Adequate Reward for all the Services done His Majesty.

That Colonel Heron failing to perform his Promise, when the service was perform’d on Pretense there was no Indian Goods in the public store, nor had he Credit to purchase any, obliged Mrs. Bosomworth entirely to abandon that Valuable Settlement, & forego a most Beneficial Traffic with the Indians. Thus her store being Exhausted of Goods, and no skins taken to make remittances for a fresh supply, the Loss she hereby sustain’d was not only in the Goods advanced for his Majestys Service, but for the Buildings, Improvements etc. made at that settlement, and in the great Advantages that must have arose from a Trade there.

That upon the reduction of General Oglethorpe Regiment in the year 1749 the most pressing Application was repeatedly made to Colonel Heron to discharge Mrs. Bosomworth’s Account of Disbursements (By his Order) for his Majesty’s service, by the Detension of which she had most Grievously suffer’d, but all the satisfaction that could be obtain’d was that he had advanced Considerable sums on his own Credit for the public services, had no fund to pay Mrs. Bosomworth, and that he knew of no redress for her sufferings, but by her going to England and applying to the Government for the payment of all Demands & Services.

That Mrs. Bosomworth & her Husband having no Hopes of obtaining satisfaction, otherwise than by going to England and there soliciting Redress, had determin’d to embrace the Opportunity of a Passage in the Transport Vessell sent to Carry home the Disbanded Officers & Soldiers of the Regiment. But their Affairs being unhapily involv’d by having thus sacrific’d their private Interests to the public welfare the Malice and Instignation of some particular Persons who look’d upon themselves concern’d to prevent Mr. & Mrs. Bosomworth’s Voyage to England.⁵² Occasion’d Actions to be so fast brought against them by their Creditors that they Continued Prisoners as it were in the Province. Labouring under every Circumstance of Distress, till May, 1752 at which Time they arriv’d in Charles Town South Carolina with Intent immediately to proceed for England. On there [sic] arrival in Charles Town Mr. Bosomworth & his Wife were prevail’d upon by the Government of South Carolina to undertake a agency to the Creek Nation of Indians which Agency was not Compleated till the Year 1754, at which Time they went for England.

That upon Application in England for the services of Mrs. Bosomworth’s services and Demands were found to be misrepresented by the then late Presidents and Assistants of Georgia so that all the satisfaction obtain’d by this Expensive Voyage (in Cost near £1000 Sterling) was a Commission from the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners for Trade & Plantations directed to the Governor of Georgia, commanding him strictly to examine into the Truth of the Charge & Allegations of each Party and to Report to their Lordships Board his Opinion upon the whole; which Commission has long since been Executed.

That when General Oglethorpe was call’d home in the year 1743, He sent for Mrs. Bosomworth and then paid her £180 in sola Bills⁵³ which with a £20 Bill before receiv’d made £200 on delivering her these Bills. He Gave her a Diamond Ring from his finger with Acknowledgement that he would never forget the service she had done him and the Public, and that the sum he then paid her was not intended for more than a years service, and he hop’d she would be pleas’d kindly to accept of it as all then in his Power to pay her (the Credit of his Bills being stop’t in England) repeatedly Assuring her at Parting, that as soon as his Accounts were audited and paid by the Government she might draw upon him for £2000 Sterling and he would Honour these Bills. This £200 above mention’d is the sum total Mrs. Bosomworth ever receiv’d or Mr. Oglethorpe or any other Commanding Officer in the Province ever paid Her for all personal Services, her Interest with the Indians so frequently and with unabating ardour manifested, Salary as Interpretess (In which Capacity she was always Imploy’d by every Kings Commanding Officer in the Province) and all the various Losses sustain’d in her own private Affairs, and by neglect thereof on his Majesty’s Service, which Losses, Expences, & Damages, in the Premises, moderately Computed have Annually, from the first Settlement of this Colony amounted to the Sum of two hundred Pounds sterling besides the Large Expences of two Voyages to England.

For Demonstration of the Truth of the Facts herein set forth the merit of Mrs. Bosomworths past Services rendered the Crown; the Losses thereby sustain’d, & the Consequence of her present Interest, She humbly refers to the annex’d Letters & Testimonials under the hand of every Gentleman who has had the Command of his Majesty’s Forces in Georgia since the first Settlement of the Colony and if higher Proof is demanded Mr. Bosomworth (on Time given him) has it in his Power to support some of the material Parts of the Case by Living Evidence.

That it was ever his Majestys most Gracious Intention fully to reward his most Faithfull Servants; a Contrary Supposition must be highly Criminal. What a Reward such a number of Years of Mrs. Bosomworths past Life, and Advance of her Fortune in his Majestys Service; at the frequent Hazzard of her Life and manifest Neglect of her own Affairs, even to ruin, may Justly intitle her to, is in Appeal to your Candid Disquisition, and the whole humbly Submitted to your most serious Consideration

Thomas Bosomworth

Savannah
23 July 1759.

A statement of Mrs. Bosomworth’.s account of her services performed, sums disbursed, and sums received, while serving Georgia, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 12, enclosure B in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

Dr. His Majesty’s Service in the Province of Georgia with Mary Bosomworth p Contra

N. B. There is no Charge made of the Losses sustained in her Trade by employing her Hunters in the Infant and defenceless State of the Colony on his Majesty’s Service. The great Losses sustained by accumulated Debts of the first Inhabitants, Nor the losses sustained in the Improvements of her Lands etc. Loss of her Stock of Cattle by her Cowpen keeper being ordered to the Seige of Augustine without her Consent or Knowledge, all which is submitted to your Excellency’s Consideration.

It is to be observed that the Sundries received out of the Public Magazine were not for Mrs. Bosomworths private Use but to be distributed to the Indians for his Majesty’s Service. And though she stands charged with the same in the public Books She had no other advantage therein but the Labour Fatigue and Trouble of Distribution.

Agreement between Chiefs of Upper and Lower Creek Nations deeding Ossabau, St. Catherines, and Sapelo Islands to Georgia, along with Indian land at Savannah, April 22, 1758, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, enclosed with Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

PROVINCE OF GEORGIA

We the Micos, Chieftains, Captains, Warriors, the Assembled States of the Upper and Lower Creek Nations, Sole Owners and Proprietors of the Islands Ussabaw, St. Catherine & Sapala, and of a certain Tract of Main Land from a place called Pipe Makers Creek to the Boundaries of the Town of Savannah in Front, and all other Lands on the River Savannah commonly known by the name of the Indian Land; Do hereby declare, and make known to all Manner of People, that in Consideration of the great Love and Esteem we bear the English Nation, and of the many Presents and other Favours we have from Time to Time received from them. We the said assembled Estates have granted and for ever quitted and resigned, And hereby Do for ourselves, our Subjects, and Vassals grant, and hence forth for Ever quit, and resign unto the Great King George, All those the aforementioned three Islands called Ussabaw, St. Catharine, & Sappala, and Tracts of Main Land lying as before described, together with all the Timber and other the Appurtenances any way belonging to all or any Part or Parts of the said Islands and Main Lands. To hold those our aforesaid Lands, and Territories with all the Priviledges and Dignities to the same in any Manner appertaining unto the said King George, his Heirs, and Successors. And We the said Assembled Estates do hereby for ourselves, our Subjects and Vassals release resign and for ever give up unto the said King George all Claim whatsoever to the aforesaid Islands and Main Lands hereby granted, and to all other Lands and Territories by Us or our Ancestors heretofore granted and made over to the said King George, or any of his beloved Men, or by them treated for, at or since the first Settlement of the Colony of Georgia. And we do in like manner revoke, and disclaim all former Gifts, Grants, or Sales made of all or any Part of the Lands and Territories herein mentioned under any pretended Right or Title whatsoever. In Confirmation whereof We the said Micos, Chieftains, Captains & Warriors have hereunto set our Hands, and Affixed our Seals at the Macklasses the 22d April 1758.

Witness

Pallachocola May the 1st 1758.

Witness

Joseph Wright

Georgia

Register of the Records Office. Recorded in Book C folio 504 the 29th September 1760 & Examined per

James Whitefield D., Registrar of the Records

Deed executed between Governor Henry Ellis of Georgia and Thomas and Mary Bosomworth to settle all disputed matters between them, July 24, 1759, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 13, enclosure C in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

Whereas the said Thomas Bosomworth having long since made and Sollicited certain Claims and Demands on the Crown, as well on Account of certain Services done and performed by the said Mary his Wife for the said Province of Georgia relative to Indian Affairs during the Government of the late Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia as also respecting certain Islands known by the Names of Usseba, St. Catharine, and Sappalo, alledged by the said Thomas Bosomworth to have been granted to him and his said Wife by the Indians, which Islands have lately been ceded to the Crown by Solemn Treaty made with the Creek Indians. And Whereas for satisfying and discharging the Demands of the said Thomas Bosomworth for the Services of the said Mary his Wife and also for all Claims and Demands whatsoever by them made on the Crown, it hath been proposed by his said Excellency Henry Ellis Esquire the Governor by and with the Advice of his said Majesty’s Council to pay and allow unto the said Thomas Bosomworth the Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds as herein after mentioned in full payment and satisfaction for the said Services and all Claims and Demands whatsoever.

And also in Consideration of his having settled and improved the said Island of St. Catharine to make out his Majesty’s Grant to him of the same. And whereas the said Thomas Bosomworth being willing to accept of the said Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds in full payment and satisfaction as aforesaid and in Consideration thereof to grant and convey all Right and Title by him or the said Mary his Wife claimed to the said Islands as also to certain other Land called Indian Land near the Town of Savannah and also to Release and Discharge the Crown of all Claims and Demands whatsoever for the said Services or otherwise howsoever. Now therefore for carrying the Premisses into Execution, It is agreed by these Presents and by and between the said Parties thereto That the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife, shall in the first Place, as soon after the signing of these Presents as conveyances shall be tendered to them execute in due form of Law proper and Sufficient Conveyances of all and singular their Right and Title of any they have in and to the said Islands and all other the Lands by them claimed from the Indians unto or to the Use of his Majesty his Heirs and Successors, and also a Release and Discharge of all Claims and Demands whatsoever for the said Service of the said Mary Bosomworth or otherwise howsoever. And that thereupon the said Governor and Council for themselves and their Successors Do hereby agree to pay or cause to be paid unto the said Thomas Bosomworth the Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds as soon as the same shall be raised by the Sale of the said Islands Usseba and Sappalo provided they shall produce that Sum, if not then such part of the said Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds as the Purchase Money for the said Islands shall amount to. In Witness whereof as well the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife as the said Governor and Council have hereunto set their Hands and Seals the Day and year above written.

Deed for St. Catherine’s Island executed between Governor Henry Ellis of Georgia and Thomas and Mary Bosomworth to settle all disputed matters between them, April 19, 1760, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 13, enclosure D in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

This Indenture made the nineteenth day of April in the thirty third Year of the Reign of his Sovereign Majesty King George the Second and in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty Between Thomas Bosomworth of the Island of St. Catharine in the Parish of St. John in the Province of Georgia, Clerk, and Mary his Wife of the one Part and his Excellency Henry Ellis Esquire Captain General and Governour in Chief of the said Province of the other Part. Whereas by certain Articles of Agreement bearing date the twenty fourth Day of July one thousand seven hundred and fifty nine and made between the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife of the one Part and the said Henry Ellis Esquire Governor in Chief and the Members of his Majesty’s Council of the said Province of the other Part reciting therein.

That Whereas the said Thomas Bosomworth had long since made and Sollicited certain Claims and Demands on the Crown, as well on Account of certain Services done and performed by the said Mary his Wife for the said Province relating to Indian Affairs during the Government of the late Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia, as also respecting certain Islands known by the Names of Osseba, St. Catharine and Sappalo alledged by the said Thomas Bosomworth to have been granted to him and his said Wife by the Creek Indians, which Islands had then lately been ceded to the Crown by Solemn Treaty with the said Creek Indians. And that whereas for satisfying and discharging the Demands of the said Thomas Bosomworth for the Services of the said Mary his Wife, and also for all Claims and Demands whatsoever by them made on the Crown it had been proposed by his said Excellency Henry Ellis Esquire the Governor, by and with the Advice of his Majesty’s said Council to pay and allow unto the said Thomas Bosomworth the Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds as therein after mentioned in full Payment and satisfaction for the said Services and all Claims and Demands whatsoever. And also in Consideration of his having setled and improved the said Island of St. Catharine to make out his Majesty’s Grant to him of the same. And that Whereas the said Thomas Bosomworth being willing to accept of the said Sum of two thousand one hundred Pounds and his Majesty’s Grant of the said Island of St. Catharine in full Payment and satisfaction as aforesaid and in Consideration thereof to grant and Convey all Right and Title by him or the said Mary his Wife claimed to the said Islands, as also to certain other Land called Indian Land near the Town of Savannah. And Also to Release and discharge the Crown of all Claims and Demands whatsoever for the said Services or otherwise howsoever.

And it was by the said Articles further agreed by & between the said Parties thereto That the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife should in the first Place, and as soon after the signing the said Articles as Conveyances should be tendered to them; execute in due form of Law proper and sufficient Conveyances of all and singular, their Right and Title in and to the said Islands and all other the Lands by them claimed from the Indians unto, or to the Use of his Majesty his Heirs and Successors and also a Release and discharge of all Claims and Demands whatsoever for the said Services of the said Mary Bosomworth or otherwise howsoever.

And that thereupon the said Governor and Council for themselves and Successors did agree to pay unto the said Thomas Bosomworth the Sum of two thousand and one hundred Pounds so soon as the same should be raised by the Sale of the said Islands of Osseba and Sappalo provided they should produce that Sum. If not, then such Part thereof as the purchase Money for the said Islands should amount to, As by the said Articles reference being thereunto had will more fully and at large appear. And Whereas the said Islands of Osseba and Sappalo have since been sold at Public Vendue to the best bidder for the Sum of two thousand and fifty Pounds only; Now this Indenture Witnesseth that in Pursuance of the said Articles and for finally determining putting an End to, and extinguishing all Right and Title and all Colour and Pretence of Right of the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife in and to the said Islands and a certain Tract of Land called Indian Land.

And also in Consideration of the Sum of two thousand and fifty Pounds Sterling Money of Great Britain being the Sum for which the said Islands of Osseba and Sappalo have been sold as aforesaid to them the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife or one of them in hand paid by the said Henry Ellis at or before the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents in full Payment and Satisfaction of the said Services of the said Mary Bosomworth and of all Claims Pretensions and Demands whatsoever of them the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife and which they or either of them hath, or pretend to have on the Crown in any manner whatsoever or howsoever, the Receipt of which said Sum of two thousand and fifty Pounds the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife do hereby acknowledge and thereof and therefrom do hereby acquit and discharge the said Henry Ellis his Heirs Executors & Administrators. They the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife Have granted, Bargained, Sold, aliened, released and confirmed and by these Presents Do and each of them doth grant, bargain, Sell, alien, release and confirm unto the said Henry Ellis (in his actual Possession now being by Virtue of a Bargain and Sale to him thereof made by the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife by Indenture bearing Date the Day next before the Day of the Date of these Presents for one whole Year commencing from the Day next before the Day of the Date of the same Indenture for the Consideration of ten shillings therein mentioned and by force of the Statute for transferring Uses into possession) and to his Heirs and Assigns All those the aforesaid Islands of Osseba and Sappalo situate, lying, and being on the Sea Coast within the Limits of the said Province And also All That Tract of Land extending Westward from the Town of Savannah to Pipe Makers Creek in the Province aforesaid commonly called and known by the Name of the Indian Land, together with all Woods, Underwoods, Timber and Timber Trees, Lakes, Ponds, Tithings, Watercourses, Profits, Commodities, Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Islands and Land called Indian Land belonging or in any wise appertaining, and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders thereof. And all the Estate Right, Title, Interest, Property Claim, and Demand whatsoever of him the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife or either of them of in and to the said Islands and Land called Indian Land and all and Singular other the Premisses hereby granted and Released or hereby intended so to be with their and every of their of their Appurtenances unto the said Henry Ellis his Heirs and Assigns To and for the only proper Use and Behoof of his Majesty King George the second his Heirs and Successors for Ever, and to and for no other Use Intent, Trust, or Purpose whatsoever.

And this Indenture further Witnesseth that for the Considerations aforesaid and also in Consideration of his Majesty’s Grant of the said Island of St. Catharine unto the said Mary Bosomworth and her Heirs to be made out and passed immediately after the Sealing and Delivery of these Presents. They the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife for themselves their Heirs Executors Administrators and Assigns Do and each of them Doth hereby release, acquit, and for ever discharge his said Majesty King George the second his Heirs and Successors of and from all Claims, Pretensions, and Demands whatsoever on Account of the Services heretofore done and performed for the Crown by the said Mary Bosomworth or by the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife or either of them in any manner however or of any other Matter or thing of what kind or nature so ever. And the said Thomas Bosomworth for himself and for the said Mary his Wife their Heirs Executors and Administrators and for every of them doth hereby Covenant promise and agree to and with the said Henry Ellis his Heirs and Assigns by these Presents in manner following that is to say that it shall and may be lawfull to and for his said Majesty his Heirs and Successors and all and every Person and Persons claiming under him or them from henceforth for ever peaceably and quietly to have hold and enjoy all and singular the Islands Lands and Premisses hereby granted and Released or intended so to be with their and every of their Appurtenances without any Let Suit Trouble or Interruption whatsoever of or by the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife their Heirs or Assigns or of or by any other Person or Persons whatsoever lawfully claiming by from under or in Trust for him or them.

And Also that he the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife and their Heirs and all and every other Person and Persons lawfully claiming any Estate Right Title or Interest of in or to the said herein before granted and Released Premisses by from, under or in Trust for him or them shall and will at any Time or Times hereafter within the space of five Years next ensuing upon the reasonable request and the proper Costs and Charges in the Law of his said Majesty his Heirs or Successors make, do, and Execute all and every such further and other lawfull and reasonable Act and Acts Thing and Things Conveyances Releases and Assurances in the Law whatsoever for the further better and more perfect and absolute granting conveying and Assuring all and singular the said hereby granted and Released Hereditaments and Premisses with their Appurtenances unto the said Henry Ellis his Heirs and Assigns To the Use of his Majesty his Heirs and Successors as aforesaid as by the said Henry Ellis his Heirs and Assigns or his or their Council learned in the Law shall in that Behalf be reasonably advised or required. In Witness whereof the said Parties to these Presents have Interchangeably set their Hands and Seals the Day and year first above Written.

Thomas Bosomworth
Mary Bosomworth

Sealed and Delivered
In the Presence of

James Habersham    
William Clifton        
Chas. Watson           

I, Mary the Wife of the within named Thomas Bosomworth, do declare that I have freely and without any Complusion signed Sealed and delivered the within Instrument in Writing passed between the said Thomas Bosomworth and the said Mary of the one Part, and his Excellency Henry Ellis Esquire of the other Part. And I do declare renounce all Title or Claim of Dower that I might claim or be intitled to after the Death of sd Husband to or out of the Lands or Hereditements hereby conveyed. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal the Day and year first within written.

Mary Bosomworth

Acknowledged before me

Chas. Watson, J.P.

Received the Day and year first within written of the within named Henry Ellis the sum of two thousand and fifty Pounds being the Consideration money within mentioned to be paid.

Thomas Bosomworth

Witnesses

James Habersham

Willm Clifton

Chas Watson

Georgia

Register of the Record Office

Recorded in Book C Folio 501 the 29 Day of September 1760 and Examined.

Per Jas Whitefield, D. Regist of ye Records.

Copy of Indenture between Governor Henry Ellis of Georgia and Thomas and Mary Bosomworth to settle disputed matters between them, April 18, 1760, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, enclosed in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

This Indenture made the eighteenth Day of April in the thirty third Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the second King of Great Britain, France and Ireland and etc. And in the Year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty Between Thomas Bosomworth of the Island of St. Catharine in the Parish of St. John in the Province of Georgia, Clerk, and Mary his Wife of the one Part and his Excellency Henry Ellis Esquire Captain General and Governor in Chief of the said Province of the other Part.

Witnesseth that for and in Consideration of ten Shillings of lawfull Money of Great Britain to the said Thomas Bosomworth in hand paid by the said Henry Ellis before the Sealing and Delivery thereof the Receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged They the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife Have granted bargained and Sold and by these Presents Do and each of them Doth grant bargain and sell unto the said Henry Ellis his Executors Administrators and Assigns All those the Islands of Osseba and Sappalo situate lying and being on the Sea Coast within the Limits of the said Province of Georgia And Also All that Tract of Land extending Westward from the Town of Savannah to Pipe Makers Creek in the Province aforesaid commonly called and known by the Name of the Indian Land together with all Woods Underwoods Timber and Timber Trees, Lakes, Ponds, Fishings, Waters, Water Courses, Profits, Commodities, Hereditaments and Appurtenances whatsoever to the said Island and Land called Indian Land belonging or in any wise appertaining and the Reversion and Reversions Remainder and Remainders thereof To have and to hold the said several Islands of Osseba and Sappalo and the said Land called Indian Land and all and singular other the Premisses herein before mentioned or intended to be hereby granted bargained and Sold with their Appurtenances unto the said Henry Ellis his Executors Administrators and Assigns from the Day next before the Day of the Date of these Presents for and during and unto the full End and Term of one whole Year from thence next ensuing and fully to be compleat and Ended.

Yielding and Paying therefore unto the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife their Heirs or Assigns the Rent of one Pepper Corn only To the Intent that by Vertue of these Presents and of the Statute for transferring Uses into Possession the said Henry Ellis may be in the Actual Possession of the hereby bargained and sold Premisses and all and singular other the Premisses herein before mentioned or intended to be hereby bargained and Sold with their and every of their Appurtenances and every Part and Parcel thereof and may be enabled to accept and take a Grant and Release of the Reversion and Inheritance thereof to him and his Heirs To the only proper Use and Behoof of his Majesty his Heirs and Successors for ever.

In Witness whereof the said Parties have to these Presents interchangeably set their Hands and Seals the Day and Year first above Written.

Sealed and Delivered in the Presence of

Thomas Bosomworth (Seal)

Mary Bosomworth     (Seal)

James Habersham

William Clifton

Charles Watson

Account of money received by the sale of certain Indian lands and islands, received and read January 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 14, enclosure E in Governor Ellis’ June 27, 1760, letter to the Board of Trade.

Memorial of Pickering Robinson⁵⁴ to the Board of Trade July 7, 1760, Savannah, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 15, setting forth his claim to certain lands in Georgia which are included in the tract sold for making satisfaction to the Bosomworths.

Humbly Sheweth

That whereas, in or about the Month of April 1755, your Petitioner, in Pursuance of his Claim before the Governor and Council of the said Province, did obtain Fiats for his Majesties Grants of three several Tracts of Land, containing Five hundred Acres Each, near the Town of Savannah, being part of a Tract called Indian Land which your Petitioner had begun to cultivate.

That, before the making out of said Grants, Caveats were entered in behalf of Thomas Bosomworth, Clerk, and Mary his Wife, who claimed Title to the said Indian Land against any Grant being made out thereof. That your Petitioner nevertheless continued to cultivate the said Tracts, and soon after, having Occasion to leave the Province, did committ the Care of his Plantation to Overseers, who, under your Petitioners Direction did proceed in the Cultivation thereof, and large Improvements have since been made thereon.

That your Petitioner in May last past did return to the said Province where understanding that said Bosomworth, had withdrawn the said Caveats, all matters having been adjusted between him and the Crown. Your Petitioner did thereupon apply to the Governor and Council for making out his Majesty’s Grants for the said Tracts, agreable to the Fiats before issued. When your Petitioner was informed that the said Indian Land was by his Majesties Instruction to the Governor directed to be sold, together with certain Islands, Ossaba and Sapella, for the Satisfying the said Thomas Bosomworth for certain Services done and performed for the Crown by the said Mary his Wife, and that the said Islands had accordingly been Sold for Two thousand Pounds of Lawfull Money of Great Brittain, which had been paid him in full for those Services and the said Thomas Bosomworth and Mary his Wife had thereupon released the Crown from all Claims and demands whatsoever.

And Your Petioner was likewise informed that there being no Exception or Reservation made in the said Instructions of such part of the said Indian Land as had been settled and Improved, no Grant therefore could be made to your Petitioner of his said Tracts untill his Majesties Pleasure was known therein.

Your Petitioner therefore most humbly prays Your Lordships to take into Consideration the Promisses, and, in as much as your Petitioner has with great Labour and Expence improved the said Tracts, it would be a very great hardship to him if obliged to purchase his own Improvements.

That Your Lordships would vouchsafe to procure His Majesties Instruction to the Governor or Commander in Chief of the said Province directing him to cause his Majesties free Grants of the said Tracts to be made out to your Petitioner.

Copy of an Order in Council, Aug. 10, 1759, Kensington, received May 21, 1760, by the Board of Trade and read July 8, 1760, C.O. 5/647, D. 16, confirming two acts passed in Georgia in Feb. and March, 1758.

Whereas by Commission under the Great Seal of Great Britain, the Governor Council and Assembly of His Majestys Province of Georgia are Authorized and empowered to make constitute and Ordain Laws Statutes and Ordinances for the Publick Peace Welfare and Good Government of the said Province; Which Laws Statutes and, Ordinances are to be as near as conveniently may be agreable to the Laws and Statutes of this Kingdom and to be transmitted for His Majestys Royal Approbation or Disallowance. And Whereas in pursuance of the said Powers, Two Acts were passed in the said Province in February and March 1758, and transmitted, Entitled as follows. Vizt:

Which Acts, having been perused and Considered by the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations, and by them presented to His Majesty at this Board as fit to be confirmed; His Majesty was this day pleased, with the Advice of His Privy Council to declare His Approbation thereof. And pursuant to His Majestys Royal Pleasure thereupon expressed; The said Acts are hereby confirmed, finally enacted and ratified accordingly. Whereof the Governor or Commander in Chief of His Majestys said Province of Georgia, for the time being, and all others, whom it may concern, are to take Notice, and Govern themselves accordingly.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, July 10, 1760, Georgia, received Aug. 27, read Nov. 17, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 4, giving an account of the success of his endeavors to prevent the Creeks from joining the Cherokees.

My Lords

In my last of the 7th Ultimate I mentioned to your Lordships, the Murders which had been recently committed in the Creek Country, and the steps we then took in consequence of them, which have happily succeeded so far, as to put a stop to further Violences; but considerable Mischief has arisen from the apprehensions of the people, who upon that occasion, abandoned their Plantations to seek for places of more safety, and thereby Neglected their Crops. But even those are daily returning to their Settlements as their fears Subside.

I have had a great deal of Correspondence with the head Men of the Creek Nation upon the Subject of those Murders. They still insist that it was a Mad affair, in which very few were Concerned, intreat us not to blame a whole people for the Crimes of a few; profess the same regard for us as heretofore; and suggest, that it might be prudent at this time, not to insist on the Murderers being delivered up, lest those rash fellows should be drove to greater lengths.

In answer to which, I have declared my belief of their sincerity and friendship for us; my disinclination to shed the Blood of the Indians, or have any quarrel with them, insisted however, upon the necessity of punishing those Vilains, who had endeavoured by so cruel an outrage, to dissolve our Ancient friendship; but I leave the punishment due, to be inflicted by the Creeks themselves and I have intimated that upon their behaving properly, and affording proofs of their disapprobation of what is past, they would entirely recover our Confidence and Esteem. I reminded them of their Engagements with us, and endeavoured to Convince them, that our Moderation is the effect of our regard to our Treaties, especially that, which I made with them; wherein it is stipulated, that the two Nations should not go to War with each other, for what the Mad People of either might Do, untill no hopes were left, of obtaining redress in a friendly way.

This My Lords is the only course we could take with prudence; for it is certain, that, had we specifyed the Nature and Extent of the satisfaction we expected, and they refused to give it, we must either have retracted, and exposed our inability, or insisted on those terms, which must inevitably have plunged us into a Cruel War; from whence, every bad Consequence might be apprehended. Whereas upon the present plan, we may either allow, or object to the sufficiency of the satisfaction they offer, according as Justice, and our Circumstances may require. After all, whether we shall be able in spite of the efforts of the French, and the inclinations of the Creeks, to hinder them from assisting the Cherokees, is very uncertain; and may greatly depend upon the Success of Colonel Montgomerys Army, which is now in the Cherokee Country.⁵⁵ In the mean time there are some favourable appearances, which encourage us to hope, things will not grow worse, at least, for some time. The Traders who escaped the Massacre are daily arriving here, and at Augusta with Peltry, a considerable share of the Effects of the deceased, has been collected, and some white people still remain in the Creek Country unmolested.

It is now a question difficult to be decided, which is most eligible, the stopping, or permitting Supplys to go again into the Nation. In my own Judgment, both Courses may be dangerous; but I think the former the most so; as the advantages accruing to the Indians from their Traffick with us, is one principal Cause of their adhering to us at any time. And should we deprive them of that, now, I think they would not hesitate, to Join our Enemies. On the other hand, if the Trade is renewd, it may furnish them with the Means of Annoying us more effectually, should their professions of Attachment be insincere. However, in order to gain time, and avoid as much as possible the Evils that threaten in either Case, I have sent an Agent to the Nation, who is to represent to the Creeks, that the Traders are afraid to venture their persons, or the Merchants their Goods amongst them, And to lessen their fears, I have thought of an Expedient which I hope the Nation will embrace, which is this; that a head Man, shall (by National Consent) be chose out of every Town to take charge of the Traders, and their Effects and who shall hereafter, be answerable to the English Governors for them and in Consideration of the faithful discharge of this Trust, Promise a Reward to such head Men respectively every Year and that we will receive all Talks from their Mouths, and distribute the Kings Presents through their hands. Should this regulation take place, and we think proper to avail ourselves of it, it may prove a real Security to the Traders; and, in time, Establish such an Authority, and Subordination among the Indians, as may render the Management of them less difficult than heretofore. At all events, it may divert those Savages from taking any sudden resolution to our prejudice, and we will hope that, as the danger increases in this quarter some effectual measures will speedily be taken for our Security, especially as I have made General Amherst fully acquainted with the defenceless State of this Colony, and the footing we are upon with our Neighbours.

There remains but to assure your Lordships that I have with great diligence and zeal done, and shall continue to do, everything in my power for the Kings Service and the good of my Country.

P.S. 15th July.

I have just received Advices of the 28th Ultimate from the Creek Nation, informing me, that the Indian Embassadors which I sent there at the breaking out of the present troubles were well received and listend to. The French Captain at the Albama Fort assembled the Creek head Men immediately thereupon, and used every Argument to persuade them to break with the English and Join the Cherokees, but with no effect. The Creeks said it was wrong to press them upon this subject, and endeavour to plunge them into New Troubles, at a time, when they were in a fair way of accommodating those, which they were already involved in.

Henry Ellis to William Pitt, July 10, 1760, Georgia, received Aug. 29, 1760, giving an account of the success of his endeavors to keep the peace with the Creeks and to punish the renegades for murdering traders in the nation.⁵⁶

P.S. I must observe to you Sir, that as the real weakness of this Colony is now generally known, and experiences, which by great Management had been Concealed; it is not probable that it will ever be properly settled, or indeed, that any Persons of real Property will come, or continue in it, unless some effectual Measures are taken for putting the Province in such a state of defence, as not to be at the mercy of its Savage Neighbours.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Aug. 25, 1760, Georgia, received Nov. 24, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 5, transmitting a schedule of laws recently passed and other public papers with observations upon two of the said laws.

My Lords,

My last Letter to your Lordships was dated the 10th Ultimo, and comprehended an Account of the then Situation of Things here, which in respect to the Indians, have since undergone little or no Change.

By the Friendship, Captain Ball, your Lordships will receive the several public Papers and copies of Laws, specified in the Schedule inclosed herewith: The reasons for framing the generality of those Laws, are recited in their respective Preambles, which renders my repeating them unnecessary. There are however, two amongst them, that may require some Remarks of mine; as their Objects are partly the same with two Laws passed heretofore in this Province, which have been repealed. I mean the Jury Act, and an Act for the more easy recovery of small Debts.

The Objections of Sir Matthew Lamb,⁵⁷ to the former of these, as set forth in your Lordships Representation to his Majesty of the 21st February 1759, are, I apprehend, in a great measure obviated, in the present Jury Law. The 1st by making Housekeepers and Traders of Property eligible to serve on Petty Jurys, altho’ they should not be possessed of the quantity of Land required as a Qualification, in the former Act. The 2d by shortning the Time between the ballotting for Jurors, and holding of the Courts. The 3d By fixing the Qualification of a Grand Juror, greatly above that of a Petty Jury Man. And as to the fourth Objection, it is entirely removed.

In respect to the second of these Acts, That has likewise undergone so considerable an Alteration, as renders it hardly the same Thing. The Sum triable in the Courts of Request has been lessened; the Number of Freeholders who are to assist the Justices in the trial of such Causes, are increased, so as to be equal to a Jury. An Appeal to the General Court is admitted, when the Matter in Litigation exceeds the Value of three Pounds Sterling; And these Courts are to be held but four times in a Year.

I must with submission, beg leave to observe to your Lordships upon this Act; That it is extremely necessary for the Relief of the poor Inhabitants of this Province, who can very ill afford to pay the exorbitant Charges with which the ordinary Proceedings of the Law are attended; no more than the Expences of Travelling from the Distant parts of the Country to Savannah & supporting themselves while they are detained here, which usually amounts to twice the Value in Dispute; to which may be added, the Loss and Inconveniencies these People suffer upon such Occasions by being so long Absent at such a distance from their Affairs and their Families. And really My Lords, I humbly conceive, that the Settlers in new Country’s, especially, upon so dangerous a Frontier as this, ought to have all manner of encouragement and Indulgence given them, as an equivalent for the Risks they run, and the many hardships they labour under. And I persuade myself Your Lordships will not think that a regard to the Emoluments of the Officers of the General Court, should be put in competition, with the case, and prosperity of a whole Colony.

As soon as the Business of the last Session of Assembly was finished, finding it would be very agreable to the Members, and the People in general that a Period should be put to it, I dissolved the general Assembly, and issued Writs for the calling of another, returnable the 18th Instant. When the new Elected Members met accordingly; were qualified, and the House was adjourned to the 25th November next, as no Affair of Moment required their Sitting at present.

In Regard to other Matters, I do not recollect any thing worth mentioning on this Occasion, save, that while we continue unmolested by the Enemy, We are doing our utmost to put the Country in the best State of Defence our Circumstances will allow. A very good Logg Fort is built at Sunbury; another is constructing at Barrington; two are building on the River Ogechee, and at the North East Angle of this Town one is built at the Public Charge, of two hundred feet square, regularly laid out with four Bastions; in each of which, is a Tower mounting four Cannon; the whole Work is as defencible and substantial, as our Materials of Wood and Earth can make it. At the North West Angle, I have, at my own Expence (the Colony being at present unable to do it) built another Fort, which has cost me upwards of four hundred Pounds Sterling. This, is 120 feet square, flanked with four Bastions also, and a Tower is raised in the Center, mounted with four Cannon. Upon the two other Angles of the Town, We have Erected Block-Houses, each capable of bearing three Cannon, picquetted round; Which are likewise very tenable. Whether We shall have Occasion to avail ourselves of these Works cannot be foreseen. Certain it is, however, that they render us more Respectable in the Eyes of the Indians than we were; and have served to abate considerably the Apprehensions of our Own People.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Sept. 5, 1760, Georgia, read Nov. 26, 1760, C.O. 5/648, E. 6, respecting the present state of Indian affairs in reference to the conduct of the Creeks and Cherokees.

My Lords

The last Letter I had the Honour to Write to your Lordships was of the 25th past, it contained an Account of the Posture in which our Affairs stood at that Time, and tho’ very considerable Alterations have since taken Place in the neighbouring Province by the Retreat of the Army under Colonel Montgomery, and the Surrender of Fort Loudon and its Garrison to the Cherokees, Yet I do not observe that these Events have had any Influence upon our Affairs hitherto.⁵⁸ The Creeks still remain quiet, not withstanding the French and the Cherokees cease not earnestly to Sollicit those Indians to enter into the War against Us. The last Advices which I received from their Country were of the 7th Ultimate and appeared rather favourable than otherwise.

The Cause of our Traders being Murdered there in May last, is now pretty well known; and is said to be this: The Efforts We had made to engage the Creeks in a War with the Cherokees were attended with such Effects as afforded Us the greatest hopes of succeeding therein; and alarmed the French to that degree, that they found there was a necessity of exerting themselves in an extraordinary Manner to prevent it. The best Expedient that occurred to them for this Purpose, was it seems, to induce some of their particular Creek Friends, to Massacre our Traders in the Towns near the Albahma Fort, in full Expectation, that a Proceeding so atrocious, Could not fail of producing a Rupture between those Indians and Us. They had Interest enough to carry the first part of their Plan into Execution; but by the Assistance of our Friends in the Nation, and the Moderate Conduct We pursued here; the fatal Consequences which might naturally have been expected from so cruel an Outrage, at so Critical a Time, have been thus far prevented, and our Enemies disappointed.

The Agent which I sent to the Creek Country last Month with a View to recompose Matters there, to Urge the Justice & Necessity of punishing the Murderers, and endeavour to obtain some Security for the Persons and Effects of the Traders who might hereafter go thither, has been well received by the head Men; And is to have a Meeting the 10th Instant with the Deputies of that Nation, whereat my Talk will be delivered, and the Resolution of that People thereon declared. Tis a great Pity that we cannot at this Juncture invite those Deputys down here, where every thing could be settled at once, and much better, than by Means of any Agent; Which however, our Want of Goods to bestow, and Funds to Maintain those Indians while here, renders impossible. In the Mean Time, those Savages seem concerned for what has past, and take a good deal of Pains to collect from the different Towns the Effects of the deceased; the greatest part whereof is already recovered and sent down. And a Principal Indian who was Charged with having abetted the late Murders, in Order to vindicate himself, went out against the Cherokees lately and returned to Augusta with one of their Scalps the 20th Ultimate. We likewise learn, that the generality of the Chactaws, are disposed to live in Friendship, and keep up a Correspondence with Us. The Traders who went last to their Nation are arrived in the Creek Country with profitable Returns, escorted by many Chactaws; but the French have been endeavouring to Play the same Game in that Nation, as amongst the Creeks; for they prevailed on some of their Adherents to cut off a Pack Horse Man belonging to the Chactaw Traders.

This Circumstance, and the unsettled State of Things with the Creeks, may discourage our People from Venturing that Way again suddenly. All these Mischiefs have proceeded from our War with the Cherokees; and as long as it continues, I shall not think the Professions of Attachment, made to Us by the other Tribes of Indians, much to be depended on; for the French have made them surprizingly Jealous of the Power, and Ambitious Views of the English, insomuch, that there seems to be a secret Combination of all the different Nations of Savages upon this part of the Continent, to prevent any further encrease of our Power, and to protect themselves against what we already possess; for they are made to believe We intend exterpating the whole Race, Tribe, after Tribe.

This and many other weighty Considerations, make me very Sollicitous that an Accommodation should be brought about speedily between the Cherokees and Carolina, but the high Spirit of that Government, will not, I imagine, condescend to avail itself of an Expedient which I think might be devised for that Purpose, through the Channel of some of our Creek Friends. Governour Bull seems very capable, and well disposed to restore the Peace of these Parts was he at Liberty to follow his own Judgement, which I suspect he is not, however Your Lordships will be better informed from him, than me, of the true State of these Matters.

Henry Ellis to the Board of Trade, Oct. 20, 1760, Georgia, read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 8, containing an account of Indian affairs, the arrival of Lt.-Gov. James Wright, and his intention to sail to Europe via New York.

My Lords,

The 5th of last month I did myself the honour to write to your Lordships the occurrences of this Place, and my thoughts upon them. Since then, I have rece’d accounts from our Agent and other white People in the Creek Country, importing, that those Indians still behaved with much civility towards them; and repeatedly declared their desire to live in Peace & friendship with us: They Acknowlege satisfaction is due for their past murders; but, our best Friends continue to advise us, not to be peremtory in demanding it at present. Not the guilty should repeat their attempts to involve the two nations in a War, in order to screen themselves from punishment. This seems to us good council, and such as the weak and defenceless state of the Province will compell us to follow.

In a former letter I acquainted your Lordship’s that the French had instigated some Chactaws to murder a Pack Horseman belonging to the Traders, who went to that Country last Summer. They flattered themselves that this outrage would effectually interrupt our Corrispondence with those Indians; but it has had a contrary effect, for some of our Chactaw Friends, joined by many Creeks, lately attacked those murderers, near Tombegbie Fort, & slew two of them, but were prevented Scalping more than one, by the French firing upon them. ⁵⁹ This Scalp was brought to me a few days agoe by a principal Chactaw Chief, accompanied by several head men of his nation. At a conference I had with them upon that occasion, they presented the scalp and a white wing to me, intreated that I would accept them as an atonement for the Man we lost in their Country, and receive the Chactaws again into our Friendship, that the Trade with the English might be open to them as heretofore. They strongly urged the expediency, and practicability of dispossesing the French of Louisiana, and declared, that when our Troops should attempt it, the Majority of their Nation would rise & join them.

To all which, I gave very satisfactory answers, tho’ couched in general terms; I promised that our People should have full liberty to carry plenty of Goods to the Chactaws, but I particularly remarked, that as the Creeks lay between them and us, and might when they pleased stop the Path, & destroy our Traders, so it greatly behoved the Chactaw Nation to guard against such a proceeding, by signifying in a formal manner to the Creeks, (as those Indians did to the Cherokees at the commencement of the present troubles) that if they molested or interrupted our Traders, the Chactaws would resent in a hostile way. This advice they greatly approved of, and promised to communicate faithfully to the head Men of their Country, to whom they were of opinion it would be mighty agreeable. When this discourse was ended, I entertained them with much kindness and respect; made them handsome Presents, and engaged them to visit Governor Bull, to whom they are now going, and who, I doubt not, will make good uses of them.

I am now to acquaint your Lordships that Lieutenant Governor Wright arrived the 3d Ultimate at Charles Town, and the 12 Instant at this Place. I am much pleased with him, for he seems to be a very capable & worthy man, and I dare say, will conduct the Affairs of this Government in the best manner. I have very honestly done him all the Service in my power, as well from inclination as duty. I imagine he will find the interior concerns of the Province, in full as good a situation, as could reasonably be expected. And tho’ I think the Colony still on a very ticklish footing with regard to the neighbouring Indians, yet I conceive they may by prudent management be kept quiet, at least for some time.

Mean while, I cannot help expressing my surprize that his Majestys Southern Provinces should be suffered so long to continue exposed as they are, considering the vicinity, dispositions & power of the French, and the Savage Nations connected with them, in this Quarter. Surely my Lords ‘tis disgraceful to us, that whilst our Arms are every where prevailing over the Forces of the most formidable state in Europe, a few Tribes of barbarians, are murdering the Kings Subjects, and ravaging his Provinces in America, with impunity. From my soul I wish such inattention may not be productive of the most mischievious consequences. In hopes to convince General Amherst that my apprehensions are not ill-founded, and if posible to engage some Assistance for this Province before it is too late, I purpose going home by and seeing him at New York. The Voyage is not what I would chuse to make at this season of the year, as it must necessarily be attended with some danger, expence, and great inconvenience to me. But these I shall disregard, as our People desire it, and I think it may be for his Majestys Service.

Since I began this Letter about 50 Creek Indians arrived here with a National Talk (as ‘tis call’d) conceived in the same favourable strain with my other Advices from their Country. As I intend leaving the Province in a few days I judged it best not to enter upon any business with them, expecially as some days after these Indians left their Country, I had sent to invite the head-men of their Nation down to Savanah. I have therefore only Introduced the Lieutenant Governor to them and said, what I thought would give them the most favourable impressions of him, and reconcile them to my departure, which they pretended to be concerned for. Should the Creek head-men come down, as I imagine they will, it will for a time interrupt their intercourse with the Cherokees, excite the jealousy of these Indians and in the opinion of the best judges here, answer many other very useful purposes. Thus my Lords have I related every thing material, relative to the Affairs of this Province, that now occurs to me; those of the next, which continue pretty nearly in the same state as when I last touched upon them, I conclude Governor Bull has made your Lordships particularly acquainted with. There remains therefore upon this occasion, only to return your Lordships my most sincere and hearty Acknowlegements for procuring me his Majestys royal Licence to return to Europe, an indulgence which I stood in great need of.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, Oct. 23, 1760, Savannah, read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 9, acquainting the Board of his arrival, of the apparent danger the colony is in, and the necessity of speedy succor.

My Lords

I have the Honour to Acquaint your Lordships that I Arrived here the 11th instant. Governor Ellis to whom this Province is much Indebted, and Who has undoubtedly great Merit, has with great Candour given me the fullest Information he Could with respect to the State and Condition of the Country, Which I take Liberty to assure your Lordships almost Literally Corresponds with the Memorial I had the Honour to Lay before your Lordships Soon after my Appointment, and the more I See, and the more I hear, the More am I Convinced of the Necessity of Immediate Succour, and of the Continuance of Some Troops, even after the Present Difficulties are Surmounted, and dangers over. Your Lordships must be already so fully Apprized of the Situation, Numbers and Power of the Creek Indians, and of the Exposed Condition, and Real Force of this Colony that it is totally Unnecessary, and Would be intruding on your Lordships time to Say more. The Success with which it has Pleased God to Crown His Majesties Arms in the North Part of this Continent, I am very hopefull will Soon Leave them at Liberty, at Least to Put this Southern Frontier in a State of Security, Without which, in Spite of every Effort it must Decline.

Governor Ellis talks of Leaving this in a few days, when I shall begin my Administration, and as Soon as time will Permit make a Report to your Lordships of Matters as they now Stand. It only Remains to Assure your Lordships, that every Measure Shall with Vigilance and Activity to the Utmost Extent of my Poor Abilities, be Exerted, for the Protection and defence of this Province, the Support of His Majesties Interests and Authority, and the good and Prosperity of the Inhabitants.

Sir Mathew Lamb’s Report to the Board of Trade, Dec. 2, 1760, Lincoln’s Inn, received Dec. 2, 1760, read Jan. 8, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 16, on acts passed in Georgia in 1759 and 1760.

My Lords

In Pursuance of Your Lordships Commands Signified to me by Mr. Pownall’s Letter wherein you are pleased to Desire my Opinion in Point of Law upon the following Acts Passed in Georgia in 1759 and in 1760 I have Perused and Considered the same (vizt.)

Upon Perusal and Consideration of the before mentioned Acts I have no Objections thereto in Point of Law.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, Dec. 23, 1760, Savannah, read Feb. 20, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 17, giving an accounting of the Creek Indians, the number of the colony’s troops, the great want of other troops to assist them, and presents for the Indians.

My Lords

On the 23d of October last I had the Honour to Acquaint Your Lordships with my Arrival here, the 11th of that Month. Mr. Ellis left this Town the 2d of Nov.; Immediately After Which my Commission was Published. The General Assembly met the 3d of November Agreeable to an Adjournment of Mr. Ellis’s, and Proceeded on Business untill the 2d of this Month when they were Adjourned to the 12th of January. It gave me great Satisfaction to find by Addresses, and Congratulatory Messages from all Quarters of the Province, that my Appointment to this Government was Extremely Agreeable & Pleasing to the whole Province, and doubt not but I shall Continue in the Same degree of Esteem & Respect Shewn me at the beginning, If a diligent Pursuit of every Measure that Occurs to me as Conducive to his Majesties Service & the Welfare of the Province in general will Effect it.

In my last I mentioned that as soon as time would Permit, I Should make a Report to Your Lordships on the affairs of this Province as they now Stand, but I’m afraid it will not be in my Power My Lords to be so full & Clear as I ought, not having had Sufficent Leisure to See, Consider & determine, in the Manner I Could Wish to do, having had down with me since Mr. Ellis went away upwards of 140 Creek Indians, two Parties of 60 odd & a Smaller and Many of them being Head Men & Warriours of Considerable Weight & Consequence in the Nation, they took up much of my time & attention, in order to come at the Clearest & best knowledge of their designs & Intrigues with the French & Cherokees & to Convince them as far as Possible how much it is their Real Interest to Continue in Peace & Friendship with the English and in giving them Proper Written Talks to Carry up with them into their Nation. But they are so Poisoned & Corrupted by the French at Mobile & the Albama Fort That altho’ they Acknowledged they were Clearly Convinced that they Could not Subsist without our assistance, and the whole in general gave the Strongest Assurances of their Friendship & good disposition & went Away Perfectly well Pleased and Satisfied. Yet while the French are Suffered to remain so near them, all that can be done at this distance is Soon Counteracted & rendered of little use or Weight in the Nation.

My Lords not to take up your time unnecessarily, The True State of the Creeks is Briefly and Clearly this. The French & Cherokees have used every Art Possible to Prevail on them to Join in the War against us, and there is 2 or 3 very leading Men of the Creeks who have Cherokee Women for their Wives, and who are Avowedly & Professedly in the French & Cherokee Interest, and have Raised a Pretty Considerable Party, by which Means the Creek Nation is divided, Part for Joining against us, and Part for Continuing at Peace. Some of the Elderly & more Cool & Sensible are for Peace, but others of them who are Corrupted by the French with the above Party & a great Many of the young Warriours are for Joining against us, and to which the young People are Strongly excited that they may have an Opportunity of Acquiring the only kind of Reputation Valuable amongst Indians, I mean that of Scalping, and things are at this Moment in the most Critical Situation. If the Cherokees Should have any further Success in Carolina, or if they are even Suffered to Continue as they are, much longer, without being Attack’t & Chastised for what they have done, I am Pretty Clear that our Enemies Amongst the Creeks will Prevail, The Consequence of which to this Province in Particular, I need not Trouble Your Lordships to Repeat.

Our whole Strength at this day is as Follows, & no more: Two Troops of Rangers of 70 Men & 5 Officers Each; Three Regiments of Militia; one at & about Savanah and on the Neck between Savanah & Ogechee Rivers, Containing 582 Including Officers, Alarm men, & Superannuated; one at Augusta & Parts Adjacent now Containing at most 120, & one about Medway & the Southward Containing 193, so that there is 896 Militia, & Officers & all Included & 150 Rangers, and this my Lords is the whole Present Strength of the Country. Let it formerly have been as it Might, there is no more now, having Just received the most Exact & Correct returns in the Power of the Colonels to make, and Perhaps not half, or, I may rather Say, a Quarter Part of these to be in any Sort depended on in time of Real Danger, but would run away into the next Province out of Danger. I have indeed Omitted to Mention the detachment from the Carolina & Independent Company’s amounting to 50 Effectives, and this leads me My Lords to Mention the Absurd Footing this Handfull of Independants are upon, most of them are doing duty on St. Simons in the Extreme South Part of this Province, and yet are under the Immediate Order & Command of the Governor of So. Carolina, at least Claimed to be so. There is Something so inconsistent & so very Improper & inconvenient to his Majesties Service in this, that Certainly it can only Want to be known to your Lordships, to be rectified and with great Submission my Lords it Seems most requisite that these three Companys Should be Stationed in the Frontier Country, and under the direction of the Governor of this Province, & not of Another. And what Troops may be necessary for South Carolina might be Part of a Regiment. I humbly hope that if Your Lordships think it Expedient that we Should have Some Troops or assistance here, you will be Pleased to Represent the same, and that the gross absurdity with respect to the Command Will be rectified.

I shall my Lords as Soon as I have time & the Season of the year will Permit to Cross the Swamps & Rivers, take a View of the Country across from Savannah River, our North Boundary, to Fort Barrington on the Alatamaha River, the Present South Boundary, and shall then trouble your Lordships with Such observations as may Occur. But [I] begg leave now my Lords to Mention the Narrow Extent & Confined South Limits of this Province, and I must observe that as the Indians Claim to Hold all the Lands above the Flowing of the Tides which Lyes on our backs Westward, on all the Rivers Except Savanah, we are hemmed in to very Small Bounds, as I believe they do not Flow above 30 Miles, and the greatest Part of which is already taken up, so that no great Encrease of Inhabitants of any Consideration can be Expected, unless His Majesty shall be Pleased to declare that all his Territories & Dominions to the Southward of the River Alatamaha shall be a Part of this Province, and to give Instructions for granting Lands there to his Majesties Subjects.

In General Oglethorpe’s time Notwithstanding, the Province was Bounded & Circumscribed as at Present, yet he always Claimed & held the Lands as far as St. Juans, & a Fort was Built & garrisoned at the South End of Cumberland Island, Which is the Inlet that go’s up to the River St. Maries [Mary’s]. And he then Claimed & held Marks of Possession on Amelia Island & as far as St. Juans. And With great deference, I Presume my Lords That only declaring as above and Authorizing the Governor to grant those Lands Would answer all Ends; & His Majesties Subjects Would Extend their Settlements gradually to the Southward, and in Such manner as would give no Umbrage to Spain, Which Probably an Express Settling of Limits or Bounds Might at Present do. Possibly this may be Premature, but my Zeal to Promote his Majesties Service & the better Settling of this Province, will not Suffer me to omit making Some Mention of this, as it Evidently Appears to me to be the most Effectual Method of drawing Inhabitants to this Frontier Country, because all or very near all the Land between the River Savanah & the Alatamaha on the Sea Coast, that is good for anything or worth Settling, is already taken up untill you go a Considerable Way back into the Country, as far as where the Indians Claim and further. As things are Circumstanced at Present we cannot Attempt to go, unless his Majesty Shall be Pleased to Order a Purchase to be made from them, & then by granting Such Lands, Settlers Would be Encouraged to come. But unless the Province is Extended further South beyond the Alatamaha, or to the West by Purchase from the Indians, I see no great Probability of any Considerable Acquisition of Inhabitants.

My Lords I shall conclude this Part of my letter by assuring your Lordships that you have here a very Just Sketch of the Present State & Condition of this Province. How it may have been in Fact heretofore, or how it may have Appeared to Other gentlemen, & have been Represented to your Lordships, I know not, but if there be any Material difference between this & former Accounts given your Lordships, I can only Say, that on the best Information Possible to Come at, thus things Appear to me at Present. And my Lords pray give me Leave once more to Repeat that Nothing can Effectually Strengthen & Secure this Province against the Creeks & Chactaw Indians, & give us Peace here, but the Reduction of the French Settlements at the Southward Especially Mobile & the Albama Fort and without which we shall ever be disturbed & in danger.

The having Such a Number of Indians with me, who came down with high Expectations on an Invitation from Governor Ellis to receive Presents Sent them by His Majesty & those Expectations Raised by my being a New Governor on which Occasion it is always Customary to give them Something more than usual. These Circumstances together with the very Troublesome & Ticklish Situation the Indian affairs are in, Just now, Obliged me to make them more Considerable Presents than I Would Otherwise have done, and which has Sunk deep in those I brought out.

The Expence of Maintaining them, Mending their Guns, &c, as usual, Amounts to a Large Sum. I find the Province greatly Indebted on the Article of Indian Expences, which alone to the 24th of this Month without any one Article of Other Contingent Expences of the Government greatly Exceeds the Same in Mr. Martyns hands Granted by Parliament for the Contingent Services till June next. So that that Sum is Exhausted already, and Governor Ellis was under a Necessity of drawing on Mr. Martyn for the £250, reserved by him for defraying the Expence of distributing the Present I brought out before he went Away, so that my Lords I have not a Shilling to defray the Necessary Contingent Expences of the Government from June 1760 to June 1761, that Sume being Part drawn for & the Ballance not Sufficient to Pay the Account of Indian Expences already incurred by at least an £100 nor a Shilling to pay the above Balance of £100 on the Indian Account already due, nor a Shilling to Defray the further Expence of the Indians that may Come down from this day forward, & which must be very Considerable if they Continue to Come this Winter, & which Nothing can Prevent, but their declaring War against us. So that my Lords you See in what a State this Part of our Finances are at Present.

Governor Ellis left in the Store Presents of the Value of from £250 to £300; great Part of which & Many of those I brought out are already disposed of and as I Expect a great Number of Creeks here, and which as I have Said Nothing can Prevent but a War. Those Presents I have will be Soon gone. And I shall be reduced to the greatest Straights & difficulty for as they have been long told Presents were Coming from the great King. Therefore every one that comes down, will Expect Something, Especially on the first Visit. So that I must Entreat your Lordships that a Supply may be very Speedily Sent out, as there never was more Necessity for keeping the Creeks in Temper than now, as we have not Sufficient Force to Oppose them and they are not to be reasoned With or Satisfied like Other People. But if they have not Presents & are not Well Entertained when they come hither, they Will go Away disgusted, and its difficult to Say what may be the Consequence. I hope your Lordships Will See this matter as I do, and be of Opinion that an Immediate Supply is absolutely Necesary. I have with the Commissary Stated a Memorandum by Way of direction to Mr. Martyn what things to send out, and what Part to reserve for defraying the Expence already incurred & to be incurred.

It has been Intended that the Seat of Government Should be removed from hence to Ogechee. But my Lords, with Submission, I do not See the great Utility of Such a Measure, for this Place is the most Convenient Situation for the Indian Trade, and there are now Some Considerable Improvements in the Town, and Many People so well Settled that even if Such a Measure was to take Place by far the greatest Part of the Inhabitants would Continue here where we now draw no inconsiderable Trade & Supplies from Carolina, which I Conceive would be lost to this Province, if the Seat of Government was to be removed. The few People there is would be too much divided & Scatter’d about, and if your Lordships should be of opinion that the Tract of Land to the Southward of the Alatamaha Ought to be declared a Part of this Province, then I humbly Conceive Some Spot or Place much further South than Ogechee (Which is but 14 Miles in a direct line from hence) will be more Central & Proper for a Seat of Government than the Place Called Hardwicke, and Which may take Effect Sometime hence when the Country is better Peopled. Your Lordships will Pardon my Throwing this out, as it is a thought amongst Others, on a general Consideration of what may be most for his Majesties Interest & the Welfare of this Province.

Inclosed your Lordship Will receive a Copy of an address Sent to me by the assembly the 20th of last Month. This money meant in that Address is a Balance in Governor Ellis’s Hands Amounting to I think near £600 Sterling and my Lords if this Sume might be Applied to the Purchase of Negroes for his Majesties Service, as desired by the Assembly, I really think it Would be a very good thing. By that Means all or most of the Fortifications & Public Works would be kept in constant repair, which Otherwise will be always going to Ruin & decay, or be a Continual Charge to the Province, which they Cannot bear. The Materials of which all the Present Works are made being of no duration, and nothing but Posts, Plank, Fascines⁶⁰ & Sand, Continually Rotting, decaying & falling down. Whereas if there was a Number of Negroes Purchased, they might in time make all the Forts etc. on any River with Tabby (a Composition of Lime, Sand, & Oyster shells, which in a very Short time Cements & becomes like a Solid Natural Rock) which would last for ages & be really defensible, & they Would also keep the Other Forts where these Materials are not to be had in good repair.

I am under a Necessity of Laying this matter before your Lordships, agreeable to the Address, and begg leave to add that if it may be granted, it will undoubtedly be of great Utility to the Province in doing many very Necessary Works & things, which the Poverty of the People will not allow them to do, and it would also Encourage them to Contribute more Liberally Towards the Other necessary Expences of Government, and Extricating the Province from their debts and Incumbrances. I have not yet had time to Examine the different Laws for Raising & Issuing Money & to make an Exact inquiry into the State of our Finances which I find in very bad Order & every Fund or Means of raising Money Mortgaged & incumbered for Some time to Come and this Governor Ellis found it necessary to do, and I See I shall be Obliged to Continue the Same Method much against my Opinion & Inclination. But what can be done where there is in general such Wretched Poverty & an absolute Necessity of raising money on the most urgent Occasions, even for Immediate defence & Preservation. I shall in my next Endeavour to Lay before your Lordships as Clear a State of our Finances as I am able to Form, which the Constant Hurry & Fatigue I have hitherto been in, renders it Impossible for me to do by this opportunity.

I Cannot Conclude my Lords without requesting your Lordships interposition for 150 Swivel guns with a Proper Quantity of Shot, I suppose 20 rounds might do as we can also use Musket Bullets in them. These would be Extremely usefull in our Little Forts & Block Houses here, & make them very defensible against Indians. I believe my Lords great Numbers of these Guns Lye useless & almost thrown Away from the Ships in the Kings yards and if a Number of them Could be sent over here, they would be of infinite Service & no Expence or Loss to the Crown, as I really believe on inquiry t’will be found they are of no use at home & Lye spoiling in the Kings yards. With respect to the Silk Culture, that is over for this year, it being all sent home & the Accounts Settled before I came here, and I Suppose Governor Ellis wrote your Lordships relative thereto. I will Endeavour in my next to Send your Lordships an Exact account of all the White Inhabitants in this Province and also of the Blacks.

Address of the Assembly to Lieutenant Governor James Wright, Nov. 20, 1760, Savannah, received with Wright’s letter of Dec. 23, 1760, read Feb. 20, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 18, asking that Wright intercede with the Board of Trade to use the money from the sale of the Yamacraw Indian land to purchase Negroes to maintain the colony’s defenses.⁶¹

May it Please your Honor,

The Commons House of Assembly, having Taken into Consideration the incapacity of their Constituents to raise such Large Sumes as will be wanted for Erecting & keeping in Constant repair the Fortifications necessary for the defence of this Province, with a view to relieve them from a Part of this Burthen, Humbly begg that your Honor will be Pleased to use your Interest with the Honorable Board of Trade, that they may intercede with his most gracious Majesty that the Money which hath arisen from the Sales of the Lands to the Westward of the Town of Savanah Commonly known by the Name of the Yammacraw Bluff, may be Appropriated to the use of this Province and Vested in Negroes to be Employed in Carrying on & keeping in repair the Fortifications & Other Public Works.

Signed Grey Elliott, Speaker.

J. West, Treasury Chambers, to John Pownall, Board of Trade, Jan. 7, 1761, London, received and read Jan. 7, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 7, asking that the Board prepare and lay before the House of Commons an estimate of the civil establishment of Georgia from midsummer 1760 to midsummer 1761.

Sir

I desire You will acquaint the Lords Commissioners of Trade and plantations, That the Chancellor of the Exchequer hath received his Majesty’s Commands That their Lordships should prepare and lay before the House of Commons, an Estimate of the Expence attending the Colony of Georgia from the 24th day of June 1760 to Midsummer 1761.

Order in Council, Jan. 16, 1761, Court at St. James, read March 10, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 19, instructing Georgia’s governor to reissue royal grants to possessors of land between Pipemakers Creek and Savannah originally issued by the Trustee.

Whereas there was this day read at the Board, a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and plantations dated the 13th of this Instant, Setting forth that Henry Ellis Esquire Governor of His Majesty’s province of Georgia hath transmitted to them an Account of his proceedings in the Execution of His late Majesty’s Instruction dated the 9th of February 1759, by which he was Authoriz’d for the Reasons and purposes therein set forth, to make Sale of the two Islands of Ossata and Sappalo, and of a Tract of Land lying between the Town of Savannah and Pipemaker’s Creek, containing about Four thousand Acres which the Creek Indians ceded to His said Majesty in April 1758.

And that it appears by that Account, That the said Governor found almost the whole of the said four Thousand Acres to be in the actual possession of several Persons who by Virtue of Allotments made by the late Trustees of Georgia, settled there in 1752, and have continued to Cultivate and improve the said Lands ever since; That conceiving that it could not be the Royal Intention that Lands so occupied (tho’ not excepted in the said Instruction) should be sold, he therefore forbore giving any Disturbance to the present Possessors; On the contrary he thought it his Duty to recommend them as fit Objects of the Royal Favour and protection, humbly hoping that His Majesty upon consideration of particular Circumstances will be graciously inclined to confirm to them severally their respective possessions.

And as the said Lords Commissioners entirely agree in Opinion with Mr. Ellis as to the Reason and Equity of the Indulgence which he recommends, They therefore propose that His Majesty would be graciously pleased by His Royal Instruction to Authorize the said Governor to give and grant, by Patent, in the usual Form, under the publick Seal of the Colony to each and every Person possessing any Lands between the Town of Savannah and Pipemakers Creek by virtue of any Allotment or Grant from the late Trustees the Quantity of Land whereof he is so possessed, subject to the payment of such Annual Quit Rent as is prescribed by His late Majesty’s Instructions to the said Governor.

His Majesty taking the said Representations into Consideration was pleased with the Advice of His Privy Council to approve of what is therein proposed, and to order, as it is hereby ordered, that the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and plantations do prepare a Draught of an Additional Instruction proper to be sent hereupon to the Governor or Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s said Province of Georgia, and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board for His Royal Approbation.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, Feb. 20, 1761, Savannah, read April 22, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 23, acquainting them of ceremonials used to mourn the passing of late King George II and of his reprieve of a person under sentence of death until his new majesty’s pleasure is known.

My Lords,

On the 5th instant I had the Honour to receive your Lordships letter of the 31st October Inclosing an order from the Lords of His Majesties most Honorable Privy Council, Notifying the Death of our late most gracious Sovereign, and directing me to Proclaim the high and Mighty Prince George, Prince of Wales, King of Great Britain, France & Ireland, defender of the Faith, Supreme Lord of the Province of Georgia, and all Other his late Majesties Territories & Dominions in America. Also his Majesties Warrant Authorising me to make use of the old Seal untill a new one is Prepared, also four Printed Copys of his Majesties Proclamation Continuing all officers in the Plantations Civil & Military, untill his Majesties Pleasure Shall be further Signified, also his Majesties Instruction, Containing his Royal directions for an alteration in the Prayers for the Royal Family, and by which letter your Lordships are Pleased to direct me to return a Speedy Account of my Proceedings thereon.

In Obedience to which I have the Honour to Acquaint your Lordships that I immediately gave Orders for assembling as many of the Men belonging to his Majesties Troops of Rangers as could be Spared from their Posts near Savanah, also the Savanah Regiment of Militia, and the Inhabitants in general within a Reasonable distance. I also ordered Minute Guns to be fired from nine to Twelve OClock on Monday, and on Tuesday the 10th Instant.⁶²

His Most Sacred Majesty King George the Third was in the most Solemn Public and Respectfull manner Proclaimed in Savanah at the Council Chamber, at the Market Place, and in Fort Halifax, under a Triple discharge of Canon & Musketry, and in Presence of a Considerable Number of the Inhabitants, and I Sent Orders with Proper directions for Proclaiming his Majesty at Sunbury, at Frederica, and at Augusta. His Majesties Proclamation for Continuing all Officers was Published, and sent to be Published at the above Places, an Order likewise Issued for Enforcing his Majesties Instruction for Altering the Prayers for the Royal Family, and Which will be duely Observed in all Parish Churches & other Places of divine worship throughout the Province. I have with the Council Taken the Oaths to his Present Majesty, and shall take care that all others do so in due time. By the Returns made to me His Majesty was in due form Proclaimed at Sunbury and at Frederica on the 14th Instant and at Augusta on the Seventeenth Instant.

There is no Material alteration with Respect to the Sate of Affairs here, Since I had the Honour to write to your Lordships of the 23rd of december, which I have just read over, and beg leave to Confirm & refer to, in every respect. Since that I have had upwards of an 100 more Creek Indians with me, many of them of very great Note, the Wolfe King a very Considerable Man in the Creek Nation, & some others I Prevailed on to go from hence to Charles Town, where seeing the Troops that are come from the Northward, & some Mohawk Indians I hope will make a good Impression. ⁶³

More are daily Coming, which Exhausts the Presents very much, & is Attended with a Vast Expence in Entertaining them, Mending their guns, Saddles etc., which they Expect, have always been used to, & will not be Satisfied without. And Therefore my Lords I humbly hope your Lordships Will be Pleased to Recommend a Speedy Supply of Presents etc. as they Will really be much wanted before they can Possibly Reach my Hands. Our Situation is Extremely Critical. I know Numbers of the Creeks have Meetings with the Cherokees in the woods between the two Countries and enter into Engagements & Promises to Join & assist them. I know also that many are Actually Amongst the Cherokees, and Join in the Massacres. 2 Soldiers were lately killed & Scalp’t in sight of Fort Prince George, by Fellows who spoke the Creek Language. My Lords the Nation as I have said is greatly divided we have Some Friends amongst them, but many more Enemies, yet as I am well Acquainted & know how to deal with those sort of Creatures I hope I shall be able to keep things quiet till his Majesties arms shall have Leisure to Operate at the Southward, which will give us Effectual Peace & Security, but no Man can Promise or Engage with intire Certainty in the Situation I am, who have such Perfidious wretches to deal with, but My Lords it is in my Power to Engage and assure your Lordships that every Possible Measure Shall be Pursued by me for the Safety and Prosperity of this Province, and which your Lordships may rely upon.

The State of our Finances & Number of Inhabitants and Negroes I have in Part Prepared, but not Sufficiently Clear to Transmit to your Lordships, but shall very Soon with the Journals. Since my Arrival, on the 29th of last month Mr. William Butler one of his Majesties Council in this Province dyed and Mr. Charles Pryce who was some time ago Appointed, has by letter declined Accepting of that Honour, so that there is now two Vacancies in the Council, of which Agreeable to my Instructions I take the Liberty to Acquaint your lordships and to Recommend Grey Elliott, Clement Martyn, James Read, James deveaux, Elesha Butler & Edmund Tannatt Esquires who I Esteem the best Qualified for that Trust. With respect to Mr. Martyn my Lords I understand he was formerly in the Council, and Suspended by Mr. Reynolds. How that matter Stands & the Reasons for that Suspension your Lordships best know. Mr. Read was also formerly Named of the Council but I believe not Summoned to Attend, and as I have mentioned those two Gentlemen again, I think it incumbent on me to declare to your Lordships that they appear to me as far as I can Judge, to be Sensible, discreet, well bred Men, and their Characters Extremely good & fair.

My Lords at the Court of Oyer & Terminer held in december last one Richard Swan was found guilty of Murder & a Sentence of Death Passed on him; but the Jury Recommended him to the Court, and desired the Court to Recommend him to me as an object of Mercy, upon which & hearing & Considering the Circumstances of this Case, I thought fit to Reprieve him untill his Majesties Pleasure be known therein, and of which with all Submission I now Acquaint your Lordships, and have the Honour to be with the Utmost respect My Lords.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, Feb., 1761, Savannah, read May 19, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 24, transmitting an address from Wright and the Council to His Majesty on his accession to the throne.⁶⁴

My Lords

Having wrote your Lordships very lately with a return of my Proceedings on the Order for Proclaiming his Present Majesty, I have nothing Material to Offer, but beg leave to refer your lordships to those letters.

With this I take the Liberty to inclose to your Lordships an humble Address from myself & the Council to his Majesty, which in all humility & Duty we Could Wish to have Presented, if your Lordships think it Proper. If this should have been Transmitted to one of his Majesties Principal Secretaries of State, I humbly Beg Pardon for Troubling your Lordships, and hope you will be Pleased to order it in the right Course.

Order in Council, March 7, 1761, Court at St. James, received and read April 1, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 21, approving the Board of Trade’s representation for Wm. Grover, Chief Justice, William Clifton, Attorney General, and James Habersham, Secretary of the Colony of Georgia and directing warrants to be prepared.

Upon reading this day at the Board a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations dated the 11th of this Instant, proposing that William Grover, Esquire, Chief Justice of the Colony of Georgia, William Clifton, Esquire, Attorney General, and James Habersham, Esquire, Secretary of the said Colony, all of whom His late Majesty was pleased to appoint to those Offices, may be continued in the said Offices respectively by His present Majesty’s Royal Appointment. His Majesty in Council approving thereof, is pleased to Order, as it is hereby Ordered, that the said William Grover, William Clifton, and James Habersham Esquires be continued in their said Offices respectively. And that the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations do cause the usual Warrants to be prepared for that purpose and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board, for His Royal Approbation.

Order in Council, March 20, 1761, Court at St. James, received and read April 1, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 20, approving the Board of Trade’s representation that James Wright be appointed Governor of Georgia and directing a commission and instructions to be prepared.

Upon reading this day at the Board a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations dated the 17th of this Instant proposing that James Wright Esquire the present Lieutenant Governor of His Majestys Province of Georgia may be appointed Captain General and Governor in Chief of that Province in the room of Henry Ellis Esquire. His Majesty in Council approving thereof, is pleased to order as it is hereby ordered, that the said James Wright be constituted and appointed Captain General and Governor in Chief of His Majestys said Province of Georgia, in the room of the said Henry Ellis. And that the said Lords Commissioners do prepare a draught of a Commission, and likewise a Warrant for passing such Commission under the Great Seal; and that they do also prepare Draughts of Instructions for the said James Wright, and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board for His Royal Approbation.

Order in Council, March 20, 1761, Court at St. James, received and read April 1, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 22, approving the Board of Trade’s representation that Gray Elliot be appointed a councillor in Georgia and directing a warrant to be prepared.

Upon reading this day at the Board a Representation from the Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations dated the 17th of this Instant Setting forth that Gray Elliot Esquire hath been recommended to them as a Person well qualified to serve His Majesty as a Member of the Council in the Province of Georgia, and therefore proposing that he may be appointed of His Majestys Council in the said Province. His Majesty in Council approving thereof, is pleased to order as it is hereby ordered, that the said Gray Elliot Esquire be constituted and appointed a Member of His Majestys said Council in the Province of Georgia. And that the said Lords Commissioners for Trade and Plantations do cause a Warrant to be prepared for that purpose, and lay the same before His Majesty at this Board for His Royal Approbation.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, April 15, 1761, Savannah, received July 23, 1761, read Sept. 3, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 27, containing the present state of the colony’s paper currency, Indian affairs, and other matters.

My Lords,

In the last I had the Honour to write to your Lordship I Proposed to Transmit a State of our Finances here. The Several Emissions of Paper Money made in this Province, and now Passing Current appears to me as Follows, Vizt. Governor Reynolds on the 17 of February 1755, Passed an Act for Establishing a General Loan to the Amount of £7000 Sterling to be lent out to the Inhabitants on Good Security, for a Term not Exceeding Seven years on Interest at 6 per Cent per annum, the Interest to be Paid Annually, and one fourth to become Principal and be let again, and Appropriated at the end of Seven years towards sinking the Principal, and the other 3/4th to be Reserved to his Majesty for the use and defence of the Colony, and in Consequence of this Act, but before it had his Majesties Approbation in Governor Reynold’s time was Issued the

And the Same Law Provides for Sinking this Money⁶⁵ in the Following manner vizt, to sink the £300. for repairing the Church, the money Arising on Tavern Licences is Applied. This Sume may be Annually about £60 and to Sink the £100. for Building the Magazine, the Powder Money is Applied. This Amounts to about £50 per Annum and is Mortgaged or incumbered till Towards the End of the year 1762. And for Sinking the £288.18.11 for Repairing the Light House they Appropriate the Fund or Money Arising by the Impost on Shipping which amounts to from £35. to 40 per Annum so that there is £4422.16.0-1/2 Issued under the general Loan Act, which is to be sunk Partly by Calling in the money let out at Interest, and Partly in the manner herein mentioned and from which it Appears how far our Revenue is Mortgaged & incumbered.

There is also a Law Passed the 24th of April 1760, for Raising £1100. for putting the Town of Savanah in a better state of defence, which is to be sunk in 5 years by a General Tax on Lands & Negroes, £220 each year, so that besides the general Annual Tax for the Support of the Province, there is a debt of £220 per Annum for 5 years and also an Annuity of £50 per Annum to Governor Ellis for a Purchase made of him and I much fear I shall be under a Necessity of going on in the same way, I mean by Raising Money for Purposes of defence etc. and to be Sunk annually by Future Taxes, and that the debt or incumbrance will rather be increased, but this I will avoid if it be Possible. And from this State of our Currency your Lordships See that the whole Sume for the Medium of Trade & all other Purposes whatever only amounts to £5522.16.0-1/2 Sterling, Part of which is Called in & sunk every year, and the whole if Continued is by no means a sufficient Sume, as our Trade increases, and whenever our Indian Affairs, & some other matters formerly mentioned are settled I am clear that both Trade & Inhabitants will increase very Considerably. And this My Lords leads me to Mention the Act Passed the 1st of May 1760 for Issuing £7410. Sterling, which Recites the several former Emissions, & Directs the time & manner of Calling in & Sinking the aforesaid £4422.16.0-1/2. This Act my Lords now Lyes at Home for his Majesties Royal Approbation, and altho’ Possibly your Lordships may have Objections to it, yet my Lords unless it is Confirmed, we shall be Reduced to the Utmost Dilemma, for the former Law Expires the 17th of February next, and on this, tho’ it never received his Majesties Approbation, does the above Sume depend & circulate, and unless I receive your Lordships directions on this head, and what I may assent to, in case his Majesty shall not be Pleased to Approve of the former Act, we shall really be involved in very great difficulties. Inclosed your Lordships have a Copy of an address I lately received on this Subject, and which I beg Leave to say seems a Matter of great Concern to this Province, and I very Sincerely Wish your Lordships would be Pleased to think Favourably of it.

By the most Exact Account I can get the whole Number of white Persons Men Women & Children, now in the Province Amounts to about 6100 & not more, and the Blacks to about 3600, this latter is Agreeable to the Return of the Tax for the year 1760. And with this I send your Lordships the Journal of the Proceedings of the Governor in Council from the 2nd of October 1759 to the 8th of November 1760. The Journal of the Assembly I now send down to the 12th of January last, and the next will begin with the Proceedings of the new assembly, which only met on the 24th of March, & the Council Journals 22 October 1759 to 15th July 1760.

The Indian Affairs Continue much as when I had the Honour to write last, but it is really a most difficult Task to keep things quiet with them. I believe my Prevailing on the Wolfe King to go to Charles Town had a very good Effect, for at his return, he Seemed greatly Struck at Meeting with some Mohawks & their Conversation, also with seeing the Troops from New York. I Received a Talk from all the Kings Head Men and Warriours in the upper Creek Nation the 29th Ultimate with Fresh assurances of their Peaceable disposition, and that no Mischief shall be done, at least not with the knowledge or Approbation of the Head Men, who are all determined to keep Peace with us, and for that End had sent down some of their Chiefs to desire it might be renewed Strengthened & Continued. These People make 371 that have been with me Since Mr. Ellis went away. I have for Some time Past been Considering of the State of the Indian Trade, and see many inconveniencies that are like to Attend the Present Method, as there are too Many Licences granted by which Means several indiscreet and improper Persons go amongst the Indians and Many abuses and Irregularities are Committed, but I think very Soon to lessen the Number of Licences which will Confine the Trade in fewer hands, and by whom under proper restrictions I hope it will be Conducted with more discretion and Safety to the Public.

We had a very forward Spring with fine Moderate weather Which brought on the Mulberry Trees Surprizingly early, and the Silk Worms were in general hatched and in all Appearance a very great Prospect, but on the 5th & 6th Instant there was Excessive Cold, Blasting Winds, and hard black Frost, which I’m Informed and am much afraid has done great damage to the Worms & destroyed abundance, also hurt the Food for Some time, which may have a further bad Effect.

The Handfull of Troops we have, I mean our two Troops of Rangers, I find to be very usefull People, and indeed such as will always be necessary in this Province, even on a Peace as the kind of duty they do, and Services they are often Employed on, Cannot be done either by Regimented Soldiers, or independant Companys.

I do not Recollect any thing further Material to Trouble your Lordships with just now, I wrote on the 23rd of October, 23rd of December, 20th February & 9th March, of all which I sent duplicates.

The Journals, etc., Mentioned are in a Box and directed to be put on Board His Majesties Ship Dolphin, Capt. Marlowe.

Copy of the Assembly’s Address to Governor Wright, April 13, 1761, Savannah, received July 23, 1761, read Sept. 3, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 28, concerning the act passed May 1, 1760, for issuing £7410. sterling, enclosed with Wright’s letter of April 15, 1761.⁶⁶

An Abstract of Grants Registered in Georgia from Jan. 27, 1760, to July 27, 1760, read Sept. 3, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 29.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Matthias Kugell for 100 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 1st February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To George Knapp for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 1st February 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Richard Cooper for a Lot in Hardwicke. No. 14, Registred 1st February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Peter Tondee for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 4th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Peter Tondee for 300 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 4th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Goldwire for 300 Acres of Land in the District of Ogeche. Registred 4th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Benjamin Goldwire for 350 Acres of Land in the District of Ogeche. Registred 5th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Benjamin Goldwire for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 5th February 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Benjamin Goldwire for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in the Third tything Anson Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward. Registred 5th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Sir Patrick Houstoun for 200 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 6th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Sir Patrick Houstoun for 481 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 6th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To George Dunbar for 500 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 6th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Michael Switzer for 250 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 18th February 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Long for 250 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 20th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Joakim Zubly & other Trustees for 102 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 22nd February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Joakim Zubly for 120 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 22nd February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Joakim Zubly for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 1 in the second tything Anson Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 22nd February 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Alexander Brown for 245 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 26th February 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Alexander Brown for 500 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 26th February 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To John Holmes for 400 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Registred 26th February 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Thomas Hooper for a Wharff Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 3. Registred 26th February 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Gasper Wertch for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 8th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Gasper Wertch for a Town Lot & Garden Lot in Ebenezer And 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 8th March 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Roderick McIntosh for 500 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint John. Registred 8th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John George Powlinger for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Michler for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 12th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Ulrick Fitzer for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 18th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John George Buntz for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 18th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Christian Bidenback for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 18th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Frederick Schremp for a Town Lot & Garden Lot in the Town & Township of Ebenezer & 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 19th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Kiln for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 19th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Martin Bolzius & other Trustees for a Publick Lot in Ebenezer. Registred 19th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Jacob Cronenberger for a town Lot in Ebenezer and Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 20th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Paul Miller for 2 Lots in Ebenezer & 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 20th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To George Miller for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 20th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Samuel Lyon for 50 Acres of Land at Skidoway & Parish of Christ Church. Registred 20th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Adrian Loyer for 50 Acres of Land at Skidoway & Parish of Christ Church. Registred 20th March 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To William Rigden for a Lot in Savannah No. 6 in Belitha tything Heathcote Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Isaac Martin for a Lot in Savannah No. 8 in Digby tything Deckers Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything and Ward. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To James Jansack for 50 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To James Jansack for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Graham for 100 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To David Cunningham for a Wharff Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 2. Registred 21st March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Joseph Butler in trust for Sarah Boddie for 500 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 28th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To George Sigfirst for 150 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 28th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Richard Milledge for a Lot No. 6 in the Town of Savannah in Tyrconnel tything Derby Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 28th March 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Richard Milledge for a Lot No. 7 in the Town of Savannah in Tyrconnel tything Derby Ward And 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 28th March 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Charles Pryce for 700 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 29th March 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Hannah Ash for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 29th March 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Joseph Camuse for a Lot No. 4 in the Town of Savannah in Tyrconnel tything Derby Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Richard Milledge for 500 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Richard Milledge for 270 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To William Mills for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. John. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To John Gordon for a Lot No. 2 in the Town of Savannah in the second tything Reynolds Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To James Brown for 39 6 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Paul. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To James Brown for a Lot in the town of Augusta No. 1 in the first Row. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Graham for 500 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To John Graham for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 1st April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Christian Camphert for a Lot No. 7 in the town of Savannah in the Third Tything Anson Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 14th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Francis Lee for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish Saint Andrew. Registred 14th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Jagger for a Wharff Lot in the town of Savannah. Registred 15th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Matthew Roch in trust for his Sons a Wharff Lot in the Town of Savannah. Registered 15th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Thomas Clancey for 116 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint John. Registred 15th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Jonas Mick for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 18th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Gasper Garbet & Frederick Herb for a Lot in the town of Savannah No. 7 in the fourth tything Anson Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything and Ward. Registred 18th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Abigail Minis for a Lot in the Town of Savanah No. 5 in Hucks tything Percival Ward & 50 Acres of Land in said Tything & Ward. Registred 18th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Abigail Minis for a Lot No. 3 in the Town of Savannah in Hucks tything Percival Ward & Garden Lot of 5 Acres. Registred 18th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Peter Dowle for a Lot at Vernonburgh together 50 Acres of Land. Registred 19th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To David Fisher for a Lot and 50 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 19th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Oakes for 300 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Paul. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Sarah Wisely for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Paul. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Henry Tristee for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Elizabeth Hendrick for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 3 In Sloper tything Percival Ward and 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Thomas Millichamp for a Lot in the Town of Savannah No. 10 in Tower tything Deckers Ward And 50 Acres of Land in said tything and Ward. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Richard Dowdy for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 22nd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Thomas Frazer for 2 Lots and 50 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 23rd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Sigismund Beltz for a Lot and 50 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 23rd April 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Richard Dowdy for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 23rd April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Edward Hammond for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 28th April 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Elliott for 250 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint John. Registred 1st May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Ann McIntosh for 450 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 1st May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Barnaby for 250 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint John. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To George Denninger for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Jacob Nongazer for 2 Lots And 100 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Adam Ordner for a Lot And 100 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Smyth for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Urban Buntz for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Jacob Mohr for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 2nd May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Benjamin Sheftal for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 6th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Benjamin Irwin for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 6th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Theobald Keifer for a town Lot and Garden Lot in the town and Township of Ebenezer. Registred 6th May 1760.

Grant Dated 18th April 1760.

To Joseph Barker for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Phillip. Registred 6th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Sarah Rigby for a Lot No. 2 in the town of Savannah And Garden Lot of 5 Acres in Jekyl tything Derby Ward. Registred 10th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Stephen Cater for 415 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. John. Registred 12th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Martin Dasher for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To George Zeighler for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Matthew. Registred 12th May 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To John Adam Treutlen for 50 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Gibbons for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 16th May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Gibbons for a Lot No. 7 in the Town of Savannah in Vernon tything Heathcote Ward And 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 16th May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Gibbons for a Wharff Lot No. 6 in the town of Savannah. Registred 16th May 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Gibbons for 1000 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 16th May 1760.

Grant Dated 6th December 1757.

To Thomas White for 100 Acres of Land in the District of Newport. Registred 3rd June 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To James Monroe for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Registred 9th June 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Benjamin Farley for 62 Acres of Land in the Parish of Christ Church. Registred 9th June 1760.

Grant Dated 13th April 1760.

To John Gordon for 3 Lots No. 4, 5 & 10 West of the town of Savannah. Registred 10th June 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To George Threadcroft for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Registred 11th June 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To James Westly for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Registred 11th June 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To George Senior for 300 Acres of Land in the Parish of Saint Andrew. Registred 12th June 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Margaret Grounidge for 100 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 12th June 1760.

Grant Dated 13th June 1760.

To Mary Bosomworth for 6200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. John. Registred 14th June 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To John Ulrick Niedlinger for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 21st June 1760.

Grant Dated 18th April 1760.

To John Joakim Zubly for 500 Acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 21st June 1760.

Grant Dated 7th August 1759.

To Jonathan Bryan Esquire for 83 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Andrew. Registred 1st July 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Nicholas Cronenberger for 200 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 2nd July 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Benjamin Williamson for 250 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. George. Registred 3rd July 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To Thomas Sisson for 150 Acres of Land in the Parish of St. George. Registred 3rd July 1760.

Grant Dated 30th April 1760.

To Joseph Gibbons for a Lot No. 11 West of the Town of Savannah. Registred 4th July 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Samuel Hammer for a Lot And 50 Acres of Land at Vernonburgh. Registred 9th July 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Joseph Gibbons for a Lot No. 10 in the town of Savannah in Carpenter tything Deckers Ward And 50 Acres of Land in said tything & Ward. Registred 22nd July 1760.

The aforesaid abstract of the grants Registered from the 27 of January 1760 To the 27th of July 1760 compared with the Register Book at Savannah this 26th day of July 1760.

Pat Houstoun, Register

An Abstract of Grants Registered in Georgia from July 27, 1760, to Jan. 27, 1761, read Sept. 3, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 30.

Grant dated 5th February 1760.

To Jacob Tiess for 2 Lots and 100 acres of land at Vernonburgh. Registred 5th August 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Belthazer Reizer for 200 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 25th August 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To Belthazer Reizer for 2 Lots in Ebenezer and 50 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 25th August 1760.

Grant dated 4th December 1759.

To Jacob & Elizabeath Maurer for 50 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 26th August 1760.

Grant dated 5th February 1760.

To Jacob Dusseign for 150 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 26th August 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Handley for a Wharff lot No. 4 in Savannah. Registred 27th day of August 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Shave for 150 acres of land in the parish of St. John. Registred 1st day of September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Isaac Lines for 300 acres of Land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 1st day of September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Steuart for a town Lot &c in Savannah together 50 acres of Land. Registred 2nd September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To James McHenry for 150 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 2nd day of September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Johnson for 50 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 3rd day of September 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Matthias West for 250 acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 3rd September 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To George Bellet for 100 acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 4th September 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John Gallash for 100 acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 5th September 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Adrian Loyer for 300 acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 5th September 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John Wereat for a Wharff Lot in Savannah. Registred 10th day of September 1760.

Grant dated 25th August 1760.

To Thomas Lloyd for a town Lot No. 8 in Savannah. Registred 11th day of September 1760.

Grant dated 1st May 1759.

To William Butler for 500 acres of Land at Ogechee. Registred 11th September 1760.

Grant dated 1st May 1759.

To William Butler for 200 acres of Land in the district of Great Ogechee. Registred 12th September 1760.

Grant dated 1st May 1759.

To William Butler for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Phillip. Registred 12th September 1760.

Grant Dated 5th February 1760.

To David Unseld for 200 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 15th September 1760.

Grant Dated 4th December 1759.

To Andrew Sneider for 150 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 15th day of September 1760.

Grant dated 4th December 1759.

To Andrew Sneider for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 16th September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Grover for 600 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 28th September 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To James Tebeau for a town Lot in Savannah No. 9. Registred 29th day of September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Elizabeath Anderson in trust for 500 acres of land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 29th September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Elizabeath Anderson in trust for her son for a town Lot & in Savannah together 50 acres of Land. Registred 30th September 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Knox Esquire for 600 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 1st October 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To William Knox Esquire for 50 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 1st day of October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Baker for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 2nd day of October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To William Baker for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 2nd day of October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Stewart for 300 acres of land in the parish of St. John. Registred 3rd October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Michael Downer for 50 acres of Land in the Village of Goshen & parish of St. Matthew. Registred 5th October 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Jacob Ports for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 5th October 1760.

Grant Dated 7th November 1758.

To Alexander McDonald for 50 acres of Land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 9th October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To George Phillip Ports for 50 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 10th October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Grey Elliott Esquire for 300 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registed 13th October 1760.

Grant dated 5th September 1758.

To Jacob Maurier for 200 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 15th October 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To Richard Hubbard for 200 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 16th October 1760.

Grant Dated 25th September 1760.

To Richard Hubbard for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 16th October 1760.

Grant dated 1st May 1759.

To John Winn for 350 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 17th October 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John McLeod for 100 acres of land in the parish of St. Phillip. Registred 18th October 1760.

Grant Dated 7th August 1759.

To Edward MacGuire for 250 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 20th October 1760.

Grant dated 5th February 1760.

To Richard Ratten for 300 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 21st October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Quarterman for 150 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 22nd October 1760.

Grant Dated 7th August 1759.

To Palmer Goulding for 500 acres of land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 23rd October 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John Lawson for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 24th day of October 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Reimshart for 100 acres of Land in the parish St. Matthew. Registred 25th October 1760.

Grant dated 7th February 1758.

To Thomas Red for 200 acres of land in the parish of St. Paul. Registred 25th October 1760.

Grant dated 2nd October 1759.

To Thomas Red for 300 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 27th October 1760.

Grant dated 27th October 1760.

To Joseph Ottolenghe for 300 acres of land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 29th October 1760.

Grant dated 27th October 1760.

To James Edward Powell for 20 acres of Land in the parish of St. Phillip. Registred 29th October 1760.

Grant dated 5th February 1760.

To William Wilson for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 30th day of October 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To James Grant for 50 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 30th October 1760.

Grant dated 7th February 1758.

To Norman McDonald for 100 acres of Land in the district of Darian. Registred 31st day of October 1760.

Grant dated 7th February 1758.

To Joseph MacGuire for 200 acres of Land in the district of Newport. Registred 1st day of November 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To John Simpson for a Public Lot in the town of Savannah Letter B. Registred 3rd day of November 1760.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To Frederick Helvenstine for 200 acres of Land in the District of Goshen. Registred 5th November 1760.

Grant Dated 7th August 1759.

To William Johnson for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 5th November 1760.

Grant Dated 5th September 1758.

To Minis Minis for a town Lot in Hardwicke No. 123. Registred 6th November 1760.

Grant Dated 1st May 1759.

To John Hopkins for 100 acres of Land in the District of Ebenezer. Registred 7th November 1760.

Grant Dated 7th February 1758.

To George Sheraus for 50 acres of Land in the District of Goshen. Registred 8th November 1760.

Grant Dated 7th November 1758.

To John Cornberger for 50 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 8th November 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Benjamin Farley for 150 acres of land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 11th November 1760.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Ralph Kilgore for 100 acres of Land in the District of Augusta. Registred 12th November 1760.

Grant Dated 25th September 1760.

To Stephen Millen for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th November 1760.

Grant Dated 28th March 1758.

To Christian Dasher for 100 acres of Land in the district of Goshen. Registred 13th day of November 1760.

Grant Dated 5th September 1758.

To Simon Rouviere for 150 acres of Land in the district of Hampstead & Highgate. Registred 13th November 1760.

Grant dated 5th September 1758.

To John Rouviere for 300 acres of land in the district of Savannah. Registred 14th November 1760.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To Hugh Morrison for 250 acres of Land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 13th day of November 1760.

Grant dated 2nd October 1759.

To Elizabeath Young for a town Lot &c in Savannah together 50 acres of Land. Registred 15th November 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Isaac Younge for 380 acres of land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 17th November 1760.

Grant Dated 2nd October 1759.

To Isaac Younge for 550 acres of land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 17th November 1760.

Grant Dated 4th July 1758.

To James Germany for 500 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 18th November 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Christian Gamphert for 50 acres of land in Vernonburgh. Registred 18th November 1760.

Grant dated 15th May 1756.

To David Dicks for 500 acres of land on the South side of Great Ogechee. Registred 19th November 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To James Deveaux for 380 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 2nd December 1760.

Grant dated 8th September 1756.

To James Deveaux for 500 acres of land at Little Ogechee. Registred 3rd day of December 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Parmenus Way for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 4th December 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To John Fieri for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 4th December 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To John Fieri for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 5th December 1760.

Grant Dated 25th September 1760.

To David Stiner for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 5th December 1760.

Grant dated 4th December 1759.

To James Deveaux for 100 acres of land at Skidoway. Registred 5th December 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To James Deveaux for a town lot Letter M in Savannah. Registred 6th december 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To James Deveaux for a Wharff lot No. 3 in Savannah. Registred 6th day of December 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Gordon for a Wharf lot No. 2 in Savannah. Registred 30th September 1760 which was omitted.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To William Deveaux for a Lot No. 130 in Hardwicke. Registred 9th December 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To Thomas Schweighoffer for a town lot No. 10 &c in Ebenezer Together 50 acres of land. Registred 9th december 1760.

Grant dated 4th december 1759.

To Gilbert Grant for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 10th December 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Monroe for 155 acres of land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 10th december 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To Conrade Rahn for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 11th December 1760.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Kugell for 200 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 11th December 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Christian Rottenberger for 200 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th December 1760.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To Jacob Metzgar for 250 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th December 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Jacob Miers for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 12th December 1760.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John Brady for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 13th December 1760.

Grand Dated 25th September 1760.

To Pickering Robinson for 150 acres of Land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 8th January 1761.

Grant Dated 25th September 1760.

To Pickering Robinson for 1000 acres of land in Christ Church Parish. Registred 9th January 1761.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To Pickering Robinson for a Lot No. 95 in Hardwicke. Registred 9th January 1761.

Grant dated 25th September 1760.

To William Knox Esquire for a Lot No. 3 west of the town of Savannah. Registred 10th January 1761.

Grant dated 1st July 1760.

To John Joakim Zubly for 127 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 10th January 1761.

Grant dated 31st October 1760.

To Grey Elliott Esquire for the Island of Sapelo containing 9520 acres in the parish of St. John. Registred 12th January 1761.

Grant Dated 31st October 1760.

To Grey Elliott Esquire for the Island of Ossabaw containing 7600 acres in the parish of St. Phillip. Registred 12th January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd december 1760.

To James Baillou for 200 acres of land in the parish of St. John. Registred 13th January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd December 1760.

To Samuel Pelton for 50 acres of land in the Parish of St. Matthew. Registred 14th January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd december 1760.

To George Crowber for 150 acres of land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 15th January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd December 1760.

To John Martin Bolzius in trust for a glebe of 300 acres of Land in the district of Goshen & parish of St. Matthew. Registred 16th January 1761.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Robert Burton for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. John. Registred 19th January 1761.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To Elizabeath Burton for 150 acres of land in the parish of St. Andrew. Registred 19th January 1761.

Grant Dated 1st July 1760.

To John Fleger for 50 acres of Land in the parish of St. Matthew. Registred 20th January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd December 1760.

To George Crowber for 50 acres of Land in the District of Bethany & parish of St. Matthew. Registred 21st January 1761.

Grant Dated 3rd December 1760.

To John Clayton for 100 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 21st January 1761.

Grant Dated 5th June 1759.

To John Pettygrew for 100 acres of Land in the township of Augusta. Registred 22nd January 1761.

Grant Dated 1st May 1759.

To Robert Hudson for 150 acres of Land in the parish of St. George. Registred 22nd January 1761.

Grant Dated 25th September 1760.

To Richard Germain for a town Lot No. 4 & Garden lot of 5 acres in Savannah. Registred 23rd January 1761.

The aforesaid abstract of the grants Registred from the 27th of July 1760 To The 27th January 1761 Compared with the Register Book at Savannah This 27th day of January 1761.

Pat Houstoun, Register

James Wright to the Board of Trade, May 16, 1761, Savannah, received July 23, read Sept. 3, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 31, answering the Board’s Feb. 27, 1761 letter relating the colony’s present state of defense and the current situation concerning the Indians.

My Lords

I did myself the Honour of writing to your Lordships on the 15th of last Month, to which I beg leave to refer, and should not have Troubled your Lordships again so soon, had I not yesterday been Honoured with yours of the 27th of February, and which I think it my Duty to Acknowledge by the very first Opportunity. The Account I gave your Lordships of the State & Condition of the Province, altho’ not so Favourable as I Could have wished, is nevertheless a True State, as it then did, & yet does appear to me, with respect to the Number of Inhabitants, etc.

Doubtless my Lords the Common Interest of the Provinces of Carolina and Georgia, are & ought to be Considered as one & the Same, I always was Clearly of this Opinion and declared it Some years ago, when I saw little Jealousies Creeping in. The Operations & Effect of His Majesties Troops sent to Carolina must certainly be felt by this Province, but by a letter I have received from Colonel Grant⁶⁷ who Commands them, this Province has not been so much as mentioned to him by General Amherst, and I find he has no Instructions relative to it, but Conceive they are all Confined to the Province of Carolina. Nevertheless if this Province should be reduced to the Necessity of Applying to Colonel Grant, and to Carolina for Support and Protection, I should Presume Some assistance would be given. But this my Lords I hope is now out of the Question and I think myself Extremely happy in being able to Acquaint your Lordships that I have lately received the Strongest Repetition of Assurances from the Creek Country of their Friendship, and I firmly believe we shall have no disturbance from them this Season.

I have had with me 475 Since Governor Ellis went away. They are most Troublesome disagreeable & Expensive Guests, but My Lords its absolutely Necessary to Countenance & Encourage them, and to take every Method with our Friends to Counteract the designs & Endeavours of our Enemies, and which I have been able to do for the Present. I am truly Sensible my Lords what a vast Expence the Crown has been at, & still is at, in Supporting this Province, in every respect as well as for the Encouragement of the Silk Culture, and this I have frequently Mentioned to the People, & how much it is their duty to Exert their Utmost abilities for Purposes of their own defence & Protection. But my Lords many of the People in this Province from their Education and Manner of Life, are not easily wrought upon, & it is very difficult to bring Such Folks to a Right way of thinking.

The People my Lords that I mean, who would on an Alarm quit the Province are a Parcel of Runagates from Virginia & North Carolina, a kind of Vagrants who live like the Indians by Hunting, & Stealing other Men’s Cattle & Horses, of this Sort of People there are many as Governor Ellis well knows. They Sit down and Build a Hut, make little or no Improvements and are always ready to remove without loss or damage to themselves, and from such kind of Inhabitants with great Submission my Lords, little can be Expected in time of Real danger, and such we have not a few. On the Other Hand my Lords there are a great Many very Honest Men, good settlers and who I doubt not would behave Properly, but 2000 Savages my Lords against a handfull would have been Terrible and might have Shocked even Some of those who are well inclined. We well know how much a few hundreds harass’d many Populous Settlements in Pensilvania but this danger seems to be over for the Present year.⁶⁸

Your Lordships great Wisdom I shall always with the Utmost Pleasure Submit to, and therefore say no more with respect to our South Boundary. The Other Measure I’m afraid must not be taken up just now, but your Lordships may rely on it that I shall constantly have it in view, and Lose no seasonable opportunity of using my Utmost Endeavours to Accomplish it if Practicable. I must return my best thanks to your Lordships for Recommending a Supply of Indian Presents, and of Swivel Guns. Whenever the Presents come, the Utmost Frugality shall be observed in the disposal of them, and in such Manner as may be most Productive of His Majesties Service. The Matter of the detachment of the Independant Companys doing duty in Georgia Governor Ellis told me he would Endeavour to set Right at Home, and as he saw general Amherst I hope soon to hear from the Secretary at War about it.

The Power your Lordships are Pleased to give me to draw on Mr. Martyn,⁶⁹ & every other you may be Pleased to invest me with, I hope will ever be Exercised in such manner as may meet with your Lordships approbation. It gives me much Concern to say that the Silk Culture has met with a great Stroke, by a most Severe & unexpected Frost the begining of last Month, which it now appears has done more damage than was at first Apprehended. The Proposition with respect to the Purchase of Negroes seemed to be such a Favourite Plan, that I did not know how to refuse their request in Transmitting it to your Lordships as I did, tho’ at the Same time I told them I thought it would not be granted, and that Governor Ellis had Mentioned to me another Application he had in View for this sume of money. I Humbly thank your Lordships for Approving of my Conduct so far, and shall ever make it my Study to Endeavour to deserve a Continuance of it. I must entreat your Lordships goodness in Pardoning this Imperfect answer to your Lordships letter, having had but a very few hours, which if I had not made use of, I should have Missed the Conveyance.

Sir Matthew Lamb’s Report to the Board of Trade, May 19, 1761, Lincoln’s Inn, London, received May 21, read May 27, 1761, C.O 5/648, E. 25, giving his opinion of fourteen acts passed in Georgia in April, May, and June, 1760.

My Lords

In Pursuance of your Lordships Commands Signified to me by Mr. Pownall’s Letter wherein you are pleased to Desire my Opinion in Point of Law upon the following Acts Passed in the Province of Georgia in April, May, and June, 1760, I have Perused and Considered the same (vizt.)

Upon Perusal and Consideration of the before mentioned Acts I have no Objections to the first Twelve. As to the two last, there were two Acts partly for the same Purpose Passed in 1757 which were Objected to and were not Confirmed, And I must again Submit these two Acts to your Lordships. As to one of them in regard to the Qualification of Jurors, and the Method of Ballotting as is therein Incerted; and as to the other, the establishing a Court for Trial of Actions of Eight Pounds Sterling which has been before Objected to for the Sum of Ten Pounds, as being too great a Sum in this Province to be Determined by such a Court. ⁷¹

Samuel Martin, Secretary to the Lords of the Treasury, to the Board of Trade, June 19, 1761, Treasury Chambers, received and read June 23, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 26, asking the Board’s opinion of a request by Henry Ellis to the Treasury praying that he may be allowed to keep a sum of money belonging to the Crown to defray some of his expenses.

My Lords

By Order of the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty’s Treasury I transmit to Your Lordships the Inclosed Memorial of Henry Ellis Esquire late Governor of the Province of Georgia praying that he may be Allowed to retain in his hands a Sum of Money, due from him to the Crown, in order to reimburse to him several Expences which he has been at in the Publick Service. My Lords desire you will be pleased to state to them such Facts relative to this Matter, as are come to your Knowledge, and to favour them with Your Opinion whether it will be proper to grant the Memorialists Request.

James Wright to the Board of Trade, July 13, 1761, Savannah, received Oct. 27, read Nov. 20, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 32, containing his observations on several laws whose passage he encouraged.

My Lords

On the 15th of last Month I acquainted your Lordships that I had on the 9th of that Month assented to the Tax Bill & six Others, and now do my Self the Honour to Transmit to your lordships Copys of those Laws with my observations thereon Agreeable to His Majesties 33rd Instruction.⁷²

By the Tax Bill £1060.15.0 Sterling is Raised by a new Tax and granted to his Majesty, and £119.7.4-1/2 the Surplus of the last years Tax, and also £93.9.2-1/2 Arrears of the former Tax not then Paid into the Hands of the Treasurer, making in the whole £1373.11.11 Sterling is Appropriated to defray the charges of this Government for the Current year as in the Said Act is Particularly Mentioned.

On this Law I should have little to Observe or Trouble your Lordships with, were it not on account of some of the Officers of the Crown, which Matter stands thus. Soon after my Arrival here, on inquiring & Considering what Tax it might be Necessary to Raise for the Support of the current year, I found an Estimate of some standing Expences, Which had usually been made out by the Governor & sent down to the Assembly to Provide for. The Inclosed Paper Markt A. No. 1 is a Copy of the last that was made by Governor Ellis, and on Examining into the matter I found that those Articles without any Material Alteration had been Constantly Provided for, from the Meeting of the first assembly after Governor Reynold’s Arrival, and that the several Officers had Always received & Enjoyed the Same as Emoluments of their Respective Officers. It is also Consistent with my own knowledge, that in South Carolina the same Services are Annually Provided for, and the Officers Paid. Wherefore on the 29th of March I made out the Inclosed Estimate Mark’t B. No. 2, and sent it down to the Assembly that they might make Provision for the Same as usual. Sometime after which, I found that a Committee of the assembly had Reported against making Provision for Sundry of the Articles Contained in the Estimate I had sent down, Vizt., those in the Paper Mark’t C. No. 3. On considering which matter fully, knowing it to be usual in other Colonys & finding it to have been Constantly done here from the 1st year the Government was Established, Vizt., from 1755 to 1760, inclusive, and from a Consideration of his Majesties 58th Instruction which says, “It is our further Will & Pleasure that you do Countenance and give all due Encouragement to all our Patent Officers in the Enjoyment of their Legal & Accustomed Fees Rights Privileges and Emoluments.“

I Say my Lords from these Motives & a View of the whole Annual income of Each office, and the Expence of Living in this Part of the World, I thought it incumbent on me to Signify my Approbation of those Allowances, and that they ought rather to be continued. Your Lordships will see that near the whole are Accordingly Continued Except the Article of £30 to the Provost Marshall for a Goaler, and that of £6 to the Chief Justice, which at his own request was Struck out. It appeared my Lords that this matter had been taken up & Promoted by Mr. Grover the Chief Justice with what View or design I shall not say, or make any Observations on that gentleman’s Conduct at Present but fear I shall be Obliged to Trouble your Lordships ere long.

The Inclosed Paper D. No. 4, is a Copy of an address from his Majesties Council for this Province to me, desiring me to Transmit to your Lordships a Copy of a Report of a Committee of Council as an upper House or in their Legislative Capacity and which I have accordingly done, being the Paper Mark’t E. No. 5, and which may give your Lordships some further Light into the matter I have mentioned relative to the Public Officers, tho’ intended by them for other Purposes likewise. I shall humbly hope to have your lordships Directions whether the Annual Allowances mentioned in the Estimate Mark’t B. No. 2 Should, or Should not be Continued, that I may regulate my Conduct therein, & make out the next Estimate Accordingly.

The next is a Law for Subjecting the Real & Personal Estates of absent Debtors to an Attachment for Payment of debts. This Act, My Lords, seems to be a Necessary & good Law, the Plan & Method nearly similar to that of Foreign Attachments in London, and is (I believe) the use & Practice in all the other Colonys, the only Material difference, that I see between this & the Practice in London is, that by this Law Lands & Real Estates are made Subject & Lyable to be Attached for Satisfaction of debts, and here I must beg leave to Observe that Altho’ this is Contrary to the Law & Method used in England, yet it Appears Reasonable & necessary here in America, from a Consideration of Local Circumstances, & is Expressly Consonant to the Statutes of the 5th of his late Majesty Cap: 7, for the more Easy Recovery of debts in his Majesties Plantations & Colonies in America. By which Statute Lands are made Lyable to & Chargeable with all just debts & demands of what Nature or kind soever, and Subjected to the Same Process etc., as Personal Estates are in the Said Plantations. Wherefore I Conceive that this Law, altho’ it go’s further than the Practice in London, yet (being on the Plan of, & Expressly agreeable to the above Act of Parliament) was proper for me to assist to, and Humbly Submit the same to your Lordships better Judgment.

The Election Law My Lords seems exactly Agreeable to the mode Pointed out by His Majesties Commission & Instructions. The Bill came first in a very different dress, & Contained several Extraordinary & improper things, which at Length were Expunged. I am hopefull the passing this Law will Prevent any improper Attempts on this Head for the Future.

The Act for granting to His Majesty £180 to Repair the Light House on Tybee Island, I am next to Observe upon, and my Lords tho’ this may at first View seem not to be agreeable to His Majesties 27 Instruction Yet my Lords I must beg leave to assure your Lordships that it is for a most Necessary Service, for the general good not only of this Province, but the Neighbouring Provinces, as it is the most certain and best Land Mark for all the South Part of the Coast of North America. This Structure is in great danger of being totally ruined & falling down if not speedily Repaired, and from the Expediency of the Object in View, & its great & general Utility, and from a Consideration of His Majesties 23 Instruction which Says “You are Authorised to “give your assent to any Temporary Laws, for making Provision “to defray the Expence of Temporary Services, Provided Such Laws “Expire, and have their full Effect, when the Services for which “they were Passed Shall Cease & be determined. “

I say my Lords from these Considerations, and the matter seeming to be within the intent & meaning of this Instruction I assented to the Same without a Saving Clause as mentioned, in the 27 Instruction. For, my Lords, had there been a Suspending Clause, the Light House Which has really Cost a vast deal of money, & is of the Utmost Importance, would Probably have fallen down before I had received His Majesties Pleasure therein. I chearfully Submit my Conduct herein, and hope it will meet with your Lordships Approbation.

My Lords I humbly beg leave to Observe further on this Point that Instructions wisely Calculated for & adapted to His Majesties Other Populous & Opulent Colonys, may not always be so Practicable & Convenient to be Strictly Observed in an Infant Colony, where the generality of the People are Rather in Indigent Circumstances. I only Mention this my Lords as a Reason why 5 years time is allowed for sinking the Sume to be Raised by this Act, and as some other Contingent Services may require raising small Sumes on this Plan hereafter I would Humbly hope to have your Lordships directions, if you think I ought not to assent to any Other Bills of this Nature, when Public Services seem to require it & the Circumstances of the People will not admit of Raising an Immediate Supply, my Lords, my Predecessors have both done this, & Carried it far, and it is constantly done in the next Province. But as it is my full Resolution to Pay the greatest Obedience to his Majesties Instructions & to have them constantly in View, and as this matter altho agreeable to the 23d Instruction Seems to clash with the 27th Instruction, Therefore I have taken the Liberty to Trouble your Lordships with so full a State of this affair. The duty Laid & Penalty Inflicted on Persons Importing delinquent Slaves etc. from other Colonies is a very Salutary Measure, & I hope will be Approved by your Lordships.

The Bill for Establishing a Ferry over great Ogechee River, is a matter of Public Utility and Convenience for the whole Province & I think is Settled on a Reasonable & Proper Footing.

The Bill for Continuing the several Militia Laws is likewise a matter of Public Utility & Convenience, & as Such seemed necessary to be Passed.

The Law for amending the former Act for the better Regulating the Town of Savanah & for assertaining the Common I found to be very agreeable to the People and as I saw nothing in it that Appeared to me, to be unconstitutional or improper, I assented to it.

Thus I have given your Lordships an Account of the 7 Bills I have assented to and hope for your Approbation. But if I have Erred, or gone too far in any Particular, I beg your Lordships indulgence in letting me know it, as that will Effectually Regulate my future Conduct in such Cases.

Our Silk is now all Wound off & weighed and amounts only to I think 325 lbs. This my Lords is but a small matter, but the greatest Appearance that ever they had here, was destroyed in two nights time by Excessive, hard & unseasonable Frosts, and there is likewise a degeneracy in the Seed. As Mr. Ottolenghe tells me he writes fully to Mr. Martyn on the Subject I shall not Trouble your Lordships further.

Affairs in general with Respect to the Province my Lords are much as when I wrote last, an Appearance of Flourishing but check’d & cramp’t on account of our Situation with the Indians, and for want of more Territory as mentioned in mine of the 23d of december last.

I see by the London Gazette of the 14th of April that His Majesty has been graciously Pleased to Appoint me Governor in Chief of this Province, on which Occasion I Beg leave to return my best thanks to your Lordships and hope my Conduct will be such as may merit the continuance of His Majesties Favour & your Lordships good Opinion and Protection.

An estimate of the charges of government in Georgia for one year beginning Sept. 29, 1759, to be provided for by the General Assembly, read Nov. 20, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 33, enclosure A, No. 1, in Governor Wright July 13, 1761, to Board of Trade

Savanah 14th November 1759.

Henry Ellis.

An estimate of the necessary charges of government in Georgia beginning Sept. 29, 1760, and ending Sept. 29, 1761, read Nov. 20, 1761, C.O. 5/648, E. 34, enclosure B, No. 2, in Governor Wright July 13, 1761, to Board of Trade, in Wright's hand.

To the above may be added Money for Purposes of defence and such other Necessary Services as may be thought Proper.

James Wright                  

27 March 1761