TRUSTEES’ LETTER BOOK
1745-1752
Harman Verelst to John Dobell, Aug. 19, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/667, p. 189, acknowledging receipt of letter and admonishing respect for the President and Assistants. By the Judith, Capt. Walter Quarme.
Sir
Your Letters of 27th. December, and 15th. and 21st. of February last were received, together with the Lists of the Inhabitants of Savannah, the Township of Vernonburgh, and the adjacent Villages, as also of the Orphan House at Bethesda;1 Which have given the Trustees great Satisfaction. And they hope you will continue your Endeavours to serve the Colony, which will always meet with every Encouragement in the Power of the Trustees. But I am directed in a particular manner to recommend to you, that you will show to the President and Assistants who are invested by the Trustees with the Care of the Civil Government of the Colony, that Respect and Submission, which is due to the Office they bear; And which the Trustees expect should be given by all who are dependant on the Trust. For without the Support of Civil Government, all Order is broke in upon; And dangerous Consequences must arise from any Endeavours of weakening that Authority; Therefore, not only by your own Example, but by all Ways and Means as you regard the Trustees Favour this stands in the strongest manner thus recommended to you.
You will receive some Instructions from the President and Assistants by this Conveyance, relating to Lists of Grants sent them made by the Trustees here and to Persons possessing Lands without Grants. To which you are to make the proper Returns to the said President and Assistants, to be by them transmitted to the Trustees.
Harman Verelst to Charles Watson, Aug. 19, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 190-191, giving accusations of Thomas Jones against Watson and suspending him from his offices. By the Judith, Capt. Walter Quarme.
Sir
Your Letter to the Trustees of the 18th. of April last has been laid before them in Answer to a Letter you therein mention was wrote to Mr. [William] Stephens which was an Intimation only, to know of him, if the Accusations alledged against you had any Foundation. But since you desire to know the Rise of them, and how supported, Mr. Thomas Jones, in his Letter to the Trustees of the 23d. of February 1742, which by his Attendance on then in England he has since confirmed, writes; That you borrowed of him Money at two different times Value £ 15 together, for which you gave him Promisory Notes; and instead of repaying him, had injured him to a great Degree. That you soon discovered your Self to be a profane Man, and had exceeded all he had known in the Colony, by your Industry in getting of Money, and in lavishly consuming it. That you had a convenient House in the Square fitted up with a Room therein for your Office as a Lawyer, but was seldom to be seen there, unless when some of the Indian Traders come to Town (who generally were litigious) and applied to you in Law Cases for Advice. That you kept also a Lodging, or an Office at Tisdale’s (a Publick House) where you accompanied with some Sawyers and labouring Men, who by their former Industry and Frugality had acquired and saved some Money; There you practised and instructed them to set and know the Main2 having a Box and Dice, with a Cloth to cover the Table at time (when other Company was near) to prevent the Noise by the rattling of the Dice. That Persons, who occasionally lodged at the House, had told him that you with others had continued playing at Hazard3 in your own Room from Dinner time, until two of the Clock next Morning. That he saw one of these labouring Men, who too late bewail’d his Folly, whose Name was Alexander Ross, that came over a Servant, and since his time expired, had work’d at sawing and other Labour, and by his Industry had got and laid up above £100 Sterling. That two others of them, Johnson and Tyrrell whom he had employed in sawing Timber, were so intent in following their Main, that they despised Labour; And that he had often Sums of Money in his Hands of Johnson’s to keep for him, when sober and industrious, but that he was now become idler and in Debt. And Mr. Jones adds, that since this Gaming Office had been set up, the Town had not been amused nor disquieted with Advertisements & scurrilous Lampoons.
On the 6th. of March last, the Trustees wrote to you, about your absenting your Self from your Duty as Bailiff and Assistant, without Consent or Notice to the President and Assistants of your Design; And also about your going to Augusta, and concerning your Self with the Indian Traders, by no Authority or Direction. And therefore by that Letter you was suspended from the Offices of Bailiff and Assistant from the time you left Savannah. A Copy of which Letter is herewith sent you.
You have now your Charge exhibited, to which your Answer is expected. And you are hereby declared suspended from the Offices of Bailiff, Assistant, and Issuer of Sola Bills, until Satisfaction is received concerning this Conduct of yours.
A Copy of this Letter is sent to Mr. [William] Stephens, that he may acquaint the Trustees in what manner, and how supported, this Charge against you may be falsified. Which you alledge to be, not only a partial Accusation, but a notorious scandalous Falsity.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, Aug. 19, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 191-193, concerning silk production, Salzburger agriculture, Uchee Indians, saw mill, Christopher Ortman, Christopher Hopkins, John J. Zubly, German servants, and implements sent to the Salzburgers. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Reverend Sir
The Trustees last Letter by their Secretary to you was dated 25th. March, which they hope you have received, & the Machine for winding Silk, with the Copper for the Balls. It is great Pleasure to the Trustees to find your People’s Inclination for raising this usefull Produce which in time will make Georgia flourish; And though the Trustees cannot afford a larger Bounty than 2s/a pound for the encouraging raising Silk Balls, yet the Quantity encreasing will make that a very sufficient Allowance. And for the better enabling the Trustees to pay the same, the Silk produced from such Balls will be sold by the Trustees in England for raising the Fund to pay the Bounty on the future Balls, which is the only reasonable Method of bringing the Production of Raw Silk in Georgia to Perfection by the Sale of the Silk answering the Bounty on the Balls. For Rewards exceeding that, the Trustees cannot undertake, having made no application for the Assistance of Parliament for these two Years past by Reason of the great Expence of the present War.
A Copy of your Letter of 22d. February, and your Original Letter of the 9th. of April last were both received; The Account you give of the Agriculture in Pine Land is very promising; And for the Encouragement of your People by this Ship will be sent you twenty Plough Shares and Coulters as advised for Use by Jethro Tull,4 together with some Scythes and other Articles, which Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Zeigenhagen5 applied to the Trustees for and are particularly mentioned by Way of Postcript to this Letter. The Trustees have also sent you Jethro Tull’s Book of Agriculture. As to the Engine called a Wheat and Turnip Drill, the Expence will be about £18 Sterling and very uncertain if it will answer being made here and sent over.
It is with Concern the Trustees find the Uchee Indians so mischievous, and how to restrain them is the Difficulty; But as in your Journal to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge (which the Trustees had the Perusal of) January 6th, last you mention, that the People will be disappointed, if the Wickedness of the Indians cannot be stopt, as is done in Carolina; The Trustees would have been glad, you had at the same time mentioned, how their Wickedness was stopt in Carolina, which Method please to acquaint the Trustees of.
The Usefulness of your Pounding Mill for Rice and Barley appears to be very great, and it is a particular Satisfaction to the Trustees to find the Perfection it is brought to.
As to the Assistance of £100 General Oglethorpe gave you by his Bill on me in the Year 1741, when his Account thereof comes under Consideration, the Trustees will at the same time consider of what you mention, concerning the Application thereof.
You are very sensible how much the Trustees have your Settlement at heart by the many good Things, as far as in their Power, they have done, and are inclined to do; But further Assistance in Money is not in their Power. They intend to recommend it to their Common Council, to make your Settlement a Present of the Iron and Timber of their late Saw Mill at Old Ebenezer, now in your Custody, being well satisfied of the good Use it will be put to; Which Benefaction will encourage you to proceed, as Ability will permit, in erecting so usefull a Work as a Saw Mill.
The Trustees have wrote to Mr. [William] Stephens concerning [Christopher] Ortman’s being employed as Schoolmaster to the Germans about Savannah, and acquainted him, that you should have been consulted, who had with your late Fellow Labourer Mr. [Israel] Gronau, so charitably assisted those Germans with your Ministry; And the more so, as Ortman had render’d himself so obnoxious to your Congregation. The Trustees have also desired Mr. Stephens to call to an Account Christopher Hopkins the Cowpenkeeper, for his insulting you and your Congregation, and the savey answer he gave you, after the gentle Rebuke he had from you for the Disorders he and two others had committed in Drunkenness. And the Trustees have mentioned to Mr. Stephens your Request made to the President and Assistants, for the People at the Cowpen of Old Ebenezer to be assistive in bringing up the Saltzburghers Cattle. And hoped that the same had been accordingly complied with.
As to the Application for Mr. [John J.] Zubli to be Minister to the Germans about Savannah, he applied himself to the Trustees when in England and received no Encouragement from them by Reason of their not being in ability to maintain him; And also that if they had, they did not think him of Experience sufficient to execute such a Charge. But pursuant to your Advice, the Trustees will endeavour to send to the Reformed Germans at Vernonburgh a grave and experienced Pastor, whose Ministry may be acceptable to them, and under whom Mr. Zubli may become an Assistant, and thereby gain an Experience which may qualify him for their future Minister; and that until such Minister can be sent, the Trustees will take it kindly if you and your Fellow Labourer (who comes over in this Ship to succeed Mr. Gronau)6 as your Leisures will permit, to have some Regard to the Spiritual Assistance of such of these Reformed Germans, who will accept thereof.
The Trustees by this Ship also send over a Number of German Protestants, who were taken Prisoners in a Voyage from Rottendam to Philadelphia, and stripp’d of every thing by the Spaniards; But being released by the Cartell, and brought to England thus destitute, are by the Charity of the Government, and at their Expence sent over as Servants to Georgia, after their signing a Contract for that purpose (a Copy whereof you herewith receive with a List of their Names). They are consigned to the Care of the President and Assistants, with proper Instructions for the placing them out to Service. And you will be consulted about the Distribution of so many of them, as shall be allotted for Ebenezer.
Herewith you receive a Book for curing Distempers among Cattle; as also the Gentleman’s Magazine, wherein Pages 353 and 354 is the Description and Figure of a Back Heaver for winnowing and cleaning Corn and a Method to keep Corn sweet in Sacks.
Sent by this Ship for the Saltzburghers vizt. In a Cask mark’d G3 X C No. 1. Twenty Plough Shares & Coulters, 4 doz. Scyths, 3 Brass Plates for Watchmakers, 2 Groce of Shoemaker’s Awl Blades, & 6 Cutting Knives with Handles.
In Canvas No. 2: 1 hd. wt. black Iron Plate for Stoves. Loose, 1 Straw Knife fixt with a Frame &c. A Box of Medicines for which the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge was applied to, But sent and paid for by the Trustees for Georgia with an Invoice in the Box of all that could be had of them in England and directed to Mr. Bolzius. As also 2 Cases marked H B E which came from Hambro. And 1 Case mark’d EBENEZER, which came from Amsterdam.
Harman Vere1st to Thomas Jenys, Aug. 19, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 194, concerning accounts with Paul Jenys. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme; by the Daniel, Capt. Summersett.
Sir
Your Favours of 13th. June and 15th. July last were rec’d, for which I thank you. I have now the Pleasure to state the Determination of your late Brother’s Affairs with Mr. [Thomas] Causton, wherein the Trustees were concerned. And the Articles placed to Mr. Causton by the Trustees, as sent you in July 1740, were for the Sums of £ 592.9.- Currency in the Year 1735 for a Transaction on Mr. Causton’s private Account, and £100 Currency as an Overcharge in Mr. Causton’s Bill to William Butler charged by your late Brother to be for £ 293.12.-.
As to the £592.9.- it still appears a Transaction on Mr. Causton’s private Account, and herewith you receive his State of it, and how discharged, with a Surplus due to him of £135.11.-Currency on that Account. But it also appears, that the said Mr. Causton drew on your late Brother the two following Bills, for which no Credit was taken in your said Brother’s Account with the Trustees, vizt. A Bill dated 27th. September 1735 to Andrew Grant for £ 300. Currency, and a Bill dated 5th. November foll. to Samuel Lacey for £ 260 Currency, making together £ 560. Currency, whereout the said Overpayment of £135.11.- on Mr. Causton’s private Account being deducted, which Mr. Causton claims of the Trustees in Account with them, the Balance in Favour of your late Brother’s Estate, on these States against each other, appears to be £ 424.9.- Currency, which in Sterling at £ 700 P Cent, the then Exchange, amount to £60.12.8.
And as to the £100 Overcharge, Mr. Causton admits it to be wrong in him, and he now standing charged in Account with the Trust with the same Sum of £293.12.- for the Bill he drew on your late Brother, the Sterling of the said £100 at £ 740 P Cent the then Exchange, amounts to £13.10.3. Which together with the £60.12.8 above mentioned, makes in Sterling the Sum of £74.2.11 which the Trustees have agreed to pay to the Executors of your late Brother, whose Bill on the Trustees will be duly honoured for the said Sum of £74.2.11 in full of all Accounts between them and the Trustees.
Dr. Paul Jenys Esqr. with Thomas Causton . . . . . Cr.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, July 17, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 195-197, concerning payment of quit rents, settlement of Thomas Causton’s accounts, commissions sent to Ga., Joseph Avery’s surveys, court for Augusta, sale of Frances Watts’ lot, death of pilot John Humble, pay of William Moore as constable, plans for Salzburgers, and Indian harm to Salzburgers. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Sir
You will receive herewith a List of all such Grants as Quits Rents are now become payable on or shall be within one Year;7 as likewise a Copy of the Clause in the Charter that requires the Payment of the said Quit Rents. And the Trustees direct you and the Assistants to appoint a proper Person to demand and receive the said Rents, such Person giving a sufficient Security; And an Account of his Proceedings from time to time must be transmitted home to the Trustees.
The Trustees have issued under the Seal of the Corporation a special Commission to Messieurs James Habersham, Frances Harris, and William Spencer, for the examining and stating Mr. Thomas Causton’s Accompts with the Trust; And have sent likewise, Instructions under the Seal for their Conduct therein. Mr. Causton upon this is appointed to return to Georgia, in Order to settle his Accompts; And the Common Council direct you and the Assistants to pay him the Sum of £10. Sterling on his Arrival, and the further Sum of £20.- when the aforesaid Commissioners shall report to you and the Assistants, that they have finished his Accompts, pursuant to their Instructions. The Commissioners must deliver to Mr. Causton, Copies of such Reports as they shall make upon his Accompts, on his demanding the same; And the Trustees hope they will apply themselves as closely as they can to the Work that he may have no Room to complain of any Delays.
Mr. Causton has petitioned the Trustees, that a Lease may be perfected of those Lands, which Mr. Oglethorpe (as he alledges) ordered Mr. Noble Jones in the Year 1736 to put him in Possession of. The Trustees have therefore ordered, that you and the Assistants must direct a Survey to be made of the said Lands; And if they are not in the Possession of any other Person, then a Lease of them must be made to Mr. Causton, as he desires.
Mr. John Ulrick Driezler is appointed Schoolmaster at Frederica, for which he is to be allowed £10 Sterling P Ann.
A Commission, appointing Mr. Patrick Graham one of the Assistants in the Province of Georgia, is sent to you by this Conveyance; and he is to receive a Salary of £20 Sterling P Ann.
A Commission under the Seal, appointing the President and Assistants Commissioners for examining and stating Captn. Patrick Mackay’s Accompts, with Instructions for your Conduct therein, is likewise sent by this Conveyance.
The Trustees are concerned to find by your Journal that Mrs. [Margaret] Avery has been so obstinate, in refusing to deliver up the Surveys made by her late Husband for the Use of the Trust. It was undoubtedly right in you to prevent as much as possible the said Surveys being published, or falling into the Hands of those who might publish them, at a time when Great Britain is engaged in a War. Mrs. Avery has petitioned the Trustees, that a Gratification may be given her for the Surveys; They desire therefore you will acquaint her, that they cannot possibly judge, ‘till they see the Surveys, what Gratification may be proper. Besides, as they were made by Mr. [Joseph] Avery by Virtue of his Office as Surveyor, for which he received an Annual Allowance, they belong to the Trustees; Who therefore insist on her delivering them into the Custody of you and the Assistants, and such other Papers and Effects as belong to the Trust, and were in the Possession of Mr. Avery at the time of his Death. And they direct you to acquaint her, that if any Money be due to her upon Account of her late Husband’s Allowance, no Part of it must be paid till She surrenders the said Surveys, Papers and Effects; At the same time She may be told, that when it may be safe and proper to publish the Surveys (which can never be during the War) She may depend on receiving the Profits, which may accrue from the Publication of them.
The Trustees have received, and considered a Petition from several Inhabitants of the Town of Augusta, setting forth; The great Distance of the said Place from the Town of Savannah; And therefore praying that Captn. Kent (who is a Conservator of the Peace) may be impowered, with the Assistance of two Freeholders, to decide all Causes there, which do not amount to above £ 10 Sterling. Upon which the Trustees desire that you will send to Captn. Kent, to return to you the Number of Freeholders at Augusta, and the Names of proper Persons to be join’d with him; And that you will transmit the Account of them to England, that the Trustees may be able to frame a proper Court of Judicature for deciding such Causes there.
The Trustees have confirm’d your Sale of Mrs.[Frances] Watts and her Son’s House, and fifty Acres Lot to Mr. James Habersham; And they have order’d the Sum of £ 41.1.9 to be paid to them here for the same. You must therefore retain so much out of the Money received from Mr. Habersham for the said House and Lot, for the Use of the Trust. And as to the Sum of £ 9.18.3 claim’d by several Persons for building the aforesaid House by joint Labour, it being no Concern of the Trustees, they have left it to Mrs. Watts and her Son to adjust.
A Petition has been presented to the Trustees from Mr. Francis Moore, that John Humble late Pilot at St. Simon’s staved his Boat in Pieces in a Storm in the Year 1739/40; And being unable to provide another, Mr. Moore advanced him the Sum of £9 Sterling in Order to help him to purchase one. That he received of John Humble the Sum of £ 3 in part of the £ 9. Soon after which John Humble died, at which time Moore alledges there remained a Sum of Money due to Humble as Pilot. The Trustees have referr’d this Claim to you and the Assistants, that you may examine whether any, and what Sum was due to Humble as Pilot, at the time of his Death.
Another Petition has been presented to the Trustees from Mr. Francis Moore setting forth; That William Moore a Tanner of the Town of Frederica has by Warrant from General Oglethorpe acted there as Constable, ever since the 20th. of January 1740/1, for which Service he has not received any Part of the £ 10.- P Ann. which the Trustees allow to each Constable; And that Francis Moore has a Letter of Attorney to receive whatever Sum of Money may be due to the said William Moore on Accot. of his Salary. The Trustees have referr’d this Claim likewise to you and the Assistants to examine whether any thing and what may be due to the said William Moore.
The Trustees have ordered some Plough Shares to be sent over, which must be delivered to Mr. Bolzius for the Use of the Saltzburghers.
They are concern’d to find that the Saltzburghers are made uneasy by the Indians adjoining to them, who steal and murder their Cattle; And they recommend it to you to find some means, if possible, of dissuading the Indians from such Practices, and of letting them know that the Saltzburghers are under the Trustees Protection, who must defend them from receiving any Injuries, as they would punish them for offering any to the Indians.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Aug. 19, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 198-209, concerning sola bills, Stephens’ accounts, silk and accounts of Thomas Jones, estimated expenses for Ga., land grants and quit rents, Thomas Causton’s accounts, claims of Patrick Mackay, petition of Thomas Ellis, German servants, Salzburger cattle and trouble with Uchee Indians, John Dobell’s list of inhabitants, Charles Watson’s defense of himself, debt of Peter Emery’s widow, aids to silk raising, James Bull to Ga., Patrick Mackay and Charles Watson arrive in England, and tools sent to Ga. By the Judith, Capt. Walter Quarme.
Sir
The Trustees hope you have received the seasonable Supply of £1,000. in their Sola Bills sent you by the James Captn. Samuel Ball the 7th. of March last; When in their Letter, the Receipt of your Letter, Journal and Papers, sent in October before, was acknowledged. And on 16th. of said March by the same Ship, you was also acquainted that your Vouchers from 1st. December 1741 to Michaelmas 1742 had been examined, and found to agree with your Accounts within that time. And the Trustees now acquaint you, that the Vouchers for the Year ending at Michaelmas 1742 have been also examined, & found to agree with the Accounts for that Year. And you having been instructed to proceed in sending the like examined Copies of Vouchers, or Duplicates from Michaelmas 1743 to the 1st. of March following; The Accounts (when they arrive have been examined, and found agree, within that time) will then be fully authenticated to the time of the present Method taking Place which they are in, and is very satisfactory.
The Box you sent with the Raw Silk and Papers in December last was also received; Wherein were the examined Copies of Receipts from Michas 1739 to the last of November 1741, during the time of Mr. [Thomas] Jones’s Transactions, which will be examined with his Accounts within that time; And he being in England will be called upon to support any Deficiency, which may appear therein.
This Notice will relieve you from the anxiety concerning the above Particulars mentioned in your Letter of the 26th. February last,8 of which the Trustees received a Copy the 2d. instant, with your Original Letter of 30th. April last; And as the Original of the former never was received, it is supposed to be taken or lost.
With the £ 1,000. Sola Bills sent you as abovementioned was an Estimate, for one Year’s Expence in the Colony from Lady Day last, which amounted to £ 1,626.13.4, wherein any Saving that could be made, you were told would be acceptable; And the more so, for that the Trustees have made no Application to Parliament for these two Years past, on Account of the Exigencies of the Government in the present War. But the Trustees intend to make an Application in the next Session for a further Supply, which as probably will be but small, and will only be applied for the Support of the Civil Government; The Trustees therefore recommend the forwarding of Cultivation, as a Means of Subsistance by Produces, without depending upon uncertain Supplies.
The State of the Trustees Remittances to, and estimated Expences in Georgia from Michas 1743 appearing as follows.
The Deficiency therefore to answer said estimated Expences to Lady Day 1746 as above stated, appears to be 1,347.1
And towards the Supply thereof, the Trustees have by this Ship sent you in their Sola Bills £ 500, being 500d of £ 1. each & number’d 10,001 to 10,500. And they have also paid Mrs. [Frances] Watts and her Son as a Remittance to you £ 40.1.9, for you to change your Self with in Account with the Trust out of the Purchase Money of their Lot sold to Mr. [James] Habersham received or receivable by you for their Use; Whereby you will have a full Supply to carry on the said Estimated Expences to Michaelmas next. And the Trustees will take Care to remit timely Supplies for the Remainder to Lady Day next, before which time they will know what further Assistance can be obtained from Parliament; And of which you shall have due Notice.
In the Trustees Charter, there being a reserved Quit Rent for every hundred Acres of Lands, which the Trustees should grant, demise, plant, or settle, to commence after ten Years from the Date of such Grant, Demise, Planting or Settling. And the Colony of Georgia being in the thirteenth Year from the Arrival of the first Colonists, herewith you receive a List of the several Leases, Grants and Conveyances of Lands made by the Trustees to Persons intending ot go over and cultivate the same at their own Expence, with the Number of Acres to each, and the yearly Rents reserved, with their respective Commencements when the same first became payable; A Copy of which List you are to deliver to the Register, to make a Return thereof to you and the Assistants, which of them have been used, and who the present Claimants under them appear to be. And you also receive another List of the Trust Grants made out for allotting to Freeholders their Lots, who were sent by the Trustees, or joined the Colony, under the yearly Rents of 2d. Sterling for every fifty Acres granted, demised, planted or settled, by the Authority of the said Trust Grants; And also including Trust Grants for other Uses. A Copy of which you are likewise to deliver to the Register, to make a Return to the President and Assistants, how the said Trust Grants have been used, and of the Persons possessing Lots under them, with the Times which they or their Predecessors became first possessed thereof. In Order to ascertain the Commencements of their respective Quit Rents after their several Expirations of ten Years. And you are to instruct the Register, to make a List also of those Persons possessed of Lands, who do not appear to have any Grants thereof made to them, and to state therein the Commencements of their occupying or settling on such Lands, with the Quantities each possess. By all which, the President and Assistants will be enabled to give in Charge, the Rents to be collected to such Person as they shall appoint to receive the same by Order of and for the Use of the Trustees; To enable the Trustees to pay over to the Crown the Rents reserved by their Charter for the Lands so granted demised planted or settled, which are now due or shall hereafter annually become due and payable. And you are also to return to the Trustees, a List of those Grants, which on this Examination do not appear to have been used, and are thereby become void or forfeited. To which List you are to affix the Seal of the Province, to Support the exonerating all Claims of Quit Rents, which would otherwise have become payable to the Crown.
Herewith you receive a special Commission to Messrs. James Habersham, Francis Harris and William Spencer, who at the special Instance of Mr. Thomas Causton are appointed to examine and state his Accompts with the Trust, whereof Specimens have been made out with Mr. Causton in England, as far as the Materials the Trustees were possessed of enabled them; Copies of which and Instructions for their Assistance in this work are herewith sent you. The Trustees therefore recommend it to you to engage their entering into this necessary Service, and to give it all possible Dispatch. Mr. Causton, who comes over in this Ship, is to assist therein to explain and evidence the same in the best manner he can. And as Mr. Habersham and Mr. Harris are not in the Trustees Service, if you find they expect any Satisfaction for the time they shall employ under this Commission, you are to consult with the Assistants what reasonable Allowance may be proper to be made them on this Occasion, not exceeding five pounds a piece; Though the Trustees apprehend they would chuse to oblige the Trust in being the Instruments of stating Facts for the Trustees Judgment on Mr. Causton’s Transactions.
You also receive a Commission and Instructions for the President and Assistants, to examine and state the Claims of Captain Patrick Mackay, whereof you herewith receive Copies, and of all Proceedings here in the Committees of Accots. And as Mr. Causton can be very assistive to you in this Examination, and has promised to be so; The Trustees hope it will shorten your Work with Captain Patrick Mackay; To whom you are to give Notice, that his Claims are sent over for Examination, and to acquaint him with the Objections arising thereto, after Mr. Causton has explained them to the President and Assistants. But you are to be particularly carefull, not to admit the Trustees to be accounted legal Parties in such Claims; The President and Assistants being only to state the Services performed, and how they have been satisfied; the Persons for which you will observe by the abovementioned Reports and Papers relating to this Affair. And the Trustees direct, that Mr. Charles Watson is not to be admitted to intermeddle in any manner whatsoever in this Examination. And they leave it to the President and Assistants, if Mr. Causton’s Service to them on this Occasion be worthy Notice; That they may gratify him for the same not exceeding the Sum of five pounds.
The Petition of Thomas Ellis the Trustees will recommend to their Common Council; And they agree with you, that the future Surveyor should be paid only for what Service he does, pursuant to the Agreement you mentioned in the Minutes of the Proceedings of the President and Assistants the 3d. of March last.
Though the Trustees have long endeavoured to assist the industrious with Servants, without Success; Yet at last an Opportunity very providentially offered; That several German Protestants who were taken by the Spaniards on board an English bottom’d Vessel in their Voyage to Philadelphia, and stripp’d of everything, being released by the Cartel and brought to England, are by the Charity of the Government, and at their Expence to be sent over to Georgia by this Ship as Servants; They are now at Gosport and will embark from thence. The Contract they have signed, and List of them distinguishing those who are to serve together, and those separate as appointed by the Trustees with the Bill of Lading and Invoice of what is sent over by this Ship; and consigned to you, will be inclosed to you in another Letter from Gosport, when they are embarked. They are seventy three in Number, whereof 12 are married People and must serve together, and one of them has a Son aged 6 Years, and another a Daughter aged 8 Years, who are too young yet to separate from their Parents. There is a Girl of 7 Years old, which belongs to West’s Mother, or Maria Ratien, which is too young to be separated from whom She belongs; And there is a Widow also, who has a Son aged 7 and a Girl aged 9, which are likewise too young to be separated from her. Therefore these Children must be under the Care of them to whom they belong, until they are of Ages fit to go out to Service; Which Age for that purpose, the Trustees determine to be 12 Years old. The rest of these Germans consist of 15 Men, 9 Women, 17 Boys, and 1 Girl, all fit for Service. In Consideration of which several Services, they are to be maintained and clothed by the Masters to whom they are placed out; And the Men of 21 Years of Age and upwards are to have fifty Acres of Land set out as soon after their Arrival as may be for each of them, and are to be allowed one Working Day in the Week to labour on their own Land, and to be maintained each of such Days also, as when working for their Masters. They are furnished with Clothing, Bedding, Arms, Ammunition, Working Tools, and Necessaries for themselves, which are sent over with them; And the Disposition of the said Servants are in the President and Assistants, and to be as follows.
To the President or any of the Assistants who cultivate Land and are at a Stop for Want of Help, two, to each of them to be allotted.
And if there are in the District of Savannah any within the above Description of having cultivated Land; and being at a Stop for Want of Help, one to each of them to be allotted. In which District Mr. [Thomas] Causton’s Settlement may be considered.
And the rest are to be distributed among the Inhabitants of Ebenezer, and Township of Vernonburgh, with the adjacent Villages to the said Township, Consulting for the first with Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius, and for the other with Mr. [Michael] Burkholder.
The Trustees further direct, that the Children who are placed out from their Parents, may be in the same District wherein their Parents serve if it conveniently can be, whether that of Savannah, Ebenezer, or Vernonburgh; And that the Men Servants may have as much Benefit of their fifty Acres Lots, when set out for them as may be, each Man is to have his Lot set out for him within the District wherein he serves, and to be as near his Service as conveniently can.
The Contract for these Servants being for four Years for those of 17 Years old and upwards, and that the Males under 17 are to serve till 21, and the Females under 14 are to serve ‘till 18. And there being also a Condition at their Request, that if those of 17 Years and upwards, at the End of three Years, shall be able to maintain themselves, their last Year’s Service is to be remitted. The Trustees therefore invest the Power of determining such Ability to maintain themselves, to the Judgment of the President, calling to his Assistance Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius & Mr. [Michael] Burkholder.
Mr. Bolzius having wrote to the Trustees, that the Saltzburghers had many Heads of Cattle in the Woods, partly branded, partly not, and consequently wild; That if the President and Assistants would be assistive to them by their People at the Cow-pen of Old Ebenezer to bring them up (for which he had twice petitioned) it would redound to their furtherance in making good Progress in Agriculture upon Pine Land. That other wild Cattle of the Neighbourhood had carried away their tame Cattle from their Range, and their People were not able to bring them up without good Assistance, who understand the Woods and are provided with strong Horses, Which Assistance required from the Cowpen People, the Trustees hope you have complied with. Mr. Bolzius also writes of the Mischiefs done to the Saltzburghers Effects by the Uchee Indians, which the Trustees are much concern’d at, and recommend it to you to acquaint their Chiefs with such Disorders, and desire their preventing them for the future. He also writes, that the like Mischiefs had been stopp’d in Carolina, the Method of which you are desired to know, and to pursue the same. For though the Friendship of the Indians is very desirable, yet the Restraint of them from Outrages is equally so. Mr. Bolzius is also made acquainted with the Contract for the Germans now going over as Servants, and that you was wrote to concerning [Christopher] Ortman’s being employed as Schoolmaster to the Germans about Savannah; And the Behaviour of Christopher Hopkins the Cowpenkeeper. The Trustees for your Conduct have therefore sent you a Copy of their Letter to Mr. Bolzius, and they desire you would support and assit him in everything you can.
The Trustees have received from Mr. [John] Dobell particular Lists of the Inhabitants of Savannah, the Township of Vernonburgh, and the adjacent Villages, and of the Orphan House at Bethesda, which prove satisfactory. They have wrote to him by this Conveyance, and having recommended to him in a particular manner to pay a due Regard to the Civil Government; The Trustees to shew you the Care they have to support the Authority thereof, have sent you a Copy of their Letter to Mr. Dobell.
The Trustees have also received a Letter from Mr. Charles Watson, to justify himself from the Accusations against him; And to shew their Desire of being impartial, have sent him the Allegations and by whom made, concerning his Behaviour. And herewith you receive a Copy of his said Letter, and the Trustees answer to him. The Trustees therefore desire you will transmit to them the Defence the said Charles Watson shall make with your Observations upon the whole, in Order for the Trustees Determination thereupon.
The Trustees have received a Petition from the Widow Emerie9 and her Son and Daughter, relating to the Demand of £ 10 advanced the said Widow in the Year 1739 to buy her necessaries in England on her Return to Georgia, when her Husband was living, which he was to repay in Georgia. But as such Repayment was not made by him, and the Widow is not in Circumstances to answer the same, the Trustees will recommend it to their Common Council, to release her from the said Demand; Of which please to acquaint Mrs. Emerie.
The Trustees have by this Ship sent another Machine for winding Silk, and a Copper for putting the Silk Balls in, and also 15 Books of the Compendious Account of the Art of raising and nursing the Silk Worms, and Mulberry Trees; To forward as much as in them lyes the Prodcution of Raw Silk. For the Colony is expected, as soon as may be, to maintain it Self by usefull Productions.
There is one James Bull comes over by this Ship, by the Advice of Mr. Thomas Jones; The Trustees have a very good Character of him, and have agreed that he should have a Town Lot at Savannah, and one of the German Servants to assist him therein, in Consideration of his watchfull Care of the said German Servants in the Voyage. Mr. Jones will recommend him to fall into some Method of immediate Subsistance. And if he shall prove worthy the Trustees further Notice, when in their Power, he may become a usefull Man to the Colony.10
Herewith you receive a Book for curing Distempers among Cattle, as also the Gentleman’s Magazine, wherein Pages 353 and 354 is the Description and Figure of a Back Heaver, for winnowing and cleaning Corn, and a Method to keep Corn sweet in Sacks.
[P.S.] You receive also Mr. Patrick Graham’s Commission as an Assistant in the Civil Government of Georgia. And what Mr. [Benjamin] Martyn has mentioned about the Quit Rents, and the Clause in the Charter is supplied by this Letter.
[P.S.] Since writing the above the Trustees are informed by Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth, that Captain Patrick Mackay and Charles Watson are arrived in England; Yet the Papers relating to Captain Mackay are nevertheless sent you; Georgia, where the Transactions were, being the only Place for examining and stating them. But the Letter to Charles Watson is kept to give him, when he shall apply to the Trustees. And by the Copy sent you, you will see the Trustees Disposition towards him.
There are a Parcel of Working Tools and Nails, which have lain at the Trustees Office for some Years, and unclaim’d by any one; Though design’d for a Person intending to go over to Georgia, who never went. Which the Trustees have sent to you in a Basket, to be disposed of to those who will make a proper Use of them.
A List of Leases Grants and Conveyances of Lands made by the Trustee for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America to Persons intending to go over and cultivate the same at their own Expences.
A List of Trust Grants made for parcelling out Lots to the Inhabitants of Georgia, and for other Uses.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Oct. 4, 1745, Gosport,11 C.O. 5/668, pp. 210-214, concerning Thomas Causton’s accounts, German servants, and things sent to Ga. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Sir
The following Sums being charged on Mr. Thomas Causton as received or receivable by him for the Trustees of Georgia, being advanced by them on the Credit of the Claims the following Persons had in Georgia, and to be placed to the Trustees Account as received; To which Charge Mr. Causton having objected, for that no Part of such Sums came to his Hands. I have therefore sent you Copies of the Articles, as they stand in Charge; And desire that you will transcribe them, and lay them before the special Commissioners appointed to examine and state his Account with the Trust, that they may report if the same are chargeable on the said Mr. Causton, or remain unreceived, or unaccounted for by the Persons who were to pay the same for the Trustees Use. vizt.
Invoice of what is shipp’d on board the Judith Captain Walter Quarme, and consigned to William Stephens Esqr. at Savannah in Georgia, by Bill of Lading dated the 12th. of September 1745. vizt. For the Use of the German Servants on board the p said Ship.
HBE. 2 Cases from Hambrough.
And
| EBENEZER. | 1 Case from Amsterdam. And for William Stephens Esqr. for the Use of the Colony. A Machine for winding Silk and a small Copper for the Silk Balls. A Basket of Wrought Iron. And a Box with Books, Papers and Letters |
Besides which, there was bought at Gosport; and shipped there for the Use of the German Servants, a small light Plough. | |
And shipped also for Use in the Voyage. | |
| A small Box of Medicines with Directions. | |
| 10 Bushels of Potatoes | |
| 10 Bushels of Turnips | |
| 5 Bushels of Onions | |
| 3 half hhds. of Vinegar, and two Brushes to sprinkle it between Decks. | |
The Determination of the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America the 19th. of August 1745, appointing those of the German Servants12 to be shipped on board the Judith Captain Walter Quarme for Georgia who are to serve together, and those who are to serve separate. vizt.
By Order of the said Trustees Harman Verelst Accotant
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Oct. 24, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 214, sending grapevine cuttings. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Sir
By the Ship Judith’s Detention by contrary Winds I had an Opportunity of sending the Earl of Egmont’s Benefaction for your Self & those Inhabitants in the Northern part of Georgia who will make a right Use of them, a Tub containing Five hundred and fifty Vine Cuttings. There was not time to label them, but those with Yellow Wood are most of the white Muscadine Sort, and those with blacker Wood are most of them Burgundy with black Muscadines &c. I hope they will come in good Order, being so seasonably shipped.
The like to Major William Horton for himself and the Inhabitants in the Southern part of Georgia.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, Oct. 28, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 215, telling of James Billinghurst’s interest in an island in Ga. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Sir
Mr. James Billinghurst and his Family, who came over with General Oglethorpe are gone to Gasport to return to the Colony of Georgia by the Ship Judith, in Order to settle there. Before Billinghurst went, he desired a Grant of the little Island opposite to Mr. Noble Jones’s Fort.
The Trustees therefore desire that you will inform them whether any Grant of the said Island has been made to any other Person, and whether you have any Objection to their granting the same to Billinghurst; Or whether it is proper or not for them from the Situation of the Place, to part with it out of their own Hands.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Dr. Philip Bearcroft, Oct. 28, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 215, informing him of the return of the Rev. Thomas Bosomworth to England.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia has been much surprised at the Return of their Missionary the Revd. Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth to England, without their Privity or Consent; And as they have received the Assistance of the Society for propagating the Gospel for supporting him in Georgia; They think it incumbent on them to take this first Opportunity of their Meeting, after a long Adjournment, of acquainting them with his Return, And have therefore ordered me to transmit to you the inclosed Letter which they have just received from him.
Benjamin Martyn to the Bishop of London, Nov. 1, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 215, requesting that payment be made to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, their missionary to Savannah.
My Lord
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia, having appointed the Revd. Mr. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler to succeed the Revd. Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth, as their Missionary at the Town of Savannah in Georgia; They desire your Lordship will be pleased to send a Letter in his Favour to the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty’s Treasury, that the Sum of £ 20 as usual to Missionaries to the Plantations, may be paid to him.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, Nov. 1, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 216, informing him of the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler as a missionary to Savannah. By the Judith, Capt. Quarme.
Sir
The Reverend Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth having quitted the Colony without Consent, or even Knowledge, of the Trustees; and having intimated, that he has no Intention of returning to perform his Duty as their Missionary at Savannah; They have appointed the Revd. Mr. Barth. Zouberbuhler to succeed him. He has been ordained Deacon and Priest by the Bishop of London, and besides being acquanted with the Country seems to be well qualified for the Office, as he is Master of the German Language, and has some Knowledge of the French; He readily offers to officiate in those Languages for the Germans and French, who are Inhabitants in and near Savannah, according to the Ceremonies of the Church of England.
The Trustees desire you will give Mr. Zouberbuhler all the Countenance and Assistance you can in Order to make his Duty as easy, and his Residence there as agreable as possible.
Mr. [Harman] Verelst will write fully to you about the Servants allotted to him, for the Cultivation of Lands for Religious Uses.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Nov. 2, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 216-217, sending matter on Patrick Mackay’s accounts and outlining Bartholomew Zouberburhler’s duties and servants for.
Sir
Captain Patrick Mackay having been in England at a time when no meeting of the Trustees happen’d while he staid, and being returned to America on board the Hector Captain Rodger, left for the Trustees a Letter with sundry Papers, and an Accompt newly stated by him with new Claims; I have therefore, by the Trustees Order, sent you a Copy of that Accompt and the new Claims for the Consideration of the Commissioners, to whom his Accots. are referred, as also a Copy of my Report to the Trustees on the Perusal of his said Letter and Papers; for the Information of the said Commissioners, on the Matters arising from such Perusal.
The Reverend Mr. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, being appointed Successor to Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth is to have the Use of the Parsonage House and Furniture, and Library at Savannah; He engages to officiate, not only in English, but in German and French, according to the Rules of the Church of England, which he may do at different Hours at Savannah, the Villages of Acton and Vernonburgh, where the Germans are settled, be not so far distant but that they may come to Savannah, and he will visit them occasionally as the Service shall require.
The Trustees direct that he should have two of the German Servants of those in the Ship Judith he comes over with, to be employed in cultivating the 300d Acres of Land for Religious Uses at Savannah; He being Missionary on the same Terms as Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth was. The Maintenance and Cloathing of which two Servants are in the Trustees Estimate. And Mr. Zouberbuhler will endeavour to hasten the Cultivation of the said 300d Acres, with those Servants, to ease as soon as possible the Incorporated Society from the £ 50 a Year Salary they pay, in Aid to the Trustees.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Mr. Thomas Bosomworth, Nov. 5, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 217, accepting his resignation as missionary to Savannah.
Sir
Your Letter to Mr. [Harman] Verelst, dated York October 12th. 1745 has been laid before the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia. They could not but be surprised at your having left the Colony without their Consent or Privity; However, as they look’d on your Letter as a Resignation of the Office of their Missionary, they have ordered me to acquaint you with their Consent to it, and that in Consequence thereof they have appointed another Gentleman to succeed you, who is already embark’d, and who has undertaken to fix his Residence altogether at Savannah.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Dr. Philip Bearcroft, Nov. 11, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 217, asking £ 50 a year payment to Bartholomew Zouberbuhler as missionary to Savannah.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have ordered me to send to you immediately their Memorial to the Incorporated Society for propagating the Gospel that the Allowance of £ 50 p Ann. which was granted to the Reverend Mr. Thomas Bosomworth the Missionary at Savannah, may be transferred to the Reverend Mr. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, and they desire you’ll lay it before the Society at their first Meeting.
Benjamin Martyn to John Terry at Frederica, Dec. 23, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 218-219, concerning Terry’s suspension from office and his other problems. By the Loyal Katherine, Capt. White, in care of William Stephens in Ga.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America have received the Copy of your Letter dated May 3d 1745, and likewise your Letter of July 11th. 1745.
In your last you acknowledge the Receipt of the Trustees Order intimating that Mr. [John] Calwell’s Office of Bailiff, and yours of Recorder of the Town of Frederica were both suspended. Upon this you have stated several Queries, to which the Trustees have ordered me to return you the following Answers.
You desire to know how far you have executed your Duty, and whether you have or have not acted according to the Trustees Orders. It was not for any Breach of Duty, or any Suspicion, that Mr. Calwell and you had acted contrary to the Trustees Directions that you were both suspended. But it was owing to the absence of the other two Bailiffs, who came to England without the Consent or Knowledge of the Trustees, by which (as I acquainted you then) the Administration of Justice it Self in that Part of the Province became suspended; So that the Powers of the Town Court ceasing, your Offices ceased of Course. And you must remember, that both Mr. Calwell and you represented to the Trustees the Difficulties or rather Impossibilities you lay under of executing your Offices, by the interposing of the Military Power.
You ask whether you are to receive, or whether the Trustees think, that any Money is due to you from the Salvors [Labours?]13 As this Affair has not been fully laid before the Trustees, they can give no Determination upon it. You must therefore apply to the President and Assistants, who, it is not to be doubted, will do Justice to all Parties concern’d in that Transaction.
You desire to know whether you must continue in the Office of Register. To this I am directed to answer, that your appointment of Register was not an Act of the Trustees, nor was it with their Knowledge, and consequently they are not to pay any Salary for it; As they had appointed a Register for the whole Province, who is station’d at Savannah, it properly fell under your Office of Correspondent with the President at Savannah (for which you had a Salary) to transmit the Registry of the Southern part of the Province to him.
You ask whether you shall be paid your Salary as Recorder. To this the Trustees have ordered me to answer, you will undoubtedly be paid to the 14th. of June being the Time when you received the Order of Suspension, but no longer.
You say immediately after, that you don’t know what Course you are to proceed upon. The Trustees thought, they had fully explain’d themselves upon that Head in my former Letter to you. vizt. That since the Administration of Civil Government was suspended at Frederica, and as you had represented in a very ample manner the Affronts you received from, and the Hardships, and even Danger you was exposed to among the Military Officers there. They were willing to provide for you in the best manner they could at Savannah, where you would be more sure of Protection; And for this End they ordered a Lot of Land to be made out and granted you there, and told you they had it in their Thoughts to provide for you in some Office upon a Vacancy.
If you have not yet been suffer’d to pass to Savannah, and find your Self still restrain’d by Captain [William] Horton, or others; You must apply to the President and Assistants, who have the Direction of the Civil Affairs for the whole Province, who will have Instructions sent to them about it.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, March 1, 1745/6, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 219-221, concerning Trustee finances in Ga., appointment of bailiffs and assistants, appointment of Bartholomew Zouberbuhler as missionary to Savannah, capture of Stephens’ correspondence, copies of Stephens’ journal and proceedings of the President and Assistants desired. By the Loyal Katherine, Capt. White.
Sir
The Trustees hope that long before the Receipt of this Letter, you have by Captain Quarme rec’d their Letters of 19th. August, the 4th. and 24th. October, and 2d November last, with the £ 500 in their Sola Bills towards the Supply of their estimated Expences in Georgia to Lady Day next. They have now sent you a Bill for £ 300 drawn by Mr. John Tuckwell on Mr. [John] Pye at Savannah, out of Money in his Hands for the said Mr. Tuckwell’s Use, which when received you are to charge your Self with, and send Advice thereof to the Trustees; And you are to apply the same in further part of the estimated Expences before mentioned.
There will be sent you by the first safe Conveyance £ 500 more in the Trustees Sola Bills which with the Money Mr. [William] Hopton has rec’d, and was to charge himself with against his Services for the Trust, will fully answer the Trustees said estimated Expences to Lady Day next.
The Exigencies of the Government in the present War are such, that it was with Difficulty the Trustees could obtain a small Supply for defraying the Charges of the Civil Government, and all other Expences of the Trust whatever in England, as well as in Georgia, Which must be managed with the greatest Frugality; It being no more than £ 4,000 and to last two Years. For the Publick do expect, that in a reasonable Course of Time (as so much has been given for the supporting this Colony) the Inhabitants should find Means to support themselves. And the Trustees think it necessary to remind you, that the Government of the Colony will remain in them no longer than the Expiration of the 21 Years from the 9th. of June 1732, the Date of their Charter, which is about seven Years to come; When the Management of it will revert to the Crown. You are therefore to stir up the Inhabitants to a proper Industry in the Cultivation of their Lands, and raising Produces, that no Defict may happen for Want thereof.
Mr. Charles Watson having resign’d his Offices of second Bailiff and Assistant at Savannah, the Trustees have settled with him all his Demands on them, and on the 17th. of January last he executed to them a Release; Mr. William Spencer will therefore succeed him as second Bailiff; And you are desired to let the Trustees know, if either Mr. [Samuel] Marcer or Mr. [Patrick] Graham who at present are only assistants, will execute the Office of 3d Bailiff in the Room of Mr. William Spencer; In which Case Mr. James Bull, who went over with the Germans on board the Judith (if you find him qualified) may be recommended to be an Assistant. The Incorporated Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts have agreed to pay the Reverend Mr. [Bartholomew] Zouberbuhler, who went Missionary to Savannah in Georgia with Captain Quarme, in the Room of Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth £ 50 a Year from Michaelmas last; and with this you receive a Parcel from the said Society for him, whose Correspondence with them may come with you Conveyances to the Trustees, to be delivered to the Secretary of the said Society. And herewith you receive Mr. Zouberbuhler’s Appointment from the Trustees dated 1st. November last under the Corporation Seal.
Mr. Zouberbuhler is wrote to by this Conveyance relating to the Sum of £ 22.1.- he desired the Trustees to advance for him on his going away, to satisfy some Demands on him; and the Trustees are pleased to order no more than £ 12.10.- of his Salary payable by the Incorporated Society from Michaelmas to Christmas last, to be applied towards reimbursing the said Advance, and to allow him the £ 9.11.- Remainder with the other Sums already paid him for his sudden Out Set to Georgia. I have therefore desired him to send me a Draught for the said £ 12.10.- on the Treasurer to the said Society, to make good the same to me, who stands answerable to Mr. Zouberbuhler’s Creditors.
On the 26th. of last month I received a Letter from Mr. William Hopton of Charles Town dated 23d. of November before, advising me of two small Boxes he had forwarded from you, the one in October last by the Mercury Captain Thomas Wilkinson, and the other by the Ship Prince William Captain Pick, which were both taken, tho the said Letter by accident was saved. And the Trustees have not received any Letter from you since that dated 30th. April last, which was received 2d. August following.
Your Journal from 25th December 1744 to 26th. February following, and the Proceedings of the President and Assistants from 23d November 1744 to 23d February following, which the Trustees received in July last, having been by some Accident mislaid; You are desired to send Copies of them.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, March 10, 1745/6, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 221, sending sola bills. By the Loyal Katherine, Capt. White.
Sir
Since writing the foregoing, the Trustees being informed that the Loyal Katherine Captn. White was under Contract to sail with the West India or Cape Breton Convoy whereby a safe Conveyance offered for sending the £ 500 more in the Trustees Sola Bills before mentioned, to compleat the Trustees estimated Expences in Georgia to Lady Day next; Herewith you receive the same, consisting of 500d of £1.- each No. 10,501 to No. 11,000 dated the 5th. instant, and filled up to your Self, Mr. Henry Parker and Mr. William Spencer, or any two of them to issue for the Purpous aforesaid. They are in a Box directed to you, and consign’d to Mr. William Hopton at Charles Town, which the Trustees hope will come safe to Hand.
[Note on file copy of letter.]
Sent the 2d. Bill of the £ 300 Sett & Extract of the above by the Betsey Captain Meredith 5 April 1746.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, March 1, 1745/6, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 221-222, telling of his salary payment and repayment of money advanced by Trustees before he left England. By the Loyal Katherine, Capt. White.
Reverend Sir
This accompanies a Parcel from the Incorporated Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign parts, and also acquaints you that the said Society have agreed to pay you, in the Room of Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth, Fifty pounds a year as Missionary to Savannah from Michaelmas last.
Your Appointment from the Trustees is sent to William Stephens Esqr. to deliver you, and they have been pleased to order, that only £ 12.10.- of your said Salary from Michaelmas to Christmas last, shall be applied towards the Reimbursement of the £22.1.- you desired them to advance to your Creditors on your leaving England; and the £ 9.11.- Residue, the Trustees have allowed you as part and in Addition to what they have already paid for your sudden Out Set in their Service to Georgia. For which £12.10.- please to draw a Sett of Bills of Exchange payable to me or Order, on the Treasurer to the said Incorporated Society to reimburse me that Value paid for you in London on your Setting out for Georgia; And send one of the said Sett by different Conveyances until you hear of my Receipt thereof.
You will therefore have your Salary from Christmas last for your own Use, and the Maintenance of the two Servants clear for their being employed in the Cultivation of Land as directed. Please to remember to correspond with the Trustees by every Opportunity and also observe the Instructions sent you by the Incorporated Society.
[P.S.] Herewith you have an Extract of a Letter Mr. Diespech received from St. Gall concerning what he wrote about the Remittance you expected.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, March 10, 1745/6, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 222-223, concerning lack of correspondence from Ga., Parliamentary grant, Stephens to urge people to be industrious, cowpen at Old Ebenezer, Salzburgers and silk culture, and William Spencer’s appointment as bailiff. By the Loyal Katherine, Capt. White; by the Betsey, Capt. Joseph Meredith.
Sir
As the Trustees have received no Letters from you of a fresher Date than the 30th. of April last; They are impatient to receive some Account of the State of the Colony. The Uncertainty of Correspondence is so great, by the Number of Carolina Ships that are taken, that you see it is absolutely necessary, that Copies of all Letters from you should be sent by every Conveyance ‘till you hear they are arrived in England, still remembering to give the proper Directions, to every Captain to throw the Packet overboard in Case of his Ship’s being taken.
The Trustees have obtained a small Supply from Parliament this Year for the Support of the Civil Government in Georgia, and all other Expences of the Trust whatsoever. The Sum is £ 4000 for two Years. The Exigencies of the Government made it difficult to obtain even this, and the Difficulty may, and probably will, be still greater than at present, unless the Parliament see, by the Produces raised in Georgia, and a greater Progress in them than has yet been made, that the Nation is like to reap the Benefit of having planted and supported the Colony to this time, and that some Returns will be made for the Money they have granted; For this Reason, the Trustees desire you will neglect no Opportunity of inciting the People to be industrious in the Cultivation of their Lands, and laying before them the Advantages, and even the Necessity of their being able in some time to support the Civil Government themselves, for if the Parliament should cease to support it, before they are enabled, the Consequences will be very unhappy. This Argument however must be used with great Caution, to quicken their Industry only, but not to frighten them, or give them Room to think their Labour will be unprofitable; Therefore the Trustees think it proper to remind you, without alarming the People with it, that the Government of the Colony will remain in them but a few Years longer.
As the Supply is so small, it must be managed you are sensible with the utmost Frugality; Whatever Savings can be made in the Extimate, you must acquaint the Trustees with. This leads them to enquire in what manner the Cowpen at Old Ebenezer is managed, and of what Use it is to the Trust, to oblige them to be at such an Expence about it. The Increase of Cattle there must be very great. They want therefore to know how these Cattle are disposed of. You have mentioned in some of your Letters, that at Captain [William] Horton’s Desire, some Cattle were kill’d and barrell’d up, in Order to be sold to him for the Use of the Army; But as no Account has been transmitted of what Money has been received from him, or how it has been applied, the Trustees desire you will send one.
As you informed the Trustees some time ago, that many of the People, especially the Saltzburghers, were disposed to learn the Art of winding Silk, and did not doubt but they could attain it without the Instruction of Mrs. [Jane Mary] Camuse; And as the Trustees sent over for this Purpose Machines and Books to instruct them in the Art, they desire to know what Progress any of them have made. If they have succeeded, or are in a way of succeeding a Saving may undoubtedly be made with Regard to Mrs. Camuse, who has not made good her Engagements with the Trustees for instructing the People. You’ll therefore, Sir, by the first Opportunity write about it.
Mr. Charles Watson having resign’d his Offices of 2d Bailiff and Assistant, Mr. William Spencer is to succeed him as 2d Bailiff. As Mr. [Harman] Verelst has wrote to you about finding a proper Person to succeed Mr. Spencer, it is needless for me to enlarge on it.
Benjamin Martyn to the Gov. and Council of S. C., April 3, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 223-224, asking if Ga. correspondence may be sent through them. By the Betsey, Capt. Meredith.
Gentlemen
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia are truly sensible, how requisite it is for the mutual Welfare of both the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia, that a good Understanding should be established between them; As their Situation is contiguous, their Interests are in a manner connected, their Safety is dependant each on the other, and their Friends and Enemies are the same. The Trustees have, and will in all their Proceedings shew, that these are their Sentiments, and in a firm Persuasion that you are in the same Way of Thinking, they have ordered me to acquaint you with a Difficulty they lye under, and to desire your Assistance in it. For some time past, the Correspondence between them and their Officers in Georgia has in a manner ceased, and as they have great Reasons to believe it has not been owing to any Negligence in their President and Assistants, who have Orders to write by every Opportunity, they can impute it only to some unseen Stops in the Channel, tho’ which their Correspondence used to be conveyed. It being therefore of the utmost Importance to the Colony, that the Trustees should have frequent and full Information of the State of it, they hope you will be pleased for a time to receive and inclose, in yours to England, the Dispatches from Georgia to them, and to transmit to Savannah the Letters and Parcels directed thither from the Trustees; And whatever Expences may attend this, Mr. William Stephens the President at Savannah will have Orders to defray.
If Gentlemen, you will be so kind as to let Mr. Stephens know your Resolution, and put him in a Way of sending with the most Secrecy his Packets to you, the Trustees will look on it as an additional Obligation.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, April 4, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 224, informing him that Ga. mail is to go through the Gov. and Council of S.C. By the Betsey, Capt. Meredith.
Sir
The Trustees having received no Letters from you of a fresher Date than last April, while Letters from other Persons in the Province find their Way hither; and knowing your Punctuality and Care, they cannot but think some Misfortunes attend your Packets particularly in the Conveyance. To remedy which, they have desired the Governor and Council of South Carolina, to permit yours to the Trust, and those from the Trust to you, to pass thro’ their Hands, and under their Covers. I have inclosed for your Perusal a Copy of the Letter to the Governor and Council, you will see by this that whatever Expences may attend the Conveyance of the Letters in this manner must be defrayed by you; It will be proper therefore for you to acquaint the Governor and Council, that you have received Orders for such Purpose.
You will receive herewith a Copy of my last Letter to you dated March 10th. 1745 [1745/6].
Benjamin Martyn to John Dobell, April 4, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 225, acknowledging receipt of his letter of Oct. 29, 1745. By the Betsey, Capt. Meredith.
Sir
Your Letter dated October 29th. 1745 relating to the Indian Traders has been received, and laid before the Trustees; Who as yet have only given Orders for my acknowledging the Receipt of yours.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, July 18, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 225-228, concerning nonreceipt of letters from Ga., land for Salzburgers beyond Ebenezer Creek, Salzburger’s mill and sale of lumber, Stephens’ thoughts on permitting rum in Ga., conditions in Ga. expecially silk production, Trustees’ cowpen and cattle, gifts to Salzburgers, land for religious purposes at Ebenezer, claim of Robert Parker to certain land, no Negroes to be allowed in Ga. By Charles Watson, a passenger on the Success, Capt. Thomson.
Sir
The Trustees have received Packets of Letters by different Ships from several Persons in the Colony, and they cannot but think it very unfortunate that all yours by some Fatality should miscarry; For except one short Letter dated the 22d of February last sent to Mr. [Harman] Verelst, in Relation to a Bill of Mr. [John] Tuckwell’s, they have not received any from you of a later Date than last April twelve month. They desire therefore that you will send them Copies of all such Letters as you have wrote to them since that time, and that you will make it a Rule to send them for the future Copies of all your Letters, till you hear they are received by the Trustees. They hope the Method which they have taken to procure your Letters to be sent with the Governor of South Carolina’s Packets will prove a better and safer Channel than your Letters have hitherto come thro’.
Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius has, in favour of the Saltzburghers, made an Application to the Trustees that the Land lying beyond Ebenezer Creek now in the Possession of the Uchee Indians, may be procured for and granted to them, in Order that the Settlement may be enlarged for the Reception of other Saltzburghers, who may go thither, and that they may be more secure from the Robberies of the Indians, by these being removed to a greater Distance; The Trustees therefore order that you and the assistants do find means to know whether the Uchees are disposed (as the Trustees are informed they are) to settle in any other Place, and to part with that Land by Ebenezer Creek; And what Presents they will expect in Return for their quitting it to the Trustees. And if you find the Presents are moderate, and can be easily purchased by you, then you must enter into an Agreement with them for the Land; You must not however exceed the Sum of Fifty pounds Sterling for the same, and must endeavour to purchase it as much cheaper as you can. This Land must afterwards be survey’d, and upon Mr. Bolzius’s Petition to you and the Assistants must be run out, & annexed to the Settlement of Ebenezer, and appropriated for the Reception of other Saltzburghers. Upon your transmitting the Account of this Transaction afterwards to the Trustees, the agreement will be ratifyed by them, as likewise the Grant of the Land to the Saltzburghers.
The Trustees have resolved that the six Brasses, which were lent from the Store to Mr. Bolzius, be given to the Saltzburghers; You will be pleased therefore to let him know, the Trustees have sent their Directions for that Purpose. It is with great pleasure they see that the Saltzburghers have brought their Saw Mill to Perfection. It is to be hop’d such an Example of Industry will have its proper Influence on other Inhabitants of the Province, especially when they come to see the Saltzburghers reaping the Fruits of their Industry. By Mr. Bolzius’s account the Mill, with two Saws, will saw above One thousand feet of Boards in twenty four Hours. This, besides enabling them to build their Houses with greater Ease and Dispatch, may prove a very profitable Branch of Trade, not only to them, but the whole Province. In Order to this, it will be right to think of some Method for procuring Ships from the Sugar Colonies to come to Savannah for Lumber. The Trustees desire to know your Opinion, whether the Prohibition of Rum has been effectual, if it is not generally drunk in the Province, and whether admitting it to be brought from those Plantations by Way of Barter for Lumber will contribute to the Drinking of it more than at present; and if it should be admitted, what Restrictions you think may be of Service.
The Trustees desire you will send them as full accounts of the Province as possible by the first Opportunity; They want very much to be informed of the State of it, what Disposition the People are in at Savannah, whether they apply themselves more to cultivating their Plantations than they us’d, what Progress is made in the Silk Business, whether any of the People understand as yet the Art of winding off the Silk, and whether Mrs. [Jane Mary] Camuse has made good her Agreement for instructing them to the Satisfaction of your Self and the Assistants; If She has not, there can be no Reason for continuing that Part of the Estimate, which makes her an Allowance for it.
I must repeat to you in this Letter, what I wrote May 10th. 1743, and the 10th of March last, that the Trustees want to know what Use the Cowpen is of, and whether it is necessary for them to be at such an Expence for it; The Increase of the Cattle there must be very great. The Trustees therefore desire to know what Number there was by the last Return, which the Cowpenkeeper made of them. Tho’ it might be right to employ such a Man at the beginning of the Colony, and when large Imbarkations might be expected, there can be no Reason for it at present, unless by a Sale of the Cattle, and applying the Money arising from it to the Use of the Trust, it may be thought necessary to continue him. And here the Trustees desire to be inform’d, whether the Money has been received, and what the Sum, from Major [William] Horton for the Cattle which you formerly mentioned to be sold to him for the Use of the Regiment; And what has in general been received from him or others upon account of any Sale of them. The Trustees are very glad that you gave Orders to [Christopher] Hopkins the Cow-penkeeper, not to disturb or give Offence to the Saltzburghers or the Keeper of their Cattle; and they hope you will repeat them, whenever it may be necessary.
Mr. [Harman] Verelst, by a Letter dated May 20th. 1743 acquainted you that for an Encouragement to the Saltzburghers, the Trustees did remit the Sum of £37 Sterling due from them. They hereby repeat their Orders, and desire you will acquaint Mr. Bolzius, that the said Sum is released and discharged. The Trustees likewise order that the Money due to the Saltzburghers for the Silk Balls, which they carried to the Store, be paid to them.
As no Land has yet been appropriated at Ebenezer in Order to be cultivated for raising a Support for the Ministers there, & others concerned in the Care and Education of the Saltzburghers; The Trustees order that the Surveyor be sent thither, and that he be directed to run out 500 Acres to be cultivated for Religious and Charitable Purposes, in such Place at Ebenezer as Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius shall appoint.
The Trustees find that a District of Land at the Mill River at Ebenezer has been said to belong to young Mr. [Robert] Parker, when Mr. Bolzius has applied for the same to be added to the Settlement at Ebenezer. The Trustees never made a Grant of this Land to Robert Parker the Elder or his Son. It is true that the Father, of his own Head, without any authority from the Trustees, built a Saw Mill upon this Land; And afterwards by a Letter dated December 24th. 1734 he applied to Mr. [Robert] Hucks (lately deceased) one of the Trustees for a large Scope of Land thereabouts, and insisted, that he should have Liberty to employ one or two Negro Servants for every fifty Acres. This being a Condition to which the Trustees could never give their Consent, they made no such Grant and the said Robert Parker the Father soon came to England, and never afterwards returned to Georgia. Robert Parker, the Son, by his Marriage with the Widow of William Sale had a Claim to a Grant of 300 Acres of Land, and thinking that by Virtue of this Grant (as he says in a Letter to the Trustees dated March 3d. 1734) he might settle upon any Land that was not already survey’d, he and his Servants accordingly went up to Mill Bluff, where his Father had erected the Saw Mill; and of his own Head likewise, without any Authority from the Trustees or any commission’d by them to authorize him, he erected a large Hut of Clapboards upon the said Land; But Mr. Thomas Causton, one of the Magistrates, and Mr. Noble Jones the Surveyor, then acquainted him, that if he offer’d to settle there, they would chop or burn down his Hut, and oppos’d him to the utmost. It is evident therefore that so far from having granted the said Land, the Trustees and their Officers have both refused it. Besides, if there had been any Grant of the said Land to either of the said Parker’s, it never has been cultivated, and is therefore forfeited of Course. The said Robert Parker the Son has likewise left the Colony many Years. As therefore it must be extreamly inconvenient to the Saltzburghers, whose Settlement will be continually extending, to have a large Tract of Land in the midst of them possess’d by one who does not belong to them; The Trustees will never give their Consent to Robert Parker’s enjoying the same, nor will they ever grant it to any but the Saltzburghers. They therefore order it to be run out, and added to their Settlement.
The Trustees are surprized to find that any Expectations are still kept up among the People of their being allow’d the Use of Negroes. They desire that you and the assistants will take all Opportunities to discourage the same, and to convince the People that their own Industry will prove much more useful1 to them; and that if they were once permitted to have Slaves, they would soon become such themselves, by being Debtors to the Negro Merchants.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, July 15, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 229-230, concerning Salzburger industry, Chretien Von Munch, Salzburger mill and silk production, land desired beyond Ebenezer Creek, Bolzius reasons against Negroes in Ga., land for Salzburger religious and charitable purposes, and Salzburgers forgiven store debt. By Charles Watson, a passenger on the Success, Capt. Thomson.
Sir
Your Packet of Letters dated in January and February last has been received. That, which was sent to my Care for Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Ziegenhagen, has been delivered to him. Your Letter likewise to Mr. [James] Vernon and all the rest as directed. Your Letters to Mr. [Harman] Verelst and my Self have been laid before the Trustees, who have ordered me to acquaint you with the Pleasure which they take in your Conduct, and the accounts which you send them from time to time of the Saltzburghers and the Comfort and Quiet in which they live. The Industry which they shew, being the best Foundation for their Happiness, is the most gratefull Return which they can make for the Trustees Care of them. The Trustees have writ as you desired to Mr. [Chretien] Von Munch, at Augsburgh, to return their Thanks for his Kindness and Benefactions to the Saltzburghers. They have likewise resolved to elect him a Trustee, if he has no Objection, as they hope he has not. The Trustees are very glad that the Saw Mill is brought to Perfection, and they have given Orders that the six Brasses which were lent from the Store at Savannah for the Use of it, be given for that Purpose. They are much pleas’d with your Promise to promote as much as possible the Silk Business, and encourage the Saltzburgh Women to attain the Art of winding of Silk. This will be the chief, if not the only Work of Difficulty in it, and when they have got over this, which with Care and Perseverance they’ll certainly do, they’ll soon reap the Profits of it.
The Trustees are very well dispos’d to procure the Land which you mention beyond Ebenezer Creek, as necessary both for the Safety and enlarging of your Settlement, but it must be procur’d from the Uchy Indians by gentle means and by Treaty; They send over therefore by this Conveyance, Directions to the President and Assistants to take the proper Methods for purchasing this Land of those Indians. It will be right therefore Sir, for you to present a Petition to the President and Assistants, describing the Tract of Land and desiring the same, when purchas’d & survey’d, may be granted as an addition to the Settlement at Ebenezer, and may be run out and appropriated for the Reception of such other Saltzburghers as may be inclin’d to go over and inhabit there; This being sent over to the Trustees, they will grant the Land accordingly.
The Trustees are very glad that you found the good Effects of their recommending you and your People to the President and Assistants at Savannah; and they have no Doubt but you will always meet with Justice and Protection there, as you may always depend on the Care and Affection of the Trustees.
They are much pleased with your Letter to Mr. [George] Whitefield; Your Reasons against admitting Negroes into the Colony are good ones, and they are glad to find that they had a proper Effect on Mr. Whitefield. As the Trustees have always had the same Sentiments, and find these confirm’d by your just Observations, and the Industry of the Saltzburghers, you may be satisfied that Negroes will not be permitted.
The Trustees approve of the Method taken by you for preventing any Idleness among your People, by allowing those only who are industrious in tilling the Ground, to partake of the Benefit of the Sale of Lumber saw’d by the Mill.
The Trustees have sent Directions, that the District of Land at the Mill River (which was thought but without any Foundation to have belong’d to Mr. [Robert] Parker) shall be added to the Settlement at Ebenezer, As no Land has yet been appropriated there, in Order to be cultivated for raising a Support for your Self and your Assistant, and for your Successors, and others concerned in the Education of the Saltzburghers, the Trustees have sent Orders for 500 Acres to be run out, where you shall like best, to be cultivated by joint Labour of the Saltzburghers, for Religious and Charitable Purposes.
I have written again to Mr. [William] Stephens by this Conveyance, that the £37 Sterling, which the Saltzburghers ow’d to the Store, is forgiven them; and likewise that the Money due to them for the Silk Balls, which they carried to the Store, shall be paid to you for them.
The Trustees approve of what you propose vizt. The building a large House for the Use of Widows and Orphans to be employed in making Silk at Ebenezer; and have it in their Thoughts to give a little Assistance towards it. I am sure Sir, upon my telling you that the Trustees have the Silk Business principally at heart, no Means will be left untried by you, to promote the Progress of it, and quicken the Saltzburghers Application to it.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, July 25, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 231-233, concerning losses on the ship Judith, appointments of officials, memorial of Mary Bosomworth, pay for surveying, payment of silk bounties, sola bills to be sent, and method to keep corn sweet. By Charles Watson, a passenger on the Success, Capt. Thomson.
Sir
On the 4th. of last Month I received your Letter dated the 22d of February before which is the only one from you since April was twelve month. But the Trustees are willing to impute it to the Carolina Ships having been so unfortunately taken.
The Trustees were very sorry to hear the melancholy account of the Voyage the Ship Judith had, and the Loss sustain’d therein; As Mr. [Thomas] Causton’s Death was a part thereof, Mr. [William] Williamson has administer’d to him in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury as Chief Creditor by marrying his Niece, whose Fortune was in Mr. Causton’s Care, and for which he had given Bond. And as Mr. [James] Bull died in the said Voyage, who was intended for third Bailiff at Savannah, or an Assistant, an Application has been made by Mr. Charles Watson to return to Georgia under some appointment from the Trustees (a Copy of his Petition is herewith sent you); On which Application, the Trustees came to a Resolution to recommend him to the Common Council either for the Office of third Bailiff at Savannah, if neither Mr. [Samuel] Marcer nor Mr. [Patrick] Graham has accepted thereof; And in Case either of them have, then to remove Mr. [John] Pye from the Office of Recorder, and appoint Mr. Watson his Successor; As Mr. [John A.] Terry, whom the Trustees once thought of for that Office has left the Colony. Mr. Watson comes over in the Ship Success Captain Thomson, and brings with him the Trustees Letters, the Charge of his Passage is defrayed, and £10 has been paid him for Linnen and Necessaries on his going over, in Consideration that he cannot commence Salary till the Common Council have appointed him, and such Appointment has been received in Georgia.
The Trustees by the Post from Portsmouth the 5th. of December last received a Memorial from Mrs. Mary Bosomworth,14 desiring a Grant to her Husband Mr. Thomas Bosomworth, of a Tract of Land called Yamacraw from the West Line of the Town of Savannah to Pipemaker’s Creek; and also desiring Payment of an Account therewith sent, whereon the Sum of £1204.9.8 is stated to be the Balance; But the same consisting of a Claim for £100 a Year as Interpreter to the Indians for twelve Years, whereof the Sum of £ 200 is mentioned to have been received of General [James] Oglethorpe in part; and for £50 Reward for the first Load of Wheat, for £150 for Bounties on Corn, Pease, and Potatoes raised in the Year 1739, and for £4.9.8 for Bounties on Corn, Pease, and Potatoes raised in the Year 1742. And by the same Conveyance a Deposition of Mrs. Bosomworths was also received, taken before Mr. [Charles] Watson and Mr. [William] Spencer relating to the Corn raised (a Copy of which is herewith sent you). The Trustees on the 19th. of May last took into Consideration the said several Papers and Account, and Mr. Thomas Jones attending with the Account of Jacob Mathews, late Husband to the said Mrs. Bosomworth, wherein he stands indebted to balance with the Trustees in October 1738 to the Amount of £81.16.3 3/4, in October 1739 to the Amount of £17.18.10 1/4 more, and since that time in a further amount of £15.4.6 1/2 making together the Sum of £114. 19.8 1/2. The Trustees came to a Resolution to refer to the Consideration of their Common Council, that part of Mrs. Bosomworth’s Memorial which related to the Grant of the Tract of Land; and that Copies of the said Accounts of Jacob Mathews and Mary Bosomworth should be sent over to the President and Assistants in Georgia (which you herewith receive) with the following Instructions to them on this Occasion. vizt.
That no Salary as Interpreter was ever granted by the Trustees, and that whatever Mrs. Bosomworth has done in that Station, She has been fully satisfied for.
That as to the Reward of Fifty pounds claim’d for the first Load of Wheat raised in Georgia, the Trustees never engaged themselves in any such Promise.
And as to the Bounties on Corn, Pease, and Potatoes raised in the Years 1739 and 1742 That the President and Assistants should examine into the Foundation of those Claims, Which not being properly made when other Claimants became intitled, and were paid, nor ever made in the Lifetime of Jacob Mathews, nor since his Death by his Widow (to the Knowledge of the Trustees), until by the said Memorial and Deposition of Mrs. Bosomworth. It thereby appears that in those Years no such Bounties were expected by the said Jacob Mathews, or his Widow, by their not applying in time for the proper Views and Measurement by two Freeholders, directed to certify the Quantities raised in Order to ascertain the Bounties; Which greatly affects the present Claims. But if it shall appear to the Satisfaction of the President and Assistants, that any thing is really due to the late Jacob Mathews or his Widow for such Bounties over and above what is due from the said Jacob Mathews to the Trustees; That they may be authorized to pay such Overplus.
Since which Memorial of Mrs. Bosomworth’s, her Husband, Mr. Thomas Bosomworth has drawn the following Bills of Exchange for the Trustees to pay for said Bounties. vizt. One for £ 50 dated 10th. February last, one for £50 dated 11th. of said February, and one for £54.9.8 dated 24th. of said February; In all of £154.9.8. To all which Bills, the following answer was given.
That all Claims for raising of Corn were to be made, and paid, if found due, by the proper Officers in Georgia, to whom the Trustees have wrote to examine the Claim of Mary the Wife of Thomas Bosomworth, and to pay what they shall find due to her on such Claim.
The Common Council of the Trustees having recommended all Savings in the estimated Expences in Georgia to be made which possibly may; The Surveyors Allowance on Mr. [Joseph] Avery’s Death will be one Branch of Saving, as surveying Business is to be only defrayed according to the Work done.
The Bounty of two shillings a pound on Silk Balls being part of the general incident Expences of the Colony, and not to be otherwise estimated, as the Quantities are uncertain which shall be raised, you will be carefull punctually to pay; That no Discouragement may be to the Production of them. And the Silk when wound off and sent over, will become a Fund on Sale thereof for future Bounties, which will be a proportionable increasing Fund to the Quantities of Balls raised and used in winding off, as sent to England for such Sale.
£ 400 in Sola Bills are order’d to be made out, and if they can be got ready will probably come by this Ship; But as the Indorsement on the back of the said Bills, on Account of the War, is ordered to be new engraved from Bearer to Order, for the Safety of the Merchants here, to whom Sola Bills are remitted, to prevent their being negotiated when taken by the Enemy; The new printing them off and marbling them takes up some time.
The Trustees have sent you the Gentleman’s Magazine for June last, wherein is inserted Dr. [Stephen] Hales’s Description of cheap and easy Methods to keep Corn sweet, and free from heating either in small or large Quantities.
Benjamin Martyn to Cretien Von Munch in Augsburg, July 21, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 234, telling him of Salzburger successes, thanking him for his gifts, and asking if he may be elected a Trustee.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America have lately received several Letters from the Reverend Mr. Martin Bolzius at Ebenezer in that Colony. These all contain Accounts of the happy State of the Saltzburghers, the Industry which they use, the Peace which they enjoy, and the Prospect there is of the Prosperity of that Settlement. They raise a sufficient Subsistance for themselves. They are beginning to apply themselves to the raising of Silk which may in time prove very profitable to them; and they have already a Saw Mill which, with two Saws, will saw above one thousand feet of Boards in twenty four Hours; This, in a Country which abounds with Trees, will turn likewise to great Advantage.
As Mr. Bolzius takes all Opportunities to express his Gratitude for any Kindness shewn to the Saltzburghers under his Care; He has acquainted the Trustees with your extensive Generosity to them; Besides many Gifts in Money and Goods, he says, you have lent them about two hundred pounds, which enabled him to buy for the People a sufficient Number of Plow Shares, and other Things requisite for Agriculture & Husbandry and to supply the most necessitous with young tame Oxen for the Use of their Plows.
The Trustees Sir are so sensible of your Goodness to the Saltzburghers, that they have order’d me to return you their Thanks in the warmest and fullest manner possible; and as you are already united with them in a Disposition for promoting the Happiness of that Settlement, they hope you will consent to be united with them in another Sense, and that you will have no Objection to their electing you one of their Body. The Election will be at their next anniversary Meeting in the Month of March, which is the Time prescrib’d by their Charter for the Choice of new Trustees.15
If there are any other Gentlemen at Augsburgh whom you may think proper to be associated with you, by which means a Correspondence may be more effectually carried on for the Benefit of the Saltzburghers, and other German Protestants, who may wish for such an Asylum as Georgia; The Trustees desire you will be so kind as to name them, that they may be elected at the same Time.
I shall for your Satisfaction send with this a List of the Trustees, and likewise such Papers as may be necessary to shew you their Powers, and the Methods taken by them hitherto for establishing the Colony, and some Sermons which have been preach’d for promoting the Charity.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, Sept. 9, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 235, sending sola bills and giving new instructions for endorsement of them. By Charles Watson, a passenger on the Success, Capt. Thomson.
Sir
The Ship Success being Wind bound in Plymouth Sound, the Trustees have the Opportunity of sending the £400 in Sola Bills which they intended, which are number’d from 11,001 to 11,400 of £ 1. each in four Books; and in the Indorsement of them, the Word Bearer is now altered to Order.
You and the assistants in Georgia are therefore to instruct the Issuers of the said Bills, that they do inform the Persons to whom they shall be issued of this Alteration, for the better securing the Merchant’s Property in England, to whom they shall be remitted. And that it will be proper for the said Persons so first receiving them to indorse the said Bills to the Order of some other Person with whom they may negotiate them; and instruct such Persons so negotiating them, that the last Indorser or Indorsers who shall remit any of them to England be desired by the last Possessor of such Bill or Bills, fo fill up an Indorsement on the back of each of them, payable to the Person or Persons in England or his, her, or their Order, to whom such Bill or Bills shall be remitted, to prevent their being negotiated by an Enemy, if taken.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Samuel Urlsperger at Augsburg, Oct. 1, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 235-236, giving conditions at and plans for Ebenezer.
Monsieur
J’ai recu l’honneur de votre Lettre, du premier d’Aout, et je ne manquerai pas de l’y communiquer a Messrs. les Trustees guand Ils s’assembleront.
En attendant, comme Vous temolgnes quelque Inquietude touchant l’Introduction des Negres dans la Colonie, J’ai la Satisfaction de vous assurer que ce Rapport est tout a fait sans Fondement; J’ai par Ordre, du Messrs. les Trustees, ecrit une Lettre au Mois du Juillet passe, à Monsr. Bolzius pour lui assurer que Messrs. les Trustees se confirment de plus en plus dans leur Sentiments, et que c’est une Affaire absolument determinée de n’en jamais admettre; Et Messrs. les Trustees sont. convaincu, que la Dilegence des Ebenezeriens aussi bien que des Autres Colonistes, sera la meilleure Preuve de leur Inutilité.
Les Avis, que depuis peu Messrs. les Trustees ont recus de Monsr. Bolzius, concernant l’Etablisement d’Ebenezer, et l’Industrie des Habitants, sont grand Plaisir a Messrs. les Trustees; Ils ont depuis le Receu de ces Lettres prit des Mesures pour le Bonheur du cette Establisement. Ils ont ajouté aux Terres qu’ils leur avoient accordée, a fin de mieux accommoder d’autres qu’ils voulent aller en ce Pais. Ils ont encore ordonner des Terres qui sont dans le Voisignage (maintenant appartenant aux Indiens) d’etre achettee, pour eloigner ces Indiens, et ces Terres seront aussi ajouté à Ebenezer. Ils ont aussi ordonner quelques Terres d’etre cultivee, et mis apart uniquement pour les Affaires Religieuses; C’est à dire, pour maintenir Monsr. Bolzius, et les autres Messrs. qu’y viendront dans le Ministere apres lui, et aussi pour les Maitres d’Ecole &c.
Monsieur, Je suis fort fache, qu’il n’est pas en mon Pouvoir de vous envoyer des Plan, ou Desseins Geographiques ; Mais Messrs. les Trustees n’en ont que fort peu, et ceus la Ils gardent seulement pour leur propre Inspection, craignant de les rendre publiques en tems de Guerre; parceque les Ennemis pourroient si ils tomboient dans leur Mains, en faire un tres grand Mal à la Colonie.
Translation of the above letter.16
Sir
I have received the honor of your letter of the first of August, and I shall not fail to communicate it to the Trustees when they meet.
In the meantime, since you express some concern over the introduction of Negroes into the colony, I have the satisfaction of assuring you that this report is completely without foundation and by order of the Trustees, I have written a letter in the month of July last to Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius to assure him that the Trustees are firmly fixed in their sentiments, and it is absolutely determined policy to never admit any; And the Trustees are convinced that the diligence of the Ebenezerians as well as that of the other colonists, will be the best proof of their uselessness.
The advices that the Trustees have received recently from Mr. Bolzius, concerning the leaders at Ebenezer and industry of its inhabitants, is very pleasing to the Trustees; and they have since receipt of these letters taken measures for the well-being of these leaders. They have added to the lands which had been given to them, in order to better accommodate others who may wish to go to this country. They have also ordered that other lands which are in the neighborhood (now belonging to the Indians) be bought in order to remove these Indians, and these lands will also be added to Ebenezer. They have also ordered that certain lands be cultivated, and set aside for religious purposes; That is to say, to maintain Mr. Bolzius and other gentlemen who will come into the ministry after him, and also for the schoolmasters etc.
Sir, I am very distressed that it is not in my power, to send you maps, or geographical sketches, but the Trustees have only very few of them and those they keep only for their own use, fearing to make them public in time of war, because enemies could if they fell into their hands, use them to do great harm to the colony.
Harman Verelst to The Rev. John Martin Bolzius, Nov. 11, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 236, forwarding packages from the Custom House.
Revd. Sir
Two Cases having been some time in the King’s Warehouse at the Custom House in London, waiting an Opportunity of being forwarded, the one mark’d AKB, and the other mark’d EB, containing Books, Medicines, and Wearing Apparel. The same are now sent by the Ship Dilligence Captain Davison Commander, a Copy of whose Bill of Lading you herewith receive; Which I hope will come safe to your Hands.
Harman Verelst to the Gov. and Council of S. C., Nov. 11, 1746, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 237, sending two parcels for the Salzburgers and asking that they be forwarded to Ga.
Gentlemen
Pursuant to the Trustees Letter of the 3d. of April last, They now trouble you with the Consignment of two Cases for the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer in Georgia; Which they desire your giving the proper Directions for their being forwarded to their President at Savannah, for his Care of them to Ebenezer; And he has Orders to defray the Expences thereof. I have therefore inclosed the Bill of Lading, that you may give Orders for receiving the same on Shore, and sending them by the first convenient Opportunity to Savannah.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 6, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 237, telling of parcels sent for the Salzburgers.
Revd. Sir
With this you receive four Ovens of cast Iron in Cases sent from Germany to be forwarded to You; They are mark’d HW No. 1 to 4, and shipp’d on board the Neptune Captain Bellegarde, who goes under Convoy of the Adventure Man of War. There are several other Parcels, which this Ship could not take in, and will be shipp’d on board the Betsey Captain Hore to go by the same Convoy.
I am in hopes the large Case mark’d Ebenezer is in the King’s Warehouse here, which was thought to be sent by Captain Quarme, a Case with that Mark almost worn out; which has lain some time there being lately discovered; and if it is, it shall be forwarded by the Betsey. I have wrote to Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Zeigenhagen to know the Contents, in Order to claim it.
Harman Verelst to William Stephens, March 6, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 237-238, telling of loss of Ga. mail and items sent.
Sir
Your Letter dated 15th. September last, and Journals and Papers therewith were rec’d by the Tartar Man of War, and no other since February before. Mr. [William] Hopton sent me an Accot. of the Packages of Letters he had forwarded which shows the Fatality of the homeward bound Carolina Ships being so much taken. I hear the Firebrand, on board which Mr. Hopton advised me of a Box from you, is safe at Southampton after great Damage at Sea.
Please to forward the inclosed, with four Cases containing Cast Iron Ovens mark’d HW No. 1 to 4 to Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius, which were shipped on board the Neptune Captain Bellegarde, and consigned to Mr. Hopton to forward to you. By the Betsey other Parcels will be sent, and by the Adventure Man of War the Trustees Letters, in Answer to yours and the Papers herewith, with Sola Bills also for the estimated Expences in Georgia will be sent.
Harman Verelst to William Hopton, March 6, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 238, concerning captured mail and mail now sent.
Sir
Your Letter of the 20th. of August (Copy) and Original of 7th. October last I rec’d17 wherein you very carefully mention the Package of Letters &c. rec’d from Mr. [William] Stephens, and forwarded. But none came to hand but by the Tartar Man of War. I have advice that the Firebrand, after sustaining great Damage on our Coast is got into Southampton to refit, on board which you also sent a Box. The Loyal Katherine Captain White being taken, and carried into the Havanna, on board which was a small Box directed to Mr. [William] Stephens & consigned to you, which is of no Use to the Spaniards, nor to any but where it was directed; If there was any means of getting it from thence, the Trustees would be glad you would consult Captain White about it, if he is at Charles Town, or make such Inquiry after it, to get it, or the Contents as you find necessary in Order to forward to Mr. Stephens.
Inclosed you receive a Bill of Lading of 4 Cases, which please to forward to Georgia with the inclosed Letter. I shall consign more Parcels to you by the Betsey Captain Hore, who is expected will sail with the Adventure Man of War.
Benjamin Martyn to Gov. James Glen of S. C., March 10, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/688, p. 238, thanking him for agreeing to forward mail to Ga.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have rec’d your obliging Letter dated October 15th. 1746, and have ordered me to take this (the first) Opportunity to return their Thanks for your Promise to communicate to the Gentlemen of His Majesty’s Council at Charles Town, their Letter of April 3d. 1746; And likewise for the Readiness, with which you undertake to forward any Letters or Parcels passing betwixt the Trustees and their Officers in Georgia
As the Trustees are truly sensible, that it would be for the Benefit of both Colonies, to establish a good Correspondence between them by mutual Acts of Friendship; They will with the utmost Pleasure perform any which may be in their Power, for the Province of South Carolina.
Benjamin Martyn to Thomas Corbett at the Admiralty, March 10, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 239, requesting orders to naval officers to transmit mail to and from Ga.
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia desire you will procure an Order from my Lords Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral, to Captain Hamar of the Adventure Man of War to receive on board a Box of Letters and Papers, directed to some Person in South Carolina, in Order to be forwarded to the Trustees Officers in Georgia.
The Trustees further desire, that Captn. Hamar may be instructed, to deliver their Lordship’s Orders to any other Captains of His Majesty’s Ships, who may be at South Carolina and on their Return to England, to take under their Care (during the War) any Boxes which may be directed to the Georgia Office.
Benjamin Martyn to Patrick Graham, March 13, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 239, appointing him to dispense medicines to the poor.
Sir
I have laid before the Trustees your Letter dated September 13th. 1746 wherein you mention the Allowance of £ 20 a Year in the Estimate for a Surgeon to dispense Medicines to such poor People as could not employ one, which Allowance has never yet been accepted by any Person; As you desire the said Allowance and Employment, the Trustees grant them to you, and more particularly for the Reason which you give as a Motive for their granting them vizt. That you may thereby give a closer Attendance at Savannah as an Assistant.
Such of the Medicines, which you have transmitted a List of as necessary, and such other as were thought proper, are ordered to be sent by this Conveyance, and are to be delivered out to you by the President and Assistants, when you want them.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, March 14, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 239-240, recommending that he employ the Rev. John J. Zubly as an assistant at Vernonburgh and Acton.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia having taken into Consideration the Difficulties, that must attend the Inhabitants of Vernonburgh and Acton coming to Savannah to Divine Worship, especially the Women and Children, those Settlements being at such a Distance from the Town; Or of your going thither to officiate to them, as might be necessary on many Occasions, especially when they are ill, to prepare them for Death, or to perform the Funeral Service, after. The Trustees having, I say, taken these into Consideration, do recommend it to you to make an Allowance of Ten pounds a Year to the Revd. Mr. Joachim Zubli, on Condition that he officaites for you as an Assistant at Vernonburgh and Acton; And, that you may be no Sufferer thereby, the Trustees have resolved, that during your making the said Allowance to Mr. Zubli, they will maintain a third Servant for you, whose Maintenance will amount to more than the aforesaid Ten pounds a Year.
Benjamin Martyn to John Dobell at Charles Town, March 14, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 240, expressing satisfaction with his work, hoping he will return to Savannah, and granting him a lot if he does.
Sir
The Trustees have rec’d your Copy of the Return of Grants & Leases which have been occupied, and of the State of Savannah distinguishing the Proprietors and Inhabitants; and likewise the Account of the School, which was under your Care. As they find no Reason to be dissatisfied with your Conduct, either as Register or Schoolmaster, they are sorry you have left the Colony so abruptly, from a Distaste to the Behaviour of any Persons in it; You had no Reason to doubt of the Trustees Protection, nor of their Encouragement whilst you performed your Duty.
I have laid before the Trustees likewise your Petition, that the Grant to you of a Town Lot in Savannah No. 1 in the first Tything of the lower new Ward, by the President and Assistants may be confirm’d. The Trustees do confirm it, on Condition that you return within a Year to cultivate it, and that you occupy it by your Self or Servants. You are sensible that, upon your Application afterwards, you may have Leave of Absence, or a Power of Alienation.
The Trustees hope however that you’ll fix your Residence at Savannah; and they send Directions, that upon your Return thither, you shall be intrusted again with the Care of the School, and be replac’d in the Office of Register, which will probably prove more beneficial to you, than it has been when an Act is past in Relation to the Tenures; Which the Trustees are preparing, in Order to be laid before the King, and which will satisfy the most scrupulous about them.
Benjamin Martyn to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 16, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 241-247, acknowledging receipt of journals and letters, Trustees willing for John J. Zubly to serve as minister at Vernonburgh and Acton, Christopher Ortman disapproved as schoolmaster, directions for building the church and jail at Savannah, land requested by John Milledge, return of land granted or leased desired, Negroes in Ga., licensing of public house at Augusta, sola bills captured, land grants approved, Patrick Graham to be surgeon to the poor, savings in annual estimates, state of the colony, industry of Germans should be a good example to the English, N. C. families to come to Ga., Yamacraw Indians, Savannah carpenters minimum wage, land for officials at Frederica, instructions for silk production. By the Adventure Man of War, Capt. Hamar.
Sir and Gentlemen
The Trustees have rec’d by the Tartan Man of War part of the Journal vizt. from December 25th. 1744 to the 26th. of February following, from June 24th. 1745 to the 31st. of August following, from October 18th. 1745 to the 31st. of December following, and from July 31st. 1746 to the 11th. of September following. They have likewise received Copies of some Proceedings of the President and Assistants, vitz. from November 23d. 1744 to the 23d. of February 1744/5, from June 15th. 1745 to the 31st. of August, from October 11th. 1745 to the 31st. of December, from July 21st. 1746 to the 28th. of August 1746. Two Letters from you Sir, to the Secretary dated June 24th. 1745, and August 31st. 1745. And Five to the Accountant dated June 24th. 1745, August 31st. 1745, October 18th. 1745, July 31st. 1746, and September 15th. 1746, some Plans of the Church at Savannah, and Schedules of the Papers sent. And they have taken them all into Consideration.
Upon reading the Journal of February 26th. 1744/5 the Trustees find, that the Germans and Swiss Settlers at Vernonburgh & Acton and the adjacent Places, had signed a Petition, setting forth the Want they were in of a Minister; and desiring that the Revd. Mr. Joachim Zubli might be appointed one. The Trustees never rec’d this Petition, but however, when they appointed Mr. [Bartholomew] Zouberbuhler the Minister at Savannah, they had the Petitioners and their Want in their Thoughts; And therefore Mr. Zouberbuhler was engag’d and did agree to officiate and preach to them in their Language, as well as to the Inhabitants of Savannah in the English Tongue. However, the Trustees, being sensible that Savannah is at too great a Distance for them, especially the Women and Children, to go to Divine Worship there; They are willing to have Mr. Zubli reside among them, and officiate there for Mr. Zouberbuhler, to whom I write by this Conveyance, that the Trustees recommend it to him to make an Allowance of Ten pounds a Year to Mr. Zubli on Condition that Mr. Zubli shall officiate as an Assistant for him at Vernonburgh and Acton. That Mr. Zouberbuhler may be no Sufferer hereby, the Trustees will maintain a third Servant for him during his making the said Allowance, which Maintenance you can tell him, will amount to more than the Ten pounds to be given to Mr. Zubli. The Trustees approve of the two Acres of vacant Land between Vernonburgh and Acton being laid out by the Surveyor for the building of a Tabernacle, and of the Application of forty Shillings for the Purchase of Necessaries for the said Building. The Agreement of the People at Vernonburgh and Acton to build the Tabernacle by joint Labour was very pleasing to the Trustees, who desire you will recommend it to them to cultivate Land by joint Labour likewise for the Subsistance of their Minister. And on their agreeing to do this, the Trustees order that the Surveyor be directed to run out fifty Acres of the said vacant Land between Vernonburgh and Acton; Or if there is not such a Quantity of good Land there, in the most convenient Place he can find. On his doing this, and sending over thro your Hands the Survey and Description of the said Land, the Trustees will make a Grant of it for the Religious Uses of the Settlements at Vernonburgh & Acton.
Here I am order’d by the Trustees to acquaint you, that tho they think a Schoolmaster necessary at Vernonburgh and Acton, they entirely disapprove of, and disallow the Settlement of Mr. [Christopher] Ortman as such, and the Allowance of Twelve pounds a Year made to him by you as President and the Assistants. They are much surprised at the Resolution which you came to in Council vizt. That Mr. Ortman had been misrepresented to the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge without hearing any body upon that Subject but Mr. Ortman himself; and they order me to say, they cannot but take Notice of and condemn the Inference drawn by you vizt. That the placing Mr. Ortman at Vernonburgh, with an allowance of £ 12 Sterl. a Year is a Saving to the Trust; as if they were oblig’d to maintain every Body who for Misbehaviour may have been discharged.
Upon reading the Letter to Mr. [Harman] Verelst dated September 15th., 1746, the Trustees find the Church, so far from being finish’d, remains yet a Skeleton, with only the Roof of it cover’d. The Trustees cannot but wonder at it, since about £400 Sterl. has been expended on it; and since the Saltzburghers have saw’d such Quantities of Plank, and could so easily have furnish’d this for compleating the Building, you might very well have applied to them for what was wanted, without letting the Church stand still, and be so expos’d to the Weather. If there had not been sufficient out of the £ 300 for incident Expences to have paid for the Plank, Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius would certainly have given the Trustess Credit for it. They direct you Sir and the Assistants, to see what Quantity will be wanted, and apply to Mr. Bolzius for some Cypress, or the most durable Sort of Plank, which the Saltzburghers can supply you with. The Outside of the Church must be Feather boarded, and then tarr’d and then Sand must be strow’d over to prevent the Tar running. The Inside of the Walls must be boarded likewise & painted, for Plaister Work, unless very well done, will some decay, and must be more expensive. Sir, you say, You wish it had been specified in the Estimate what Part of the £300 for incident Expences might have been applied to the Church; Surely this was needless, as the application of that Sum was in your Self as President and in the Assistants; you had sufficient Power to apply what was requisite for finishing the Work or at least what could be spar’d for going on with it; And where you thought you had not sufficient Power, you might have applied to the Trustees for more. The same may be observ’d with Regard to the Jail which you say is so necessary; And here the Trustees bid me tell you, that they are surpriz’d you have not sent over an Estimate of the Expence of building one, without which they must be at a Loss to give the proper Orders about it. However, what Boards may be necessary for this, or any other Work you must apply for at Ebenezer; And when the Accounts for the same are settled with Mr. Bolzius, they will be paid by the Trust.
The Trustees are glad you are in possession of the late Mr. [Joseph] Avery’s Plans. As it would be hazardous to send them over by a Merchant Man, since so many of these from So. Carolina are taken, the Trustees order, that they be sent home only in a Man of War; And, that they may not be spoil’d in the Passage, you must wrap them up in an Oil Skin, and put them in a Box, filling this up afterwards with Saw Dust.
It appears by the Proceedings of the President and Assistants January 30th. 1744/5 that Mr. John Millidge (who is station’d at Fort Argyle) has petition’d for a Grant of 500 Acres of Land on the River Ogeeche, and that he is recommended to the Trustees as an industrious Man. They wish they had been inform’d at the same time, whether Mr. Millidge has sufficient Substance and Ability to cultivate the Land if granted to him, because his Town Lot at Savannah appears to have been entirely neglected; However, if it shall appear to you that he has (independent of his Military Command) sufficient Means to cultivate the Land, the Trustees will have no Objection to granting the same, or so much of the 500 Acres as he may have Means for, on Condition however that he shall relinquish his Town Lot at Savannah.
The Trustees sent Orders August 19th. 1745, that a Return should be made to them of the Grants and Leases which have been occupied, in Order to ascertain the Quit Rents, and make a proper Return thereof to the Auditor of the Plantations; This has not been received by them, tho a Copy of One has been sent to them by Mr. John Dobell the Register. By the said Copy there appear to be Reasons given by you why the Proprietors of Lands have not occupied the same (particularly by Mr. Patrick Mackay, because he had not Negroes). The Trustees upon this direct me to say, their Orders were for you to state the Facts, but they did not require the Reasons.
The Trustees are extreamly surpris‘d at seeing in the Journal of August 21st. 1746, that the Revd. Mr. Thomas Bosomworth had sent to South Carolina for six Negroes, and had employed them on his Plantation. So notorious an Infraction of a Law, which the Trustees, upon the maturest Deliberations, have so often declar’d their Resolution to adhere to, call’d for an immediate Inquiry and Punishment. The Trustees order me to say, that you had sufficient Power for this, and the first Step should have been to seize the Negroes. They observe at the same time in the Journal, that Negroes have been creeping into the Colony at Augusta, and other Places. And they cannot but wonder that you have not before this put a Stop to such Practises, nor propos’d to them the Means of doing it; but have contented your Selves with seeing it, and complaining of it now.
The Trustees observe by the Journal July 30th. 1745, that you had licens’d a Man to keep a Publick House at Augusta, with which Captn. Kent seem’d to be offended, as it was a lessening his Authority. They say this should have been left to him for, as a Conservator of the Peace at Augusta, he has the same Power there as Justices of the Peace have in England; And, by being upon the Spot must be the best Judge, whether the Man was a proper Person to have such a License. You’ll please to recollect that Captn. Kent was not a Conservator of the Peace, when the Powers for licensing were granted to the President and Assistants.
The Box of Sola Bills for £ 500, which was sent in April last by the Loyal Katherine Captn. White, was taken it seems and carried to the Havanah. Mr. [William] Hopton has been desired to use his utmost Endeavours to recover the Bills, which perhaps may not be very difficult, when it is known, that they cannot be of Use to any one till they are sign’d and issued in the proper Manner. If they are recover’d, they’ll serve with the Bills sent over by this Conveyance to defray all the estimated Expences in Georgia to Lady Day next, and carry on a considerable Surplus for the estimated Expences of the ensuing year.
The Trustees have confirm’d the Grants, mentioned at different times in the Proceedings. vizt. Of a 50 Acre Lot on Skeedaway Island to Thomas Sparnel, of a 50 Acre Lot at Abercorn to James Grant, of a 50 Acre Lot at Abercorn to Christian Dasher, and of a Lot in the Town of Savannah to Jacob Holbrook. They have likewise approv’d of and confirm’d the Purchase made by John Lawrence of the Lot No. 2 in the first Tything of the lower new Ward of Samuel Clee, provided that the said John Lawrence occupies the same by himself or Servants.
The Trustees have resolv’d to grant the Allowance of £ 20 a Year in the Estimate for a Surgeon to dispense Medicines to such poor People as cannot pay for them, to Mr. Patrick Graham, who will thereby be able to give a closer Attendance at Savannah as an Assistant; And some Medicines are sent by this Conveyance, to be under your Care and deliver’d out to Mr. Graham, as they may be wanted.
Upon this Occasion I am order’d by the Trustees to take Notice that, as the aforesaid Sum of £ 20 a Year has not been accepted by any Person, here must have been a Saving to the Trust. In other Articles there must have been Savings likewise. In particular in the Year 1743 the Sum of £70 was allow’d for ten Persons to be instructed by Mrs. [Jane Mary] Camuse, and a further Sum of £65.- was allow’d for the Maintenance of them whilst under Instruction; As there have been no Persons instructed by her, except two Girls for the Space of nine Weeks in the Year 1744, at the Expence of £4.10.-, there could have been no further application of the two aforesaid Sums that Way. The Sum of £100 a Year for a Land Surveyor must also have been sav’d, since Mr. [Joseph] Avery’s Death; for the present Surveyor, you are sensible, is paid for his Work as he does it. The Trustees expected that some Notice should have been taken of these, and other Savings. They likewise expected an Account of what Sums have been received by you for the Provisions with which the Regiment has been furnish’d at different times from the Cowpen. They hope this Account has been carefully kept and they order it to be constantly transmitted to them; For this Sum as well as the several Savings must go in Aid of the Support of the Colony. I wrote in two former Letters Sir to you, dated May 10th, 1744 and July 18th 1746, that the Trustees desir’d to be acquainted of what Use this Cowpen is, and whether there is sufficient Reason for them to be at such an Expence as they are about it, and what the Number of Cattle was by the last Return, for the Increase of them must have been very great. Perhaps the Account of this and of the several Savings, and of the Application of the Money allowed for incident Expences since the Year 1744, may be with the State of the Northern Part of the Province, which you mention Sir in one of your Letters to be sent to the Trustees, and which they order’d and have long expected, but have not yet received, nor any Duplicates thereof; Which the Trustees impute to the frequent Captures of the homeward bound South Carolina Ships.
The Trustees are pleas’d to see by the Journal August 15th. 1745, the great Improvement made in Cultivation by the Germans and Swiss, the Neatness in which their Plantations lye contiguous to each other for such an Extent with proper Habitations, the Comfort and Tranquillity in which they live at present, and the Foundation which they have laid for their future Plenty and Happiness. Surely such a Sight of the Country must be an Incitement to the English at Savannah and other Places to be industrious likewise, or it will be a perpetual Reproach to them. Can they be content to have it thought that Britons have less Strength, less Resolution, and less Virtue than every other People? Can they be content to see those, who were lately many of them their Servants, are now in a better Condition than they are, with Plantations still improving, whilst their Masters are in a manner totally neglected, or running into Ruins? That those have comfortable Houses, whilst These suffer their’s to fall into Decay? And that Savannah, which was design’d to be the Metropolis of the Province, is become the Disgrace of it, most People here in England and in other Places forming their Judgement of the Colony from the decaying Condition of that Town? The Trustees desire that you will lay these Considerations before the People, that you will quicken in them, if possible, a Spirit of Industry and entirely turn their Minds from any fruitless Expectation of having Negroes to work for them. The same Concord and Agreement to work with join Labour, will do their Business as well as the Foreigners.
The Trustees are glad to see by the Journal of August 30th. and September 8th. 1746, that about forty Families are going from North Carolina to settle on the Ogeeche River; But they want to know in what manner those Families are to be settled, and what Quantity of Land each Family is to have. It appears by the Proceedings of the President and Assistants November 24th. 1743, that 6000 Acres of Land were reserv’d on the South Side of the great Ogeeche River for Mr. John Williams and such Families as he was to bring with him from Virginia; Which Reservation the Trustees approv’d of. But there has been no Application to them since that time for Grants, nor do they find that there has been any to you.
The Trustees desire to know what Numbers of Yamacraw Indians there are, how they subsist, and on what Terms they are with Mrs. [Mary] Bosomworth, and how they behave towards our Settlements.
The Trustees have taken into Consideration the Advertisement which the Carpenters fix’d up at Savannah that they would not work below the particular Prices specified therein. They have it in their Thoughts to send over an Act, to prevent such Combinations, which you must take Care to apprise the People of.
The Trustees have made Major [William] Horton and Mr. John Calwell Conservators of the Peace at Frederica. They have resolv’d likewise to grant two Town Lots at Frederica to two Sons of Mr. Calwell, provided they are sixteen Years of Age; And to himself so much more Land contiguous to Frederica, as will make up 500 Acres with what he has at present.
The Trustees have sent over some more Books Intitled, a compendious Account of the Manner of breeding Silkworms &c, which must be dispos’d of among the People of Vernonburgh & Acton who may be most inclin’d to undertake the Silk Business; But the Trustees hope they will be so in general, since ‘tis seen that the Saltzburghers by the same Books have acquir’d the Art of winding off Silk, and some Instructions are now sent over to make them perfect in it; Which written Instructions must likewise be given with the Books to the People of Vernonburgh and Acton, and all others in the Colony who are willing to follow the Example of the Saltzburghers.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, March 14, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 247, concerning his request for a new grant of his lands in Ga.
Sir
I have laid before the Trustees your Desire, that a new Grant may be made to you of your Land in lieu of that which was lost, and that it may be settled upon your Son Newdigate instead of Thomas. They are very willing to do what you ask, and have had it often in their Thoughts; But a Difficulty is in the Way, vizt. That as the Intail in the former Grant was upon your Son Thomas by Name, they have it not in their Power. Would it not therefore be proper for you to settle the affair with your Elder Son? He has, it is plain, no Affection for the Colony, and therefore probably will never wish to live in it. He has, it is to be presum’d an Affection for his Brother, and may be glad to see him provided for. In the mean time, you may depend on the Trustees persevering in the Resolution, to do every Thing in their Power for your Satisfaction herein.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 16, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 247-249, concerning Chretian Von Munch, instructions about land at Ebenezer, sawmill and sale of lumber, items sent to Salzburgers, no Negroes to be allowed in Ga., and Salzburger silk.
Sir
In my last Letter to you dated July 18th. 1746 I acquainted you that I had laid before the Trustees your Letters of January 28th. & Febry. 22nd. & 24th. 1745/6. That they had taken the same into Consideration, and given their Orders upon your several Requests, that nothing might be wanting for your own Satisfaction, and for the Encouragement of the Saltzburghers under your Care. They sent their Thanks to Mr. [Chretien] Von Munch at Augsburgh as you desired, for his Kindness and Benefactions to the Saltzburghers, and I acquainted him at the same time, that they propose to elect him a Trustee and Corresponding Member for the Assistance of Saltzburghers and other German Protestants, who may desire to go to Georgia. I have had the Pleasure of an Answer from him, in which he expresses great Satisfaction at the Letter sent to him, and likewise a Desire to be chosen a Trustee.
I told you likewise in my last, that the Trustees had sent Directions to the President and Assistants; that the Brasses, which had been lent to the Saltzburghers, should be given to them; That the Sum of £37.-Sterl. which they owed to the Store, should be forgiven them; And that the Money due to them for the Silk Balls should be paid to them. The Trustees also sent Orders, that the Land beyond Ebenezer Creek should be purchas’d of the Uchee Indians, and afterwards granted as an Addition to the Settlement of Ebenezer, and should be run out and appropriated for the Reception of other Saltzburghers, who may be inclin’d to go and settle there. They gave proper Orders also about the District of Land at the Mill River at Ebenezer, which had been claim’d by Mr. [Robert] Parker’s Son, and they doubt not but the President and Assistants have made you easy therein. They order’d likewise that the Surveyor should run out a Quantity of Land in such Place at Ebenezer, as you should appoint, to be appropriated and cultivated by the joint Labour of the Saltzburghers, for the Support of your Self, and the other Minister and your Successors; And for other Religious and Charitable Purposes.
As the Trustees were very much pleased with the Account you gave of the Saw Mill being brought to Perfection; They directed the President and Assistants to consider what may be the best Method for promoting the Sale of Boards cut by it, and to contribute every Thing in their Power to so good a Work, that the Saltzburghers may reap as early, and as much as possible, the Fruits of their Labour. And they have sent their Orders by this Conveyance, that whatever Boards may be necessary for the Church, or any other publick Buildings, they should be purchas’d at Ebenezer. The President and Assistants therefore will let you know what Quantity of Plank will be wanted, and the Trustees desire you will take Care, that the best and most durable sort may be sent to them, and on as reasonable Terms as possible; And when the Accounts for the same are settled, the Trustees will order them to be immediately paid. They were much concern’d at reading your Account of a Person’s endeavouring to draw you into Schemes for the Sale of Lumber, which he was not in a Capacity to make good, and which might have prov’d very prejudicial to you, if he had not been so soon discover’d. The Trustees doubt not but this will for the future put you more upon your Guard against such tricking and designing Men; And it may not be improper for you upon such Occasions to consult the President and Assistants in Council, since by that means you may come at a better Knowledge of the People who propose to traffick with the Saltzburghers, and who must be oblig’d thereby to act openly, and therefore in all probability with more Honesty.
The Trustees have order’d some Paint and Oyl to be sent to you for the two Churches at Ebenezer, that the Inside Walls thereof may be painted; And they recommend it to you that the Outside Boards should be tarr’d for the better Preservation of them, and that they should be sprinkled thick with Sand, in Order to prevent the Tar running.
The Trustees have likewise order’d some Chains for the Blocks to be drag’d from the Saw Mill and some strong Cords of an Inch thick or thicker; And also a pair of Mill Stones for the Corn Mill, and some strong Leather for making two or three dozen of Horse Collars, to be sent to you, for the Use of the Saltzburghers, as you desired.
As the Trustees are desirous of shewing upon all Occasions how well satisfied they are with your Conduct in all the Civil and Religious Concerns of the Saltzburghers, They have paid £20 into the hands of the Revd. Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Zeigenhagen, to be laid out in the purchase of a new Gown and Cassock, and some other Clothing for you.
The Trustees hope that my last Letter made you perfectly easy with Regard to Negroes, and that you have no further apprehensions of their being admitted into the Colony. Since that I have written to Mr. [Samuel] Urlsperger at Augsburgh, who was full of the same Fears, and I have acquainted him with the Trustees Resolutions never to permit the Use of Negroes, that he may satisfy his Friends and others in Germany, who might be uneasy upon that Account. The Industry of the Saltzburghers will furnish a constraint & prevailing argument for the Prohibition.
Having mentioned their Industry, I cannot defer acquainting you with the Pleasure, which the Trustees have received in that Proof of it, the Silk, which you have sent over; They have show’d it to one of the most eminent of our Italian Merchants, who is in possession of the famous Machine for organzining Silk. The Saltzburghers Silk has been organzin’d by him, and upon a Tryal and Examination of it, he has drawn up some Instructions for the Improvement of the Saltzburghers, which are inclos’d with this Letter to you.
Benjamin Martyn to John Calwell, March 14, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 250, concerning his suggested removal, land grant, and appointment as a conservator of the peace.
Sir
As the Trustees Motive in proposing to you a Settlement in the Northern part of the Province was only for your own Good and Satisfaction, in Case you found your Self oblig’d, or was willing, to quit the Southern part; They are very glad that you have such Reasons for staying where you are, as the Improvements which you mention you have made. They are willing to grant two Town Lots to two of your Sons, but it would have been right in you to mention their Ages, that the Trustees might have known, whether they are able to cultivate the Land; And you should have mentioned their Christian Names, that the Grants might be made accordingly. If they are 16 Years of Age the President and Assistants will have Orders to appoint somebody to put them in possession.18
The Trustees are always willing to encourage Industry wherever they see it; And therefore they have no Objection to granting you more Land, so much as may make up 500 Acres, with what you have at present; But they cannot grant beyond this Quantity to any one Person. The Trustees suppose you will chuse this to be contiguous to Frederica.
The Trustees for your further Encouragement, have made you a Conservator of the Peace at Frederica, as they have likewise Major [William] Horton.
Harman Verelst to William Horton, March 14, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 250-251, sending his appointment as conservator of the peace, telling of John A. Terry’s capture by the French, hopes for German servants, and recommending silk culture.
Sir
Your Letter of the 20th. of September last was rec’d the 12th. of December following and laid before the Trustees; Who being sensible that you have the Welfare and Peace of the Colony at heart have appointed you a Conservator of the latter for the Benefit of the former; And herewith you receive their Commission.
Mr. [John A.] Terry in his Voyage to England was taken Prisoner by the French, and remains so; He wrote to the Trustees for some Assistance, but as he came from Georgia without their Directions, non was given him.
The furnishing Servants for Georgia is the Plan the Trustees highly approve of, and are endeavouring to perfect. To open a Supply from Germany in the same manner as Philadelphia did.
The Trustees recommend to the Inhabitants in the South, the Pattern of Industry shown by the Saltzburghers, who have entered upon the Silk Affair with Success, and to whom full Instructions are going for perfecting the same; as also to the President and Assistants in Georgia for extending that Business of Produce, which by proper Management will not interfere with the necessary Labour for Maintenance.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 18, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 251, concerning instructions on silk production.
Sir
I rec’d your Letter dated the 16th. of September last which I laid before the Trustees, and the Secretary having wrote fully to you, and mentioned some Instructions relating to the Production of Raw Silk to be sent you, they are intitled Remarks on a Book called the compendious Account of the Art of Breeding, Nursing, and right ordering of the Silk Worm, which you receive herewith; The said Book you received several of before, to which References are made.
The Instructions for drawing or winding off the Silk from the Coquons or Silk Balls will be sent you this Week by the Betsey Captn. Hore; But there being a perfect Model of a Machine sent with this Conveyance to the President and Assistants, they are directed to give you Notice thereof, and they with you to consider of making Machines therefrom, which is computed 4 Times the Size of every Material to be a true Proportion for them. It is compleatly fixed to prevent Mistakes by taking it to Pieces to put together again, with Marks and References; It has some Silk on drawn here from Cocoons, and properly cross’d for working from them, which are fasten’d to it to shew the Method; The hollow Iron thro the Holes of which the Silk goes, is made so for sprinkling and receiving cold Water on it, when heated by the hot Water the Cocoons are in under it; And the Brass Wires support the Conveyance of the Silk to the Reel, and two Reels are necessary to each Machine when one is wet to be taken out for a dry one to supply it, but that will be in the other Instructions.
There is a Skain of Raw Silk sent for a Sample to make the Thread of all which may be drawn of the same Size, it being composed of 15 to 20 Cocoons or Silk Balls; a String of Cocoons from Italy is also sent to shew the manner of stringing them for breeding, and a small Brush of Heath for the Reeler to use to find the Ends of the Cocoons with.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 18, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 252-257, concerning expenses in Ga. 1743-44, sola bills sent, estimate of Ga. expenses 1747-48, supplies sent, information about church building, mail to go via naval vessels, John Calwell’s appointment as conservator of the peace, and instructions on silk production. By the Adventure Man of War, Capt. Hamar.
Sir and Gentlemen
The Trustees have rec’d a Letter from the President to their Accountant dated 15th. September last, with the Journals, Papers and Accounts therewith sent by the Tartar Man of War; Among which is the General Account of Expences for the Year ending at Michaelmas 1744, wherein the Sum of £5.2.10 and the Sum of £31.2.6 1/2 being taken Credit for under the heads of repairing Indian Arms and of Charges of Indians going to War &c. besides the Sum of £62.14.1 for Charges of Indians on the Civil Account. And the said Sums of £31.2.6 1/2 and £ 5.2.10 appearing to be Military Expenses, you are to apply to Major Horton the Commanding Officer in Georgie to reimburse them to you. And the Trustees direct that no Military Expence whatsoever which may happen to incurr in Georgia shall for the future be defrayed with their Cash, and if any has been since Michaelmas 1744, and before the Receipt of this Letter you are immediately to apply to the said Commanding Officer for the Reimbursement thereof. There is also rec’d the Account of Payments made in Georgia for the half Year from Michaelmas 1744 to Lady Day 1745, with the State of the Balance then unapplied; But it will be more satisfactory to the Trustees to have the General Account of Expences in Georgia made up half yearly, under the several Heads thereof; You are therefore desired after making up the Year’s Account to Michas 1745, and the Year’s Account to Michas last, that you will make up the General Account for the half Year to Lady Day next, in the same manner, and so continue to do it half yearly. The Vouchers rec’d, which are either Duplicates or Copies of Receipts, or Mr. [William] Russell’s Affidavits where Receipts were not taken, have been examined for supporting the said Accounts from Michas 1743 to Lady 1745, and are found satisfactory, excepting in the Entry under the Receipt of Margaret Avery dated 30th. November 1744 for sundry Draughts &c. drawn by her late Husband on Account of Salary due to him as Surveyor amounting to £12.5.21/2. It is noted, Draughts drawn and Cash paid my late Husband £ 9.15.4, Sundrys out of the Trustees Magazine £2.9.10 1/2. Which Sundries being taken Credit for as Cash, the Trustees expect it should be explained to be part of Value which has been or is in Charge in the Accounts to them, for otherwise it ought not to be taken Credit for as Cash paid.
The Trustees estimated Expences in Georgia from Lady Day 1745 were computed at £1626.13.4 a Year, and the Particulars thereof sent over; But by the Account of the half Year ending the said Lady Day 1745 the real Expences appear to be much less, agreable to the Instructions sent the President to make all possible Savings in the computed Estimates, which the Trustees very much approve of.
The Balance unapplied at Lady Day 1745 by the said Account rec’d appears to be £268.-.5 1/4 besides what Shoes may be in the Store unused. Since which £500, in Sola Bills were remitted and received by the Judith Captain Quarme £400. more in Sola Bills by the Success Captain Thomson, and £ 378.1.9 more in Bills of Exchange and Monies which appear to have been rec’d by the President and Mr. [William] Hopton for the Trustees Use (including the Reimbursement of the £20 remitted Nicholas Rigby). But the £500 in Sola Bills sent by the Loyal Katherine Captain White having been taken, the Trustees have supplied that Misfortune by now sending £ 500 other Sola Bills to answer the same; And have also sent £600 more in Sola Bills towards compleating their Real Expences in Georgia to Lady Day next, the whole together amounting to £2646.2.21/4. And Mr. William Hopton has been wrote to about the said £ 500 Sola Bills, which were taken, the endeavour the Recovery thereof from the Havanna which if he succeeds in, and you receive the same, will bring you very forward in the ensuing Year’s Expences.
The £1100 in Sola Bills sent hereiwth consist of 600 of £l each in six Books Letter A No. 11,401 to 12,000. And of 100 of £ 5 each in one Book Letter C No. 1,751 to 1,850.
The Trustees have herewith sent you an Estimate to taken Place as soon as you receive the same; Wherein some of the Heads of Account are reduced and thrown into the Article for Incidental Charges in the whole Province, the Nature of them being properly so; The Total now estimated for one Year amounts only to £1211.13.4, to which the Allowance to Tything men at Savannah and the Parish Clerk at Frederica as limited and described after the estimated Articles, may prove an Addition.
The Trustees have sent by the Betsey Captain Hore, which takes the Benefit of this Convoy, the Stationary Ware you desired, some Paint and Oyl for the Church at Savannah, some Medicines in a Chest (the Key of the Padlock whereof is sent herewith) and other Parcels; Whereof an Invoice will be sent you therewith; But it being noted in the Secretary’s Letter, that you should tar the Outside of the Church, and strow Sand on it to prevent it’s running; And the Trustees having since received Information, that it may not so well answer as painting the Outside, it is left to your Direction to do therein what will best suit the Climate, and be most durable.
This Letter goes by the Adventure Man of War in the Box with the beforementioned Sola Bills, and Captain Hamar the Commander received an Order from the Admiralty, not only to take it on board, but also to direct, that when any Ship is bound from South Carolina to England, her Commander do receive on board and take Care of any Boxes of Papers directed to the Georgia Office; Which the Secretary of the Admiralty having signified to the Trustees, herewith you receive a Copy thereof; and another Copy is sent to Mr. [William] Hopton at Charles Town.
The Secretary’s Letter to Mr. [John] Calwell and the Appointment of him a Conservator of the Peace at Frederica are sent you herewith, to consult Major Horton thereupon (the Letter being open for that purpose); For the Trustees have since the writing the said Letter been informed, that Mr. Calwell lately came from Augustine with a Flag of Truce. They therefore think it necessary you should have Major Horton’s Account of the Occasion thereof, and his Opinion of Mr. Calwell’s Fitness to be thus taken Notice of, before the said Letter and Commission be sent to Mr. Calwell.
The Instructions relating to the Production of Raw Silk mentioned in the Secretary’s Letter are intitled Remarks on a Book called the Compendious Account of the Art of breeding, nursing and right ordering of the Silk Worm, which you receive herewith; The said Book to which References are made, you received several of before.
The Instructions for drawing or winding off the Silk from the Cocoons or Silk Balls will be sent you this Week by the Betsey Captain Hore; But there being a perfect Model of a Machine sent with this Conveyance, you are directed to give Notice thereof to Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius, and not meddle with the present Position of it until he is present; That you and he may consider of making Machines therefrom, which is computed 4 Times the Size of every Material to be a true proportion for them. It is compleatly fixed to prevent Mistakes by taking it to Pieces to put together again, with Marks and References; It has some Silk on drawn here from Cocoons and properly crossed for working from them, which are fasten’d to it to shew the Method. The hollow Iron, through the Holes of which the Silk goes is made so, for sprinkling and receiving cold Water on it, when heated by the hot Water the Cocoons are in under it; And the Brass Wires support the Conveyance of the Silk to the Reel, and two Reels are necessary to each Machine, that when one is too wet, it may be taken out for a dry one to supply it; But that will be in the other Instructions. When you unfasten the above Model, please to untye first the Papers hanging to the hollow Iron, in each of which is a Cocoon with a little Silk on, from which thro each Hole of the said Iron it is drawn thro, and crossed properly before placed on the Brass Wires for conveying it to the Reel; Which Care is necessary, least this material Particular should be lost by breaking the Silk, or too suddenly drawing or winding off the Cocoons, which must be put into something to hold them when taken out of the Papers they are at present wrapped in; Then you may untye the two other Parts fastened with Tape and by turning the Reel, the Motion and Use of the whole is at once seen.
There is a Skain of Raw Silk sent for a Sample to make the Thread of all which may be drawn of the same Size, it being composed of 15 to 20 Cocoons or Silk Balls, and is a Sort of which larger Quantities may be sooner made and which is of more Use in England than the very fine Sort. There is also a String of Cocoons from Italy sent you to shew the manner of stringing them for Breeding, and a small Brush of Heath for the Reeler to use to find the Ends of the Cocoons with.
To such Tythingmen where ten Families or upwards are in the Tythings to which they severally belong £5.-.- a Year each is yet to be allowed; But no Tythingman is to have any Allowance as such, unless there are ten Families or upwards in the Tything to which he belongs. Which is expected will reduce the Number intitled to the £5.- a Year to under ten, who have heretofore been paid.
The Allowance of £ 20.-a Year to the Gardiner at Savannah is suspended, until the President and Assistants do certify to the Trustees, what Utility the Garden is of to the Trust, to answer the said Expence.
The £5.- a Year before allowed to the Parish Clerk at Frederica is not estimated to be paid, unless the President and Assistants are properly satisfied, that Divine Service is regularly perform’d there, which may require a Parish Clerk.
The £60 a Year to Mrs. [Jane Mary] Camuse’s Family, and the Allowance of £ 15 for the Extraordinaries in winding off Silk Balls are suspended, till further Order.
The £100 a Year to the Land Surveyor of the Province discontinued at Mr. [Joseph] Avery’s Death, and Mr. Thomas Ellis is paid for the surveying as he does it; Whereof for such Work as is performed for the Trustees, he is to be paid out of the Allowance for Incidental Charges in the whole Province, at the same Rate as he is paid by other People.
And the Allowances before estimated for mending Militia Arms Expences in the Execution of Justice in Criminal Cases, and Charges of the Indians when they come to the Towns in Georgia on a Civil Account, are to be defrayed out of the said Allowance for Incidental Charges in the whole Province being in their Nature occasional; And that Allowance found sufficient to bear the same.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 18, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 257, telling of sending a machine for winding silk. By the Adventure Man of War, Capt. Hamar.
Sir & Gentlemen
This advises you of a Box directed to you on board the Adventure Man of War Captain Hamar, wherein is a Model of a Machine for the drawing or winding of Silk from the Cocoons, which requires Care in taking it out. At present it is fixed by two Pieces of Wood upon the Stand to keep it steady in the Voyage, into which Pieces Nails are drove from the Outside of the Box, but where Lines are mark’d on them, a small Saw will go thro one End of each Piece to reduce it, and the other Ends will then easily wrench from the Nails, and the Nails then being drove out backwards, will set the Machine at Liberty unhurt. But you had best take out all the Books of Sola Bills, and Letters and Parcels first.
There is two Cocoons fasten’d to the Model, and Silk drawn from them to shew the Use of the Machine, and if by Accident the Silk conveyed from the Cocoons to the Reel should be broke, the Instructions which will come by the Betsey Captain Hore will direct you how to put it right again, for the Model to work as the Machine should.
[P.S.] If this should be sent with the Box from Port Royal by Captain Hamar, you will defray the Charges attending the same.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 23, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 257-259, listing items sent and sending painting and silk instructions. By the Betsey, Capt. Hore; by the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir & Gentlemen
Herewith you receive an Invoice of what is shipped on board the Betsey Captain William Hore, and consign’d to Mr. Wm. Hopton at Charles Town to be forwarded to you.
The Chest of Medicines therein mentioned are for the Supply of the Store under your Care, for Mr. [Patrick] Graham to dispense to those he shall have the Charge of for the £ 20 a Year allowed to him for that Service; There is a Partition between the Medicinal and Surgery, and the Particulars of each within the Chest, which lyes uppermost over each. There will now be no Occasion for Bills as heretofore; as the Trustees find the Medicines, and allow as above for the dispensing them.
The Case of Stationary Ware for your Use, and the Secretary, and Magistrates, contains also two Copper Basons for holding Cocoons whereof one with the Cutts, for the Use of the Germans at Acton and Vernonburgh, and the Saltzburghers, as wanted. The Machine for the said Germans may be made, either from the Model sent over, or the Machine there already.
In the said Case is also 4 round Brushes and 3 Sash Tools in a Bundle to be used in painting the Church at Savannah, for which 2 Casks of Oyl and 2 Casks of Paint are sent over. You are to direct to soke the Brushes in Water before used, and when dry to take one of them and dust the Boards well before the Paint is laid on; And that when the Paint is open’d, it will be proper to keep it cover’d with Water, in Order to keep it from Skinning. Some Paint must be taken out into a large Pott, then some of the Linseed Oyl must be taken and mix with it. The Work must be painted three times over, the first Time must be laid on thinnest, the next Time a little thicker, and the last Time thickest of all; But the first Colour must be thorough dry before it is painted over again, and likewise the second; And the Brushes must be kept in Water after they have been used, to prevent them drying.
The Box directed to you contains some fine Heath to make Brushes of according to the Sample sent you by the Adventure Man of War, for the Reelers of Silk to use to find the Ends of the Cocoons or Silk Balls with; And there is also some Brass Wire therein of a proper Size to fix in the Machines, which may be made from the Model sent over by the said Man of War; Of both which Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius must be supplied with.
The Instructions for drawing or winding off the Silk from the Cocoons or Silk Balls are not yet finished, by Reason it will be attended with a Draught of the Machine to referr to, for making them intelligible; But it is hoped, they will reach the Ship before her sailing from Spithead, and you are to let Mr. Bolzius have the immediate Use of them.
The rest of the Invoice vizt. Two Casks of Oyl, and two Casks of Paint, a Cask of wrot. Iron &c, a pair of Millstones, a Case directed to Mr. Bolzius, 2 Cases mark’d HPB, and 1 Pipe mark’d BL, all go to New Ebenezer; Which you are desired to forward to Mr. Bolzius there.
Invoice of Parcels shipped by the Trustees, and consign’d to Mr. William Hopton at Charles Town, on board the Betsey Captain William Hore.
For Savannah
And 1 Pipe mark’d BL
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 23, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 259-261, listing items sent, giving painting instructions, and silk winding machine. By the Betsey, Capt. Hore; by the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir
Herewith you receive an Invoice of those Parcels sent you by this Conveyance, which supplies you with Paint and Oyl for preserving your two Churches, the one in the Town, and the other in the Plantations. The Brushes for the Paint are to be soked in Water before used, and when dry, with one of them the Boards are to be well dusted before the Paint is laid on. When the Paint is opened, it will be proper to keep it cover’d with Water, in Order to keep it from Skinning; Some Paint must be taken out into a large Pott, then some of the Linseed Oyl must be taken and mix with it. The Work must be painted three Times over, the first Time must be laid on thinnest, the next Time a little thicker, and the last Time thickest of all; But the first Colour must be thorough dry, before it is painted over again, and likewise the second. And the Brushes must be kept in Water after they have been used, to prevent them drying.
The said Paint, Oyl, and Tools, together with a pair of Mill Stones for the Corn Mill, the Timber and Trace Chains, and Hempen Cord, and Leather for Horse Collars, the Trustees sent you on the Application of Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Ziegenhagen, representing your Wants thereof.
The Trustees also order’d £20 Sterl. to be paid to him for his purchasing you a new Gown and Cassock, and some Clothing; which is sent you as a Reward for your great Care and good Conduct in the Religious and Civil Concerns of the Saltzburghers in Georgia.
The Case mark’d HPB put into the Warehouse in November 1745 (which was after Captain Quarme sailed from London) is very possible that, you might have had Advice of as shipp’d then, which now comes by this Conveyance, and thereby you found it missing. You receive also another Case of the same Mark and a Cask from Hamburgh mark’d BL.
The Instructions for drawing or winding off the Silk from the Cocoons or Silk Balls are not yet finished, by Reason it will be attended with a Draught of the Machine to referr to, for making them intelligible; But it is hoped they will reach the Ship before her sailing from Spithead. And the President and Assistants in Georgia are to let you have the immediate Use of them.
There is also sent to the said President and Assistants some fine Heath to make Brushes of according to the Sample sent by the Adventure Man of War, for the Reelers of Silk to use to find the Ends of the Cocoons or Silk Balls with; And also some Brass Wire of the proper Size to fix in the Machines, which may be made from the Model sent by the said Man of War. Of both which they are order’d to supply you.
Invoice of Parcels ordered to be sent to Mr. Bolzius at Ebenezer, by the President and Assistants in Georgia, on their receiving the same from Mr. William Hopton at Charles Town, to whom they were consign’d.
2 Rundletts and 2 Casks containing 3 cwt.:3:7 of Lead Colour ground, and 20 Gallons of Linseed Oyl.
A Cask containing 99 pds. of Hempen Cord of 2 Sizes and 2 Timber, and 12 Trace Chains.
A pair of Millstones
A Case directed to Mr. Bolzius containing, a Gown and Wearing Apparel sent from the Trustees as a Present to him, and also two dozen of tan’d Bazels19 for Horse Collars for the Use of the Saltzburghers, and 6 round Brushes, and 4 Sash Tools, to be used in painting their Churches.
HPB. A Case which came into the King’s Warehouse 2d November 1745.
HPB. A Case which came into the King’s Warehouse in December 1746.
& BL. A Pipe20 containing Beds, Linnen Medicines, Books and Stockings from Hamburgh, rec’d from Captain Plahn 19th. March 1746.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 24, 1746/7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 261-262, concerning letters received, officers appointed, and Samuel Clee. By the Betsey, Capt. Hore; by the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir and Gentlemen
The Letter from the President to the Trustees Accotant dated 31st. July last was this day rec’d, together with the List of Leases and Conveyances under the Seal, and sign’d by the Register the 17th. of the said Month, which the Trustees are glad to have rec’d as there has been so unfortunate an Interruption to Correspondence in this Time of War.
Mr. [William] Stephens’s Journal from 28th. May to 30th. July last was also rec’d, wherein Mrs. [Jane Mary] Camuse’s Behaviour appears very extraordinary, tho not more so than usual; The Trustees have great Reason to believe the Silk Production will be soon accomplish’d by the Instructions sent and sending over, without being subject to the Caprice of this Woman. Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth’s Behaviour in presuming to take Lands of the Indians will be duly consider’d, and proper Instructions sent about it. And the Trustees direct you to call upon, and demand of him, the Remainder of the Furniture he had for the Parsonage House at Savannah, which he short delivered to Mr. [Bartholomew] Zouberbuhler, or the Value of what is deficient of the List of Particulars and that Receipt he sign’d under it to be accountable for the same, which was sent to Mr. William Stephens in September 1743 when Mr. Bosomworth went over, in Order that he might render an account thereof when requir’d.
It was very prudent in You the President and Assistants, not to give Way to the Propositions for drawing Bills on the Trustees in your Distress which Distress arose from the Loyal Katherine Captain White being taken; And the Method you took to relieve such Distress was also very well judged.
The Trustees are glad to find that the Cowpen produced you some Steers to help in Time of Need; But they are sorry to find that the German Servants prove lazy, and nice in their Food at the same Time.
You did well to assist Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius with the Timber Chain he wanted, and you cannot recommend your Selves more to the Trustees Favour, than by encouraging and countenancing him and the Saltzburghers under his Care, who are become an Example of Industry worthy the Imitation of every Inhabitant of Georgia.
Mr. [Thomas] Salter’s Proposition for making Bricks and the granting to him the Lease of ten Acres of Land on Hutchinson’s Island for that purpose under the Conditions you mention, the Trustees think right, and will lay it before their Common Council for Approbation.
The Trustees also this Day rec’d the President’s Letters to their Accotant dated 11th. 15 & 18 December last and one to their Secretary, with the Journal, Papers, and the Account & Copies of Receipts discharging Salaries &c. to 25th. June 1745 sent therewith by the Elliot Captain Liddle. As to the £20 paid Nicholas Rigby 26 November 1744, and placed to the Trustees account, if you charge your Self in the Trustees future Account with the said £20 received back for their Use, it will answer the same Thing and stand very regular; You are therefore to do so.
As the Trustees now know that Mr. [Samuel] Marcer has accepted the Office of 3d. Bailiff of Savannah; They will lay the same before their Common Council for appointing Mr. [William] Spencer the 2d. Bailiff, Mr. Marcer the 3d. Bailiff, and for removing Mr. [John] Pye & appointing Mr. Charles Watson, Recorder in his Room; And their several Appointments under the Seal will be sent you.
And as to what related to Samuel Clee’s Affair received from the President, it will, clear up that Matter to Mr. Gislingham Cooper the Banker, who had interested himself therein.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, March 24, 1746/ 7, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 262-263, concerning parsonage furniture, John J. Zubly, and bill of exchange to Verelst. By the Betsey, Capt. Hore; by the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir
Your Letter of the 14th. of August last I this Day rec’d, being the only one since your Arrival; Those you wrote before having been taken in their Passage. The melancholy Voyage you had gave the Trustees Concern, but the Provindential Preservation under such Distress, and your Ability to contribute to it, must be Duly acknowledged.
The small List of Furniture you rec’d from Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth is very provoking in him to the Trustees, after their so amply supplying the Parsonage House, which he sign’d a List to be accountable for; The President and Assistants are therefore directed to demand the same of him, or the Value for what is deficient. The said sign’d List was sent over to Mr. [William] Stephens in September 1743 when Mr. Bosomworth went over, in Order to call him to an Account for the same when required; And herewith you receive a Copy of the Particulars, the Trustees then sent for that purpose.
The Letter from the Trustees Secretary by this Conveyance to you will set the Affair of Mr. [John J.] Zubli in a true Light, and conduct your Behaviour agreable to the Trustees Inclination concerning the Germans at Acton and Vernonburgh.
The Bill of £12.10.- you sent on Mr. Tryon, to reimburse me, I don’t doubt but will meet with due Honour.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., April 13, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 263, concnerning instructions for winding silk. By the Adventure Man of War, Capt. Hamar.
Sir and Gentlemen
In my Letter to you dated the 18th. of last month I acquainted you, that the Instructions for drawing or winding off the Silk from the Cocoons or Silk Balls would be sent you by the Betsey Captain Hore; But there was not Time to compleat them to go by that Conveyance, nor can they yet be finished; And if they were, the Detention of the Adventure Man of War for the Trade, and a Store Ship to be under her Convoy, makes it too late for their Arrival to make any Progress therein this Season. But they will be sent by the first opportunity after they are ready.
The Instructions already sent you will direct the Inhabitants how to preserve a sufficient Quantity of their best Cocoons this Year, for a plentifull Supply of Eggs for the next Springs; Of both which Advices now sent you please to acquaint Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius at Ebenezer.
Benjamin Martyn to Chretien Von Munch at Augsburgh, April 13, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 264, thanking him for his help to the Salzburgers, telling him of their progress in silk culture, Trustees to allow rum importation into Ga. to help lumber sales, Von Munch and Samuel Urlsperger elected corresponding members of the Trust, and communications from them welcome.
Sir
I rec’d the Honour of your Letter dated Augsbourg Janry 12th, which I laid before the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia; They are truly sensible of your Goodness to the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer, not only in the Assistance which you have given them in Money and Effects, but in your Advice also. As you in particular recommend to them the Culture of Silk, I have the Pleasure to acquaint you, that they have sent over to the Trustees a small Parcel as a Specimen of their Industry. They learnt to wind it by Books only, and considering they had no other Instruction it was as good as could be expected. In Order however to make them perfect in the Art of winding it, an eminent Silk Merchant here, who made sufficient Tryal of theirs, has drawn up proper Instructions for them, which I have inclos’d in a Letter to Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius.
That the Saltzburghers may reap some Fruits of their Labour from the Saw Mill which they have erected, the Trustees have it in their Thoughts to open a Way for disposing of the Lumber cut by it, and are now preparing a Law for permitting the Importation of Rum into the Colony of Georgia from the British Islands in America, by Way of Barter for their Lumber, which will probably prove an advantageous Trade to them in a short Time.
Sir, I should have acknowledged the honour of your Letter sooner, but I waited to have the Pleasure, which I now take, in acquainting you, That at the Anniversary Meeting of the Trustees, appointed for the Election of Members. You was unanimously chosen a corresponding Member. The Revd Mr. Saml. Urlsperger of Augsbourg was elected at the same time; His Zeal for the Happiness of the Settlement at Ebenezer will cooperate with yours, and the Trustees are persuaded that the Choice of two such worthy Persons, will prove of great Benefit to the Saltzburghers at present in the Colony, and any other German Protestants who may want such an Asylum.
Whatever you may, either jointly or seperately, find necessary to communicate to the Trustees, you’ll be pleas’d to direct to me at the Georgia Office in Queens Square Westminster and your Letters shall be punctually laid before the Trustees, and shall be regularly answer’d.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. Samuel Urlsperger at Augsburgh, April 13, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 265, concerning no Negroes to be allowed in Ga., Salzburger silk production, Trustees to allow importation of rum to help lumber sales, Urlsperger and Chretien Von Munch elected corresponding Members of the Trust, and communications from them welcome.
Sir
I hope you rec’d my Letter dated October 1st. 1746, and that it entirely freed you from Apprehensions, that the Trustees would ever consent to the Introduction of Negroes into the Colony of Georgia. Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius I believe is very well satisfied in that Particular. The Trustees have heard from him lately, and his Letters, as they usually are, were very satisfactory. He sent over a small Parcel of Silk rais’d by the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer, as a Specimen of what they can do, and considering they had no Instruction in the Art of winding it, but what they found in Books sent to them, it was as well done as could be expected. In order however to make them more perfect, I have sent to Mr. Bolzius some Instructions drawn up by an eminent Italian Merchant, vers’d in the Business, who made Tryal of their Silk in Order to know wherein they were defective.
I hope the Saltzburghers will soon find the good Effects of their Labour in erecting their Saw Mill, for the Trustees are preparing a Law to allow the Importation of Rum from the British Islands in America into the Colony of Georgia, by Way of Barter for Lumber; By which means they will always be sure of a Market.
The Trustees, Sir, knowing your Zeal for the Welfare of the Saltzburghers at Ebenezer, and any other distress’d Protestants who may want such an Asylum, have unanimously elected you a corresponding Member of the Trust, at the last Meeting appointed for such Elections. Mr. Chretien Von Munch of Augsbourg was chosen one at the same time, so that you will be able to assist each other in carrying on any necessary Correspondence with the Trustees; And whatever you may think proper to be communicated to them, your Letters, directed to me at the Georgia Office in Queen’s Square, Westminster shall be punctually laid before them, and shall be regularly answer’d.
Benjamin Martyn to Chancellor of the Exchequer Henry Pelham, May 11, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 266, requesting the £4000 voted by Parliament be paid to the Trustees.
Sir
As you was pleas’d to procure His Majesty’s Sign Manual Warrant and Order for issuing to the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia in America the Sum of £ 4000 granted out of the Supplies for the Year 1746, for the further settling & improving the said Colony; The Trustees being in great Want thereof, desire you will order a Letter to the Auditory of the Exchequer, as usual, for issuing the same.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, July 17, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 266-267, concerning sola bills, James Campbell’s petition for land, Archibald Campbell’s grant, James Billinghurst’s grant, Thomas Bosomworth’s land holdings, and minutes of the trial of John A. Terry for rape. By the Charming Nancy, Capt. Arthur Gould.
Sir
The Trustees are glad to find by a short Letter from you dated the 13th. of last March, that the Sola Bills for £500, which had been taken and carried to the Havannah, are recover’d; By these you and the Assistants will be able, not only to defray the estimated Expences to Lady Day last, but there will be a Surplus for the present Year; And another Parcel of Sola Bills for £500 will be sent by the first Opportunity.
James Campbell Esqr. Chief Engineer for the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia has petition’d the Trustees for a Grant of the Lot on the Island St. Simons, which was formerly the Property of Captain Albert Desbrisay, but is now lapsed (as the Petition alledges) to the Trustees Capt. Desbrisay being dead without Issue. The Trustees order, that an Inquiry should be made by you and the Assistants, whether any Person is in possession of the said Land, or claims it as Heir to Captn. Desbrisay; And in Case there is none, They consent to Mr. Campbell’s being put in possession of it.
The Trustees have likewise resolv’d to grant to Mr. Archibald Campbell, five hundred acres of Land within a small Distance of St. Simons.
General [James] Oglethorpe has acquainted the Trustees, that Mr. James Billinghurst applied for a Grant of the Island near the Orphan House, and he laid before them the Extract of a Resolution which You and the Assistants came to in a Council assembled February 12th. 1745/6 vizt. “That there was no Objection to the said James Billinghurst’s having a Grant of the Island he petition’d for, either with Regard to the Situation or of its ever being granted to any other Person.” The Trustees, upon this Minute, have resolv’d to grant the said Island, Provided that it does not exceed 500 Acres, or that Mr. Billinghurst will not thereby, and other Means, be in possession of more than 500 Acres.
This leads me to acquaint you, that the Trustees have taken into Consideration the several Paragraphs in the Journal of May 30th., June 13th., and 16th., July 2d, 5th., and 19th. and November 14th. and 20th. 1746, relating to Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth. They cannot help being alarm’d at his Conduct, and at his setting in a manner the Laws at Defiance, not only in the Instance mention’d in a former Journal of employing Negroes, but in acquiring, by any means, such different Parcels of Land, which must be vastly beyond the Proportion allow’d by His Majesty’s Charter to any Inhabitant of the Colony. The Trustees think you should have observ’d this to him, when he ask’d if you had no Objection to his putting such a Stock of Cattle on St. Catherine’s Island. However, they desire you will take the first Opportunity to talk with him and Mrs. [Mary] Bosomworth without acquainting them that it is by Order, or with the Knowledge of the Trustees; And that You’ll explain to them His Majesty’s Charter, that the Trustees have not even a Power of granting more than 500 Acres to any one Person; And that no Possession, no Claim of Land, under any Title whatsoever, will be of any Avail, unless it is by a Grant under His Majesty’s Charter. In the mean Time, the Trustees desire you will take proper Methods for knowing, and for acquainting them, what Quantity of Land, as near as can be, Mr. Bosomworth has in possession.
It may be needless to observe to you, that some Caution and Tenderness must be us’d with Mr. Bosomworth and his Wife in this Affair, least, in so critical a Time as the present War, they might find Means to make the Indians uneasy and incense them against the Trustees, and those under their Protection.
The Trustees desire that the Proceedings of the Town Court may be constantly sent to them, and particularly Those relating to the Prosecuting of Mr. [John A.] Terry for a Rape must be sent by the first Opportunity.
Benjamin Martyn to Alexander Gordon, Clerk of the Council of S.C., July 22, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 268, informing him of a lost packet. By the Charming Nancy, Capt. Arthur Gould.
Sir
I have rec’d your’s dated March 31st. 1747, with Advice that you had put on board the Ship Fame Captn. Thomas Thompson a Packet, directed to the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia. This Ship has not yet been heard of, and is therefore suppos’d to be lost.
The Trustees have a just Sense of the Kindness and Care, with which the Governor and Council of South Carolina have been pleas’d to forward the Dispatches to them, and they desire you will deliver them their Thanks for the same.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., Aug. 5, 1745, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 268, concerning appointments to office, sola bills recovered from the Spanish and more sent. By the Charming Nancy, Capt. Arthur Gould.
Sir and Gentlemen
In the Trustees Letter of the 24th. of March last you were acquainted, that the Appointments of Mr. William Spencer to the Office of second Bailiff of Savannah, Mr. Samuel Marcer to the Office of third Bailiff of Savannah (both of whom are also Assistants) and of Mr. Charles Watson to the Office of Recorder there, would be sent you under the Seal of the Trustees; By this Conveyance you receive the same. Please to take Notice, that upon Mr. Marcer’s being appointed the third Bailiff and Assistant, Mr. [Patrick] Graham is the fourth Assistant; And no fifth Assistant being yet appointed, the £ 20 a Year provided in the Estimate for such fifth Assistant will be saved until another is appointed. And there is also a Saving in the Salary of second Bailiff and Assistant for the time the said Offices were vacant.
On the 8th. of June last the Trustees Accountant received a Letter from the President dated the 13th. of March before with the agreable News of the £500 in Sola Bills sent by the Loyal Katherine Captain White, and taken by the Spaniards, having been recovered for the Service of the Trustees estimated Expences in Georgia, which by the Adventure Man of War Captn. Hamar, the Trustees had replaced by another like Value in Sola Bills; Whereby you have rec’d, not only sufficient to clear all the Trustees Expences in Georgia to Lady Day last, but an Advance to set you forward in the present Year’s Expences; And you now receive £500 more in the Trustees Sola Bills for the same Service, which consist of 200 of £l each Letter A No. 12001 to 12200 in two Books, and 60 of £5.- each Letter C. No. 1851 to 1910 in another Book.
Harman Verelst to Charles Watson, Recorder of Savannah, Sept. 26, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 269, concerning his bill of exchange on Verelst. By the Friendship, Capt. William Cleeland.
Sir
Your Letter dated 10th. March last21 advising of the necessity you had to draw a Bill on me for £10 in favour of Mr. John Leggatt, by reason of your Illness on Ship board, and for six Weeks after you got on Shore at Frederica, has been laid before a Committee of the Georgia Trust; Who order’d the Payment thereof, and that I should send Notice to the President and Assistants at Savannah of the said Payment in Order for their charging you therewith in Case you have officiated in the Office of Recorder there from your Arrival at Savannah, so as to intitle you to the Salaries and Allowance to the Recorder and his Clerk before your Appointment came over, which was lately sent and is dated the 29th. of May last; But if otherwise, that then the said £ 10 should not be charged upon you out of what shall become due to you under the Constitution so appointing you Recorder; The Committee being of Opinion to allow the same as they had the other Sums paid you in England out of the Savings on their Estimate of the Salaries and Allowance to the second Bailiff, and one of the Assistants of Savannah in Georgia, from your leaving the Colony in the Year 1745 to Mr. Wm. Spencer’s succeeding you.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., Sept. 26, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 269-270, concerning Charles Watson’s bill of exchange on Verelst. By the Friendship, Capt. William Cleeland.
Sir and Gentlemen
Mr. Charles Watson having represented his Illness on Ship board, and after his landing at Frederica, by a Letter dated at Savannah 10th. March last, and that he was there from necessitated to draw a Bill on me for £10.- in favour of Mr. John Leggatt; I laid the same before a Committee of the Georgia Trust, who ordered the Payment of it, and that I should send you Notice thereof, in Order for your charging him with it in Case he has officiated in the Office of Recorder at Savannah from his Arrival there, so as to intitle him to the Salaries and Allowance to the Recorder and his Clerk before his Appointment came over, which was lately sent and is dated 29th. May last. But if he is not so intitled then the said £10.- is not to be a Charge upon him out of what shall become due to him under the Constitution so appointing him Recorder; The Committee being of Opinion to allow the said £10 as they had the other Sums paid him in England out of the Savings on their Estimate of the Salaries and Allowance to the second Bailiff and one of the Assistants of Savannah in Georgia from the said Mr. Watson’s leaving the Colony in the Year 1745, until Mr. William Spencer succeeded him.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., Oct. 31, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 270, concerning lost mail and suggestion that indigo may be raised in Ga. By the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir and Gentlemen
Fearing the Betsey Captn. Hore, who sailed from England under Convoy of the Adventure Man of War, is taken; Herewith you receive Copies of the Trustees Letters dated 23d & 24th. March last sent by her. I have wrote to Mr. [William] Hopton to endeavour recovering the Parcels shipp’d on board and consign’d to him to be forwarded to Georgia, in Case the Ship is at the Havannah or Augustine, and to Mr. Rutledge and Major [William] Horton to assist therein, if they can. For it is possible, a reasonable Consideration for them may obtain the Delivery. But if not, I have by this Conveyance sent anew the same Quantity of Stationary Ware, which went by the Betsey for your Use, the Secretary and Magistrates, which I hope will come safe.
Herewith you receive Father Le Bat’s Account of the Culture and Management of Indigo; Wherein Carolina having made a Progress it may be worthy the Attention of the Inhabitants of Georgia to consider of attempting.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, Oct. 31, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 270, concerning lost mail. By the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Sir
Your Letter by Mr. Hunter was rec’d 25th. September last, and will be soon taken into Consideration. Herewith you receive a Copy of the Trustees Letter dated 24th. March last to you, sent by the Betsey Captn. Hore, whom I fear is taken.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, Oct. 31, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 271, stating the ship Betsey, feared captured by the Spanish. By the Hopewell, Capt. Kitching.
Reverend Sir
Fearing the Betsey Captn. Hore, is taken, herewith you receive a Copy of the Trustees Letter dated 23d. March last sent by that Ship. I have wrote to Mr. [William] Stephens and Mr. [William] Hopton, that in Case the said Ship is at the Havannah or Augustine, to endeavour the Recovery of the Parcels on board for you, which it’s possible may be come at for a reasonable Consideration. I was in hopes of better Success than miscarrying, from the Betsey’s sailing with the Adventure Man of War; And I should be glad to hear that the Parcels may be come at for your Sake, and the People under your care.
Benjamin Martyn to Thomas Swill, Deputy Auditor of Plantations, Dec. 22, 1747, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 271, concerning quit rents in Ga.
Sir
Your Letter to me dated the 4th. instant with the Extract of Memorials of Grants of Land in Georgia exhibited by the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia and register’d in the Office of His Majesty’s Auditor General of the Plantations in America, has been laid before the Trustees.
As in the said Letter you are pleased to Signify, that you are directed by the Rt. Honble. Horatio Walpole Auditor General of the Plantations, to desire to know, whether any more Lands have been granted by the Trustees, than what are contain’d in the said Extract of Memorials, and whether any, or what part of the Quit Rents have ever been paid upon any of the Grants hitherto made, or to whom for his Majesty’s Use, according to his Letters Patent; That they may be duly accounted for, audited, and pass’d. In Answer to the same, I am directed by the Trustees to acquaint you, that being mindfull of His Majesty’s Directions in their Charter, They sent a Letter to their President in Georgia, dated 19th. August 1745, relating to the Commencement of Quit Rents there, and requiring a Return to be made, proper for ascertaining the said Quit Rents on each particular Grant. A Return has been made, which was rec’d in March last, but not being satisfactory to the Trustees; They have thought proper to renew their Orders to their Officers in Georgia, that another more compleat may be transmitted to them by the first Opportunity, which, as soon as rec’d, will be sent to the Auditor General of the Plantations.
Benjamin Martyn to William Stephens, March 10, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 272, requesting reports of land grants and occupiers for quit rent purposes, number of people in the various settlements in Ga., and telling him to handle Mrs. Lucy Mouse’s claims. By the Anson, Capt. Younge.
Sir
As the Ship, by which this is to be sent, is going upon very short Notice, I cannot be so full in writing to you as I should otherwise be; And shall therefore only mention one thing or two, which have come lately under the Trustees Consideration.
They received in March 1746/7 the Return which you sent (pursuant to their Order of August 19th. 1745) of the Grants of Lands in Georgia, in Order to ascertain the Quit Rents on each particular Grant; But upon examining this, they find it too imperfect to be laid before the Auditor General of the Plantations, for the only Trust Grants mentioned therein to have been executed were one dated October 26th. 1732 to Thomas Christie and others, which was executed in 1733, but no account in it of the present particular Occupiers of Land by Virtue thereof, nor of the Occupiers of Lands recommended for Grants, to whom Grants have not yet been particularly made; And one other of 500 Acres to the Revd. Mr. Thomas [George?] Whitefield executed in 1740, and still occupied. The Trustees therefore desire you will by the first Opportunity send over a full Return (properly authenticated) of all the present Occupiers of Land in the Northern and Southern parts of the Province, how long they have occupied the same, under what Grants, or if recommended for Grants, and by whom, or if possess’d without any Authority.
The Trustees require likewise an Account to be sent to them of the Numbers of the People in the several Settlements of the Colony.
I hope I shall soon have an Opportunity of writing to you more fully.
P.S. Mr. [Samuel] Smith, one of the Trustees, having laid before them a Letter from Mrs. Lucy Mouse dated 15th. May last,22 relating to Peter Grant’s Lot and her Share of the Sale of Cattle at Skidoway; They recommend it to the Common Council, that if the Lot of the said Peter Grant be lapsed to the Trustees, it be given to the said Mrs. Lucy Mouse; And if it is not lapsed, that some other at Savannah be granted to her. And that Instructions be sent to the President and Assistants, that Justice be done her in relation to her Claim, that is to say. If the Trustees have no Demand stated shewing a Debt due to them from her on her Husband, that then her Share of the Stock arising by the Sale of Cattle at Skidoway be paid to her instead of it’s being paid to the Store; And that if any Debt is due, then the Balance above the said Debt be paid to her. Which you are desired to acquaint the Assistants with, and also Mrs. Mouse.
Benjamin Martyn to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 10, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 273-274, concerning reports of Bolzius to the Trustees, land desired by Salzburgers, Bolzius’ leadership, John Ludwig Meyer, Salzburger silk production, methods for destroying wild cattle, and sale of lumber. By the Anson, Capt. Yonge.
Sir
Your Letters of July 13th. August 29th. and September 3d and likewise the Continuation of your Journal from May to July 1747 have been all rec’d and laid before the Trustees. They are very much pleas’d with the Accounts you send them from time to time of the Improvements made by the People under your Care, of their Industry, and the Happiness which they enjoy in Consequence of it; And you and they may depend upon the Trustees doing all in their Power to promote this upon every Occasion.
The Trustees have not been appris’d of the particular Difficulties which may have attended the procuring that Tract of Land near Ebenezer Creek from the Indians; As it was necessary to engage them to make a voluntary Cession of the Land, you are sensible it must require some time to prevail on them to do it by gentle means, and in an amicable manner. The Trustees however hope the Difficulties are removed by this time and that you have, or soon will have, the Pleasure of seeing that Tract of Land, as well as the other, which the Surveyor has been running out at Parker’s decay’d Saw Mill, added to the Settlement of Ebenezer.
The Trustees are sorry you have been made uneasy by the Reproaches of any People in the Province, meerly for having done your Duty, and setting them an Example, which they should have followed rather than revil’d. It may be your Comfort Sir however, that the Trustees are entirely satisfied with your Conduct, and you are reproach’d upon no other Account, but what they themselves are vizt. Obstructing the Use of Negroes, and shewing how unnecessary and dangerous these would be to the Province. Tho’ the Uneasiness these Reproaches have given you may have induced you to desire to be no longer the Manager of the Secular Affairs of your Settlement, the Trustees hope you will not wholly give up the Management of them. As promoting Peace among Men was one great End of our Lord and Master’s coming upon Earth, you are following his Example by endeavouring to establish Peace among the People under your Care. The Trustees therefore desire you will continue to act as a Conservator of it. As you have been so long their Pastor, and have acted so long with such a Fatherly Concern for them, you are best qualified for such an Office, and your Admonitions will have more weight whilst supported with a decent Authority. However, that you may not be obstructed hereby in your Ministerial Office, the Trustees resolve to make the Burthen as light as possible, by joining Mr. [John Ludwig] Mayer23 with you, and making him likewise a Conservator of the Peace at Ebenezer; And that he may be the Person to go to Savannah to transact any Affairs for the Saltzburghers and may be able to go as Occasion shall require, the Trustees have it in their Thoughts to make some Provision for him, till the People can enable him themselves. The Trustees hope, that both as Conservator of the Peace, and Agent for the Saltzburghers, he will in every thing consult with you and Mr. [Herman Henry] Lembke.
The Silk which you have sent over this Year has given great Satisfaction to the Trustees. It has in particular been view’d & approv’d of by one of them, Mr. [Samuel] Lloyd, a Gentleman of great Experience and Knowledge in the Business to whom you was oblig’d for the written Instructions sent last Year. If any further Instructions should be necessary, you will receive them by the next Ship. The Trustees are so much pleas’d with the Industry of the two Women who have winded off this Silk, that they intend to give them some Gratuity for it, which I hope to acquaint you with likewise by the next Ship. They hope the other Women of your Settlement will follow the Example, and apply themselves diligently to the Art of winding, for the more general the Knowledge and Practice of it become, the Work will be easier, a greater Quantity of Silk will be produc’d, and the Benefits arising from it to the Settlement will be more extensive and sooner seen; And besides, your People will have no Occasion to go to Savannah for a Market for their Mulberry Leaves.
The Trustees have under Consideration to find out some Method for destroying the wild Cattle in such a Way as may make it of most Service to the Province; And also for opening a Trade for the Lumber; They have already Assurances from Mr. William Beckford, a Gentn. of the largest Estate in the Island of Jamaica, that he will not only take himself every Year his Lumber from Georgia, but will indeavour to promote the Trade for it, among other Gentlemen and Planters of Jamaica, whither he is soon going. The only Difficulty is to provide Shipping for it, and this is not to be despair’d of.
I hope I shall be able to write more fully to you soon. In the mean time, wishing you Health and Prosperity in all your Undertakings.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., March 11, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 275, concerning expenses in Ga. and sola bills sent, items sent to Ga., and bellows for Thomas Lee. By the Anson, Capt. Young.
Sir and Gentlemen
The Trustees on the 14th. of January last rec’d a Letter from the President to their Accotant dated the 8th. of August before with the Journal and Papers therewith sent; The Advices from Savannah in May 1747 were rec’d the 31st. of August after, with which the Accounts of the Trustees Expences in Georgia to Christmas 1745 were rec’d (besides the General Account for the Year to Maichaelmas before). And by the said Accounts a Balance appears unapplied at Christmas 1745 of £ 783:7:5. Since which £1,100 in the Trustees Sola Bills, were sent you by the Adventure Man of War in March last, and £ 500 more by the Charming Nancy Captn. Gould in August following, which being all safe arrived, make together the Sum of £ 2,383.7.5 for defraying the Trustees Expences in Georgia from Christmas 1745. The Trustees therefore hope, that by good Oeconomy and the Reductions made in their Estimate sent by the Advneture Man of War, the same will prove near sufficient (if not fully so) to clear their Expences in Georgia to Christmas last.
By this Conveyance the Trustees send you £ 500 more in their Sola Bills consisting of 300 of £l each Letter A. No. 12201 to 12500 three Books, and 40 of £ 5 each Letter C. No. 1911 to 1950 for the further defraying their estimated Expences in Georgia.
There is consigned to Mr. Wm. Hopton at Charles Town, to be forwarded to Savannah in Georgia, besides the Box wherein the said Sola Bills and the Trustees and other Letters now sent are packed three Boxes and a Chest for Ebenezer, a Box for Mr. [Bartholomew] Zouberbuhler, and a pair of Smith’s Bellows pack’d and mark’d G x C.
The Parcels for Ebenezer you will forward, and let Mr. Zouberbuhler have his Box. The Occasion of sending the Smith’s Bellows is, upon a Letter Thomas Lee sent to his Mother being shewn to the Trustees, wherein he desired her applying to his Uncle to get and send him a large pair of Smith’s Bellows, and he would pay for them. The Trustees therefore to encourage his Industry, observing by the Accounts transmitted that Thomas Lee rec’d a Salary of 40s. a Year as Keeper of the Court of Savannah, and supposing him to be the Blacksmith wanting the said Bellows, have sent them over to your Care; They cost £4.-and if Thomas Lee is living, the Trustees desire you will credit him with the said pair of Bellows and receive from him in Work or Service the £4 they cost, charging the same to Accot. when so rec’d, and taking Credit for the Work or Service done by him to that Value. And in Case Thomas Lee should not be living you are to dispose of the said pair of Bellows for the Trustees Service to such other Blacksmith as may hereafter want the same.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, March 11, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 276, concerning lost parcels, medicine and parcels for the Salzburgers, silk from Ebenezer, and John Ludwig Meyer to be appointed conservator of the peace. By the Anson, Capt. Young.
Sir
Your Letters of the 13th. of July, 29th. of August and 12th. of Septr. last were rec’d. The Trustees are well pleased that what they sent you have come safe to hand.
The Judith Captn. Arscott being lately arrived here, the Trustees will have the Captain again called upon to answer what you have now sent concerning the Case mark’d Ebenezer, which being contained in the Bill of Lading I have by me sign’d by the late Captn. Quarme, therefore Captn. Arscott, who had the subsequent Charge of it, or his Owner, I apprehend will become chargeable for the Value on the Evidence you have sent over.
Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Zeigenhagen having applied to the Trustees in behalf of Mr. [John Ludwig] Meyer the Surgeon at Ebenezer for the Supply of Medicines agreable to the List you sent him, the Trustees have complied therewith, and sent them in a Chest consigned to you with an Invoice of them therein, for Mr. Meyer’s dispensing them for the Benefit of the Saltzburghers in such manner as you shall think proper to intrust him with; And Mr. Zeigenhagen having advised me of three Boxes for Ebenezer being in the King’s Warehouse mark’d HPB, EEE and &, they are with this Conveyance forwarded with the said Chest of Medicines.
The Silk you sent from Ebenezer, and the Observations thereupon have been much approved. The Silk was sent to the Mills to be Organzined24 and on it’s Return the Gentleman (whose Remarks and Instructions concerning the Produce of Silk have been sent to Georgia) will send you his Thoughts on the Silk and Observations you sent from Ebenezer; And he hopes soon to hear what Effect those Remarks and Instructions already sent, have had in Georgia.
The Trustees intend to recommend it to their Common Council to assist you in the Care of the Civil Affairs at Ebenezer, by appointing Mr. [John Ludwig] Meyer a Conservator of the Peace in your District.
Harman Verelst to the Rev. Bartholomew Zouberbuhler, March 11, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 277, concerning cultivation of land for ministerial support. By the Anson, Capt. Young.
Sir
Your Letter to me dated the 11th. of May, and Copy of that to Mr. [Benjamin] Martyn dated the 26th. of Septr. last, have been rec’d. The Trustees are sorry to find that the employing your Servants in the Cultivation of Land have not answered their Intent, nor your Expectation; You know the Intent was to make the 300d Acres of Land assign’d for the Use of a Minister, in Process of time to be productive of Ease to the Society for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, by shortening the Continuance of their Stipend until by Supplies from the said Land the Stipend might be reduceable, and at last the Produce of the Land become sufficient to supercede the Necessity of continuing that Stipend.
The Trustees therefore desire you will state in what manner the said Servants have been employed, as you represent them to have been more Expence than Profit, the Timber itSelf on the Land when cut down; being some Produce; The Provision the Trustees made for their Clothing and Maintenance was to emply them in the cultivating Land to raise a Maintenance for a Minister, and not to be employed in any other manner, which induced the Incorporated Society to allow the £50.- a Year to you in the mean time, and first for the Term of Three Years, in Order that the Trustees might set forth, before the Expiration of that Term the Progress made towards a likelihood of raising such Maintenance and thereby encourage the said Society to renew their Temporary Stipend, which the Trustees will apply for. But they desire to be enabled by your next Letter to have a full Representation how the said 300d Acres may be made profitable for the End they were assign’d, whether by sutable Rewards to joint Labour of your Countrymen to be employed therein in lieu of your two Servants, or by the third Servant’s being employed to cultivate them with your other two, under your Direction, as Mr. [John J.] Zubli is going to Carolina and nothing becomes payable to him for Assistance to the Germans for which such third Servant was intended You.
Benjamin Martyn to Secretary at War Henry Fox, March 21, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 278, objecting to Lt. Col. Alexander Heron’s raising recruits for the regiment in Ga.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have ordered me to acquaint you, that they think themselves, and the People under their Care and Government, much aggriev’d by Lt. Col. [Alexander] Heron’s raising Recuits for the Regiment within the Colony. This must render abortive their Endeavours to settle and improve it, for which they have from time to time sent the People at the Expence of the Publick, and consequently must become a a Misapplication of the Money granted by Parliament for that Purpose. Besides, it is, as they conceive, contrary to express Orders given at the first raising of the Regiment. The Trustees are also of Opinion, that if the Officers of the said Regiment should be permitted to raise Recruits in any Part of America, it must prove of bad Consequence for many Reasons, which it would be needles to offer to your Consideration.
Benjamin Martyn to Secretary of the Admiralty Thomas Corbett, March 21, 1747/8, Westminster, C.0. 5/668, p. 278, informing him that the Trustees have no objection to Mark Carr as Admiralty judge for Ga.
Sir
I have acquainted the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia, with what you was pleased to tell me, that my Lords Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral have appointed Mark Carr Esqr. to be Judge of the Court of Admiralty in the Province of Georgia, upon the Representation of Lt. Col. [Alexander] Heron. The Trustees are so far from having any Objection to Mr. Carr, that they readily recommend him to their Lordships for the Office. But they cannot help observing, that the Application should have been made thro them, the Government of the Province being by His Majesty’s Charter vested solely in the Trustees.
Benjamin Martyn to Secretary of the Admiralty Thomas Corbett, March 23, 1747/8, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 278, acknowledging receipt of a letter from him.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have appointed a Meeting for next friday, when I’ll lay before them the Letter of Yesterday’s, Date with which You have been so kind to favour me.
Benjamin Martyn to Secretary at War Henry Fox, April 4, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 279, concerning defense of the Ga. frontier.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have rec’d the Honour of your Letter dated the 1st. instant, and the Papers transmitted with it; In Return to which, they have order’d me to say; That having been discharg’d, ever since the Year 1738, from the Care of the Defence of the Colony, They have not from that time intermeddled with the Military Affairs; And as they have had no Intimation what Sum will be afforded, they are not Judges what Extimate of Expence will be necessary for the Provincial Defence and Safety of the Southern Frontier to the Provinces on the Continent of North America. But from a serious Perusal of the Papers and from the Information they have rec’d of the State of the Colony, they beg Leave to represent it as their Opinion; That the Friendship of the Indians is absolutely necessary to be cultivated, for which Purpose it is requisite the Presents should be given them from time to time, for which they apprehend there should be an Annual Fund. That a proper Number of Rangers is absolutely necessary to cover the several Settlements, it not being in the Nature of the Indians to be brought under the Discipline of that Service; And that a proper Number of Arm’d Vessels or Boats is likewise absolutely necessary to keep a Communication with the Forts, and protect the Islands.
The Trustees order me further to say, that when they shall receive His Majesty’s Instructions, they will use their utmost Endeavours to carry them into Execution.
Benjamin Martyn to William Chetwynd, April 7, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 280, concerning the southern boundary of Ga.
Sir
The Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia have order’d me to acquaint you, that as the Limits of His Majesty’s Possessions in America may come under Consideration at the Congress; They think it their indispensable Duty to lay before His Grace the Duke of Bedford,25 the several Agreements made with the Governor of Florida, and the Officers of the King of Spain’s Territories adjoining to the Colony of Georgia, before the Commencement of the Spanish War, shewing what the Trustees were then in possession of, pursuant to His Majesty’s Charter, together with undoubted Right of the Crown of Great Britain to the River Alatamaha, or St. Mattheo, of late by the Spaniards call’d St. Juan; And also the Names of the Indian Nations in the Province of Georgia, in Alliance with His Majesty, and who have acted against the Spaniards during the present War, pursuant to His Majesty’s Orders.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., May 7, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 280, concerning mail received and lost, and items sent to Ga. By the Two Sisters, Capt. Bogg.
Sir and Gentlemen
The President’s Letter to me dated the 12th. of January last was rec’d in the Box to Mr. [Benjamin] Martyn the 15th. of last Month; But the Box to me, on board the Mary Billander Captn. Bostock, mett with bad Luck, the Ship being taken in her Passage to England.
Inclosed you receive an Invoice of the Contents of a Cask sent by the two Sisters Captn. Bogg, to be forwarded by Mr. [William] Hopton from Charles Town, for the use of the Germans settled at Acton and Vernonburgh; Which the Trustees desire may be immediately deliver’d them, being an Assistance sent by the Trustees for the Encouragement of their Industry.
Benjamin Martyn to John Potter, Secretary to the Duke of Bedford, May 25, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 281, concerning the distribution of Indian presents in Ga. and S. C.
Sir
I have laid before the Trustees for establishing the Colony of Georgia your Letter dated the 26th. of April,26 written by Command of his Grace the Duke of Bedford, together with the Extract of his Grace’s Letter to Mr. [James] Glen, Governor of South Carolina, of the same Date, signifying that “His Majesty hath been graciously pleased to direct the Sum of £ 3,000 Sterling to be annually sent from hence to be distributed in Presents to the Indians, contiguous to, and in Alliance with the Province of South Carolina and Georgia, in such manner, as the Governor Council & Assembly of South Carolina, in Conjunction with such Person, as shall be appointed by the Trustees for Georgia, shall judge most for His Majesty’s Service, and may best answer the intended Purpose of securing the Friendship of those Indians; And that particular Accounts, properly vouch’d of the Distribution of these Presents are to be transmitted to his Grace from time to time.” And further signifying (in your Letter to me) “His Majesty’s Pleasure, that the Trustees should appoint such Person, to act in Conjunction with the Governor, Council and Assembly of South Carolina in the Distribution of the Present.”
Sir, As the Trustees are always disposed to pay the readiest Obedience to His Majesty’s Commands, They will use their Endeavours to carry these into Execution with the utmost Punctuality, and will take Care, that Accounts of the Distribution of the Presents to the Indians, properly vouch’d, shall be laid before his Grace from time to time; But, lest they should be guilty of any Mistake They beg Leave to observe to his Grace, that they apprehend, the Intention of his Majesty is, that two Persons should be appointed, one by them, and the other by the Governor Council and Assembly of South Carolina to act in Conjunction for the Distribution of the Presents.
They further beg leave to offer it to his Grace as their Opinion, that it might be proper to buy the Presents in England, as the Goodness of them could be more depended on, and as there would be a Saving of a least 20 p cent in the Purchase of them here.
Herman Verelst to the Rev. John Martin Bolzius, May 27, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, p. 282, concerning silk from Ebenezer, lost package for Salzburgers, and John Ludwig Meyer’s appointment as conservator of the peace. By the Arundel Man of War, Capt. Reynolds.
Revd. Sir
Your Favour of the 9th. of January last I rec’d, and when you send a Reply to the Instructions for producing Raw Silk sent you last Year, the Gentleman of the Trust, who is in the Silk way, will be able to judge wherein the Knowledge of the Saltzburghers in this Product is most deficient; His Opinion of the Silk you sent over, which has been organzin’d is, that it was good, considering it was the first Essay. I am glad of every Opportunity of promotion the Welfare of the Saltzburghers, and by the Trustees Order have put into the hands of a Lawyer, the Proofs sent over against Captain Arscott for the Case not deliver’d, which Captain Quarme his Predecessor signed a Bill of Lading for, and was shipp’d by me, and also an attested Value of the Contents rec’d from Mr. [Friedrich Michael] Zeigenhagen, to support the Damage the said Captain or his Owner is charged to make good; And as the Captain is now in England, immediate Process will go out against him, if he does not make good the same, or his Owner for him.
[P.S.] Mr. [John Ludwig] Meyer’s Appointment as Conservator of the Peace at Ebenezer is sent over by this Conveyance. Mr. [James] Vernon has rec’d your Letter, and desires his Thanks to be return’d, and will himself acknowledge it very soon.
Harman Verelst to the President and Assistants in Ga., May 28, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 282-283, concerning appointment of John Ludwig Meyer as conservator of the peace, prohibition of Negroes in Ga., and the effects of James Bull. By the Arundel Man of War, Capt. Reynolds.
Sir and Gentlemen
My last to you was dated the 7th. instant by the two Sisters Captain Bogg, with a Cask of Ploughs and other Things for the Germans at Acton and Vernonburgh, sent them by the Trustees for the Encouragement of their Industry.
You now receive an Appointment of Mr. Johann Ludwig Meyer, to be a Conservator of the Peace in the District of Ebenezer, which you will please to forward to him.
The Trustees have also sent you an Instruction to tbe signified to the Inhabitants of Georgia, that the Introduction and Use of Negroes in Georgia will never be permitted by the Trustees.
In the President’s Letter of the 12th. of January last to me, the State of Mr. James Bull’s Effects is mentioned; and the Accot. thereof being transmitted, it appears that there is a Ballance of Cash in Georgia of £91.9.2 due to the Estate of the said James Bull, and the President proposing, that on the Trustees paying that Sum to the proper Representative of Mr. Bull in England, the Trustees should have Credit for it in Georgia as a Remittance for their Service. To which Proposition the Common Council of the Trustees having agreed, and order’d me to notify the same to Mr. Bull’s Widow, the said £91.9.2 must be now charged as a Remittance from the Trustees towards their estimated Expences. And in August or September next, a further Remittance will be made in Sola Bills.
Benjamin Martyn to the President and Assistants in Ga., May 28, 1748, Westminster, C.O. 5/668, pp. 283-286, concerning correspondence received and lost, report on grants of land, plans for people at Acton and Vernonburgh, recruiting soldiers in Ga., Savannah wharf and Penelope Fitzwalter as Wharfinger, trade of Ga. lumber and other products, encouragement of silk production, John Ludwig Meyer appointed conservator of the peace, building church in Savannah, land grants, Thomas Bosomworth’s grants of land from the Indians, distribution of Indian presents. By the Arundel Man of War, Capt. Reynolds.
Sir and Gentlemen
Upon the last Month I rec’d the Box with the several Packets in it dated in January last, and the Schedule of the Papers dated in October last, which were sent by the Mary Billander Captn. Bostock, but never arrived; However, ‘tis to be hop’d the Correspondence will be carried on more securely for the future, since the Preliminary Articles of a Peace are sign’d and ratified.
In my last I acquainted you that the Return was imperfect and unsatisfactory, which was made of the Grants pursuant to the Trustees Order for ascertaining the Quit Rents; But lest any Accident should have happen’d to this Letter, you will receive a Copy of it by this Packet, in which you’ll see the Necessity of sending over as soon as possible a more full and correct Return, that it may be deliver’d to the Auditor of the Plantations.
You will receive likewise by this Conveyance some Plows, Scythes, and other Necessaries for the People at Acton and Vernonburgh; The Trustees are much concern’d to find their Plantations have so different an Appearance from what they had; No Encouragement, that is in your Power to give, should be wanting to recover a Spirit of Industry among them; But one thing the Trustees are in particular surpriz’d at, which is, to hear that Rangers have been rais’d in their Plantations. If People, whom the Trustees have been at the Trouble of sending to Georgia, at the Expence of the Publick, in Order to settle and improve the Colony and raise by Labour a sufficient Maintenance for themselves and Families, are, after having made Improvements on them, to be entic’d or even encourag’d to abandon these and enter into the Military Service, it will in the most effectual manner defeat the Trustees Intentions, and their Care for supporting the Colony. They therefore expect, that you and the Assistants will remonstrate to the Commanding Officer, and others there, that it is contrary to the Design of his Majesty’s Charter, and of the Parliament in granting Money for supplying and supporting the Colony; And Genl [James] Oglethorpe says, that recruiting in Georgia is contrary to the Orders given at the first raising of the Regiment.
As nothing would more contribute to the Prosperity of the Colony, and recovering a Spirit of Industry among the Planters, than finding a certain and immediate Vent for the Products, the Trustees hope, that upon the Establishment of a Peace, a Trade may be open’d and settled at Savannah, and when Ships can be sure of a Lading, they wont fail coming to the Market, especially if there are no Difficulties in their Way; Whatever may contribute therefore to bringing Ships to Savannah should be promoted, with the warmest Application. And in the first Place, as the Trustees are inform’d, that the Wharf there is not large and convenient enough, they have resolv’d, that the Sum of £40.-, if found necessary, should be immediately applied for the enlarging it, and in doing this you must consult with People most experienc’d in Shipping. The Trustees find there is a Wharfage Duty paid to Mrs. Fitzwalter,27 they don’t know how this came, nor what is done for it. There must be very strong Reasons to induce them to consent to this, which they are not acquainted with; But till they see a Necessity for it, this Burthen should be taken away. There was a Crane some Years ago at Savannah, the Trustees suppose it is still in being, for it must undoubtedly be necessary in loading and unloading of Ships, where the Land is so high above the Water. As it is absolutely necessary that when Ships come up to Savanah, the Cargoes may be ready for shipping, some Warehouses at the Wharf may be proper for receiving Skins, and other Goods, and preserving them from the Weather; You must consult therefore with some Merchants about these, and take the Opinion of Workmen, what the Expence of building them may be and transmit the Estimate with the Dimensions of the same, to the Trustees. Mr. [William] Beckford, the most considerable Gentleman of Jamaica, has promis’d to take all his Lumber (which every Year amounts to a great Quantity) from Georgia, and to promote the trading for it among other Gentlemen, who have large Plantations in that Island. This would bring Money into the Colony meerly for Labour, but Cargoes of Lumber alone won’t answer. These must therefore and may easily be, fill’d up with other Effects, as Corn and Provisions of all kinds, which will prove of great Benefit to the Country Plantations.
The Trustees have resolv’d to give the Sum of Five pounds Sterling, to each of the two Saltzburgh young Women, who have learnt the Art of winding Silk from the Cocoons, not only as an Encouragemt to them to persevere, but to induce others to follow their Example. That the People may see what is to be expected from their Industry in the Silk Business some of the last Anniversary Sermons will be sent over, at the End of which is printed a Letter from one of the most eminent Silk Merchants in the City of London, who is now in possession of Sir Thomas Lombe’s Engine at Derby, by which the Goodness, and great Profit of the Silk will appear.
The Trustees have appointed Mr. Johann Lodwick [Ludwig] Meyer a Conservator of the Peace at Ebenezer, who may be a fit Person to be appointed to go from time to time between Savanah & Ebenezer as an Agent for the Affairs of that Settlement; And they have resolv’d, to allow a Sum not exceeding £20 Sterling in one Year for the Expences of his going, upon Mr. [John Martin] Bolzius’s certifying to you the Services and Expences of the said Agent from time to time.
The Trustees cannot but be surpriz’d at seeing so large an Estimate sent over for finishing the building of the Church; They hope you have not staid for their Approbation of this before you proceeded to the Work. Because upon their Letters to you to appoint the Boards necessary for compleating it, to be bought of the Saltzburghers upon Credit, and upon their sending over Paint, Oyl, and other Necessaries, and Directions for in what manner the Work was to be carried on, they think the Labour could not amount to so great a Sum, as to oblige you to protract it for want of further Orders.
The Trustees have resolv’d to grant 500 Acres of Land to Captn. George Dunbar, and 500 Acres also to Captn. Patrick Sutherland in the Southern part of the Province, where it may be found most convenient for them (excepting the Island of St. Simon). They have resolv’d likewise to grant to Mr. Thomas Hawkins so much Land in the Southern part, as may with his present Possession make up 500 Acres, with the same Exception to St. Simon’s. The Lot, late in possession of Mr. Falkner at the Town of Frederica, if lapsed to the Trustees, is granted to Mr. John Hawkins; And Mr. William Shrubsole is to have a 50 Acre Lot upon the Island of St. Simon’s.
The Trustees are pleas’d to see by your Proceedings from the 23d. of October 1747 to the 9th. of January following, that so many Persons have applied to you for Grants of Land in the Colony. There has been no Board of Common Council to confirm these Grants, but you and the Grantees may depend on the Confirmation of them the first that can be procur’d. The Cautions you observe in seeing that those who apply have Abilities sufficient to cultivate their Lands are very satisfactory to the Trustees. The Design of Ship building would undoubtedly prove of great Advantage to the Colony, as would likewise opening a larger Trade with the Indians, and bringing it nearer to Savanah, that this may prove the chief Place for the Exportation of Skins, as it is the best situated for it. There can therefore be no Danger in granting Lands to those who propose this, and who enter into the usual Conditions of Grants. vizt. Keeping the proper Proportion of Servants to cultivate what they take up; But this must be left in great Measure to your Prudence.
The Conduct of Mr. [Thomas] Bosomworth in taking Lands under Grants (as he calls them) from the Indians is unjustifiable; And particular Directions will be sent over upon this Account. He ought to be sensible, that he cannot hold any Lands in the Province of Georgia, under any Power or Authority but what is deriv’d from the King, without forfeiting his Allegiance, and this Power by the Charter is vested in the Trustees. The taking up and holding Lands in this manner has always been discountenanc’d in every one of the American Colonies, and whenever any Acts have been pass’d in any of them, to secure the Possession of Lands to British Subjects in America, it has always been with an Exception to Lands taken up by Grants from the Indians.
The Trustees have lately rec’d a Notification of His Majesty’s Pleasure to appoint a Person, to act in Conjunction with a Person to be appointed by the Governor Council and Assembly of South Carolina, in the Distribution of Presents, to be sent from hence, to the Indians contiguous to and in Alliance with the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia; You will therefore, when the Presents are sent be informed, who the Person will be to act for the Trustees in the Distribution of them, and of the Instructions he will receive for that Purpose.