1737-1738

Transactions of the 6th Year From 9th June 1737 to 9th June 1738

[N.B.] 9 June 1737. The Board of Trade gave this day a third hearing on the Carolina complaint. The time was Spend from 10 a clock till one in reading & descanting upon affidavits in favour of Georgia, concerning the Several Indian Nations claim’d by the Trustees to be within that Province; concerning the 2 channels or Streams of Savannah River divided by Hutchinsons Island & opposite to the town of Savannah; and concerning our Magistrates Staving of Rum at Savannah in execution of his Majesties law for prohibiting Spiritous liquours imported into Georgia &c. In all which the Council on the other Side (Counsellors Brown and Noel) behaved rudely, insinuating that our Evidence were bribed; nay, they objected to the boards hearing the Affidavits of persons who are now in England (but necessarily absent from London) as un-usual, tho our Council Shew’d it was frequently done & received, & that their Lordships must accept of affidavits in Such case, because there is no power in the Trustees to oblige Evidence to appear, and make out their Informations viva voce.

At length our Council & Mr. Oglethorpe insisting upon a letter being read which Mr. Jenys Speaker of the Assembly of S. Carolina wrote to Mr. Oglethorpe, the Council of the other Side opposed it: whereupon everyone was order’d to withdraw, till their Lordships resolvd whether the letter Should be read and while they were So deliberating, I came away.

75 June. 1.

A Common Council was Summond, but no board could be made.

1. Some Georgia Sola Bills were canceird & fyled.

2. A letter from Mr. Jo. Wesley was read, giving account of disbursments, and expostulating with us for Suspecting him of embezling mony trusted to him, and desiring to know his accusers.

All present were Surprised at this, and we orderd Mr. Martin our Secy, to write this very night to him, that we knew of no one body had accused him of doing any thing amiss, and therefore that he Should acquaint the Trustees who he had Such intelligence from: That we were glad Mr. Causton Supported him in his labours to make piety abound in the Colony, and that Mr. Whitfeild was going over to Settle at Frederica; and that we had made a grant of 300 acres for Religious Uses there.

22 June. 2.

Again a Common Council Summon’d but we were not a board.

1. We drew up a 2d application like to that made in April last, in form of a letter, to Sr. Robert Walpole, desiring that we might not be obliged to go any more to Parliamt. for Support, but that the Same may be provided for by way of estimate in the manner other Provinces are Supported, for that the Trustees found it impracticable to continue their method of petitioning the Parliament. We further Set forth that it would be necessary Such estimate Should be 7000£ p ann. We also desired that a Regiment of 700 Men might be order’d for defence of the Province.

Then we order’d the Accompt. Should when it was fair drawn, get as many of the Trustees and Common Council to Sign it, and go with it to Sr. Robert.

2. Directed a Memorial to the Treasury for payment of the 20000£ granted by Parliament, this Session.

3. Agreed that Several Members Should be desired to discourse with Builders, and procure from them an estimate of building a church in Georgia of brick, the Same to be 80 feet long, & 40 feet broad in the clear, with a Square tower 40 feet high, and 20 feet Square from out to out. The Walls to be 3 feet thick, 10 feet high, and 2 brick & half & half [sic] upwards, all to be render’d and white wash’d on the Inside. No windows from 10 feet high to the ground, but loop holes for muskets on occasion. A pulpit, reading desk, communion rail and table, & no pews, but benches, as at Tunbridge.

4. Mr. Paris our Sollicitor attended, to acquaint us, that the Board of Trade Sat this morning to make their report upon the hearing of the Carolina complaint, but their Secretary would not tell him their result. Only he privately learned, that they had determined to put two questions to the Attorney & Sollicitor General before they concluded their report.

We thought it extreamly unfair to put questions to the Solicitor Genl. who was of Council against the Trustees, & we resolv’d that if it were So, Mr. Paris Should desire a copy of that reference, in order to be heard against it, by Council.

This was not the only instance of the partiality of the Board of Trade against us.

[N.B.] 22 June 1737. About this time, Mr. Oglethorpe was appointed Commander in Chief of the Military Force in Georgia & Carolina.

[N.B.] 24 June 1737. The Two Brothers Capt. Thompson Saild with 50 Men & 4 Women on the Trust charge to Georgia. Whereof 40 were Trust Servants.

[N.B.] On the 28 July 1737, Mr. Boltzius Minister at Ebenezar wrote to Capt. Coram That one half of the Saltsburgers Ship’d at Dover were dead in the Colony.

29 June. 3.

A Common Council was Summond to receive reports relating to the Cash in the Bank on the 9. inst., for cancelling Sola bills, and to consider of a proper Plan for building a Church at Savannah. But we were not a board.

1. Mr. Paris our Sollicitor attended to acquaint us that this morning he apply’d to the Board of Trade for a copy of their Reference to the Attorny. and Sollicitor Genl. containing two questions put to them by their Lordships to help them in making their report upon the hearing of the Cause between Carolina & Us. And that he had told them the reason why he desired a copy was, that they took advice on those questions of the Sollicitor Genl. who had been of Council against us, by which on his giving an opinion he became both judge and Party in the Same cause. Wherefore it was our intention to require a hearing before the Attorney General and him, that the former might be truly inform’d of the matters alledged on our Side. Mr. Paris added, that their Lordships were pleased to refuse our request, tho he produced to them two instances where in paralel cases they had granted it.

Hereupon we orderd Mr. Paris to apply to the Atty. General for a copy of the Reference, which it is doubtfull he will give, tho on Mr. Paris’s Speaking to him he had promis’d to allow of a hearing before him.

Mr. Paris Said further, that the Board of Trade put a great hardship on him the Sollicitor Genl. as he declared to him in thus making him both Judge and Party.

2. Benefactions received 14.14.0 for the Mission, and 20£ promised, to be employed on the best branch of the Trust.

3. We resolv’d that this mony being given to particular uses, and therefore applicable by the Trustees without the necessity of a Common Council to direct the disposal, that it Should be apply’d to the filling out Mr. Whitfeild who goes Minister to Frederica, and of a Schoolmaster by him recommended, who goes with him. Accordingly we directed a letter to be wrote to him, that his desire of cloathes, a watch &c Should be complyed with, and that the Schoolmaster Should be provided with the Same.

4. The Same Mr. Whitfeild having wrote to us concerning two persons who are desirous to go over, & to take one lot between them, we directed that he Should be inform’d, that we cannot allow of the dividing Lotts, But that one may take a Lot, & the other may work for him as a Servant, or they may each of them have a Lot, one in Frederica, the other in a vilage Lot.

N.B. The practice of dividing Lots in Savannah is not authorised by us, and has occasioned differences there. It ought to be enquired into.

5. It having been left to a Committee finally to determine upon Mr. Gordon the late Bailif of Savannah’s case, who apply’d for leave to Sell his lot, and to be rewarded for his Services. We call’d for him in, and exposed to him, that he was So far from meriting any thing of us, for his Services, that he had forfeited his Grant by coming over without leave, contrary to his covenant in that Grant and to the neglect of his Trust as first Bailif. However, that in compassion to his circumstances, he Should have leave to Sell his Grant, provided it was to a person approved of by the Trustees. That it must be done by a Surrender of his Grant, and the Purchassers taking out a new One. We also order’d he Should have a years Subsistence for him and his wife allow’d, amounting to 14£ Sterl. which during his Stay in Georgia he had not demanded. But withall We Shew’d him that he was indebted 27£ odd money to the Trustees, being Cash advanc’d him, for which he was to Accompt. He pretended he knew nothing of it, but we orderd him a copy of the Acct.

N.B. It is perhapps not So regular for the Common Council to appoint Committees finally to dispose of moneys, but our Common Council boards are So ill attended & So few, that tis impossible to carry business on, without this expedient.

6. Some Estimates for building a Church at Savannah, and at Frederica were brought to us. One amounted to 430£ Supposing the Same were to be built in England; the other to 340£. But we concluded, that all charges consider’d Each church would Stand us in 500£.

6 July. 4.

1. Mr. Paris acquainted us that the Attorney Genl. had refused to give us a Copy of the questions put to him by the Board of Trade because that board had refused the Same to us. Upon which, he, Mr. Paris, drew up a Memorial in behalf of the Trustees to be presented to the Privy Council, requesting they would order the Attorney Genl. to give us a copy of them. But that Mr. Murray our Council had advised against it, because he did not See the Attorney Genls. answer to those questions could be Such as could prejudice our cause before the Privy Council, when their report Should be made, and besides it might render the Board of trade more our Enemies.

2. Report of the Committee of Accts. was reed, concerning money issued, Sola bills, &c.

3. Resolv’d that 6288.9.4¼ be apply’d out of the 20000£ given by Parliament, when received, to make good the following demands, viz.

4. Resolv’d that a Committee of Embarkation be appointed to consider what provisions & tools may be necessary to be provided for the Colony of Georgia for the year 1737.

5. A Memorial of Mr. Jo. Vatt was read Setting forth his Services in carrying over Saltsburgers to Georgia, and rejecting it, being unanimously of opinion that he had received a full and honourable compensation for his trouble considering withall that he had not whilst there corresponded with the board as he engaged to do when he went, and had been recalled by us on account of his differences with Mr. Boltzius the Saltsburg minister. He had received from the Trustees & from the Christian Knowledge Society at different times 150£.

6. Defer’d the consideration of a Memorial presented by Mr. Simonds for demurrage of his Ship in Georgia by order of Mr. Causton.

7. Resolv’d that the house of Robt. Hows Parish Clerk at Savannah burnt down, be rebuilt at the Trustees charge.

8. Letter of Attorney past to Mr. Verelts to receive at the Treasury 20000£ granted us by Parliamt. and pay the Same into the Bank.

9. Committee appointed of any 5 of the Common Council to draw on the Bank for 6288.9.4¼ which Sum we expect will answer all expences in the Colony to Lady day last, & in England to midsummer last.

10. Mr. Oglethorpe reported that he had presented our Memorial of the 22 June to Sr. Robert Walpole wherein we desired to be eased for the future from petitioning the Parliamt. for money, but to be put on an establishment. He Said Sr. Robert Seem’d to approve it. But it never was his intention: For whilst he kept us to petitioning, he kept us in dependence on him, which he was the more determined to do because of the number of members of Parliament who were Trustees of Georgia.

The Same Evening the Gentlemen here mention’d, met as a Committee, to consider of 3 New laws for the Colony, for which a Special Committee had been appointed 4 April last (vid. fol. 183) but had been neglected by those Gentlemen. The laws taken under consideration were 1. an Act to prevent Luxury in aparel and Furniture. 2. an Act to allow of Indian Evidence. 3. An Act to prevent gaming and running in debt. For these we drew up Several heads to be laid before the Common Council.

13 July. 5.

A Common Council was Summon’d to order the making out Sola bills to be issued in Georgia for the Charges of the Colony there this year, and to receive a Report of the charges of building a Church at Savannah: But we were not a Board.

1. As a Committee of Embarkation we agreed with Mrs. Scot a clothier of Wiltshire to furnish the Board with 30 pieces of Duffils well mill’d and cover’d with wool, each piece to contain 30 yards in length & 7 quarters in breadth at 3.5.0 p peice.

2. As Trustees We order’d an extract to be made from our Office books of all orders & instructions Sent over at different times to Georgia, to which no returns appear to have been made to the Trustees; And that a Copy of them be deliver’d to Mr. Willm. Stephens our Secy, that he may enquire into the reason why no returns have been made, and inform the Trustees thereof immediately after his arrival there.

3. We drew on the Bank (according to the power given by the Common Council that any 5 Common Counsellors may make drafts) for 4448.6.8, to answer the following bills & accts. of disbursments incurred for Georgia, viz.

4. Mr. Verelts reported that he had received the 20000£ given by Parliament and lodged it at the Bank, & that the respective Offices had forgiven their Fees.

5. Mr. Philip Von Reck wrote that he could get no Saltsburgers to Settle in Georgia. He also desired to know whether the Trustees would enable him to Subsist in Georgia without land; to which we this day order’d an answer, that it is an establish’d Rule with the Trustees to Subsist none who do not intend to cultivate lands for their own Subsistance, and that he Should inform us whether he intended to return to the Colony; because if he did not return within Six months, the Grant of land made to him 7 Oct. 1735 would be vacated.

6. Mr. Paris attended to inform the Board that the attorney Genl. persisted in his refusal to assign a day for giving his opinion on the two queries put to him & the Solicitor Genl. by the Board of Trade, and he believed the Board would not make their Report on the hearing between Carolina & us till October next. N.B.: This is a fresh proof that the Board were from the beginning determined to lay all the hardship they could upon us.

7. A Letter was read from Jo. Brownfeild Register as Savannah giving a very disadvantageous Acct. of the people, which he tells us is to Set us right in our opinions of the colony, that we might not be led into a mistake concerning the Industry & Trade of the Province by an advertisment he read in the news papers relating to Georgia. It Seems the people have cultivated little and are much disheartn’d, the Stores being empty, and no money in Mr. Causton the 1st Bailifs hands, to pay workmen, for which reason the Fort that was begun at Savannah is left unfinished, no canon mounted, & in its present condition more capable of anoying us Should an enemy come, than of defending. N.B.: Mr. Verelts told me the advertisment here Spoke of was put in by Mr. Oglethorpe.

8. Mr. Verelts likewise told me that Sr. Robert Walpole had promised Mr. Oglethorpe that 7000£ p ann. for the Support of the Colony Should be Settled in Parliamt. hereafter by way of estimate. But Sr. Robt. never kept his word.

9. A letter was read from Commodore Windham to Mr. Martin our Secy. dat. 12 May, advising him that Don Manuel Joseph de justitz Govr. of St. Augustine had wrote to assure him, he had not any thoughts of invading Georgia, but it was not prudent to rely on his Sincerity.

20 July. 6.

A Common Council was again Summond to make out new Sola bills, as also to Seal Instructions for Mr. Stephens our Secy. But we were not a Board.

1. Mr. Ingham our Missioner for converting the Indians who came over (as he Said) to take Priests orders, and arrived two days past in town, attended the Board, & made us two requests: One in behalf of the Moravian Brethren, the Other in Behalf of Mrs. Musgrove our Indian Interpreter.

The Moravians being dissatisfied that the Magistrates Should expect them to fight in defence of the colony, it being against their principle to defend themselves, addrest Mr. Causton for leave to quit the Colony, wch. they repeated in a formal Memorial Sign’d by Mr. Spangenbert their Chief; to which Mr. Causton reply’d he could not excuse them without the Trustees orders. They added in their Memorial that if it was expected of them, they desired leave to Sell their lots & Improvments that they might pay every one their due, & then quit the colony. This was the Request they desired Mr. Ingham to make us in their behalf, who gave them an extraordinary good character.

We reply’d this was an affair that required Serious consideration. That Since it was the principle of those people not to fight, the Magistrates did wrong to require it of them, and we would give immediate order not to trouble them on that Acct. So that if this was all the reason for desiring to go away, there is no doubt but they will Stay. But that there was reason to Suspect, that as Mr. Spangenberg had been lately in Pensilvanea, there has been Some negotiation between him and Govr. Pen for Settling those people under him, there being Such conformity of principéis between them and the Quakers. We therefore must write to that Govr. about it. For the rest, as these Moravians are only Servants to Ct. Zinzendorf, who is Proprietor of the 500 Acres they inhabit, we could not Suffer his Servants to depart without his leave, and even if he did give leave, we could not with out great injury to the colony, let them Sell their effects & go, they having convenanted to remain three years on the land, which they forfeit, if they go before that time expires. Besides Such an example would tempt every idle Freeholder to demand the like favour, who would expect that Englishmen Should be allow’d the Same favour as Foreigners, and So the Colony might be in part deserted.

2. His next request was in behalf of Mrs. Musgrove, that She might have leave to appoint a Successor to her Lot (her children by her late husband being all dead) and to assign the Same for payment of her debts. But he was so fair as at the Same time to acquaint us, that if She obtain’d this favour, She design’d to leave the Colony, and with her new husband Mathews Settle in Carolina, which would be a great loss to Georgia, She being our best Interpreter with the Indians, & having a great Influence over them.

We Reply’d we knew Mrs. Mathews usefullness, & the consequence of disobliging her, and therefore he might write her word, that he found the Trustees well disposed to favour her in all they can do consistent with the good of the Colony. That when we were a board, we would take her request into consideration.

Mr. Oglethorpe Said he did not believe She would go to Carolina, She owing there a thousand pound.

3. A bill drawn on us of 915£ for 70 pipes of wine of Madera Sent to Frederica, came to hand, together with a letter from Mr. Jeny’s Speaker of the Assembly of Carolina, professing great zeal for our Colony, and exposing the necessity of Supplying Mr. Causton with money and Stores. That for want of it, he had engaged his own credit to Mr. Ellis for that wine. This appear’d to us a prodigious article, but Mr. Oglethorpe explain’d to us, that he had given order for a Shipload of Madera wine to be brought from the Maderas, not to fill the Stores, but to pay the labourers and Workmen in wine instead of money, which they afterwards Selling to the Spaniards might make double profit, and thereby put money in their pockets without injury to the Trust.

4. A letter from Capt. Gascoign to Mr. Oglethorpe was read acquainting him that in April last, 30 Spainards on board a launce came to Amelia, and landed 16 of their number, upon whom our garison fired. That upon this they retired on board, but afterwards pretended they were come from Havana in order to go to Augustine, and came to Amelia to get a Pilot. On wch. the Capt. observed that Amelia lay quite out of the way, to pass from Havana to Augustine, and therefore he rather believed they came to take possession of Amelia and Settle there, if they had found that Island not possest by us. He farther advised, that Some Spanish Indians had two days Successivly attempted to Surprise and Shoot our out guard at Darien.

5. A large packet of letters & Accompts of the Issues of Stores, together with a Diary of all remarkable things which have happend from Lady day 1735 to the End of April came enclosed from Mr. Causton in a letter dat. 25 April 1737.

In his Diary he Shew’d the difficulties he met with from the Constables and Inferior Officers in the execution of his duty, the unrulyness of the people &c. He also acquaints us that Jo. Brownfield Register Spoke to him disrespectully of us, as that he thought the Trustees design’d to abandon the Colony Seeing they took no care of it. That he was Sorry he built his house, that the people must Soon desert the Colony &c. To which Mr. Causton reply’d, that the Trustees would give Sufficient directions when they Should See Mr. Oglethorpe, and that if the people went away because no longer Supply’d from the Stores, it was their own fault, for they had now been 4 years a charge on it.

He also took notice of information given him by one Kent, that there are divisions at Frederica, fomented underhand by one Hird, who makes Mr. Hawkins the 1st Bailif the Catspaw in that affair; on which Acct. Mr. Horton (whom Mr. Oglethorpe appointed Military Officer there) was gone to his Lot in Jekyls Island. That this Division proceeded from an attempt to call a Court to question Mr. Hortons behaviour.

6. Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted us, that Sr. Robt. Walpole ask’d him why the Trustees declined petitioning any more for money, but insisted So Strongly to have it by way of Estimate? To which he reply’d The way by Estimate was more Secure, for then the Governments Servants dared not Speak against it, which they threaten to do against our next petition.

27 July. 7.

A Common Council again Summon’d to order Sola bills, & to Seal Mr. Stephens Constitution of Secy. & instructions, but no Board.

1. Mr. Stephens’s Commission & Instructions were Seal’d, he being to go next week to Georgia on board the Mary Anne, Capt. Shubrick. We conceived we had power to do this, the Common Council having before Sworn him Secretary, & left it to a Committee to prepare his instructions.

2. Benefactions reported of Several 10£ pd. by the Trustees who had Subscribed towards building churches in Georgia, and of 100£ given for the Same purpose by a person unknown.

[N.B.] 1 Augst. 1737. A letter of this days date from the Havana to Mr. Oglethorpe, assured him that the Spaniards have Still an intention to attack Georgia, and were continuing to make preparations for it.

3 Aug. 8.

A Common Council was again Summon’d to make out Sola bills for this years Service, To Receive Reports from the Committees to whom business was refer’d, and to issue money for payment of several certified Accts. of provisions & necessaries deliver’d in Georgia; But no Board.

1. The Seal was put to the Appointment of the Town Courts of Savannah and Frederica to be the Courts of Law for trying Offences agst. the Rum Act.

2. Mr. Cha. Wesley acquainted us that one Mr. Morgan who is in Priests orders is desirous to go to Frederica and assist Mr. Whitfeild who is only in Deacon’s orders, and that Mr. Morgan desires no Sallary, but only the provision we give to others.

We desired our thanks might be return’d, & that he might be told he Should be inform’d what that provision is, & have leave to return to England when he pleased.

3. A letter was order’d to Mr. Tho. Causton, advising him of 2 clerks Sent him for the Stores, and one to be forwarded for the Stores at Frederica. In it he was told that the Trustees approved of his care of the Stores, and Striking off Such idle people as had not cultivated their lands. He was also order’d to See that the Arms were kept clean and in good repair and to tell the Constables that we expect this from them. The Trustees hoped that the Officers in Savannah as they expected any favour from them would cooperate in their Several Stations wch. friendship and unanimity to maintain the peace of the Colony, and give good example to all the Inhabitants. He was order’d to oppose any attempt to introduce Martial law. The Moravians were not to be obliged to take arms, but only find 2 men provided they were not Servants, one for Mr. Spangenbergs lot, the other for Mr. Nitchmans, but they were to be told that they could not depart the Colony, till Ct Zinzendorf Should apply for it, which he had not yet done.

They recommend to him to See that Mr. Jones Survey the peoples lots towards the West. They direct that Robt. Hows house be rebuilt out of the Trustees money, and acquaint him with Mr. Stephens going over Secy, whom they require him to assist.

4. A letter was wrote to the Magistrates of Savannah in general to put the laws in execution, & particularly that relating to Rum.

5. A letter was orderd to Mr. Tho. Hawkins 1st Bailif of Frederica, expressing our concern for the differences that have arisen in that Town among the persons in commission there, and requiring to know how the Same began. He was enjoyn’d to Send over a regular acct. of all occurrencies by every opportunity that offer’d. It was recommended to him to press cultivation, and See that the laws are obey’d.

6. I took an opportunity to tell Mr. Oglethorpe that unless 7000£ were promised us by Sr. Robert Walpole in the way of Estimate, it would be impossible for the Trustees to proceed, but we Should be obliged to Surrender our Trust into the Kings hands. He acknowledged the truth of it, and Said unless it were done he would not go back. But it was not done, he went back, and we continued our Service.

[N.B.] 3 Aug. 1737. Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted us this day, that Giraldini of Fitzgerald the Spanish Agent had been with Sr. Robert Walpole to renew his complaint against Georgia, which he did in an insolent manner. He told him he had a 2d Memorial to deliver him by order of his Master, the purport of which was to complain that no answer had been return’d to his first Memorial given last year on the Subject of the Settlement of Georgia by English Subjects, which Country belong’d to Spain from the Southward up northward as far as 33 degrees & 50 minutes North latitude. That England has been encroaching on the Spanish Dominions ever Since the Revolution, But his Majesty of Spain finding himself in good condition is resolved to re-anex all that formerly belong’d to the Spanish Monarchy. That he hoped there had been time enough given Since the presenting the last Memorial for the English Settled in Georgia to remove. That as his Spanish Majesty had given himself up to Gods Service, he was desirous to See his own Dominions restored to him without bloodshed, but if otherwise, it would not ly at his door. That unless the English remove by fair means, his Governours knew how to oblige them thereto by force; and if his Majesty Should Send over any troops, & particularly Mr. Oglethorpe to command them, he Should take it for a declaration of War.

He then offer’d to put the Memorial into Sr. Robert’s hand, who declin’d to take it, Saying the proper person to receive it was the Duke of Newcastle. Giraldini reply’d, the Duke was out of Town, and he look’d on this refusal as a put off. Sr. Robert then bid him present it to the King himself, which the other exprest himself averse to, for reasons which (Said Mr. Oglethorpe) it is not allowable for me to tell, tho Sr. Robert informed me of them, who added, that he had never met with Such treatment from a foreign Minister in the course of his life, & he knew not how to behave under it.

Mr. Oglethorpe added, that tomorrow a Council was to be held on it, and the King would be present.

(N.B.) 7 Aug. 1737. Mr. Oglethorpe had this day very warm words with Sr. Robt. Walpole concerning the 2d Memorial of Giraldini, which So terrify’d Sr. Robert by apprehensions of the Spaniards falling out with England in case any forces Should be Sent under Oglethorpe to Georgia, as the Memorial threaten’d, that Sr. Robert proposed to him to drop the design of Sending him over with a Regiment and accept of a Regiment in England in lieu thereof. At this Mr. Oglethorpe fired, & ask’d him what man he took him to be? And whether he thought he had no conscience to be the Instrument of carrying over 3000 Souls to Georgia, and then abandoning them to be destroyed by the Spaniards for the Sake of a Regiment? He also desired to know whether Georgia was to be given up yea or nay? If So it would be just and Kind to let the Trustees Know it at once, that they might immediately write to the Inhabitants to retire, and Save themselves in time. Sr. Robert reply’d he did not See the necessity of that.

[N.B.] 9 Aug. 1737. Count Zinzendorf wrote to us from Germany, to desire We would not require his Moravians to take arms for their defence, it being their principle not to fight; or if we do insist on it, that we would permit them to withdraw.

10 August, 9.

A Common Council was Summon’d to order Sola bills; To issue money for payment of certified accompts; To receive Reports from Committees.

1. A letter was read from Mr. Paris to Mr. Verelts, informing him, that he had been with the Attorny. General again, and at length obtain’d a transient view of the two queries put to him by the Board of Trade: which to the best of his memory were,

a. Whether any Act of the Trustees of Georgia, or of any other Province, tho confirm’d by the Crown, can grant an exclusive trade to the Indians within the Province?

To which the attorney Genl. reply’d, Such Act can not: The Subjects having a right by law to trade, and any Such Act would be contrary to law here, and void. But Such an Act may regulate the trade.

b. Whether the Georgia Act for maintaining Peace with the Indians, excludes all persons resident within & without the Province from trading, except they take out lycences from Georgia?

Answer. It dos exclude all persons, unless they take out licences thereby directed, and it is a proper regulation of trade.

These opinions were entirely Satisfactory to us, For We never pretended to hinder Carolina Men or others from trading with our Indians, or insisted on an exclusive trade, but only required them to take licences in Georgia, which was the thing the people of Carolina were most averse to.

2. Report of 10£ paid in for the building Churches.

3. A very long letter containing variety of matter was wrote to Mr. Causton.

4. Upon Mr. Oglethorpes acquainting us that the Cabinet Council is to Sit tomorrow on the 2d memorial of Giraldini, lately mention’d, We immediately drew up a Memorial of our own to his Majesty, and fixt our Seal thereto, declaring our mobility to defend the Colony of Georgia from the danger with which the Spaniards threaten us, & therefore desiring his Majesty to Send Some Force over to protect his Subjects there. We desired Mr. Oglethorpe to Shew it to Sr. Robert Walpole before the Cabinet Council met, and to present it with his own hands to the King.

On this occasion Mr. Oglethorpe Said, that Sr. Robert having refused to take Giraldini’s Memorial, that Minister deliver’d it to My Ld. Harrington but first had alter’d it So as to run in Smoother terms, and had dropt his Masters pretentions to Carolina insisting only on Georgia.

5. The Trustees business being over, the Common Council Order’d payment of the following certified Accts.

6. Order’d that Mr. Oglethorpe do issue to Fra. Moore now in England 650£ Sterl. value in Sola bills of 5£ being the residue of 3150£ Sola bills made out 4 Oct. 1736 which remain lock’d up. And that the Said Issue be dated on a day in Novbr. last, before Mr. Oglethorpe and Fra. Moore left Georgia. And that the Said bills be Sent by the Mary Anne Capt. Tho. Shubrick under assignment to Paul Jenys Esq. at Charlestown to be forwarded by him to Mr. Causton as Cash for the Supply of the Colony. And that any 5 of the Common Council be impower’d to draw on the Bank from time to time for the payment of the Said 650£ as the Sola bills become due.

7. Order’d that Sola bills to the value of 4850£ be made out after the following manner, 1850£ at 1£; 1500£ at 5£; & 1500£ at 10£. Making in all 2300 bills. And that the plates for printing Said bills be So alter’d as that Mr. Oglethorpe may Sign them whether in England or Georgia. The Said bills being design’d to defray the Expences establish’d for Georgia to Lady Day 1738.

8. Order’d that Mr. Danl. Booth be paid 26£ for the charge of making the Silk for the Queens Suit.

9. Draft made on the Bank for 815.5.0 to pay Mr. Pierce.

10. Another draft made on the Bank imprest to Aldn. Heathcote to answer expences, it being uncertain when we Should have another Common Council board.

11. Order’d that the Magistrates of Savannah have gowns to wear in Court: the Bailifs to be edged with Fur, and the Recorders to be black tufted.

[N.B.] 10 Aug. 1737. A letter from Mr. Hugh Anderson Inspector of the Publick garden and Mulberry trees, desiring a Town lot for one of his younger Sons was wrote me from Savannah. In it he told me, that his Short residence had not allow’d him to make any observations worth communicating to me, But in general he was fully Satisfy’d that the prudent measures of the Trustees and Support of the Publick would Soon bring the Colony in a great measure to answer the expectations of the Nation.

N.B.: before two years were out he fell into the Cabal for change of Tenure and having Negroes, and in 1739 quitted the Colony & Settled at Charles Town.

With this letter he Sent a Memorial to the Trustees, giving a very particular Acct. of the publick garden, and proposing divers things to make it more usefull.

His acct. of the garden is as follows: The Publick garden at Savannah consisting of 10 Acres of cultivated ground, regularly laid out to the Eastward of the Town, ly’s upon the extremity of the Bluff or rising ground that banks the River. The greater part of it declines gently towards the East, falling into a Steep descent at the Eastern extremity into a Marsh or Morass not yet drain’d or cultivated. The Soil is extream Sandy, having less mixture of clay or loamy Earth than most grounds in the Province. Being Surrounded only with pales, it is no way divided nor fenc’d with hedging of any kind. Upon the Bank towards the River on the North Side of the garden, and likewise towards the Northwest, where formerly a grove of trees much Shelter’d the garden from the violence of the Winter & N.W. winds, all now is cut down, So that the garden is equally exposed to the injuries of the weather upon all quarters, by which means the Soyl wanting influences of the Suns heat, it necessarily follows that none of the tenderer plants whose roots run near the Surface of the ground, or whose texture of parts dos require protection from the Suns extream heat, & Shelter from the cold of the Winter can here Subsist. So that excepting Mulberrys and Peaches, whose hardiness and extensive Roots in the ground Secure them from those inconveniencies, nothing else can prosper.

Another inconvenience the garden Sustains, is by all the parts being exposed to Women, children, and every person who walks therein: Fruits, grapes, and what ever else grows, is pull’d and destroyed before maturity.

Notwithstanding these inconveniencies, the garden is very proper to Serve as a Mulberry Nursery for Serving the Colony, it being much the advantage of a Planter to bring his Trees from a barren & worse Soil to a rich and better.

But if it be the Trustees design to make the garden a Nursery & Repositary of other productions, Such as may be proper for the Interest of the Colony to cultivate, as Vines, Olive trees, plants, druggs &c he then proposes

a. To protect & rear up from the Stocks of those trees cut down on the North and Northwest the new groth, to furnish Shelter for the garden as Soon as may be on these quarters.

b. To raise a hedge within the pales to enclose the garden, & to divide the garden by enclosures within.

c. To drain the Marsh to the Eastward of the garden, which will furnish it with a variety of Soil.

d. To build a green house.

e. To Set up a Laboratory & furnish it with books.

f. That a Well and pump be made in the upper part of the Garden.

g. That whereas 20 Acres more of ground much of the Same nature & Soil is reserved for the use of the publick garden, that the Same be enclosed, clear’d of brush, and the person who has the care of the Cattel Should fould them there every night.

[N.B.] On the Same 10 Aug. 1737 Mr. Causton Sent over his journal, the particulars of which See fol. 235.

[N.B.] 12 Augst. 1737. Establishments for Savannah and Frederica were prepared to Send by Capt. Shubrick.

[N.B.] 16 Aug. 1737. Capt. Shubrick of the Mary Anne Saild wth. 8 Males and 5 females for Georgia on the Trustees charge.

17 Augst. 10.

A Common Council was Summon’d to consider of Several Petitions before the Common Council & to receive Reports from Committees but we were not a board.

1. No business done, but a letter order’d to Mr. Causton, advising him of 1000 Sola bills consigned to Paul Jenys Esq. for the use of the Colony, and directing him how to fill them up. He was also desired to Send an Acct. by the first opportunity what demands remain unsatisfied at the time he writes next that the Trustees might know the State of their Cash and provide for answering the Establishments to Lady Day 1738 by Sending Sola bills in time Sufficient for that purpose. And they again required him not to exceed those Establishments.

They also order’d that the Seal of the Town Court of Savannah Should be kept under lock & key by Two Magistrates. Together with the Books & papers of Record.

[N.B.] 17 Aug. 1737. I was well inform’d this day that Ld. Wilmington, Ld. Islay, & Sr. Joseph Jekyl were much incensed at the Insolence of Giraldini’s 2d Memorial, and that the last mention’d wrote a forcible letter to the Ld. Chancellor on the occasion.

At Mr. Oglethorpe’s desire I wrote him a letter concerning the Spanish Memorial, and the Trustees inability to proceed in their Trust, unless a Regiment were Sent over for defence of the Province, and provision made for Support of a Civil Government, by putting us on the Establishment for 7000£ p ann. It was his opinion this would farther the business.

[N.B.] 18 Aug. 1737. This day the Council consider’d of Giraldini’s 2d Memorial for 2 hours and adjourn’d the further consideration to 12 aclock next day.

[N.B.] 19 Aug. 1737. This day the Council met again at 12 aclock at the D. of Newcastles Office, where they Sat till near 5. And then resolved not to regard Giraldini’s Memorial. And Mr. Oglethorpe was desired to hunt with the king.

24 Augst. 11.

A Common Council was Summoned, but no business done of any consequence.

7 Septbr. 12.

A Common Council was Summoned to hear the Success of our late Memorial to obtain a Regiment for the Security of the Province, and to consider what was immediately necessary to be done thereon: & for other business. But we were not a board.

We did no business.

N.B.: This Summons was issued at Mr. Oglethorpes desire to consider whether it might not be proper to present a fresh Memorial to his Majesty on the Same Subject as the former; but we were all of opinion it was improper to press the king in that manner, who possibly might take it amiss of us to be So urgent with him to make us an answer more Speedily than he Should think fitting.

[N.B.] 14 Sept. 1737. There was a Summons of a Trustee board, but I did not attend it, remaining in the Country.

[N.B.] 14 Sept. 1734 [sic]. The Board of Trade made their Report of the hearing between us and Carolina, to the Lords of Trade, which was very partial in favour of South Carolina.

21 Septbr. 13.

A Common Council was Summon’d to grant lands, Send Sola bills pay certify’d Accts; but we were not a board.

1. A benefaction from an unknown Clergyman was reported, being to go towards building a Church in Georgia.

2. We Imprest by draft on the bank 1000£ to Aldn. Heathcote to pay Sola bills return’d for payment.

3. We read Jo. Brownfeild the Registers Accts. of the peoples cultivation at Savannah, which gave us very little Satisfaction, there being but 400 acres cleared, not So many fenced, and Still much fewer planted. The Out Settlements, & Inhabitants of Frederica were not mentioned by him. There appear’d also a great many exchanges of Lotts made, which being done without the Trustees consent are all illegal & void.

Mr. Oglethorpe was extreamly displeased wth. Brownfeild for authorising them, and told us, that he is one of the most active in improving the discontents of the people, who indeed are represented to us as much out of humour, at their poverty, the Scarcity of provisions, and the Tenure in Tale male.

4. We wrote a letter to Ct. Sinzendorf in answer to his of the 9 Aug. (See fol. 222) That all we require is that his 2 Townships or Lotts, Should furnish each of them One Man to be paid by them for defence of the Colony, which needed not to be Moravians. That the Safety of the Colony required this, but we Should not require his Moravians to fight, liberty of conscience being allow’d to all within our Province. That if this did not please him, and he has alter’d his thoughts (for when he was in England he agreed to this) then they Shall have leave to withdraw, on his acquainting us that ‘tis his desire they Should.

[N.B.] 21 Sept. 1734 [sic]. This day Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted me that tis at length agreed that he Shall have a Regiment of 600 Men, and name his own Officers, only Capt. Cochrane an old Officer of the Irish Establishment, and of the Queen’s Court was recommended to him by Mr. Hen. Pelham whom he could not refuse. That he intends to make Capt. Hugh Mackay Major (which happend otherwise for Capt. Cook an old Officer was made Major) & Mr. Horton with Some others of Georgia, Ensigns. That the rest would be half pay Officers who had Served in Spain, of whom he had given in a list. That his Regiment is to be composed of 250 Men drafted out of the E. of Rothes Regiment on the Irish Establishment, but now at Gibraltar, and the Indépendant Company now at Georgia, and the remainder he is to enlist here. That Ld. Rothes Regiment is to be recruited and filled up in England, & then return’d to Ireland.

That Sr. Robert Walpole was for Sending Ld. Rothes’s Regiment entire to Georgia with the present Officers, and had So persuaded his majesty, as a thing immediately necessary, to prevent Surprise, in case the Spaniards Should attack Georgia before Mr. Oglethorpes arrival there: by which he would have obtained two Ends, One that Ld. Rothes who had voted in the Scots affair against the Court, would have been punish’d by the loss of his Regiment; The other, that the Regiment & Officers (all except the Coll. being in Georgia) Mr. Oglethorpe would be kept here to drudge for the Court in the House of Commons under the awe of losing his Regiment.

To this Mr. Oglethorpe reply’d, he would not do by others as he could not bear to be done by himself; That to take my Lords bread away in the manner proposed, would justly occasion his resentment, and a duel must ensue.

But Sr. Robert wishing him to approve this Scheme as the readiest and most expedite way to have a Regiment, and what the king had actually resolved, Mr. Oglethorpe desired he would give him leave for the future to talk with the King himself on Georgia Affairs, and particularly on this of the Regiment, for he doubted not proposing to him Some other way that he would like much better, & more proper. Sr. Robert reply’d with all his heart, for it would ease him of a great deal of trouble, & he could not do many things himself wth. ye. King.

Accordingly, Mr. Oglethorpe had an audience of the King, who had embraced Sr. Roberts Scheme, and told Mr. Oglethorpe that it was the Speedyest way could be taken for the defence of Georgia. But when Mr. Oglethorpe exposed to him the hardship of Sending Ld. Rothes Regiment with all its officers only to deliver the men up to new Ones, and then return wth. the loss of their Commissions, whereas making a new Regiment gave his Majesty an opportunity of easing the Establishment of the charge of divers half pay Officers by placing them therein, he relished the thought, & So told Mr. Oglethorpe, only he added that his breach with the Prince So took up his attention, that he could not immediatly give the necessary directions, but would advise upon it.

Two days after which was last Monday, Mr. Oglethorpe waited on Sr. Robt. and found the King had Mentioned his Scheme to him, for Sr. Robert Said his Majesty had changed his thought, and would have the Regiment raised and Officer’d in the manner above mention’d. He added, that he had order’d Mr. Arnold the Under Secy, at War to bring him a list of all the half pay Officers.

Mr. Oglethorpe farther told me, that Sr. Robert has all along been backward in this affair of the Regiment, partly from not much affecting our Colony, and partly for fear of disobliging the Spaniards, to whose Minister he had not yet given the Cabinet Councils answer to the Memorial he So long ago presented, tho drawn up & perfected, which he Supposed he defend to do, till the Regiment for Georgia is actually embarked. But tho Sr. Robert is So backward in our affairs, all the Scots Lords, and Mr. Hen. Pelham, as also the E. of Pembroke, who was the person that advised the King to approve of Mr. Oglethorps Scheme, and Sr. Joseph Jekyl wrote no less than 3 letters to the Lord Chancellor to Spirit him up.

As to our application for a Support of the Civil Govermt. of Georgia and to put the Same on the Establishment, Mr. Oglethorpe Said Sr. Robert Walpole had promised it, and it was his own opinion that it ought to go hand in hand with the Regiment, for there would be no occasion for the latter, if the former were not maintained.

28 Sept. 14.

A Common Council was Summon’d to Seal Grants to persons who were this week to go over at their own expence; to order payment of certified accompts; and Send Sola bills; but we were not a board.

1. Mr. Ziegenhagen and another Dutch Minister introduced to us one Mr. Thiel a German Physician recommended to go to Georgia by Mr. Urlsperger of Ausburg, to take care of the Saltsburgers.

We told them we would consider what encouragement to give him; and when they were gone, agreed to propose to the next Common Council, to give Mr. Thiel his passage, to give him 3 years allowance on the Stores, Such as others have, and to keep him a Servant; this being all we are able to do in our present circumstances.

2. A Proposal being made by the Parish of St. Gyles’s to give the Trustees 3£ p head for 50 of their Charity School children from the age of 7 to 12 to be taken off their hands & be bound to us, the boys till the age of 22 & the girls till 18, after which the boys to have 50 acres each. We thought it a matter of Serious reflection, and therefore order’d a Summons for a Common Council on fryday next, the Vestry being to meet the tuesday following our answer.

3. Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted us that tomorrow his commission of Coll. would be Sign’d.

4. Also that Sr. Robert Walpole had assured him we Should have 8000£ p ann. for the Civil expences of the Colony by way of Estimate.

30 Septbr. 15.

A Common Council was Summon’d to consider of the Proposal made by the vestry of St. Gyles, mention’d above, but we were no board.

Mr. Oglethorpe was fond of the proposal, and prest it earnestly last meeting, but being a matter of money and of great consequence it could not be agreed to but in a Common Council. As for myself I did not at all like it. I could not think it justifyable to transport poor children, most of them without parents or friends, and at an age when they could not help themselves, especially at a time when the Spaniards Still propose to attack our Province, as by the last authentick accounts we are inform’d. For Mr. Nicholson a South Sea Factor just arrived from the Havana (the very place where the Spaniards are making their preparations) told Mr. Wrag, Mr. Oglethorpe & others, that they have all things ready, but only wait for an Officer who is thoroughly acquainted with fighting in the Woods.

[N.B.] Sept. 1737. The State of the Colony in this month was drawn up by Mr. John Wesley our Minister at Savannah, which tho not deliverd to us until his flight from thence and return to England many months after, yet for order of time is proper to incert here.

Savannah Stands on a high Bluff which commands the River Savannah both ways for Several miles. The Soil is a white Sand for about a mile & half in breadth South West & North West. Beyond this Eastward is a River Swamp. Northward a Small wood in which was the Old Indian Town. South westward is a large Pine barren, bounded on each Side by Swamps, on the which edge run tracts of Oak land.

Augusta distant from Savannah 150 miles, and 5 from Old Savannah (or Moors Fort) is design’d to Stand on an old Indian feild, on a bluff 30 feet above the River. Mr. Rogr. Lacy Set out for this place with 15 Men on 19 May 1737 & arrived there the 29th. 7 More Set out 28 June. Soon after his arrival he began a Fort of Wooden piles musket proof, which was about half finish’d when he came to Savannah about October last. But the Lotts even in the Town were not then run out, neither was any house built therein, nor any more land clear’d than what they found So.

Old Ebenezar ly’s about 25 miles West of Savannah: the Situation is very pleasant, there being many little hills with brooks between them, but the Soil is a white Sand. Here are Some large houses, 20 hutts, and about 100 acres of rough clear’d land. The English now Settled here Say that without manuring, the land will bear nothing, and that the Saltsburgers did not receive from their Common Feild, even the corn they put into the ground.

New Ebenezar ly’s 6 miles Eastward from the Old, on a high Bluff on the Savannah River. There are Some Small Tracts of fruitfull land, but the greatest part of that adjoining to the Town is Pine barren. The Hutts, 60 in number are neatly and regularly built: the little piece of ground alotted to each for a garden, is every where put to the best use, no Spot being left unplanted. Nay even one of the main Streets being no more than was as yet wanted, bore them this year a crop of corn, over and above which they have cleard & planted this year 150 acres.

About 10 Miles East from this, on a Creek 3 miles from Savannah River is the Vilage of Abercorn. The Creek is west of the Vilage, with a large Cyprus Swamp beyond it, which on the other Side has Oak land. Here are 6 hutts, and near 50 acres of clear’d land: But the Inhabitants are part dead, & the rest removed, So that it is now utterly desolate.

Josephs Town commonly call’d Captains Bluff, is 4 miles below the mouth of Abercorn Creek. Here are a house, a Hut, & about 80 acres of Oak land clear’d.

A Mile below at that which was Sr. Fra. Bathurst’s Plantation about 15 acres of good land are clear’d. Here is a hut too in wch. Sr. Francis Bathurst died.

A quarter of a mile from thence is Walter Augustins Settlement, where are a Saw Mill, 3 hutts, 2 Small gardens, and about 6 acres of clear’d land. But all these are left without Inhabitant, unless now and then a few Stragling Indians.

Capt. Robt. Williams and his brothers plantation is a mile below this: They have a house here, Several hutts, and above 40 Acres of Pine land cleard.

The Cowpen where Mrs. Mathews late Musgrove, lives, is a mile hence. She has a good house, 2 hutts and near 50 acres of clear’d land, part of it Pine land, part Oak & hickory.

Captn. Watsons lot joyns to this, where are a few acres of good land clear’d, on which is an unfinish’d house Swiftly running to ruin.

A Mile from this is Irene, a house built for an Indian School on a Small round hill in a little piece of fruitfull ground (about 5 acres) most of which is now clear’d.

The Indian town with about 10 Acres of clear’d land is within a Furlong of it.

The Vilage of Highgate Stands 5 Miles Southwest of Savannah on a Small rise. It has Pine land on 3 Sides, and a Swamp on the 4th. Eight families out of 12 remain there, viz: 1 English, 2 Swiss & 5 French. They have 8 hutts, and 2 as good gardens as the Soil permitts, which is a barren Sand, with near 50 acres of land well cleard.

A Mile eastward ly’s Hampstead in a more fruitfull Soil, about 40 acres of which are cleared. Here are 6 Hutts, and 5 families remaining, viz: 2 Portuguese, 1 German, Sc 2 Swiss.

At Thunderbolt 6 miles South East of Savanna are near 100 ac. of land cleared, 3 houses which are musket proof, and a Small Fort which was mounted with 9 guns: But part of the Walls are now fallen, which the rest will Soon follow.

Four miles South of Thunderbolt is Skidaway, an Island containing by estimation 6000 acres. The Vilage is at the North East point, where are a Fort, 1 house, 4 hutts, and 20 acres of Oak land clear’d. A Mile Westward are 2 families who have also a Small Fort, a hut, and 10 acres of clear Oak land. But 9 of the 10 families Settled in the Vilage are dead or gone, and the hutts and Forts are hastening to ruin.

A Small Creek divides Skidaway from Tybee Island, On the S.E. corner of which fronting the Inlet were 10 or 12 families. They began 2 hutts and a house, but finish’d neither, and clear’d about 5 acres of Pine land. After most of them had drunk themselves to death, the remainder went to other places, So that the Island is now as before a Settlement of Opossums, Racoons, & the like Inhabitants.

About 20 Miles (by water) N.W. from Skidaway, on the Side of Vernon River, is Mr. Houstons plantation. He has a house there, and about 20 acres of land clear’d, But now lives wholly in town.

Fort St. Andrews I have not Seen.

Fort Arguile Stands 20 miles above Sterlings Bluff on a high Bluff on the River Ogeeky. Tis a Small Square wooden building musket proof, with 4 little canon. The 10 Freeholders Settled here clear’d 30 Acres of Pine land, and built 1 house, with part of another, But all of them except 2 are now gone. The Houses are rotting away: the Walls of the Fort are partly fallen already, partly waiting for the next gust of Wind, and the land lying wast, will in a few years be as it was before.

50 miles beyond Mr. Houstons plantation is Sterlings Bluff on the Ogeeky River, where are Said to be 2 good houses, and above 100 acres of land clear’d. But One of the gentlemen who Settled there is dead, and the other two have quitted their Plantation, and with all their Servants are removed to Savannah.

St. Simons Island, having on the S.E. the Gulf of Florida, and on the other Sides, branches of the Allatahama River, is (according to the Survey made 1736) 45 miles in circumference. On the W. Side of it upon a Bluff Stands Frederica, having Woods to the North & South, to the East partly woods, partly Savannah, & partly Marshes. The Soil is mostly a blackish Sand. There is not much Pine land on the Island, the greatest pt. of the Woods consisting of Oak & other trees, intermix’d with many Savannah’s and old Spanish or Indian feilds.

Darien lies about 20 miles from Frederica, and one from the ruins of Fort St. George built 15 or 16 years Since and abandond about 3 years ago. It Stands on the Continent upon a branch of the Allatahama, on a Bluff 30 feet above the River. From hence to Savannah, (about 90 miles) one may easily ride in 2 days & ½. The Soil is a blackish Sand bearing Oak near the Town, beyond which is the Pine barren. Besides what the present Settlers have cleard, here are Sevl. feilds formerly cleard (as is Said) by those of Fort King George.

5 Oct 16.

A Common Council was Summond to Seal Grants of lands to be Sent next day: To order payment of Several certified Accts. and for Several material businesses.

1. The Accompt. reported that the E. of Derby had pd. to the Trust the last 50£ which the last Earl had Subscribed towards the Support of our Bottonist Mr. Millar, but had declined continuing that Subscription.

2. Mr. Oglethorpe reported that his Majesty had given him a Regiment of 600 Men for the defence of Georgia.

3. Report from the Committee appointed to consider of Peter Gordons Memorial (late 1 Bailif of Savannah) being made, Resolv’d that he be allow’d 13.7.1 for the arrears of 1 years provisions due to him and his wife; and that he have leave to dispose of his house & land to Such person as on his appearing before the Trustees Shall be approved of by them.

4. Rejected Mr. Jo. Vatts petition for a farther consideration of his Services in Georgia.

5. Orderd that 1500£ of the 4850£ Sola bills which were made out the 10 of August last, be Sent immediatly to Georgia.

6. The Accompt. reported the State of the Trustees Cash to be on the 30 Septbr. last as follows: viz. Sola bills Orderd to be made out and yet unsent to Georgia, which will provide for an exceeding of the Establishment to Lady day 1738 as far as the Sum of 700£, and also appropriating money for all the Sola bills Sent & to be Sent, & for all particular Uses besides,

Ballance 1870.10. 7 which remains to answer accidl. and unforeseen demands, out of which the expence of the Carolina & Georgia dispute must be defrayed, whereof 100£ has been paid.

8. Resolv’d that SQ be paid to the Revd. Mr. John Wesley for a years Sallary due Michlemass last.

9. Orderd that 50£ part of the 200£ formerly directed for a recompence to Mr. Tho. Causton for 4 years Service be paid him.

10. Orderd that 50£ be given to Jo. Amory & his wife in provisions & necessaries, he giving proper Security to repay it.

11. Orderd that 150£ be imprest to Aldn. Heathcote on Acct.

12. Orderd that a coper Mace gift be prepared & Sent for the use of the Magistrates of Savannah.

13. Orderd that 15 barrils of Scots herrings at 15 Shillings p barril be Sent to the Colony.

14. Mr. Wrag desiring to be paid in hand 250£, in pt. of the agreement for carrying over the Palatin Servants, it was refused, because the Same is unusual, and because if he Should have money before hand, it would be his Interest that they Should die in the passage.

15. One Ja. Burnside petitioning that he might have lands in Georgia, (besides those he already has) to be held in the manner of Church leases in England, the consideration thereof was postponed, most of the Trustees present thinking, that altho it may be a right and advantagious thing hereafter, yet in the present infant State of the Colony it is not fit.

16. It being difficult to make Common Council Boards, and the punctual payment of Sola bills being very necessary, orderd that any 5 of the Common Council may draw on the Bank for the Same.

17. For the Same reason, Resolv’d that any 5 of the Common Council may draw on the Bank as far as 5000£ as occasion Shall require for payment of provisions from England & Scotland, for the expence of Servants from Cowes & other charges, in pursuance of the Orders of the Committee for providing necessaries for this years Service for Georgia.

18. SeaFd the Indenture with Saml. Lander who goes over to Georgia to assist Cooper the Millright.

19. Grant of 500 Acres orderd to Lieut. Ja. Cochrane.

20. Grant of 3000 Acres orderd for the Soldiers of Col. Oglethorpes Regiment, to be parceird out in 5 acre lots to Such of the Soldiers as Shall desire it, and to be held by them during the time of their continuance in his Majesties Service, and then to revert to the Trust, if they quit the Service or are orderd away.

Some of us objected that it was hard to deprive them of their Lotts when they had cultivated them, but Col. Oglethorpe assured us the Men would be well contented with the condition proposed.

22. Grant past to John Amory of Boston in Lincolnshire Yeoman of 150 Acres.

23. Grant past of 500 Acres to Mr. Robt. Hay of Scotland.

24. Divers letters were orderd to be Sent to Mr. Causton, Mr. Willm. Bradley, Mr. William Stephens, Mr. Will. Horton, and Lieut. Moore Mackintosh, containing Several directions as to the disposal of Servants, directions concerning provisions &c.

[N.B.] 8 Oct. 1737. The 3 Sisters Capt. Hewet Saild with 160 Foreign Servants from Cows to Georgia; whereof 78 males & 82 females. They went on the Trustees charge, and arrived ye. 21 Dec. following.

[N.B.] 12 Oct. 1737. The Georgia Pink Capt. Danbur Saild with one Foreigner and 3 English Servants, all males for Georgia, but was first to call at Cork to take in a loading of provisions. He arrived in Georgia the 16 Jany. 1737/8. These 4 went on the Trustees expence.

[N.B.] 18 Oct. 1737. The Minerva Capt. Nicholson Saild for Georgia with Mr. Tho. Stevens and his Servant at the Trustees charge. He arrived in Decembr. following.

19 Octobr. 17.

A Committee was Summon’d to consider of petitions, & of proper letters to go by the King George Capt. Ayers, and to order the Sending more Sola Bills by that Ship, But we were not a board.

1. John Burtons petition for 2 Servants to assist him in Georgia, the expence of whom to be repaid by him, was rejected, 1. because we have no money left to advance on Such occasions, and have no reasonable expectation of being repaid; 2. because others would desire the Same favour, who have as great reason to desire it as he; 3. because we have occasion for the Servants we have Sent to cultivate the Trust lands, or to be placed with other persons already intended to have that favour allow’d them.

2. 109½ heads of Servants being Sent in October last from Cows to Georgia by Capt. Hewet, we order’d a letter to go by the next Ship to Causton, informing him, that those Germans are to have 6 weeks allow’d for payment of their passage by such Masters as Shall take any of them: and those only who were not taken off on Such condition were to remain Servants to the Trust.

3. Mr. Godfrey Town Clerk of Southampton, Sent us his bill of charges for examining into the condition of those Germans, and we orderd his bill Should be paid, amounting to 15.17.3.

4. Rebecca Cheeswright (who in Dec. 1736) left the Colony, petitioned that She might have a portion of her deceased husbands effects in Georgia. It was refer’d to Mr. Verelts to examine how that affair Stands, and report what was proper to be done in it. N.B. This vile woman had received 60 lashes for barbarously cutting an Infant down the back with a knife, and then fled the Colony, but this did not occur to our minds.

5. James Burnside who marry’d the Widow Bovey, desired he might be made Secure in her Grant, wch. another person claim’d. But it appeard the person under whom that other person claim’d had forfeited, and Bovey’s 1st. husband had a grant made to him, wherefore we ordered that Burnside Should be made Sensible how the affair Stands, and that his wifes Tenure is Secure.

6. Eliz. Morrice petitiond in behalf of her Son Tho. Morrice, that being near out of his time of Service, he might have a Man allow’d him, to help him in cultivating. But we refused it for the Same reason we refused John Burton.

7. Edward Jenkins complaining that thro lameness he could not cultivate his 50 acre lot, desired we would grant him 500 acres (part of an Island containing 1000 acres near Skidaway) whither he might go by water. We resolv’d it Should be first enquired whether he had cultivated his 50 acres. N.B. This man had a grant of 100 acres 17 May 1733, but was uncertain where to take it up.

8. William Cooksey, Son to an Alderman of Woster desired further time to pay the remainder of a Sum advanced him, and that we would make him a new grant of 500 acres. We made him the like answer as to Jenkins, that we must first know if his 50 acre lot was cultivated. N.B. It did not occur to our minds that his 50 acre lot in Savannah No. 9 is Swamp overflowd.

[N.B.] 22 Oct. 1737. A certain person named Jo. Savy wrote from Cadix to the Trustees, that he had run from S. Carolina for debt to Georgia, from whence in June 1735 he Ship’d himself for England, which was but a pretence, for when he came into the British Channel, he went in a French fishing boat to Diep where he landed the 19 Augst. following. That he proceeded to Paris, and being poor apply’d himself there to the Spanish Secretary, and by him wrote a letter to Don Joseph Patinto at Madrid giving an account of Georgia, who Sent him immediatly money to come to Madrid to give him a larger Acct. of those Settlements, and afterwards Sent him to the Havanah in order to go against Georgia. That in August last the Spaniards Sent 400 Men to St. Augustine, & the Vice Roy of Mexico gave order to Send 1000 more. That they had Sent Artillery, provisions, and every thing necessary to attack Georgia in May next.

That they had Sent a new Govr. to Augustine Don Antonia Redondo an Ingénier.

That himself designed for London to cast himself at the Trustees feet, and implore our pardon which he thought himself unworthy of, having offended his God, his King & his Country.

That he had Surrender’d himself to the Capt. of the Grampus, who would carry him to the Commodore at Giberaltar, from whence he would proceed to London, and as he had made the Sore, would Soon heal it. That he goes at Cadix by the name of Michael Wall, but his true name is Jo. Savy, Nephew to Jo. Lewis Paulham in Token house yard, Exchange Broker.

[N.B.] 3 Novbr. 1737. The King George Capt. Ayers Sail’d with 2 Moravian boys for Georgia.

9 Novbr. 18.

A Common Council was Summon’d, to order a Grant of 500 Acres to Col. Cochran’s brother; To consider of the Report of the Board of Trade upon the dispute between Carolina & Georgia; and afterwards to go into a Committee to consider of Several matters. But we were not a Board.

1. Our Accompt. gave us an estimate of the charges of the Two Brothers Capt. Thompson, who went 24 June last to Scotland, for Trustee Servants to be Sent to Georgia. And upn. casting up the Several Articles, & adding thereto half the expence of a Surgeon to go the voyage & take care of the passengers (the Owner who had many on board at his own expence, paying the other half) We found a ballance of 35£ Still due to him, over and above the money already paid him. Which 35£ we order’d Should be p. him.

2. We drew on the Bank to pay divers expences incurr’d.

3. One Mrs. Hart whose husband went to Georgia to avoid his Creditors, and is there a Servant to William Abbot appear’d, and desired her husband might have leave to return for England, She furnishing a Servant to Willm. Abbot during his absence, and bearing all the expence of his return. Her intention was that he might take the benefit of the late Debtors Act, and that being done to return with him & her 2 children to Georgia. She Said She had an annuity of 40£ which She would Sell to make her husband a clear man with his Creditors. We thought her proposal reasonable, but doubted whether her husband could arrive time enough to receive the benefit of the Act. We desired her with Mr. Chapman her Trustee and her lawyer to meet judge Holland tomorrow at his chambers, to consider what could be done in the affair.

4. Mr. Paris our Sollicitors attended, and presented us a copy of the Board of Trades Report to the Council Board upon the dispute between Carolina & Georgia. Upon reading it, we unanimously agreed that it was a partial & untrue representation of the affair, and order’d him to prepare a Short petition for the approbation of our next Board, to be presented to the Council Board, for a hearing against the Said Report.

16 Nov. 19.

A Common Council was Summon’d to order an application to the Lds. of the Council to be heard against the Report of the Lords of Trade relating to Carolina and Georgia; To order a Grant of 500 Acres to Geo. Preston, Esq.; And then to go into a Committee of Accts. to examine the payment and Vouchers of the last years Acct. endg. ye 9 June. But were were not a board.

1. Our Accompt. acquainted us that this very day Ships are taking up by the Goverment for the Transport of 300 Soldiers, 150 Women, & 130 children for Georgia. That the King will after their arrival there maintain them for 6 months at his own expence, during which time their Subsistance Should run on, which is a great encouragement. We also purpose to allow to each Soldier 5 acres to be cultivated & enjoy’d by him whilst he remains in the Service, which is 7 years; after which, the King giving him leave to quit, the land is to go to the Recruit who Succeeds him, and the former to be allow’d in lieu thereof 20 acres to him & his heirs male for ever.

2. We examin’d all the Vouchers of the last years Acct. endg. 9 June 1737.

3. We form’d a petition to the Privy Council to be heard against the Board of Trades Report.

[N.B.] 19 Nov. 1737. The Two Brothers, Capt. Thompson, Sail’d for Georgia with 34 Males & 26 Females, all Servants at the Trustees charge, and arrived 14 Jany. 1737/8.

[N.B.] [no date] The frugality of the Admiralty at this time was admired at. For when the greatest hast was necessary to have the Regiment of Coll. Oglethorpe in Georgia, That board to Save 20 Shillgs. p tun hired 10 rotten transports to carry the Lieut. Col. & Stores to Giberaltar where part of the Soldiers were to be taken, which Transports after 3 weeks delay were by the Surveyor declared unservicable; whereas there were vessels enough in the River who offer’d themselves at a higher price, who had they been accepted, the Lt. Coll. would have Sail’d long Since, and by this time been on his departure from Giberaltar to Georgia.

Another Strange mistake was the Order Sent to the Ordenance board to put on board the transports only 10 barrils of powder; but the D. of Arguile Master of the Ordenance Said he was Sure it was a mistake in the Clerk who wrote the Order, and therefore command 100 barrils Should be Sent. Were the former no mistake he Said he would answer what he did. He had the order but on Satturday, & the powder was ready on monday, which Shews his affection to Georgia.

23 Novembr. 20.

A Common Council was Summond to consider of a letter from the D. of Newcastle’s Office forwarded from Madrid relating to Georgia. To order a Grant of 500 acres to Geo. Preston, Esq. To order the Encouragmt. of lands for the Soldiers of Col. Oglethorpes Regiment: And to order the payment of certified Accompts.

1. The letter of John Savy (vid. fol. 233) to the Trustees was read, with one enclosing it from Mr. Stone of the D. of Newcastles Office. We had just received another from Savy now landed at Falmouth (to the Same purpose as the former), and a prisoner in Pendennis Castle.

We order’d Copies of both these letters to be Sent the D. of Newcastle, and with them a Short Memorial that the man might be brought up to London & examin’d.

2. Whilst we were Setting, Mr. Caustons journal to the 10 August arrived, together with Several Accompts to the amount of 1379.7.4. We order’d Mr. Verelts to examine them, and if he found them truly computed & cast that they Should be paid: for which purpose

3. We drew on the Bank for the Said Sum of 1379.7.4.

4. Order’d an Instruction to the Committee for Sending over to Georgia the Sola bills orderd to be made out 10 Augst. last, that they be careful to keep So many Sola bills back as are the amount of any certified Accts. that may hereafter come to hand and be dated after the arrival of Mr. Stevens in Georgia, who Saild the middle of August last with the establish’d allowances. Of which Sola bills 1800£ part of the 4850£ have been already Sent Sc S°5°£ remain. Orderd also that the Said Committee do consider whether the Supply of provisions & necessaries reed, in Georgia from July last to the time of Mr. Will. Stevens arrival which is or Shall be known will not be So far assisting to the Colony, as to lessen the necessity of Sending the whole Sola bills remaining, 500£ p month being the computed expences abroad one month with another.

5. John Stonier of Skidaway desiring leave to quit his Grant, And

6. Hugh Anderson desiring another 50 acre lot for his 2d Son, The Same were refer’d to a Committee to consider of.

7. Grant past to Geo. Preston junr. of Valyfeild in Perth, Esq., brother in law to Lieut. Col. Cochran, of 500 Acres, with leave to absent himself during pleasure provided he Sent 10 Servants to cultivate his land, and per form’d his Covenants.

8. Grant past to Lieut. Col. Cochran of 500 Acres.

9. Grant past to Majr. Will. Cook of 500 acres.

10. Orderd that each Soldier of Col. Oglethorpes Regiment Shall have an alottment of 5 Acres to cultivate for his own use and benefit, and Shall hold the Same during his continuance in his Majesties Service in Georgia. And for further encouragement, Resolv’d that each Soldier who Shall at the End of the 7 years Service from his inlisting in the Said Regiment be desirous to quit his Majesties Service, and Shall have his regular discharge, & Shall Settle in Georgia, Shall on his Commanding Officers certificate of his good behaviour be entitled to a grant of 20 acres, to hold to himself and his heirs male forever. To these resolutions the Seal was put.

11. Capt. Dunbar applying for leave to change his 500 Acre Grant at Josephs town, to another to be Set out where the Regiment whereof he is a Captn. Shall be quarterd, It was refer’d to Mr. Oglethorpe to Settle that matter with him.

[N.B.] Mr. Caustons journal to the 10 Aug. 1737 mentioned on the other Side contained the following particulars:

1. That the Lt. Govr. of Carolina had reed, a letter from Capt. Davis at St. Augustine, that they Shortly expected 1000 Men there. Which confirms the Acct. John Savy wrote us.

2. That the Merchants & Shopkeepers of Carolina are very hot, angry, & full of Scurrilous language against Georgia, but the Inhabitants of the Country are the contrary: that those who are in the Interest of Georgia are brow beat and turn’d out of the Assembly.

3. That Danl. Demetree who had been at Charlestown for the Trustees Service, had a Servant taken from him there by order of 2 Justices of Peace, which Servant is the property of the Owners of the pettiagua, Inhabitants of Georgia, and was bound by Indenture at Savannah & the Same duly enrolled.

4. That the Light House on Tybee Island is in danger of falling.

5. That every thing is quiet in the Indian Nation: but there was double the number of Indian Traders, viz. 16 from Carolina, 4 from Virginia & 10 from Georgia.

6. That Mr. Bradley whom we Sent (20 Oct. 1735 & arrived feb. 1735/6) to instruct the people in agriculture, behaves himself very unseemly to the people; pretends to a Commission from the Trustees to take the care of all their lands, and that if any One possest his land without his knowledge, he would Seize on every thing he found on the Same. That under pretence of the extensiveness of his Commission, he engrosses all the Cattle, & declares he is entitled to a certain number, and will Serve himself first. That he keeps all the Trustees Cattel bought by them to his own use, whilst Several people (particularly at Highgate) have the Trustees orders for Cattel, & are in great want of them.

7. That Mr. Urlsperger had wrote to Mr. Oglethorpe, which his letter to Mr. Causton wholly contradicts.

8. That Mr. Patrick Mackay had without leave Settled on Wilmington Island, where he employ’d Negroes.

9. That Mr. Causton finds his power doubtfull not being given him in writing, and that written orders would be necessary for him to act by.

10. That the Colony is everywhere in want of provision, which with the want of money, yeilds a melancholly prospect.

With this Journal, Mr. Causton Sent us the Copy of a letter he received from Will. Horton, Esq., Military Commander at Frederica, complaining of the turbulent disposition of many of the people, & their inclination to disperse, and also of his being try’d most unjustly for felony, he having only employ’d a boat for 2 days to Capt. Gascoign, on affairs of the Colony, and that by consent of one of the Owners of the boat. In the Same letter Mr. Horton represents Mr. Jo. Wesley in a very bad light, as that he had wrote to Some of the Freeholders of Frederica to be Steady, and abide by what they had Said of him the Said Horton, and to be Sure to prove it when call’d on. That Wesley had lately wrote to him, that he would demand justice of the Trustees against him, but he Mr. Horton despised what the formal fellow could Say or write of him: But yet he might obtain his Ends of keeping Frederica in a continued Scene of un-easiness, if his Stuff were Suffer’d to pall current among the people, many of whom were ready to mutiny.

7 Decembr. 21.

A Common Council was Summon’d to grant 500 Acres to Capt. Wood who goes over with Col. Cochran; To order payment of Several certified Accompts from Georgia in August and October last; and to consider of the letters recieved by Capt. Coe Since the last meeting.

1. Report was made from the Committee of Accts. that they had examin’d the Annual Accompts. from 9 June 1736 to 9 June 1737, and that the ballance of the Said Acct. endg. 9 June 1737 remaining unapply’d was 3519.13.11, which Sum ly’s in the bank. The board agreed thereto.

2. Resolv’d that any 3 of the Common Council wait on the Ld. Chancellor & Master of the Rolls with the Said Acct.

3. Order’d that when presented, 150 copies thereof be printed.

4. Several certified Accts. being come over for paymt. they were orderd to be paid, and a draft on the bank of 1914.12.0 was made to pay them.

5. Draft made also on the Bank for 668.8.0 to pay the residue and freight of the Irish Cargo of privisions.

6. Orderd 500 whole deal boards to be bought & Sent to Savannah for building a Church.

7. Several certified Accompts being Sent over, but advice coming that Since the dates of them, 1650£ in Sola bills were arrived in Georgia (for which money is appropriated in the Bank to answer their return).

Resolved that the Said certified Accts. be returnd to Georgia for payment there, they being in themselves only bills of parcells of goods, Sold and deliver’d to be paid for in England or Georgia, as the Trustees think proper.

8. Order’d that publick notice be given in Georgia that the Trustees having Supply’d, and intending to Supply the Colony with Sola bills in order to answer the expence thereof, No bills of parcels or certified Accts. whatever for provisions or necessaries Sold and deliver’d in Georgia for the use of the Trust or money due or to grow due there, on their Acct. will be paid in England. That their Storekeepers have received orders to defray all expences & charges of the Colony by the Trustees Sola bills remitted to them, to be issued for that purpose. And that no other payments will be made by the Trustees for the charges abroad, but by the payment of the Sola bills Sent from England to defray Such charges.

N.B. This was a wise order, & it would have been well it had been given before, for the liberty of taking up goods, & making expences, & then certifying the Same for payment in England, was Strangely abused by Mr. Causton our 1 Magistrate, and plung’d the Trustees into prodigious difficulties.

9. Resolv’d that no more Sola bills be Sent to Georgia, till the Trustees are enabled by a new Supply to answer them.

10. Mr. Hugh Anderson having wrote his desire that a 50 acre lot might be granted to his Second Son who is under age, we refused it, being contrary to our Rule to grant land to Minors, neither could we grant land to others in Trust, but we were willing to Make Mr. Anderson a Grant of a Country lot for any number of acres under 500, & then he might put his 2d Son into his grant of 50 acres now in his possession, of wch. he was to be informed. Resolv’d therefore that the Said Son of Hugh Anderson may have a 500 Acre lot if his father desires it.

N.B. We were not willing that both Father and Son Should have town lots in Savannah.

11. Grant of 500 acres in the Southern division of the Province past to Willm. Wood, formerly a Sea Capt. It was Said he is worth 3 or 4000£.

[N.B.] This 7 Decbr. 1737 was read at the board a presentment of the Gr. Jury lately arrived from Savannah against Mr. Jo. Wesley our Minister, consisting of a charge of 9 articles, the principal whereof were that he refused to bury a person because he was not of his opinion, a Methodist; refused also to christen a child without dipping, unless his Parents would declare he could not bear it without danger of his life. That he divided the publick prayers & read but half, & this at 7 a clock & not at 5. That he refused the Sacrament to Mrs. Williamson without giving a reason, & refused it likewise to others who were not of his opinion, tho they had formerly communicated. That he assumed to be Ordinary of Georgia, &c.

With this Presentment came a letter from Mr. Will. Williamson her husband, complaining heavily agst. Mr. Wesley for refusing his wife the Sacrament, and conversing with her contrary to his express command, to the disturbance of her & himself, & to the giving great Scandal, for all which he desired reparation of the Said Mr. Wesley, or he would leave the Colony. He also enclosed to us a letter wrote by Mr. Wesley to his wife, accusing her of lying, breach of faith, &c; and Sent us therewith his wifes deposition wherein She Swears that he offer’d to marry her, & on that condition to make fasting and frequent communion easie to her, and to abandon his design of preaching to the Indians, but to fix himself in Savannah.

Dr. Bundy endeavourd to excuse Mr. Wesley in Some particulars, Shewing out of the litturgy that Mr. Wesley’s refusal to christen the child unless dipt, or to bury a person not of the Church of England unless Satisfy’d he had been baptized, was no more than what by law he was obliged to, and had he in the latter case comply’d, he would have lost his preferment. That possibly this might be his reason. That by the litturgy also, and law of the land, any person intending to communicate must Send his name the day before to the Minister, who if he knows of any objection to his taking it, is to admonish him of his fault, and the person must publickly declare his repentence of the Same. That by letters and papers read, it appeard Mr. Wesley had reason to take Some things ill, and it would be justice to hear what he could Say for himself before we resolv’d any thing concerning him. This we thought reasonable, and agreed that the Substance of the things charged against him Should be drawn out, & Sent to him to answer. But this came too late, for on the 2 of this Same month he fled the Colony to avoid giving Bail in the Court of Savannah to Stand a Tryall.

With the former Presentment came over a Remonstrance from the Same Grant Jury against Mr. Causton, Signd by above 40 of the principal Inhabitants of the Province.

We took notice of the principal things urged against him in order to frame a letter to Said Causton that he might answer to them. Most of the charges were trivial, & accusations of arrogance & passion, and others were matters the Trustees had before given their judgment of, and approved in Causton.

It appears there is a great Spirit of contention there, & a disposition to be under no proper Subordination of Goverment.

Mr. Oglethorpe, Mr. Vernon, Dr. Hales, judge Holland & I had Some discourse of erecting at Savannah a Sort of Council to be assistant to the Bailifs, and the Same for Frederica, but we Knew not of proper Subjects for that purpose.

14 Decbr. 22.

The Common Council were Summon’d to meet in Committee, to peruse the Brief for council prepared by Mr. Paris for the hearing at the Council board against the Report of the Lords of Trade.

1. We perused and Settled the above mentiond Brief.

2. We Imprest 500£ to Aldn. Heathcote to pay Sola bills.

3. Sundry letters were this day orderd to Mr. willm. Williamson; To Mr. Jo. Wesley: to Mr. Causton: To Mr. Stephens: To Willm. Bradley: To Mr. Hugh Anderson: & to Mr. Boltzius.

[N.B.] 14 Decbr. 1737. The Substance of the letters wrote this day, mention’d on the other Side was,

1. To Mr. Williamson, that we had Sent a copy of his letter & wifes affidavit against Mr. Jo. Wesley, to the Said Mr. Wesley to answer to, but that he had done wrong to print the presentment and affidavit agst Mr. Wesley, wch. was taking a remedy, and apealing to the World at the Same time he was applying to the Trustees to consider his case.

2. To Mr. John Wesley, that they enclosed to him Williamsons letter & his wifes affidavit to answer, and Suspended their judgment till his answer came.

3. To Mr. Causton, that tho he had Sent his Cash books from 2 Nov. 1736 to the last of June, 1737, he had omitted to Send them from the last July 1736 to the end Oct. 1736. And that he had also omitted to Send his Diary.

That Advices of and certified Accompts were come from him to the Amount of 3293.19.4 Sterl. being for provisions & necessaries Supply’d the Colony. And the Trustees having Sent him Since Capt. Diamonds arrival with 1000£ in Sola bills, the Sum of 2450 more in Sola bills & now 200£ more in like bills, These are the last Supply The Trustees can Send him until a new Grant is made by Parliament. That the last mention’d 200£ with the former Sola bills mention’d above, and the before mention’d certified Accts. Since Midsummr. last amounting in the whole to 5943.19.4, the Trustees were Satisfied he was fully Supply’d to answer the demands abroad to Lady day next, according to the establish’d allowances & orders Sent him, wch. demands he was to discharge with the Said provisions, necessaries & Sola bills without certifying any more Accts.

That he Should Supply the Ebenezar people wth. hogs & poultry, & over & above give them 30£ towards building their Ministers house. And that he Should order prayers to be made for the Prince & Princess the Duke &c the Queen being dead.

4. To Mr. Stephens, acquainting him with the Queens death, & alteration of the prayers.

5. To Willm. Bradley, that the Trustees are Surprised he took on him an authority which he was not intrusted, viz. the care of all the lands, and that he pretended to engross the cattel, as if he had a title to Serve himself first to the detriment of others who have the Trustees orders for Cattel. That the Cattel under his care are at the disposal of Mr. Causton, and that he is to communicate to him the Trustees orders wch. he is to obey. That tis his duty to act in his proper Station, & behave orderly, and that with respect to his immediate dépendance on the Trustees, they had Sent over a copy of their agreement with him.

6. To Mr. Hugh Anderson, that the Trustees think it most convenient & most for his 2d Sons advantage, that he Should have a grant of 500 acres in that Sons name, but his present lot of 50 acres must descend to his eldest Son, wherefore this last cannot have the grant of 500 acres.

7. To Mr. Boltzius, that the Trustees are Sorry to hear the Saltsburgers are in danger of losing their crops this year, but they might be assured of Such general assistance as will be granted to others on So melancholly an occasion.

That the Trustees cannot give leave to change the bad garden lots wth. better ground. That 30£ was orderd for building his house & a School, & a cock & hen to each Man, and a Sow a Turkey hen & goose to every 5 heads of the 3d Transport of Saltsburgers.

[N.B.] 20 Dec. 1737. Mr. Stephens our Secy, in Georgia wrote us a long Acct. of the difference between Mr. Causton, and Mr. Jo. Wesly, together with the flight of the latter out of the Colony. Also of Mr. Caustons difference with Will. Bradley.

He also takes notice of a Set of Malecontents, who tho ready to Support the Civil power, are like to be the occasion of great mischief, by their exclaiming agst. the Tenure of their lands, and the losses they Sustain for want of Negroes. That many had been influenced to think with them, and they design’d to make a representation of their case to the Trustees. He laments the deficiency of Magistrates, Mr. Dairne being dead before he came, and Mr. Vandeplank, 1 Constable, dead also. Coates the next Officer run away with Mr. Wesley, Mr. Tho. Jones the next, and also Surveyor Seldom in town, and Mr. Fallowfeild the 4th grown chagreen.

That the Publick garden was neglected & in a very bad condition.

That Mr. Tho. Stephens was arrived on board the Minerva, Capt. Nicholson.

He wishes there were a passage boat entertained by the Trustees to go between Savannah and Charlestown, & proposes it may be a light rowing boat with 4 or 6 Oars, the Men to be Trustee Servts. That this would be a Saving rather than an expence to the Trustees, baiting the 1 cost of the boat which may be 16£, the expence of occasional hiring boats to go to Charlestown being exorbitant.

That it might also hinder the Scandalous practice of the Carolina people’s opening our letters.

That Lt. Governor Broughton of S. Carolina died the end of Novembr. last, and Col. Bull was proclaim’d Presidt. of the Council to act in his Stead, who has a good disposition towards our Colony.

That they were So healthy at Frederica, they had not buried one Man Since Col. Oglethorpe left them, and the people were orderly and industrious on their lands. That divers of them at the Darien had 20 bushels of corn on an Acre. He wish’d he could Say as much for Savannah.

That Capt. Thompson was arrived the 20th Novbr. from Scotland, and all well on board, with the loss only of 1 old Man, a woman & a little child in their voyage.

That Capt. Hewet was the day of his writing arrived with the Palatines, but had been 10 days before off our bar not daring to enter for want of a pilot, which indeed is wanting to Savannah.

21 Dec. 23.

A Common Council was Summond to consider of payment of more certified Accts. reed, from Georgia & for other business, but we were not a board.

1. Mr. Whitefeild our Minister design’d for Frederica attended, and desired he might not wait for Col. Oglethorpes departure but Sail next Satturday with the 3 Ships who with Lieut. Col. Cochran and other Officers of the Regiment go to Giberaltar there to take up Soldiers. He also desired that a youth recommended by him might be allow’d passage and Subsistance, being design’d for School master to the Orphan house intended to be erected by him.

We granted both his requests, not doubting but the next Common Council would yeild thereto.

2. Capt. Burrington late Govr. of North Carolina desiring the Trustees to advance him 200£ which Should be repaid us in Charlestown, the Treasury having given an order for him to receive that Sum out of the first money arrising in that Province, due to the Government. We consider’d thereof, and found Such difficulties attending it, that we excused our Selves from complying therewith.

3. Col. Oglethorpe acquainted us that the D. of Newcastle desired a Committee of 2 or 4 of our Members might attend him from time to time as he Should desire it, in relation to the examination & confession of John Savy, and the Spaniards design upon Georgia. That endeavours had been used for that mans escaping Since he was brought to town: that a Sallary of 1000 pistoles had been Settled on him by the Court of Spain, and great dealings past between him & Patinho ye Spanish Minister before he died: but for other Confessions he had made, the Duke desired no mention might be made of them, because they were matters that touched all Europe.

We caused the Dukes request to be enter’d in our books and appointed Mr. LaRoch, Col. Oglethorpe, Mr. Tho. Towers and Mr. Vernon to be a Committee to attend his Grace.

4. Col. Oglethorpe & Mr. LaRoch then told us, that this morning Sr. Robt. Walpole desired them with any others of the Trust to come to him, & receive his assurance, that our application for 8000£ p ann. for carrying on the civil affairs of the Colony to be granted by way of estimate & not by petition Shall be comply’d with.

N.B. But he broke his word Soon after.

[N.B.] 5 Jany. 1737/8. Capt. Whiting of the Whitaker Saild for Georgia with 5 Males on the Trust charge and arrived 7 May 1738.

There were also 2 men more who went by another Ship, but I know not the name or Captain. They also went on the Trust acct.

11 Jany. 24.

A Common Council was Summond to consider of what was proper to be done on Several certified Accts. received from Georgia, whether to return them for payment there, or to pay any of them here. But we were not a Board.

1. The certified Accts. from Georgia coming So fast & in So large Sums, as not only to consume all our money, but even run us deeply in debt if not for the future prevented. We orderd our Accomptant to write this very day to Mr. Causton that we absolutly would pay no more Such certified Accts. But had Sent him back those he had certified Since 15 July last to the 17 October amounting to 1961.17.7 to be paid out of 3650£ Sola bills that Since August to December had been Sent him.

2. We drew on the Banks 250£ to pay Several demands.

13 Jany. 25.

A Common Council was Summond to peruse the Trustees Case on the Report from the Lords of Trade & Plantations relating to the dispute with Carolina: But we were not a Board.

1. Mr. Paris our Sollicitor presented us a draft of the State of our case above mentioned, which we found exceedingly well drawn, and orderd him to print when Sign’d by our Council, and present to the Lords of the Privy Council when the hearing or appeal from the board of Trades report Should be appointed.

18 Jany. 26.

A Common Council was Summond to consider of the Several certified Accts. lately recieved from Georgia. To order the General Accts. to the 9th of June last to be exhibited, pursuant to the Charter, & to consider who of the Trustees Should attend the Ld. Chancellor & Master of the Rolls therewith, but we were not a board.

1. Mr. Paris attended to acquaint us that the Committee of Privy Council had order’d a hearing on Wednesday next, but that Mr. Clark & Mr. Murry our Council desired our Brief might be Shorten’d, and not exprest in So Strong terms.

25 Jany. 27.

A Common Council was Summond to agree to the Trustees general Acct. for the year endg. 9 June last, and to order the Same to be exhibited pursuant to the Charter. And to consider of the Several certified Accts. lately received from Georgia brought for paymt.

1. The Committee of Accompts reported that they had examin’d the Annual accts. from 9 June 1736 to 9 June 1737, and that the ballance remaining unapply’d was 3519.13.11.

2. The Board agreed thereto, and orderd that any three of the Common Council might wait on the Ld. Chancellor & Master of the Rolls therewith, and afterwards that 150 copies thereof Should be printed.

3. The Accomptant reported that pursuant to the Order of Common Council of 5th Octobr. last, wherby any 5 of the Common Council were empowred to Send the residue of the 4850£ Sola bills, (directed to be made out of the 10 of Augst. last) that 500£ had been Sent, and that in the whole £2000 of the Said Sola bills had been Sent.

4. A Multitude of certified Accts. coming from Georgia to the Office, were this day read, and it appearing, that Since the dates of these certified Accts 1560£ in Sola bills were arrived in Georgia, for which money is appropriated to answer the return of them.

Resolv’d the Said certified Accts. Shall be return’d to Georgia to be paid there, they being in themselves only bills of parcells for goods Sold and deliver’d to be paid for in England or Georgia as the Trustees Shall See proper.

5. Order’d that Publick notice be given in Georgia that the Trustees having Supply’d, & intending to Supply the Colony with Sola bills in order to answer the expences thereof. No bills of parcels or certified Accts. whatsoever for provisions or necessaries Sold or deliverd in Georgia for the use of the Trust, or money due or to grow due there on their Acct. will be paid in England. That their Storekeepers have received orders to defray all expences and charges of the Colony by the Trustees Sola bills remitted to them, to be issued there for that purpose; and that no other payments will be made by the Trustees for the charges abroad, but by the payment of the Sola Bills, Sent from England to defray Such charges.

6. Resolv’d that no more Sola bills be Sent to Georgia, ‘till the Trustees are enabled by a new Supply from Parliament to answer them.

[N.B.] 25 Jany. 1737/8. I and Several of the Trustees went this Evening to the Cockpit to attend the Committee of Council, being the first day of the hearing upon our Appeal from the Report made very partially by the Board of Trade in our disfavour. Our Council Mr. Clerk & Mr. Murry Spoke for 2 hours extreamly well, and then the Committee adjourn’d till Satturday Sennit to hear the Council of the other Side.

The Lords of the Council present were

Ld. Wilmington, Ld. Presidt.

Ld. Ch. Justice Lee

Ld. Fitzwalter

Ld. Cholmley

Ld. Monson, who was of the board of trade & Sign’d ye Report against us, and in decency Should not be there, being both judge and Party

Arthur Onslow, Esq., Speaker of the H. of Commons

Sr. Joseph Jekyl, Master of the Rolls

& Sr. Willm. Young, Secy, at War

1 Feby. 28.

A Committee of Common Council was Summon’d to go into a Committee of Correspondence, and Settle the notice to be affix’d in Georgia relating to the certified Accts.

1. We considerd what answer to make to the Several Merchants who have apply’d to be paid the certified bills from Georgia, amounting to 1900£, and which we orderd last board day to be return’d to Georgia to be paid by Mr. Causton out of the 2650£ now in his hands in Sola bills.

Unfortunatly these bills were certified by him a fortnight before our Sola bills arrived on that Side.

The Merchants attending, we told them it was a matter that only a Common Council could consider of, which now we were not.

[N.B.] 4 feby. 1737/8. The Committee of Privy Council met for the 2d time on our Appeal, and heard the Council for the Board of Trade, Mr. Brown & Mr. Noel.

8 Feb. 29.

A Common Council was Summond to consider of the Several applications of the Merchants to whom certified Accts had been Sent over for payment in England, and which were order’d to be paid in Georgia with the Sola bills Sent for the Service of the Colony to Lady day 1738.

1. After a long debate upon the certified Accts. Sent over to be paid to Several Merchants here for Stores deliverd in Georgia, which Merchants desired to be paid here, and not remanded to Georgia, at length We resolv’d, that their money Should be paid them here, And that till they were paid, that they Should be allow’d 4 p cent Interest. And that Mr. Causton Should be immediatly wrote to Send back 2000£ Sola bills, in order to pay them.

N.B. Many of us doubted whether Mr. Causton had not already employ’d the money another way, the Scene now opening of his extravagant Spending the Trustees money.

2. 500£ was imprest to Aldn. Heathcote.

3. Mr. Paris attended to recieve instruction for our Council against next Satturday, when they are to reply to the board of Trades Council. We accordingly gave him instructions after a debate of 3 hours.

[N.B.] 8 Feby. 1737/8. Mr. John Wesley who arrived last fryday from Georgia attended the Board this day and acquainted us as follows:

1. That about 100 idle persons in Georgia had within 2 months left the Colony.

2. That the Inhabitants were able last year to furnish corn of their own produce to Supply the wants of half the Colony.

3. That the Country is very healthy.

4. That the Saltsburgers had cultivated 150 Acres.

5. That Piercy the publick Gardiner had left the colony on Some distast with Mr. Causton, & the garden was under no care & half ye trees dead.

[N.B.] 11 Feby. 1737/8. I went this morning to the Committee of Council, being the last day of hearing. Mr. Clark only reply’d, Mr. Murry our other Council not attending, whether by accident or design I Know not, but it was a prejudice to us, & very ill done of him. It was intimated to me, that tho the cause is clear on our Side, yet the Lords intended to consider the affair in a more publick light than as a contention between Georgia and Carolina; which if they do, then tis manifest they intend to defeat us of the advantage that ly’s on our Side with respect to the dispute, and to gratify Carolina in their desire of trading with the Indians that belong to the Province of Georgia without obliging their Traders to take out lycences in Georgia, as by our Act they are obliged to do. Mr. Oglethorpe Stood Stoutly in defence of our Act, and told the Lords that they had not power to break into the Act without the Trustees consent, which I afterwards learn’d gave great offence to divers Lords that were present.

The Committee resolv’d to take a fortnights time to form their resolution on this hearing.

13 Feby. 30.

A Meeting of the Common Council and Trustees was Summond this day to consider and determine the manner to move in Parliamt. for 8000£ for the ensuing years Service of the Colony.

1. Sr. Robert Walpole who had promised that the future Supply’s for the Colony Should be given by way of Estimate, breaking his word, we found our Selves obliged to proceed by way of petition in the old way, And accordingly resolved to petition for 8000£.

15 Feby. 31.

A Summons of Common Council to Settle the application for money to Parliamt. for ye year 1738, as agreed on the 13 inst.; And to hear what Mr. Jo. Wesley had to mention to the Trustees on his arrival from Georgia.

1. Accordingly a petition was drawn up, and designd this day to be presented, but Sr. Robert Walpole not being down to give the Kings consent it was deferd to another day.

[N.B.] 17 feb. 1737/8. Our Accompt. wrote to Mr. Causton the great confusion he had created by making expences before he had Sola bills to defray them; that for the future he Should certify no more Accts. to any person whatever, or contract any expences but what he was ordered to make. That he Should receive the Establishment for the year 1738 as Soon as the Trustees knew how far their Cash would enable them to form it. That to answer it he Should have Sola bills Sent him, and the Trustees would make no other payments but those for their Sola bills when return’d. That they required an Account of the remain of Stores at Lady day next both at Savannah and Frederica: an acct. of what Credit had been given by ye Stores to any, and which of the Inhabitants that have not been repaid at Lady day next; And whether any debts were due from ye Stores at that time more than the certified Accts. recieved.

N.B. The vast Sums of certified Accts. Sent to us for payment, occasioning an apprehension that the Trustees would be run deeply in debt, divers of the Common Council resolv’d with themselves to quit what they thought a falling house. Whilst affairs Seem’d in a flourishing way they were glad to partake of the honour of conducting them, but when they thought them declinging, they meanly deserted their Office, and the Service of the Publick.

22 Feby. 32.

A Common Council was Summon’d to hear what Mr. Jo. Wesley had to lay before the board. But there was no board. A Cold confin’d me at home.

1. Mr. Wesley gave Several papers and certificates for his justification, which tho they did not justify him of indiscretion, yet Shew’d Mr. Causton to be very blamable in the contest between them, besides which he charged him with gross misadministration in many particulars fit to be enquired into.

1 March. 33.

A Common Council was Summon’d to grant lands to Mr. Ja. Carteret, and for other business. But we were not a board.

1. Mr. Fury Agent for South Carolina having informed the Committee of the Privy Council that he had it in charge from his Province to make us Some Overtures for reconciling the differences Subsisting, We order’d our Secretary to Sound him occasionally what the proposals are he intends to make.

2. We perused the estimate or calculation of the expences of Georgia for this year on the foot of 8000£, which we Shall petition for tomorrow, and made Several alterations therein, particularly with respect to the military articles, which we thought not reasonable to charge the Trust with, but that the Govermt. Should defray them.

3. Dr. Richard Bundy Sent us a resignation of his Office of Common Counsellor, declaring he was of no use.

4. Ld. Carpenter declared to us his resolution to resign for want of time to attend the boards.

5. Aldn. Cater came when the board was up and delivered his resignation, his business hindering him to attend.

These like Seeds Sown on Stony ground had no root in themselves and So endured but for a time; afterward when affliction or persecution arose immediately they were offended & fell away.

To Say the truth, the malicious clamours & reports of the Carolina people against us, the bad State of the Colony at this time as represented by Mr. John Wesley, the low condition of our Cash, the bad but just conceptions of Mr. Causton to whom the care of the Colony was trusted, the great debts contracted by him, and little Improvment made by the Inhabitants, the unreasonable pique, which tho endeavour’d to be conceal’d was visible enough, of divers of our Members against Coll. Oglethorpe, for having accepted a Regiment, and thereupon abandon’d the Party in opposition to the Court, and Sr. Robert Walpoles breaking his word to free us of the obligation of annually petitioning, by putting our expences on an annual Estimate, together with an ungrounded apprehension that the Common Council were lyable to answer to Parliament for all the money given to the Trust from time, were circumstances that all concurr’d to cool the zeal of most of our Members, and these above mention’d were not the last who left us on one or other of these Accts. as will be Seen hereafter.

Dr. Bundy was Kings Chaplain, & Minister of St. Brides church in London & of Barnet. He was a Creature of the Bishop of London, a warm high Churchman, and angry, because we did not grant land in Georgia by way of Glebe to our Ministers there, by which they could not be turnd out at our pleasure, for which we had the Strongest reason to keep that power in our hands. It was remarkable that tho we met annually in his church, and he a Common Counsellor, he never would give us a Sermon, nor for the last years even read the Service.

Sr. Robt. Cater was a Rich Oyl Man in the City, and Sherif & Alderman. His name before was Kendal, which he changed upon an estate of 1500£ p ann. falling to him in Bedford Shire. He was a gentlemanlike fair condition’d man.

Ld. Carpenter is a man who loves his money, & his pleasure, and left us purely out of apprehension that he might one time or other be Subjected to pay his Share of debts incurr’d by the mismanagment of Mr. Causton, and because he Saw Sr. Robert Walpole at the bottom not well affectioned to the Colony.

[N.B.] 1 March 1737/8. This day wrote a letter to Sr. Robert Walpole, Sign’d by 12 Common Counsellors and 5 Trustees, expressing that the Civil provision of the Colony will require annually 8000£ until the Same be better Settled, and desiring earnestly that these expences may for the future be put into Some Estimate to be laid before the Crown before the house of Commons, Since it would be impossible for the Trustees every year to take upon them the labour of proceeding as petitioners; nor could it be thought reasonable that they Should hazard the making contracts for Men, provisions &c. which is necessary to be done the year before, upon the uncertainty of their petitions being received, or the Sum they expected being granted them.

N.B. Sr. Robert Walpole had promised this, but never granted it, because resolv’d to keep the Trustees (many of whom are members of Parliament) in dépendance on him.

[N.B.] 1 March 1737/8. This day another letter was wrote to Sr. Robert Walpole Sign’d by 11 Common Counsellors and 5 Trustees, recommending Capt. James Gascoign of the Hawks Sloop to be advanced to the command of a Man of War, for his good Service in protecting our Province. But we had not Success, and Several of our Members refused to Sign, as thinking it a matter wherein we ought not to concern our Selves, and perhapps they Said truly, But Mr. Oglethorpe prest it.

N.B. These 2 articles Should have been enter’d 1 May.

8 March. 34.

A Common Council was Summon’d to grant lands to Mr. James Carteret, and for other business preparatory to the Anniversary meeting. But we were not a board.

1. Ld. Carpenter presented his resignation of Common Counsellor, pretending he Should be obliged to go into the Country and could not attend the duty, but Said another year if We wanted him he would come in again: He did not intend to keep his word.

2. Ld. Talbot also resign’d, pretending his business would not Suffer him to attend. What his particular reason was to leave us I know not. He is a gentleman of parts, vain of his late fathers merit, very hot, and particular in his ways. I imagine he was disgusted at Sr. Robert Walpoles obliging us to petition the Parliamt. for money and not granting it us by way of Estimate; and that he was displeased at our applying for a Ship in favour of Capt. Gascoign, to which he was much averse. Hot Men take matters too quick.

3. Alderman Heathcote Sent his resignation of a Common Counsellor, on the Score of want of health, & being obliged to remain much out of town. So now we had 5 new Common Counsellors to elect, and Scarce any time to pitch upon proper persons to Succeed them.

This occasion’d my dining with Mr. Vernon & Mr. Sloper, to consider of proper persons to Succeed them, and on the coming in of Mr. Oglethorpe & Mr. Tho. Towers we concluded on Mr. Smith, Mr. Christopher Towers brother to the other, Mr. Tracy, Mr. Hen. Archer, and Sr. Jacob Bouverie.

4. Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted us that Ct. Sinzendorf was very well Satisfied with the answer we wrote him Some months ago, that his Moravians Should remain in Georgia, and that he had Sent over two of those people (now arrived in London) to be Catechists to the Negroes at Purysburg.

[N.B.] 8 March 1737/8. This day the House in a Committee voted 8000£ for the Service of Georgia, Mr. Tracy one of our Trustees moved it, & Mr. Frederick a Common Counsellor Seconded him. No body opposed it, but there were a good many noes, which I observe annually encreases.

16 March. 35.

1. This being our Anniversary day, the gentlemen here mention’d met in the Vestry of St. Brides Church were we read and approved the Accompt of Receipts and disbursments to this day, and the State of our Cash remaining.

2. We past a grant of 500 Acres to Mr. Ja. Carteret.

3. And then elected into the Common Council Mr. Robert Tracy, Mr. Hen. Archer, Mr. Christopher Towers, Mr. Saml. Smith, and Mr. Jo. Page, Sr. Jacob Bouverie declining to accept of being a Common Counsellor.

4. We also elected Sr. Hen Gough and Sr. Rogr. Burgoign Trustees.

After this, we went to Church, and Dr. Bearcroft formerly my Sons Tutor and now Preacher to the Charter house made us a very good Sermon wch. we desired him to print.

5. It was remarkable that Dr. Bundy declined not only to appear, but even his Curate (doubtless by his order) did not read the prayers, So that Dr. Burton was obliged to do it: Such was Dr. Bundy’s Slight of us.

[N.B.] 18 March 1737/8. This day the Committee of Council having finally consider’d their late hearing on the dispute between us, Carolina & the Board of Trade, resolv’d not to allow of the Carolina Ordinance (agst. which we complaind) whereby that Province had tax’d themselves in 2000£ Sterl. to make amends to Such of their Traders as who for trading with the Indians of Georgia without taking Licences in our Province Should have their goods taken from them, or Suffer otherwise on that Acct. They also orderd an instruction to be Sent the Trustees of Georgia to pass a law for allowing a due number of Carolina Traders (being duly appointed by the Govermt. of Carolina) to trade in Georgia, and that the like instructions Should be Sent to Carolina to make a law for the Same purpose. But Our present Georgia law for regulating Trade with the Indians is not to be repeal’d, but only explain’d to answer the purposes above mentiond.

This abrogation of the Carolina Ordenance above mentiond, as an illegal act, and no law, is what the Board of trade did not expect, who had reported in favour of it.

22 March, 36.

The Trustees being Summond to Swear in the new Common Counsellors, So many Members met that we were likewise a Common Council.

1. Mr. Hen. Archer, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Tracy were Sworn into the Common Council.

2. Payment of 45.15.0 was order’d for a gilt mace for the Magistrates of Savannah.

3. Instructions were given to the Committee of correspondence to enquire how the Servants Sent to Georgia for the use of the Trust have been employ’d.

4. Also how the Silk winders have been employ’d, and what they have done, and how the directions of the Trustees from time to time relating to the cultivation of Mulberry plants and the delivering them out to the people, have been comply’d with.

5. A Grant past to Ja. Carteret Esq. of 500 acres.

23 March. 37.

Some of the Trustees thinking it high time to put the affairs of our Colony on a better foot than it has been of late, to remedy abuses, to prevent un-necessary & unknown expences in Georgia by certify’d Accts. Sent us, and to reduce the establishment of the Province within the 8000£ given us this Session, met by private agreement this day as a Committee of correspondence.

1. The first thing we went on was to read over the establishment, and to Strike off all branches of expence of a military nature, the Parliamt. having given this years money for the Settling, not the defence of the Colony.

We therefore unanimously agreed to drop the Rangers, the Pettiaguas, the Garison of Fort St. George, the building a Fort at St. Andrews and all that is doing there, the Darien establishment, and the two Scout boats of Carolina & Amelia.

2. We also agreed to dismiss Mr. Causton from being Storekeeper at Savannah, and to give the employment to Mr. Tho. Stephens at a Sallary of 30£ p ann. with 1 Clerk under him at 18£ p ann.

3. To break up the Store at Frederica, the time being expired of maintaining the poor Sent over by us to Settle there.

4. We also agreed to restore the foot Messenger between Carolina & Georgia to go every fortnight, and to appoint another between Savannah & Frederica.

5. That the Millright to Ebenezar Should be paid by the day, and not by annual agreement, and the labourers under them to be taken out of the Servants Sent over on the Trust Acct.

6. That a Sea boat Should be Stationd at Tybee.

7. That Mr. Causton who remains head Bailif be directed to oversee the Millrights at Ebenezar, and be considerd for his trouble.

8. That a months time be given him after his dismission from the Office of Storekeper to make up his Accts. of the Stores, and then to deliver up the keys to young Stephens.

9. That at Frederica Mr. Auspurger the Ingénier be employ’d as Surveyor to lay out peoples lands at 3 Shillings p diem.

10. That a Sea boat be appointed for Frederica instead of a pettiagua.

11. That the Orphans and Sick be taken care of both at Savannah and Frederica by the Magistrates of both towns.

12. That the Sola bills Sent over for the Service of the Colony, be committed for the future to the care of 3 persons to be Sign’d by them or any two of them to give them currency; and that our Coper plate be alter’d for that purpose.

13. That the annual certain allowance made to Tomachachi and his Indians be Struck off: But in our Estimate to make a reserve for presents to Indians upon renewall of friendship with them, entertaining them, fee.

Some other matters were also agreed on to be regulated.

14. Then Seriously conferring upon proper methods to recover the friendship of South Carolina, and upon means to make the Inhabitants of our Colony easie with respect to the tenure of their lands,

We thought it not unreasonable as to the former to make an explanatory law that Should allow of a certain number of Carolina Traders to be licenced by us, when recommended by the Govr. & Council of Carolina. And a doubt arising whether we Should not oblige them to give Security in Georgia as they have hitherto done, Mr. Vernon opposed it: whereupon Mr. Towers proposed the accepting those Traders bonds to comply with the terms of our Act, which the Gentlemen acquiesced in. The proportions of Traders of both Provinces to be adjusted between them and the Govr. of Carolina.

15. As to Satisfying the Inhabitants with respect to Females inheriting, I proposed that an Act Should pass, obliging our Selves and Successors to let the Parents lands fall to their female heirs or issue, conditionally that Such female marrys a man who will reside in the Province, and has no land of his own; By which means our purpose will be answerd of Securing defensible Inhabitants (which was our only reason for excluding female heirs) and the people will be Secure that the lands they have cultivated will go where they desire it Should.

To this the Gentlemen consented.

16. We gave order to prepare an advertisment in the London Gazet, and the Carolina Gazet, and to be affixt on the Town houses of Savannah & Frederica importing, that from the time of that notice, the Trustees will not allow of any agreements in Georgia for Stores &c, Or for any cargoes what ever to be bought there, or of any certified accompts; But that all things Shall be paid for in Georgia by our Sola bills only, to answer which purpose, a Sufficient quantity of them Should be Sent over, to answer all the expences we have or Shall provide for.

17. We could not but observe that Mr. Oglethorpe had been very careless of attending Summons of late, namely Since he found the Gentlemen resolv’d to reduce the Colony’s expences, especially with respect to the Military articles, in which he told our Accomptant he desired to have no hand. He Sees how many Members have left us, how many of the rest are grown cool to the Work, and that there is only One Set remaining to carry it on, whom if he Should disgust, the Charter would fall for want of a Sufficient number to carry it on & Support it; and Since he is not thoroughly pleased with our economy (wch. God knows is no more than necessary) he therefore chuses to be absent as often as he can with decency, and without a downright quarrel with us.

Five Common Counsellors withdrew this year as has been mention’d, Capt. Eyles Seldom attends, Mr. Frederick never, & Mr. Page came not to be Sworn, Ld. Limerick & Mr. LaRoch attend as Seldom as the rest. This is observed by the Town, and occasions a report that our affairs are desperate and under bad management. If a few more Should withdraw, we Should Scarce be able to go on with business: for tis Difficult and a great hardship that out of 24 Common Counsellors, 8 are at all times necessary to make a Common Council.

29 March. 38.

A Common Council was Summond to receive the Reports of the Committee of Accompts and Correspondence relating to the Expences of the Colony that have been or Shall be orderd, and in what manner they Shall be defrayd for the future. And relating to the Settling a regular correspondence between England & Georgia for the benefit of the Inhabitants of the Colony.

1. We read the Report of the Committee of Correspondence, & resolv’d Some articles therein Should Stand approved.

2. Read also a Report from the Committee of Accts.; and resolv’d thereupon that the following resolution be Sign’d by the Secrety. and publish’d in the London and Carolina gazets, and affixt to the doors of the Storehouses of Savannah and Frederica, viz.

The Trustees of Georgia out of a due regard to publick Credit, do hereby give notice, that they have resolv’d, that all the Expences which the Trustees have already order’d or Shall hereafter order to be made in America for the use of the Said Colony Shall be defray’d & paid for in Georgia in Sola bills of Exchange only, under the Seal of the Said Trustees. And they do further give notice, that no person whatsoever hath any authority from them or in their name or on their account, to purchasse or receive any Cargoes of provisions Stores or necessaries, or to contract any debt or create any expence whatsoever in America. And that no persons may be ignorant thereof, the Trustees have order’d that this notice Shall be affixt and remain on the door of the Storehouse of Savannah and Frederica in the Province of Georgia in America; and Shall be publish’d in the London & Carolina Gazet.

3. Refer’d to the Committee of Correspondence to consider of the Conduct of Noble Jones the Surveyor who has been grossly negligent in running out the peoples lotts.

4. After these matters were over, we adjournd to Mr. Oglethorpes house at his desire, he being confin’d by an accident, to Shew him our Plan of Expences to be made, the reductions to be thought on, and our proposal of granting new lands to the Inhabitants of Highgate, who complaind what they possess’d was pine barren, and petitioned for better land.

5. This he Strongly objected to, as also to the putting down the Scout boats, affirming that if they were put down, the Inhabitants in general would go away. To this I reply’d, we had not money to maintain them. Then Said he, I must Save it out of Some other article.

6. As to giving new land, he Said he knew the land of Highgate was pine barren most of it, But wth. pains it might be renderd very fruitfull as other pine barren lands have been. That if these people were humour’d in this, there would not be a man in the Colony but would desire to remove to better land, who at present have no thoughts of it. That the disorder this would occasion is not to be exprest. That if these men were all owned to change their land, they would expect a new allowance of provision for a pear which we are not able to give, and the Same would be expected by others. He used other arguments on the occasion which made So great impression on the gentlemen, that I Stood aloan for giving new land, tho before we were all unanimous in the point. The affair might perhapps have taken a different turn had Mr. Vernon been there, but he was obliged to attend a Committee of Counsel, being Clerk in waiting.

[N.B.] 30 March 1738. This morning I went by invitation of Col. Oglethorpe to See that part of his Regiment raised in England March through the City into Essex under the Command of Majr. Cook. They were well cloathed and young Sightly fellows. He had desired the rest of the Trustees to come, but only myself, Ld. Tirconnel, Mr. Christopher Towers & Capt. Eyles were there, which I observed was a dissappointment to him, he having prepared an elegant dinner.

[N.B.] 9 April 1738. Capt. Thompson lately arrived from Georgia gave me a tolerable Acct. of the Province: But Said the people of Savannah were in general very uneasie at their heirs female not Succeeding to their lands, and that it had made them for the most part abandon the cultivating their lands.

2. He Spoke much in commendation of Mr. Causton, and added that he took no more upon him than his Post of first Magistrate required.

3. He also commended Mr. Christie the Recorder as very Zealous for the Colony, Tho by Mr. Stevens journal it appears otherwise, for he writes that he is weary, and Suspected of taking lands in Carolina.

4. That he left the Colony healthy, but that many of the children born in Savannah die, which he imputed to the Parents drinking Spiritous liquours, and being infected with diseases.

5. That by Mr. Andersons care (the Inspector of the Publick garden) the Same is putting again into order, and that Fitzwalter formerly gardiner, who ran away to Carolina was return’d, and employ’d therein. That notwithstanding we were inform’d there were no Mulberry plants there, yet there are many.

6. That the Rancour of the Carolinians is much abated Since they heard that Mr. Oglethorpe is made General of the Forces, and Several who were violent against us, Say now that they were mislead.

7. That at Highgate from when la Fage and others wrote over Such complaints of the badness of their land bely’d it, for it will bear produce, but the lots of Some are worse than of others, and many labour under necessities that make them abandon planting, for the time of their hired Servants being expired, and their Servants having left them, they have not mony to buy new Ones. This in Some has been carelessness to lay up in Store, But most others had land that would not yeild them Sufficient to maintain themselves & Servts., cloath them, buy tools, and raise an overplus to Save money for buying new Servants.

12 April. 39.

A Common Council was Summond to consider further of the Reports of the Committees of Accts. & Correspondence: And of the Accts. received from Georgia by the Ship Two Brothers Capt. Thompson just arrived. And to consider of the further necessary orders for the Service of the Colony, to be forwarded by the Ships now near upon going.

1. The following letters from Georgia were refer’d after being read to the Committee of Correspondence, viz.

2. From Mr. Hawkins, 1 Bailif of Frederica to the Trustees giving Acct. that all was peacable there, but that the Crop raised last year was all Spoilt by the bad Season and Ratts. dat. 28 Nov. 1737.

3. Mr. Hawkins to Mr. Verelts that he wanted druggs and Medicines, dat. 10 Jany. 1737/8.

4. Mr. Hird to Col. Oglethorpe from Frederica, that all was well there, dat. 5 Decembr.

5. From Mr. Causton to the Trustees that he had Sent the 40 Trustees Servants to Darien. dat. 14. Jany.

6. From Mrs. Causton to Col. Oglethorpe about Mulberry Trees and making Silk. That She has in her garden 1000 plants of 4 years growth, but by reason of want of leaves, all the worms last year were destroyed. That the Chickesaws who came to Savannah Said they had a world of Mulberry trees in their nation, and if instructed how to make Silk would bring vast quantities, dat. 16 Jany.

7. Mr. Stephens to the Trustees giving a Satisfactory Acct. of the present State of Savannah, and referring for farther particulars to his journal from the day of his leaving Charlestown for Savannah 28 Oct. to 17 Jany. dat. 20 Jany.

8. Mr. Stephens to the Trustees that Several of the Inhabitants are dissatisfied with the Trustees in Tail male. dat. 19 Jany.

9. A petition from Abraham De Lyon a jew, Setting forth his progress in planting vines, and praying encouragement, by a loan of 200£ on giving good Security to repay the Same in 6 years.

10. Agreed with the Committees Report that a Cargo of flour and other provisions Sent for to Philadelphia for the Service of Georgia, amounting to 847.5.8½ be paid for out of the money reserved for the maintenance of the Servants arrived in Georgia.

11. Orderd that a certified Acct. amounting to 504.9.11 payable to Robt. Ellis & dat. 1 feb. 1737/8 be return’d unpaid, it appearing to be for a whole Cargo taken by Mr. Causton, of which there was not 50 pounds worth of provision, and the rest not wanted by Mr. Caustons own confession in his letter.

12. Orderd that 45-19.0 be paid for the Mace Sent to the Magistrates of Georgia.

13. Orderd that the druggs & medicines wrote for by Mr. Hawkins be Sent him.

14. Order’d that 90 Tun of flint Stones be Sent to Georgia for the foundations of Churches, and that 2 Tun of Swedish Iron, 2 Tun of Siberia Iron, and 200 weight of Steel be Sent for the building Churches.

15. Order’d 200£ being a farther Sum be paid Mr. Wrag on Acct. of 120 & ½ heads of Servants Sent to Georgia by the Ship Three Sisters Capt. Hewet, extraordinary charges being allow’d, for want of a Pilot.

16. Order that Mary Cooper now in England be paid 10.10.0, being the Rent of her house in Savannah inhabited by Mr. Hen. Parker one of the Bailifs, for which he is to account to the Trust.

17. Imprest to Aldn. Heathcote 1100£ on Acct.

18. Imprest 750£ more for payment of Sola bills.

19. Leave granted to Peter Gordon now in England (formerly 1st Bailif) to part with his House and Lot to Anne and Susan Cook daughters to Majr. Cook.

20. Order’d that the Secrety. write to Mr. Stephens that the Trustees will not alter the Tenure of their grants from Tail male; that he incert the clause in the printed terms Settled by the Common Council and offerd to Such persons as go at their own ex-pence, relating to females; that the Trustees think proper to adhere to the Covenants which have been made in their Several Grants, and that they will take the forfeits of Grants of those persons who neglect to cultivate their Lotts.

N.B. Dr. Burton and I were for Mr. Martins explaining the reasons why we adhered to Tenure in Tail Male, but Col. Oglethorpe and Mr. Tho. Towers opposed it, as too great a condescencion.

[N.B.] 12 April 1738. This day we had a debate of 2 hours at the Board, whether in complyance to the desire of numbers in the Colony, we Should alter their Tenure in Tail male and admit Females to inherit.

I was for it under certain regulations, and urged the general uneasiness the people exprest for want of it, even to their abandoning cultivation. I Said our only reason for not allowing Females to inherit, was to Secure the residence of Freeholders for defending the Colony, & this was a proper caution, at first Setting out. But the case was now in a great measure alter’d by Sending over a Regiment. That the people were possest of an opinion that the Trustees might one day take to themselves the benefit of their labours (they dying without Heirs male) and threatend that if in this point they were not gratify’d they would abandon the Colony. That great clamours have been raised against us in England for excluding females, and that tis no where done in America, where lands being as cheap as with us, Negroes and large Trusts allow’d, it was to be feard that numbers would make their words good and leave the Colony. That tis true we have favourd females on accasion, and hitherto justly adhered to a rule concerning the care of female Successions, But this was no law, and being in our own breasts to deviate from was not Satisfactory to the Inhabitants, and if our Trusteeship Should cease by resignation of our Charter to the Crown, which might possibly happen, & certainly would when ever the Parliament Should refuse their annual Supply, the Crown would not be obliged to follow our Rule. That Supposing the people were ever So much in the wrong, yet it would be wise in us to yeild to the general bent when we might Satisfy them without hurt to the Colony, and what hurt could there be by turning into a law a Rule which thought just, had hitherto follow’d, & were resolv’d always to follow?

Ld. Tirconnel and Sr. Willm. Heathcote Spoke on the Same Side. But Mr. Digby and Col. Oglethorpe opposed it, especially the latter, who pleaded that it was only a few Men desired this who had no daughters of their own, and intended when they had obtaind this point to ask for liberty to Sell their Interest and be allow’d the use of Negroes. That this was Suggested to them by the Carolinians who wanted they Should morgage or Sell their lands to them, & So make themselves Masters of all the affairs of Georgia. That the chief of these Inovaters was Patrick Mackay who fled Scotland for Felony. That it was impossible to make Such a law as would comprehend all the particular cases fit to be excepted, but it must be made general as in England, which was not the intention of any of us, and therefore would be attended by the ill consequences he mentioned, for after that, who could hinder them from morgaging or Selling, having So certain absolute & legal a property? that in length of time there would be no need of excluding females, for the Colony would be better peopled, and it Should be waited for with patience. That if any quitted the Colony because not gratify’d in this, he Knew others would take their forfeited Lotts, & give 200£ Security to perform their Covenants. That from the Southern Division of the Province Frederica, Darien &c we had not received one complaint against the Tenure in Tail Male, which Shew’d that this clamour from the Northern Division is owning to its neighborhood to Carolina.

The majority of the Gentlemen acquiesced in Col. Oglethorpes opinion.

[N.B.] 13 April 1738. Mr. Boltzius the Ebenezar Minister wrote to Mr. Verelts a very thankfull letter for the favours the Trustees had Shewn the Saltsburgers who had cultivated 200 Acres of land.

[N.B.] 14 April 1738. This day Dr. Barecroft told me, that Mr. Willm. Archer, Kt. of the Shire for the County of Berks lately told a friend of his, that he design’d to have given 500£ to the Trustees of Georgia, but Sitting in the house, and overhearing Some of the Trustees make a jest of our care for the Religious uses of the Colony, he alter’d his mind. These Trustees were undoubtedly Mr. White, Mr. Hucks &c who quitted the Common Council because we determin’d to preserve a Religious establishment in Georgia, and have Since forborn to attend us.

[N.B.] 15 April. Mr. Stephens Sent over his journal with a letter of this date, informing Mr. Verelts of Some perplexity the people of Savannah were in on the Spaniards design to invade the Province; that Some had left it for fear, but an order was issued that none Should go out of the Province.

[N.B.] 17 April 1738. Mr. Verelts acquainted me that the report of the Spaniards design to attack Georgia is true. For there was come the Capt. of one of our Ships who had been taken & carry’d into Havannah, but made his escape, and inform’d Col. Oglethorpe that there were near 4000 Men at Havannah and 2 Men of War. That he Saw 30 flat bottom boats already built there, and they were going on with more, to conceal which from the view of Ships that past by the town, they had built a blind of timber and boards 10 feet high. That they only waited the Barliavento fleet wch. usually comes to them in March, and then would joyn 3 Men of War to the other two, and invade Georgia or Carolina.

Mr. Oglethorpe acquainted Sr. Robt. Walpole with this.

19 April. 40.

A Common Council was Summon’d, to grant 500 acres to Capt. Heron, and to go into Committees of Accts. & Correspondence on the Several matters before the Said Committees: but there was no board. So we acted only as a Committee of Accompts.

1. De lyon the jews petition for encouragemt. to make wine being refer’d to us, We agreed that it ought to be comply’d with, and that 200£ might be advanc’d him on bonds to repay the Same at 6 years End.

2. We took into consideration Capt. Thompsons Memorial, and agreed that the 12 Servants undisposed by him in Georgia, part of a greater number carry’d over at his own risk, might be taken into the Trust Service, and paid for by us at the rate of 8£ p head; but that we ought not to charge ourselves with the rest of the Servants he carry’d and disposed of to private Persons in the Colony, who have taken them into their Service, and therefore that Mr. Caustons certified Acct. to pay the Capt. for those Servants ought not to be allow’d. For if it were, the Trust would Stand middle Men between those private purchassers and the Captn.

N.B. This paying for other peoples Servants who cant pay for them themselves.

3. The Correspondent of Mr. Ellis was very importunate this day to be paid the certificate Accts. brought us the last meeting & then resolv’d to be return’d for payment to Georgia, having bills as we hoped there to discharge it, and but 4900£ remaining of the 8000£ given us this year by Park, for the whole Service of the Colony to Midsummer 1739.

4. Another demand came from Capt. Wrag for 30 days loss of time, by Capt. Hewets not putting into Savanna River for want of a Pilot from the Shoar, which obliged him to Sail to Charlestown and back again, during which time he fed our Servant passengers, which with demurrage of his Ship came as he alledged to 187£. He was by agreement to have for accidents 100£, but now he ask’d 87£ more.

We told both Mr. Ellis’s friend & Capt. Wrag, that it Should be considerd when we were a board of Common Council, the Trustees not having power to order any thing therein.

[N.B.] On 21 April 1738, James Howell of Carolina Master of a Schooner made affidavid that being at Augustine 15th of Said month, the Govr. detain’d him, and would not Suffer one Englishman to Speak or write to another. That the 20th of March arrived there 37 pinaces &c well man’d & arm’d, of which 6 gallys made on purpose to go on Shoal water had 3 guns in their bows and 50 Soldiers. That in the mean time there came advice to the Govr. that the expedition against Georgia was countermanded, these preparations being made against that Province. That for 5 years he had used the trade to Augustine there never was more than 500 men in garison, but now there were 1500 disciplin’d men and 200 Florida Indians. That these Forces were to be joyn’d by others from the Havannah making together 7000 Men. Two 60 gun Ships and other Ships of War, and that 100 great guns were put on board a Spanish Man of War to Settle a Fort at Frederica, and it was reported there that 1500 french from Canada were to joyn the Spanish Forces on their Settling of Georgia. That he heard the Spanish Govr. Say, the Govermt. of England had agreed that Georgia Should be evacuated in 6 months then ensuing, and that was the reason of their keeping a launch and pinace behind, in which the Govr. was to Send an Officer in about a fortnights time then after, and demand a Surrender of Georgia. That he heard a proclamation read at St. Augustine, that all Negroes who did or Should run away from the English, Should be made free, and the Said proclamation had effect accordingly, for Several Negroes who ran away thither, and were Sold there were thereupon made free, and the Purchassers lost their money.

[N.B.] 24 April, Mr. Tho. Jenys of Charlestown confirm’d the Same Acct. by the relation of Capt. Prew just then arrived from Augustine. He also wrote the Trustees that our Forts and passes in Georgia, where he had been, were in good order and well guarded. That most of our trees in the publick garden were in very good & flourishing plight; and that he Saw our magazine of Silk worms which look’d very healthy, and he was Sure great quantities might be Soon produced and provided for.

26 April. 41.

A Common Council was Summond to grant lands to Capt. Heron: To order a new Trust Grant for 50 acre Lotts, and then to go into a Committee of Accts. & Correspondence.

1. Grant past & Seal’d to Capt. Alexr. Heron of Coll. Oglethorpes Regiment, of 500 acres.

2. Grant, lease & Release in trust of 3000 acres, for 50 acre Lotts to Protestants who Shall desire them within 3 years from the date thereof order’d to be prepared for the next Meetings of approbation, who are to put the Seal thereto.

3. Mr. John Wesley left at our Office his Lycence for performing Ecclesiastical offices in Georgia, which we took for a resignation, and therefore most readily revoked his commission. In truth he appear’d to us an odd mixture of a man, an Enthusiast and yet a hypocrite; wholly distastfull to the greatest part of the Inhabitants, and an Incendiary against the Magistrates.

4. Capt. Hewet of the three Sisters attended to be pd. for the maintenance of the Passengers Some days longer than he needed have done, in case he had waited at Tybee when he arrived there for the Pilot to conduct his Ship in. But having no patience, after making Signals he went to Charlestown and there took up a Pilot. This loss of Some days he would have the Trustees consider him for. But Capt. Thompson of the Two brothers who was this day with us, declaring that his boat went out from Tybee to bring him in, and thereby proving that Hewet was not under a necessity to go to Charlestown for a Pilot, We refused to make him the allowance he desired, especially as he had 100£ allow’d him before in consideration of any dissappointment he Should meet with in landing his passengers.

[N.B.] 26 April 1738. Saml. Davison a Constable at Frederica wrote to my Sons Servant Ridyard, that they had been wonderfully blest by Providence, very few had died, no one Sickly, a great encrease of children, and women bear who in Europe were thought past their time.

He also wrote to my Servant Gilbert the Same date, that he had been kept back in planting by the Spanish allarms, & had but a Small crop, but his land he clear’d was very good. That he had this year at both plantations 6 acres & 38 perches well fenc’d 6 or 7 feet high, and planted, which he hoped would afford him and his family bread: and all by his own labour, except that of a Servant, wch. for 9 months cost him the keeping 11.10.0 Sterl. That twas hard living there without a Servant, one Man being incapable to move trees and fences, wth. the other necessary labours that One must go through, before he can plant.

1 May. 42.

A Common Council was Summond to receive Reports.

1. The Committee of Accompts reported that large Credits had been given to Several persons by Mr. Causton, for which the Trustees had given no orders; and that they were of opinion he Should be call’d on to give an Acct. to the Trustees why Such credits had been given.

2. That they had also consider’d of the list of Servants transmitted by Mr. Stephens, wherein the first article consists of 40 Servants carry’d over by Capt. Thompson in November last, and order’d to the Darien for Sawing plank, under the direction of Lieut Moore Mackintosh; which being a charge on the Trust, they Submitted whether twas not necessary to appoint Some other Inspector to take care that the Servants under his care be So employ’d & an account taken of what they have done and Shall continue to do, and how the produce of this labour has been apply’d for the benefit of the Trust.

3. That 56 more Servants on board Said Captain Thompson, tho brought into the Colony at the Owners rick and 44 of them contracted for by private Inhabitants who Settled at their own expence, have been placed to the Acct. of the Trustees, and have all but 12 been distributed by him to private persons, without any authority for Such proceedings, and therefore they were of opinion that the charge of the Said 44 Servants must be answer’d by Mr. Causton.

4. That by the Ship 3 Sisters Capt. Hewet, 120 & ½ heads of foreign Servants were brought into the Colony the 24 Decbr. last; whereof 67 heads were put under the care of Mr. Bradley: And the Committee Submitted whether it is not necessary to appoint Some other Inspectors to take an Acct. how these Servants are employ’d, and how the produce of their labour Shall be accounted for to the Trust. That 9 heads & ½ more of the Said Servants were indented to Mr. Causton without any authority for So doing, wherefore the charge of them Should be answer’d for by him.

5. That they had examin’d the Sums paid in, & applicable to building Churches in Georgia, which amounting to 843.15.4 besides 65£ more Subscribed for making together 908.15.4. They Submitted whether Capt. Thomas the Ingénier on his arrival in Georgia might not be desired to make an Estimate for building a church at Savannah, and Send the Same by the first Ship. The Board agreed to all the parts of this Report.

N.B. The Committee who drew this report were only Mr. Smith, Mr. Lapotre and Mr. Vernon. They met at the Office for it, and then repai’d to Col. Oglethorpes who had invited a great many Trustees to dinner on acct. of his Speedy departure to Georgia. I Staid in the Country this day. At his house they made a board of Common Council and approved the report above mentioned.

6. 50£ Benefaction for buildg. Churches from a Lady unknown.

[N.B.] 1 May 1738. The further proceedings of the Common Council which Sat this day at Mr. Oglethorpes were

7. An order to pay for the two Sea boats purchassed by Col. Oglethorpe, to be employ’d for the pilotage of Georgia, the expence whereof amounted to 58.4.5.

8. Order’d 100£ to Mr. Verelts for his extraordinary Services not within the business of his Office as Accomptant.

9. Order’d 25£ to Jo. Brailsford for his Service in attending on the Trustees Account, to be a wittness in our dispute wth. Carolina: & that his passage back to Georgia be defrayed.

10. Several certified Accts. lately come were produced viz.

All which profusion of Expence made the Gentlemen Stare.

3 May. 43.

1. An Act was order’d to be prepared for the better execution of the Act prohibiting Rum.

2. The Memorial to Sr. Robert Walpole for putting the expences of the Colony for the future into an estimate and thereby to excuse us from the trouble of petitioning the Parliamt. was approved & Sign’d and many absent Trustees also Sign’d the Same.

3. We also Sign’d a recommendation of Capt. Gascoign to Sr. Robt. Walpole to obtain a better Ship. Ld. Talbot and Mr. Sloper refused it as a matter that the Trustees ought not to concern themselves about, and in truth they were in the right, but we did it in complacency to Col. Oglethorpe who much desired & prest it. Both these Memorials are wrong enter’d as to time, See fol. 244. Neither of them took effect.

4. Mr. Ellis’s Correspondent made a fresh application to be paid his certified Acct. But we refused to pay it on this Side as we had done before. Our Cash for the years Service being reduced very low, and we hoped Mr. Causton had Sola bills to pay it in Georgia, as he ought to have and much more unless he had Squander’d it away. We also believed that Mr. Causton had filled the Publick Store with that Ships Cargo, not that he had occasion for it, but to oblige Mr. Ellis, for which he probably received a private gratuity.

5. Robert Gilbert, a Taylor appointed 3 Bailif, in the room of Jo. Dairn deceased.

6. John Clark appointed Secy, for the Indian affairs in the room of the Revd. Mr. Cha. Wesley.

7. A Lot of 50 acres in Savannah order’d to Andrew Logie.

8. A lot of 50 acres in Frederica orderd to Hollyday Laws.

3 May. 44.

1. The Same afternoon the gentlemen here mention’d met in Committee of Correspondence and did Some business. Col. Oglethorpe finding us resolv’d to Strike off all manner of expence of labour & Credit, and to Subsist none but those we were obliged to by Contract, desired that the Common Council would write letters to that purpose, that the people might not impute So Severe an order (as he called it) to him or any advice of his.

9 May. 45.

1. We met in Committee of Correspondence, and agreed that all Reports of Such Committees Should be enter’d fair in our books, that if any parts Should be dissented to or alterd by the Board of Common Council, it might appear what was the Sense of those Gentlemen who made the Reports, that they might be justified when contrary resolutions were taken.

10 May. 46.

1. The Report of the Committee of Accompts dat. 23 March 1737/8 was received, to the purpose following:

a. That by Accts. reed, from Georgia the expences of the Colony for 7 months from Nov. 1736 to Mid Summr. 1737 amounted to 5905.5.9½ which is 843.12.3 p Month. And for 9 months from Mid Summr. 1737 to Lady day 1738 (including the Sola bills Sent for defraying the Said expences to that time) they amounted to 5729.19.7¼ which is 636.13.3 p month.

b. That besides these Expences paid & appropriated for payment, there are demands for certified Accts. of Stores, necessaries, & pay, Still due & unpaid to the amount of 2228.15.5 which when paid out of the 8000£ granted this Session of Parliament, the Said Stores, necessaries, & Sola bills now in the Colony, will be more than Sufficient to Supply the expence thereof, on the foot of the last established allowances Sent over with Mr. Stephens, until the End of July 1738. The Said Allowances not amounting to 500£ p month.

c. Which establish’d allowances (Sent by Mr. Stephens) being twice read over, the Committee were of opinion the following articles therein ought to be Struck off, and be no longer defray’d by the Trustees, they relating to the defence of the Colony, which the Trustees are no longer concern’d to provide for, because the money granted in this Session of Parliamt. is only towards Settling the Colony. Which Several Articles are as follows:

d. That the Committee were further of opinion, that the two Men employ’d in the Store at Frederica the expence whereof is 48£ p ann., and the Store keeper and Cattel keeper at the Darien, the expence whereof is 26£ p ann. ought also to be Struck off, the time of maintenance of the Inhabitants in the Southern division expiring in Feby. last. And that for the keeping Such Stores as may be necessary hereafter for the Said division, the care thereof Should be under the direction of One Store keeper for the whole Province.

e. That the Committee afterwards took into consideration the future expences of the Colony in America, and were of opinion that they Should be limitted to the following Articles & Sums for One year to commence from Midsummer next, viz.

N.B. This is exclusive of the articles which have no figures to them, Which Several expences the Committee were of opinion Should be defray’d by the Issues of Sola bills in Georgia, for that purpose to be Sent over under the Trustees Seal, and to be filled up to Will. Stephens Esq., Mr. Tho. Causton, and Mr. Hen. Parker, to each of whom an Acct. of the Expences to be defray’d Should be Sent: and that any two of them Should be empowered to issue the Said bills from time to time as occasion for those expences Should rise; and that they Should be directed to Send the Trustees an account Sign’d by both of them On every Issue, Shewing to whom, and for what Services, agreable to the expences order’d by the Trust, each respective Issue was made, with a list of the Several Issues So made.

f. To this long and material report the Common Council agreed after a considerable debate, Col. Oglethorpe labouring hard for retaining Some military expences which he Seem’d to have more concern for, than for the Civil, tho he Saw how low our Cash was reduced: but as he was now to take on him the defence of the Colony, that was most at his heart.

2. Order’d that 500£ be appropriated out of the 8000£ granted this Session of Parliament, when received, to answer the like Sum in Sola bills, to be immediatly Sent over to Georgia (being part of the 2850£ residue of the bills orderd to be made out 10 August last and Still unsent) towards defraying the above Establishment from Mid Summr. 1738.

N.B. This was intended as a Credit in Sola bills to be given Col. Oglethorpe to defray unforeseen exigences from the time of his arrival in Georgia, when all Credit is to Stop, untill our new Regulation of expences Should take place.

Order’d that when any of these Sola bills Shall return to England for payment, that any 5 of the Common Council be empowerd to draw on the bank for payment of them.

3. It appear’d to the board, that from Michlemass 1737 to March following, that wastfull Man Causton had expended 1 1000£ besides what other certified Accounts he may have drawn on us from that time not come to hand. We were therefore unanimous in reducing our Establishment, Col. Oglethorpe excepted, who Shew’d the greatest reluctance, and thereby did not a little displease the rest.

4. The board took under consideration a further Report of the Committee relating to the Services of Mr. Causton employ’d as Store keeper upwards of 5 years at an allowance after the rate of 40£ p ann. And that the business of the Store keeper being now much reduced, and Mr. Causton also otherwise employ’d, they were of opinion he Should have a months time after the receipt of the Trustees next letter to make out the remain of Stores, and his Several Accts. both of Cash & Stores to be forwarded to England: and that his Sallary of 40£ p ann. Should be continued from feby. last (to which time it had been paid) to the end of ye. Said month after the receipt of Such letter, and that he Should be assisted by the Clerks the Trustees Sent over, until his Said Accts. were perfected: Which when perfected and if allow’d of by the Trustees after examination) Mr. Causton Should be further gratifyed for his past Services. And that Mr. Thomas Stephens Succeed him as Storekeeper.

5. To this the Common Council agreed, only what related to Mr. Tho. Stephens, for on consideration that his father was appointed to inform us of all things that Should happen amiss, and that if his Son Should mismanage the Stores, it would be a great hardship on him to complain of him. The Common Council therefore appointed Mr. Tho. Jones (formerly High Constable of St. Gyles, to Succeed as Storekeeper of the whole Province, and take possession of the remain of Stores in Georgia, he giving 1000£ Security, and now going over with Col. Oglethorpe. And that he Should have 30£ p ann. allowance, his Clerk 10£, and 8£ more in lieu of provision for his Clerk.

6. A Petition of Majr. Will. Cook of Col. Oglethorpes Regiment was read, Setting forth that he design’d a good house at Frederica, and that his daughters Anne and Susan being joynt Proprietors of the house, garden, lot & farm lot at Savannah, lately belonging to Peter Hordon, he pray’d leave that his daughter Anne when of age might be permitted to Surrender her Interest in the lot at Savannah to her Sister, whereby his daughter Anne might be enabled to hold as her property the house garden lot and farm Lot at Frederica, which he would build & cultivate farther. The petition was granted.

7. Mr. Whitfeild on a letter dated from Giberaltar 20 Feby. desiring Some Stationary ware, and offering to be Settled in what part of Georgia we please, Since Mr. John Wesley was (as he heard) return’d to England: It was order’d that he be wrote word that he Should have liberty to exercise his Ecclesiastical function as Deacon at Savannah as well as at Frederica, until a Minister for Savannah be Sent over.

8. Orderd that Stationary ware be provided for Mr. Whitfeild.

10 May. 47.

1. The Same Evening the gentlemen on the other Side mention’d met again, and Read Col. Oglethorpes Acct. of 1093.0.9½ Sterlg. Stated to be due from him the 9th of June last, with which he deliverd to us the vouchers; & the Same was refer’d to the Committee of Accounts to Settle the Same with Col. Oglethorpe after his arrival in Georgia, for we found it could not be done before, He being to Set out tomorrow.

On the ballance he agreed that he was indebted to the (amount of) 480£.

2. Read also Mr. Bradley’s Acct. of Debtr. & Credr. between him and the Trust, by which he makes us Debtr. to him above 400£. But we unanimously agreed that it was unsatisfactory for want of particulars and Vouchers.

This Bradley was indented to go over and cultivate 100 Acres of Trust land, from which he was to receive out of the first proffits made of the land 100£: and he was to have 30 Trust Servants to be employ’d thereon. He also was to have 10 Servants to be employ’d thereon. He also was to have 10 Servants at the Trustees charge for his own use, and to cultivate the land granted to him. But without distinguishing his own Servants from those of the Trust (of which last he never indeed had his number) he brings us in debt to him for making use of his Servants upon other works than the cultivation of his own or the Trustees Acres, which he Says was order’d by Col. Oglethorpe.

N.B. This interposition of Col. Oglethorpes in a contract made by the Trust was very displeasing to the Trustees, and cool’d the zeal of Several, who fear’d he would involve them in expences & difficulties not to be got over by assuming more power than became him, whilst they laboured to abridge his power. Some of them also were displeased that Since he had the promise of a Regiment he quitted the Minority Side who opposed the Court measures, and behaved in Parliamt. on the opposite Side. There might be Some also Envious that he Should be the only gainer by the Establishment of our Colony, whilst the rest of the Trustees gave their Service to the publick for nothing, for they hinted that he had this point of a Regiment in view from the beginning; But I am thoroughly persuaded he never dream’d of getting a Regiment when the Charter was granted.

At parting we took leave of Col. Oglethorpe, he being to Set out tomorrow to embark.

[N.B.] 11 May 1738. Col. Oglethorpe Set out for Portsmouth, by express orders from his Majesty to embark the first fair wind.

16 May. 48.

1. We met in a Committee of correspondence, to draw up letters to Mr. Causton and others.

2. Capt. Thomas the Ingenier attending, we gave him directions abt. building a Church in Georgia.

[N.B.] 16 May 1738. I learn’d of Mr. Verelst, that no orders are yet given by the Govermt. for embarking the Stores that are to go wth. Col. Oglethorpe, consisting of Canon, powder &c. He can do nothing agst. the Spaniards in case of an attack, and yet he was hurry’d away by a certain day, as if it was of great importance he Should be on the Spot as Soon as possible. Whether this retardment be a contrivance, or only the effect of that Spirit of dillatoriness and negligence which reigns in all our Offices & affairs, I cannot determine.

The letters prepared by the Committee, having reed. Some additions at the Common Council next day, were Sent the 19 of that month, and their Substance was as follows, viz.

To Mr. Hugh Anderson we took notice of his good care & observations relating to the Publick garden. We exprest our concern that the grove of trees which Sheltered it was cut down, and that it likewise lay exposed to every bodies coming in and destroying the fruits. That he Should Send word how many days a ditch Surrounding the garden of 4 feet deep and proportionably wide, together with a hedge on the inside of the pales would take up. Also how many days in probability the making a pump or well in the garden would take up, and how many days to make proper divisions by hedges in the garden by 2 Men. That he Should raise as many vines, Olive trees & Mulberry trees as he could, which latter are best raised from Seeds.

To Mr. Abraham DeLyon We wrote that upon a bond enterd into by Dr. Samuel Nunez, Mr. Daniel Nunez, Mr. Moses Nunez & himself of 400£ penalty, Col. Oglethorpe had direction to advance him 200£, for propagating vines.

To Tho. Hawkins Esq., First Bailif of Frederica that we were pleasd to hear the harmony the people lived in, as he wrote us in Novbr. last, That he could not be too particular in acquainting us with whatever was worth our notice, Since We can only govern our Selves by the Accts we receive from thence. That he Should constantly inform us of the Improvements in building and cultivation of land, the births and deaths of people, and their behaviour in general. We recommended Sobriety and Industry, We promised our favour to the most industrious, and acquainted him that we had order’d the druggs he wrote for.

To Mr. Geo. Whitfeild that we are pleas’d with his zeal, and permit him to perform all Religious duties as deacon of the Church of England at Savannah as well as at Frederica, until another Minister is provided for Savannah. That We doubt not but he will lay every Spirit of dissention among the people, and that he will recommend Sobriety, and a due reverence to the Magistracy, as the most effectual means to make them quiet and happy, and qualify them for a just observance of the Worship of God. And that we had orderd him a box of Stationary ware.

To Mr. Stephens that We had reed, his letter of 19 Jany. & journal, & were well pleased his being So particular in his Accts. That we take notice of the dissatisfaction he mentions among Several people at the Tenure of their lands being confind to heirs Male, and of his observation on the advantages of their going to heirs general. That we were persuaded, this would on Second reflection appear to him impracticable, as the Colony will consist of people of So many different Countries. That to convince him that the Trustees always had and ever will have a disposition to make the people perfectly easie in this particular, and to grant the lotts when ever there is a failure of Male Issue to the daughters of any Proprietor, We enclos’d to him a Clause in the printed terms (which are always offer’d to Such persons as go at their own expence) relating to the Females, which are as follows:

When the land reverts to the Trust on the determination of Estates in Tail Male, it is to be granted again to Such persons as the Common Council of the Trustees Shall think most for the advantage of the Colony. And the Trust will have a Special regard to the daughters of those who have made Improvements on their Lotts, not already provided for by having marry’d or marrying persons in possession or entitled to lands in the Province of Georgia in possession or remainder. And the wives of Such persons, in case they Should Survive their husbands, and during their lives, entitled to the Mansion house & one half of the lands emproved by their husbands, that is to Say, enclosed with a fence 6 feet high.

We likewise inform’d Mr. Stephens that we think fit to adhere to the Covenants which were made in the peoples Several grants, and are determin’d to take the forfeit of Grants of those who neglect to cultivate their lands.

The letter to Mr. Causton is So long and contains So many particulars that it cannot be Spoke of here but in a general, and I refer to the book of letters; This Sufficient to take notice that he most egregiously mismanaged our affairs. That Servants carry’d over at the owners risk were by him taken on the Trustees Acct. and instead of being employ’d in their Service, were Sent upon credit to the Inhabitants, who afterwards hired them out to the Trustees at day labour. That he had given large credits to others. That he received large Cargoes of Ships when not wanting; that he had mounted the Expence of the Colony Since Mid Sumr. 1737 to 11684.16.7 And plunged the Trustees in debt. That he had not Sent his Accompts nor explaind particular Services as required.

That therefore they had removed him from keeping the Stores & appointed Mr. Thomas Jones to Succeed him. That when the remainder of Stores Should be exhausted, the Trustees would Shut up their publick Store. We Sent him at the Same time our estimate of Expences for the year ending Midsummr. 1739; and an Invoice of goods Sent with Mr. Oglethorpe.

77 May. 49.

A Common Council was Summond to receive the Report of the Committee of Accts. on the Cash Acct. of Coll. Oglethorpe, and the Several other Reports not yet made, and for what other business Shall appear necessary before the departure of the Men of War & Transports from Spithead.

1. The wife of Joseph Watson of Savannah appeard before us, and desired a copy of our order to Mr. Causton relating to her husband, and Said that if our Order was consonant to our reply to the Privy Council, then that Causton had not obey’d our order. We Show’d her the Order we Sent, and acquainted her that in pursuance thereof, her husband had been released from his confinement, and his Effects submitted to arbitration by his own consent, there being an Accompt to make up between him and others, but that the Trustees had not meddled with his effects. She Said we had Sent two orders over, which we told her was not true. She then desir’d a copy of our order, which we refused, having reason to believe She only demanded it by advice of her lawyer to give us unreasonable trouble. On this She went away complaining.

2. We prepared a letter to Mr. Hugh Anderson, in answer to his to me of the 10 August last, commending his care of the publick garden, and giving directions relating thereto, And desiring to know certain expences relating to it. This letter was Sent the 19th of this month.

3. The Committee of Accompts of 19 April 1738 reported that Abraham deLyon of Savannah might be advanc’d 200£ for advancing vines in Georgia to be repayd by him in 6 years, and that Col. Oglethorpe pay the Same to him, out of the ballance of his Acct. due from him to the Trust. The Same was agreed to.

4. The Committee of Accompts of 10 May 1738, to whom Col. Oglethorpes Acct. was refer’d, reported, that there will be due from him (after he has paid to Abraham Delyon the 200£ above mentiond), 424.2.10¾.

The Report was agreed to, and order given to acquaint Col. Oglethorpe therewith.

5. The Committee of Correspondence 26 April 1738 reported, that Mr. Hen. Parker might be allow’d 2 Trust Servants under Mr. Bradley’s care, to be entertaind by the Trustees till further order, & that 20£ be Sent him in linnen &c in consideration of his Services as 2d Bailif of Savannah: and if the Said Servants have wives that they also be paid for by the Trust.

6. They reported also that in case Mr. Tho. Christie continued in his office of Recorder, he might have 2 Trust Servants now under Mr. Bradleys care to be maintaind for his use at the Trustees expence. Which reports the Board agreed to.

7. The Committee of 3 May 1738 reported their opinion that Col. Oglethorpe Should be directed to order an Acct. of the remain of Stores to be taken immediatly after his arrival, and to know of Mr. Causton what demands any person has upon the Stores, that the Trustees may be acquainted with the State of their Affairs, before they create any new expence.

8. In the Said report, the Committee gave their opinion concerning Capt. Hewets demand for the transport of 120 heads & ½ of Palatine Servants carry’d by him; upon which the board orderd that enquiry Should be made in Savannah, and an Acct. return’d us, before we would pay the whole of Capt. Wrag his Owners demand.

9. The Said Committee reported their opinion upon Capt. Dunbars demand of primage for 2 voyages of the Ship Prince of Wales 1734 & 1735, that he Should be paid 28£ in full discharge: which the Board agreed to.

10. Report from the Committee of Accts. and correspondence of 16 May 1738, that the Plan of a Church at Savannah drawn by Mr. Flitchcroft be put into the hands of Capt. Thomas Ingénier, and that he be desired to alter the plan as he judges most likely to answer the Trustees intention, and that he make an estimate of the expence of Said Church & Send the Same to the Trustees.

This was agreed to.

11. The Board filled up Some blanks left open in the Estimate of the years establishment ending Midsummr. 1739, and added a Scout boat (for that year only) consisting of a Patroon & 10 Men & provisions for them, the expence of which is 258.15.1.

12. Order’d that Will. Stephens Esq. our Secy, take the care of our letters, and that it be refer’d to the Committee of Correspondence to draw up an advertismt. to that purpose to be fixt up in Georgia, that the Inhabitants might be aprized of a Safe correspondence with their friends in England.

13. We took into consideration the complaint made by the Inhabitants of Highgate, and orderd Mr. Stephens and Mr. Hugh Anderson to view the land wch. they alledge to be very bad. It is our intention to add Some better land to that they now hold in case their complaint be just.

14. Orderd that it be refer’d to the Committee of Accts. to determine finally the application of the Trust Servants, and make the proper disposition of them.

15. Orderd that Mr. Causton be wrote to (pursuant to the Report of the Committee of Accts. and Correspondence 23 March 1737/8) that no expences will be allow’d or defrayed, but those estimated for the Service of one year ending Mid Summr. 1739; and that notice be taken in the Same letter of the great expences incurr’d by him, for which he has given no Satisfactory Acct. Therefore that he be directed to Send over copies of all his journals or day books and ledgers from Lady day 1734, and that he continue to Send the Same every three months.

16. Orderd that Col. Oglethorpe do Set out the 3000 Acres design’d for the Soldiers of his Regiment, at 5 acres to each person.

17. Orderd that 3000 acres more be Set out for Such persons as Shall joyn the Colony, by Will. Stephens Esq., and Mr. Hugh Anderson at Savannah; and Mr. Houghton and the 1 Bailif of Frederica, & that these four be Trustees thereof.

18. Orderd that the Seal be put to all the orders made this day where requisite.

[N.B.] 20 May 1738. Mr. Verelts wrote to Mr. Hen. Parker, commending his good behaviour, and acquainting him that the Trustees had Sent him cloathing & necessaries to the value of 20£ Sterlg. as also allowd him 2 Trust Servants with their wives if married, to be maintaind by the Trustees till further order.

That they had appointed Robt. Gilbert for 3d Bailif.

That they had appointed Mr. Tho. Jones for Store keeper in Mr. Caustons room, who is a month after his arrival was to take the keys.

That the remain of Stores are in the first place to maintain the Trust Servants, who were now the only persons to maintain at the Trust expence, and Mr. Jones was to issue them pursuant to the orders he Should receive from Mr. Stephens, himself and Mr. Causton, or any two, who were likewise to defray the expences of the Estimate Sent over for the Service of the Colony for the year endg. Midsummer 1739, and Sign the Acct. of them, and Send it from time to time to the Trustees Specifying the Services for and to whom Such expences were paid. That they were to do the Same by the parcels Sent with Col. Oglethorpe, Only Col. Oglethorpe was to direct the presents Sent for the Indians, as he thought fit.

The Same 20 May 1738, Mr. Verelts wrote to Mr. William Bradley, reciting the Trustees agreement with him, and Shewing that they had done more than fulfilling it. That as to his alledging that his ten Servants had been employ’d in the Trustees Service, Mr. Tho. Jones had orders to enquire into it, by whose order they were So employ’d & for what time, who was likewise to enquire what Service the Trustees Servants under his care had done for the Trust. That he is also to examine his Acct. of demands on the Trust.

That the Trustees had order’d the following uses for Some of the Trust Servts. under his care, which he was to comply with, viz.

7 Servants for cultivating land in the Northern division of the Province, for Religious uses:

2 Men Servants to Mr. Hen. Parker and their wives if marry’d, and 2 more to Mr. Tho. Christie.

[N.B.] 25 May, Lieut. Govr. Bull wrote a Memorial to the Board of Trade Setting forth his Majesties just Title to Carolina & Georgia, and the unreasonable pretentions of the Spaniards thereto.

[N.B.] 26 May 1738. Mr. Causton wrote to the Trustees excusing exceedings of expences he had made.

Complaining that Mr. Bradley would not Stand to his Contract wth. the Trustees.

That he had given Credit to the Inhabitants, who otherwise would have deserted.

That he desired a certain Estimate of Expences & orders thereon. That Lieut. Cochran was arrived the 6th inst. wth. his part of the Regiment.

That Mr. Whitfeild chose to Stay at Savannah, till conveniencies were made at Frederica.

That in obedience to our orders he would certify no more Accompts.

That those Sent will give an Acct. of the Colonys debts, but the whole he could not make out, till the Acct. for the year 1737 was made up, which he was about.

[N.B.] 26 May 1738, Mr. Robt. Millar wrote from Jamaica to the Trustees, that the Spaniards would not Suffer him to Search their Countries for roots plants &c So that he found himself of no further use to us as Botanist. But that the beginning of next year he would carry the Ipicuana he had collected to Georgia: in the mean time he waited our orders.

[N.B.] 27 May 1738. Mr. Stephens wrote to the Trustees, & with it Sent his journal. He acquainted that divisions Subsided, & every one followed their own business quietly.

That he Should expect a perfect reformation but for that cursed evil Rum, which in Spight of the Magistrates care was Sold in private houses. That the well being of the Colony depended on Suppressing it.

That the people (many of them) were more industrious this year than heretofore, when they were discouraged from labour by Some that had thrown up their plantations.

That the Ebenezar and Darien people will in a little time want no assistance, being an example for labour having no Rum, but the people of Savannah lived irregularly.

That the Jews are a Shame to them, for good living, and those who are of the better Sort in Savannah & would be call’d Gentlemen, and would be thought politicians, and reform the constitution of the Colony, Scarce ever go to Church.

That Mr. Whitfeild was most welcome to the Sober part.

That Mr. Delamot the Schoolmaster was going to England, who had been very diligent in instructing the children.

That the Encouragement given the Potter was well bestow’d & rightly apply’d. That Andrew Duchee the Master had built a convenient dwelling house with a large Kiln in a room annext, together with 2 Other large rooms One for a Ware house, the other a work house, all in one compact building, well contrived handsomly finish’d & well accommodated for carrying on his work. That he is a Sober diligent and Modest Man, had baked 2 kilns of handsome ware of various kinds of pots, pans, bowls, cupps & Juggs, and wants no customers. That his next aim is to do Something more curious for transportation and is making tryal of other fine clays, a Small tea cup of which he Shewd him, which when held agst. the light was almost transparent.

That the Silk manufacture will certainly come to perfection in a little more time, but this unkind March had cut off the more early Mulberry leaves, & proved no Small balk to it.

That the Assembly of Carolina had Settled a Sallary of 100£ p ann. for 7 years on a Piedmontese & his wife to teach them the manufacture in all its branches, and these were to take Several Apprentices.

[N.B.] 27 May 1738. Mr. Stephens wrote to our Accompt. that he had given publick notice to the inhabitants to Send him their letters design’d for England that they might have a Safe conveyance, but none were Sent to him, Some of the wise heads reporting that it look’d to them, that the Trustees had a mind to get all letters into their own hands. So jealous were Some folks least their dark work Should come to light.

N.B. These were Robt. Williams, Tailfer the Surgeon & other Scots who had abandon’d their plantations, and were displeased at the Tenure in Tail Male, and being deny’d the use of Negroes. But in this Suggestion they basely traduced the Trustees, who had no other design by inviting the Inhabitants to Send their letters to enclose in our Secretary’s packet than to render their conveyance more Secure.

Mr. Stephens also wrote that the Servants were in general a Sad crew, that of his 10 he never had above 5 work at a time, Some whores, others theives, others Sick, So that their work paid not for their food & cloathes.

That Mr. Wanset Qur. Master of Col. Oglethorpes Regimt. who was Some years about Bordeaux and understands vinyards perfectly well, designd if a Ship on which he expected vine Slips came in before Christmass to plant a vinyard of 4000 plants: a thing of great advantage to the Colony.

30 May. 50.

1. We met as a Committee of Correspondence, but did no business, only read divers letters that arrived last Wednesday, together with the continuation of Mr. Stephens journal from 17 Jany to 28 feby. last, with Several lists enclosed by him. The date of the last letter was of the 1 March, which mentioned no Attempt of the Spaniards on Georgia.

2. Yesterday & to day came more certified Accts. to the amount of 707.16.7 whereby the amount come to Mr. Causton’s hands Since Midsummer 1737 was encreased to 12392.13.2 and the certified Accts. unpaid, to 4542.3.11.

31 May. 51.

A Common Council was Summond to receive Reports from the Committee of Correspondence and Accompts. and other business.

1. Dr. John Burton pd. his annual 10£ benefaction towards maintaining a Catechist in Savannah. And Mr. Tracy pd. his 10£ Subscription to the Same use.

2. Read the Several letters lately arrived, and were greatly displeased with Mr. Caustons Sending over Such numbers of certified Accompts, and Some for whole Cargoes of goods received by him into the Stores without any necessity but only to please & Serve the owners of those Cargoes, by which it appeard he overcharged the Stores to the great diminution of our Fund, and hazard of our money, he having credited persons not upon the Stores the repayment of which was very dubious.

It was beleived by Some of the gentlemen, that Col. Oglethorpe had directed him to overstock the Stores that his Regiment at their arrival might not want provision, or the Inhabitants encouragement, and that as thereby he would exceed our estimate and the Sola bills Sent to answer it, he put him upon certifying Accts. on the credit of which he made what expences he pleasd. But this manner of certifying accounts was a manifest evasion of our orders, who when we wrote to Mr. Causton to draw no more bills upon us, mean’d that the Sola bills we Sent over Should alone answer the expences of the Colony, of which we took care to Send a Sufficient number for that purpose.

3. There were now come by Capt. Thompson two certified Accounts, one of 434.13.4 and another of 469.1.1½. The first for 56 Servants carry’d over at his own risk, yet taken by Mr. Causton on the Trust Acct.

The other was for other accounts.

We resolv’d to pay but one of them: the other we returnd to the Captain to recover of Mr. Causton. But because he had always Shew’d himself zealous for the colonies Service, and pleaded that unless his bill were paid, he Should be a great Sufferer, that money being necessary to freight his Ship anew for Georgia, we orderd that 400£ Should be advanc’d him upon his & his owners joynt bond and an assignment of his policy on his Ship out and home, that he would use all proper means to recover the Same from Causton pursuant to the instructions that Should be given him by the Trustees. And we privatly intimated to him, that if he recoverd it not we would pay it. For it was the opinion of the Lawyers of our board that the Trust were obliged to pay Accts. certified by our Servant for goods actually received on our Acct.

4. Agreed to petition the Treasury for the 8000£ granted this year by Parliament.

5. Read the opinion of Mr. Strange Sollicr. Genl. on the case of our refusal to pay Mr. Ellis’s bill, and resolv’d to take no notice of it, Mr. Williams his Agent having mistated the case.

6. His Majesties Order in Council was read, by which the Ordenance past in Carolina for raising 2000£ Sterlg. to indemnify the Traders of that Province who Should act contrary to the Georgia law for regulating the Indian Trade within our Province is with much expression of resentment disallow’d, and annull’d. We orderd that a copy of it Should be Sent by his nights Post to Portsmouth to Col. Oglethorpe to carry with him to Georgia.

7. Grant past to David Prevost of the Widow Hews lot in Savannah, being at the desire of John West who marry’d her, and with her consent.

8. Draft order’d on the Bank for 400£ to be advanc’d Capt. Thompson.

9. Orderd that any 5 of the Common Council may draw on the Bank for 500£ to put in Aldn. Heathcotes hands to answer expences of the Colony.

10. A Moravian lately arrived from Georgia to Settle Accts. with the Trust for moneys advanc’d them to Settle, gave us a very good Acct. of their proceedings. They are now repaying us the money we lent them.

[N.B.] 31 May 1738. Mr. Verelts, by order wrote to Col. Oglethorpe at Portsmouth that a Stop must be put to all Credit in Georgia. That Mr. Causton had received Since Midsummer 1737, 12392.13.2, and the certified Accts. unpaid amount to 4542.3.11.

He enclosed to him a copy of the Order of Council for annulling the Carolina Ordenance for raising 2000£ Sterlg. to indemnify their traders who Should Act contrary to the Georgia law for regulating the Indian Trade in Georgia: and acquainted him that the Privy Council would give instructions to both Provinces to concert measures in the execution of the law for regulating the Indian Trade which may be for the mutual advantage & Safety of both Provinces, but the Same was not yet Settled. A day or two after they being communicated to us privatly but not Sent us in form, We Sent them to Col. Oglethorpe.

1 June. 52.

1. These Gentlemen met as a Committee of Correspondence, and prepared a letter to Mr. Oglethorpe directing him to Seize on Mr. Causton & his books as Soon as he arrived in Georgia that he may be brought to Acct. for buying whole Cargoes without orders from the Trustees, and for certifying Accts. after orders came to him hot to do it. So that he had ran the Trustees out more than 5000£ of the 8000£ given this year by Parliamt. which was to Serve till Midsummr. 1739, besides 11000£ not accounted for by him.

6 June. 53.

We met in a Committee of Correspondence.

1. A letter from Col. Oglethorpe dat. from Gosport 4th inst. was read, acknowledging the receipt of the Committees letter of 1 inst. and promising at his arrival in Georgia to Seize on Causton, which he judg’d very fit.

2. A letter from Jo. Brownfeild Register at Savannah to Mr. Tuckwell dat. 8 April last was read, containing a justification of his conduct as Foreman of the Gr. Jury, and averring his constant disposition to Support the authority of the Magistrates. He further takes notice that he could not return him money for the goods Sold on his Acct. because Mr. Causton had refused to give him a certified bill on the Trustees.

N.B. This discovers that when Traders brought goods to Sell at Savannah, Mr. Causton either took them into the Stores and placed them to the Trust Acct. without orders, or if Sold to others who had not money to pay for them, that he gave the purchassers credit, by paying the Owners on their behalf with drafts by certified Accts. on the Trustees, whereby the Trustees were ran out of their cash, far beyond the necessary provision they made for the Colony, and were become Creditors to a number of beggerly people who will never be able to repay.

3. A letter was read from Mr. Macbane to Mr. Oglethorpe dat. 29 March last, wherein he tells him that the Virginia Traders carry away the Indian Trade from us, because no orders were given to Seize their goods or make them pay a Fyne for trading with our Indians without Licence taken in our Colony.

He added that he had been in the Cherokee nation when his (viz. Col. Oglethorpe’s) house was going on. N.B. This article was new & Strange to us.

He added that he had 27 Servants of the 56 carry’d over by Capt. Thompson.

N.B. These were carry’d at the Owners own risk, and yet the Trustees were charged with them by Mr. Causton.

4. Capt. Howells affidavit (See fol. 253) was read relating to the Spaniards design to attack Georgia.

We gave early notice of their designs in April 1736 when we apply’d to the Governmt. for a military force to be Sent over to defend our Province, wherein So much time was lost, that half Col. Oglethorpes Regiment is Scarce arrived, & the other part ly’s now Windbound at Portsmouth. Had not counter Orders arrived from Spain in time, our Province had been lost.

5. An addition was made to the duplicate of the letter Sent, to Mr. Stephens, viz. that he Should go with Mr. Henry Parker to Highgate, and examine into the Settlers complaint of bad land, and want of Cattel: and that if it appear’d that any of them had not a Sufficient quantity of good land to raise Subsistence for himself, and Stock, then to order the Surveyor to Set out for him 5 acres of the best land unset, and nearest his lot, he resigning the like number of unprofitable land, & lying the least convenient to him. And that if at the time of receiving this letter they had not received the cows & calves mention’d in their representation, that Mr. Bradley be directed to deliver them.

6. Francis Piercy formerly Publick Gardiner at Savannah (who ran away with Mr. Robt. Bathurst from thence to Carolina, to avoid paying debts to the Trustees for things advanc’d his father Sr. Francis without the Trustees knowledge, by Mr. Causton) arriving last Wednesday in London, came this evening to the Committee, and complain’d agst. Mr. Causton for never giving him a receipt for work done, or making up Accounts with him. He Said there was 30 Shillings due to him.

We ask’d him why he ran away from Georgia? He reply’d he did not run away, but having lost his Father & mother in law, Sr. Fra. Bathurst & his Lady, his wife could not bear the thoughts of Staying in the Country. That indeed he came privatly away, knowing that Mr. Causton would have Stopt him. That Mr. Bathurst his brother in law came with him as far as Carolina, because Mr. Causton laid claim to all Sr. Fra. Bathurst’s Effects.

We told him we could Say nothing to his complaints until they were examin’d, for which purpose he Should put them in writing, and that it was not our method to determine anything by only hearing one Side. Upon which he reply’d he was Sorry to See we receiv’d him So cooly & went away. Wch. appear’d Strange to us, but we believed him drunk.

7. We prepared a letter to Col. Oglethorpe desiring he would Send for England Mr. Causton with his books & Accompts, to answer for his misbehaviour, to be laid Before the next Common Council.

7 June. 54.

A Common Council was Summon’d to receive Reports from the Committees of Correspondence & Accompts.

1. Seal’d a duplicate of our letter to Mr. Causton dat. 19 May.

2. A letter to Col. Oglethorpe from Jo. Crosse junr. Esq. Consul at the Madera was operi’d and read offering to furnish Georgia with wine at easie rates, being Vidona Canary, being cheaper and more advantageous than Madera wine. Order’d that a letter be Sent him returning our thanks, but that at present we had no occasion. Nevertheless we would recommend it to the Merchants who trade to Georgia.

3. The board re-considered the letter to Col. Oglethorpe of yesterday, and taking the opinions of Judge Holland & Mr. Henry Archer touching our order for Sending Mr. Causton over to England, they Said it could not legally be done, and if he Should So arrive a prisoner he would Sue out a habeas Corpus and be immediatly Set free. We therefore only order’d that he Should be kept in Safe custody in Georgia, on giving Security, till his Accts. from Lady day 1734 were examined & approved, and until the Trustees gave further direction.

It appeard he has not accounted for 13832 of our money Since Midsummer 1737.

4. Orderd that a copy of Capt. Hewets affidavit concerning the Spaniards purpose to attack Georgia be enclosed in a letter to Mr. Stone Secy, to the D. of Newcastle, & that he be desired to Shew it his Grace.

5. A letter from Col. Oglethorpe dat. 6 inst. was read, expressing the highest dissatisfaction at the Privy Councils instructions to the Trustees concerning our amicably adjusting the Indian trade with the Carolinians to mutual Satisfaction, and declaring, that were he at leasure or liberty to return to town, he would come & protest against it.

We orderd an answer to him this night that We were glad he did not come on this occasion, for those instructions were only communicated to us in private by Mr. Vernon, and not yet Sent in form, So that we have no proper cognizance of them as yet, wherefore neither he nor we can take cognizance of them as yet. But that when they came, we Should think it our duty, if we find anything in them prejudicial to the Colony, to make proper representations.

6. We drew up instructions for Mr. Abercromby Attorny. Genl. of Carolina & our Standing Counsel there, concerning the receipt of letters from Georgia to England, which he promised faithfully to forward as they came to his hand.

7. Removal of Mr. Tho. Causton from being 1st Bailif of Savannah, past the Seal.

8. Appointment of Mr. Hen. Parker to be 1 Bailif in his room past the Seal.

9. Draft made on the Bank of 132.15.3 to answer certain payments.

1737 to 1738

The Number of Trustee boards held this year were 23. Of Common Council Boards 21 (Summons was issued for 24 more but they were not attended). And of Committees 10. The whole number of days the Gentlemen met were 54, And the times each attended were as follows:

The persons Sent this year at the Trustees charge were 185 Males and 113 females, in all 298; which with 1076 Sent in the former years makes 1374, whereof Foreigners 465, British 709.

Abstract of the 6th years Acct. of Receipts & Disbursments ending 9 June 1738

The Ballance of last years Accts. remaining unapply’d, viz. 3519.13.11, viz.

Money depending to be Accompted for in America 9 June 1737 9133.8.9½ viz.

Discharge

Application of particular Benefactions as directed by the Givers

Particulars of the Ballance carry’d to next years Acct.