1733-1734

Transactions of the 2d year from 9 June 1733 to 9 June 1734

11 June [1733] 1.

Seal put to a Grant of 2800 acres in Trust to Jo. Barnes, Henry Parker and Joseph Sacheveril.

13 June 2.

1. Thanks orderd to the Speaker for his handsom expressions of Georgia in his Speech to his Majesty on the Throne.

2. Commission given to Dr. Warren to collect for us in his Parish, and thanks orderd him for his offer to give us a Sermon on the Anniversary day.

3. Review of the persons who are to go over at the Trustees expence next fryday in Capt. Daubur Ship.

4. Advertisement in the news papers orderd of 30£ received by me from an unknown hand for the use of the Colony.

5. Committee order’d to prepare an Acct. of our Receipts and disbursments to the 9 June 1733, to be given to the Ld. H. Chancellor, Ld. Ch. justice, & Master of the Rolls, as the charter obliges us.

6. Draft on the Bank & Impress to Mr. Geo. Heathcote of 1000£ for the embarkation.

7. Order that any 3 of the Common Council be a Committee of Accts.

20 June 3.

1. An offer was accepted from Mr. Mount the Stationer, that he will give the paper, if we will let him have the printing the things we publish.

2. Some persons who offer’d themselves for a future embarkation were examined & noted down.

27 June 4.

The Annual acct. of Receipts and disbursements gone through.

4 July 5.

1. Confirmation that the Revd. Mr. Herbert Minister at Savannah died at Sea in his return to England, of the fever & bloody Flux in June last.

2. Read letters from Mr. Oglethorp acquainting us that the assembly of Carolina, had given 2000£ of their currency to forward the Settlement of our Colony this year, and that the Committee of assembly had agreed to 12000£ currency for the Service of next year, which he believed would be approved at next meeting of the Assembly. That this 14000£ currency makes 2000£ Sterl. Besides which the Town of Charlestown had raised 1000£ currency, and paid 500£ of it for buying cattel for our Settlers. That he had hopes of converting one Indian town to Christianity. That he had Sent us Seeds Skins & druggs, being a present from the Indians.

3. Order given that care be taken that no prejudice come to our Colony by an Act Sent over by the Assembly of Carolina for his Majesties approbation.

[N.B.] The Act of the Assembly of Carolina mention’d on the other Side was for confirmation of divers old Grants of land, and drawn up in So general terms, that the Trustees were apprehensive if past by his Majesty, it might endanger the Title they have to Georgia notwithstanding their charter, because Georgia was formerly granted to Sr. Robt. Montgomery. And tho by a clause in his Grant, it was declared void unless cultivated & Settled with people in 3 years time, which was not done, yet by reason of a general confirmation and the making good all defects, the Trustees thought their Title might be weaken’d. But the Committee of Lords put them out of their pain by rejecting the bill 11 July 1733. The Lords present were Ld. Wilmington, Sr. Robt. Walpole, Mr. Horace Walpole and Sr. Cha. Wager.

4. Mony imprest to Mr. Geo. Heathcote to answer a bill drawn on us by Mr. Oglethorp.

5. Powers granted to Mr. Oglethorp to Set out the 2800 acres granted in Trust 11 June last, and to dispose of them.

6. Appointment of 4 Constables.

7. Grants made & past the Seal this day

To Tho. Fawsett 500 acres

To Robt. Hethrington 250

To Theophilus Hethrington 250

11 July 6.

1. Report made that our yearly accts. were laid before the Ld. Chancellor & Ld. Ch. justice Eyres.

2. Report that 70 heads of Saltsburgers had been wrote for, to come down forthwith to Rotterdam, from whence a Ship of Mr. Simons the Mercht. would be ready to transport them to Georgia.

3. Upon private Accts. from Charlestown that Mr. Oglethorp intended to Set out in 6 Weeks for England, We directed a Special Summons of our Members to consider thereof, it being of consequence that Some discreet person vested with proper authority Should be appointed to take care of the Province in his absence.

18 July 7.

1. Persons noted down for a future embarkation, one of whom Skilfull in fencing banks, and another in mechanical Engines. Others reduced to the last extremity of want.

2. Upon consideration of the difficulties we Should find to make boards of Common Council during the Summer time, at which 8 Common Counsellors must necessarily be present to issue money, and provide necessaries for future embarkations, It was concluded that at next Common Council board a motion Should be made that the Bank Should be drawn on for a large Sum to answer occasions, by any five of the Common Council.

[N.B.] On 20 July 1733 Richard Hodges 2. Bailif of Savannah died. He went over in the 1st Embarkation and had been a basket maker by trade in England.

25 July 8.

1. Ld. du Ferron a French disabled Officer desired to go over with his wife and 2 children on the poor acct.

2. One Rainer Partner with the Potash makers came to acquaint us he liked not his associates and would deliver up his Grant. There were 6 of them who had taken a grant of 1200 acres, and were to have carry’d over 12 Servants, and proposed to lay out 2000£. But we found them afterwards to be most of them beggers, and with this mans resignation the Grant to them all fell.

3. Some poor persons well recommended were noted for a future embarkation.

4. Letter of Attorney Sign’d to our Accompt. to recieve of the Treasury the 10000£ granted by Parliamt.

1 August 9.

1. The Corporation Seal broken and a new one made.

2. Mr. Martin our Secy, continued, his 1st appointment expiring 2 days hence.

3. A long letter from Mr. Oglethorp was read, giving a character of the Indians with whom he has made a Treaty, of his proceedings in Settling the Colony, and of the encouragement expected from South Carolina.

4. Grant past the Seal to Patrick Houston of 500 acres, also to Geo. Moore of 400.

5. A Saw mill order’d to be made & Sent to Georgia according to a Model presented to us by Messr. Thibbalds Timber Mercht. of London.

6. Order’d 5 guineas to Mr. Harbin for his Services.

7. Order’d 1 guinea & ½ to Mr. Brown for his information concerning Bacon als. Hog.

8. Appointed a Committee to make drafts on the Bank as far as 3000£ for defraying the expences of the Saltsburgers embarkation.

9. Order’d a new embarkation of English, and the above Committee to have the care of it.

10. Order for buying to be Sent over 160 Firelocks & bayonets.

[N.B.] 2 Aug. 1733 William Waterland 2d Bailif of Savannah was turn’d out of his Office by Mr. Oglethorp for drunkenness, whereupon he went to Carolina and never return’d. He was brother to Dr. Waterland the Kings Chaplain, and had been by trade a mercer, but breaking turn’d School master. His brother had renounc’d him & the very rich would do nothing for him, So he went over in the first embarkation on the poor acct.

[N.B.] On 5 Augst. 1733 I kist his Majestys. hand for creating me Earl of Egmont, and on the 11th of that month Set out for Bath, where I remain’d till 20 Octbr. following, and on the 24th return’d to London.

8 August 10.

1. Read a letter from Mr. Oglethorp, with the Articles of Treaty he enter’d into with the Indians.

2. Some people examin’d for next embarkation.

11 August 11.

1. Memorial prepared to the Treasury for payment of the 10000£ granted by Parliament.

15 August 12.

1. Persons examin’d to go to Georgia.

17 August 13.

1. Reciev’d the Receipt for the Parliaments 10,000£.

22 August 14.

1. Persons examin’d to go to Georgia

2. Rainer deliver’d up his Grant of 1200 acres, for Copartnership for Pot ash.

29 August 15.

1. The persons design’d for embarkation Sign’d their articles.

2. Dr. Warrens collection brought in 7.17.0.

3. Capt. Yoakly brought 2 barrils of Rice & 1 barril of Skins from Georgia on the Trustees Acct.

[N.B.] From the beginning to Septbr. 1733 about 40 persons Sent over by the Trust, died.

5 Septembr. 16.

1. Persons examin’d to go to Georgia

12 Septembr. 17.

1. Persons examin’d to go to Georgia.

2. Power Seald to the Revd. Mr. Urlsperger at Ausburg, to collect Saltsburgers for Georgia, and instructions given him.

3. Reported to the board, that the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge, who were the Collectors for the Saltsburgers, had come to a resolution to Support a Saltsburg Minister and Catechist, if Settled in one town, or 2 ministers & 2 Cathechists if Settled in 2 towns.

19 Septembr. 18.

1. Examin’d people to go to Georgia.

2. Recd. Sevl. benefactions for Religious Uses.

3. Sign’d a petition to the King for instructions to his ministers at Vienna, to admit Georgian Colonists into their City till there was a Sufficient Number to embark.

26 Septembr. 19.

1. Recd. Several benefactions.

3 October 20.

1. Recd. Several benefactions.

2. John Scot examined to go to Georgia.

10 October 21.

1. Received Several benefactions.

17 October 22.

1. Recd, of the Apothecary’s Compy. 20£ for the use of Mr. Houston the Trustees Botanist.

2. Recd, a benefaction of 20£ in butter, cheese or bacon, the gift of John Child.

3. Christopher Ortman proposed to be Sent over as Parish Clerk to the Saltsburgers, & Schoolmaster to teach their children English.

18 October. 23.

1. Mr. Vernon reported the muster of persons taken on board 3 Ships, viz. the Savannah, Capt. Wood, 130, [viz.] Males 73, Females 57. The London Merchant, Capt. Thomas, 5, viz. 3 males, 2 females. The James, Capt. Yoakly, 48, viz. 27 Men, 21 females, making in all 183 persons, and 139 ¾ heads.

2. Constables and Tythingmen appointed for a new intended vilage in Georgia call’d Thorp. Robt. Parker Senr. late Aldn. of Lyn was made chief Constable there.

3. Power under Seal granted to Mr. Oglethorp, or in his absence to Mr. Ja. St. Julian of S. Carolina, & Fra. Scot of Georgia Gent, to set out, limit divide & bound 2800 acres formerly granted.

4. Lease and Release of Said 2800 acres, made to John Ambrose, Isaac King Clark, & Arthur Ogle Edgcomb in Trust.

5. Lease and release of 2500 acres granted to George Buckman, Christopher Ortman and Willm. Sale in Trust for the Saltsburgers.

6. Same powers granted as in the former case to Set out &c the Said 2500 acres.

7. Seal put to the Ratification of the articles of Friendship and Commerce agreed by Mr. Oglethorp in behalf of the Trustees with the Chief Men of the Lower Creeks.

8. Grant past of 300 acres, and ground for a house in Savannah to Will. Sale.

Grant past of 200 acres & ground for a house in Savannah to Will. Terry.

Grant past of 500 acres to Patrick Tailfer, Surgeon.

Grant of 400 acres past to Andrew Grant Gent.

Grant of 400 acres past to Jo. Baillie.

24 Octobr. 24.

1. We order’d a Ship of Mr. Simonds to go the middle of next week to Rotterdam, to take up Saltsburgers expected to be there about the time of the Ships arrival. There go several person on board for Georgia Same time.

31 Octbr. 25.

1. Engagement made with Christn. Ortman a German to Set out ye 2d next month on board Mr. Simons Ship the Purysburg, Capt. Fry commander, for Rotterdam, & from thence proceed with the Saltsburgers to Georgia, and there to teach their children Englsh.

2. A letter was read, requesting that Several hundred Piedmontese Protestants who understand cultivating vines and making Silk might be transported to Georgia at the Trustees charge, they being now at Rotterdam in great distress. We order’d that as many as the Ship will hold more than the English now on board & the Saltsburgers expected Should be taken in, to fill up the Ships compliment, of 75 heads.

7 Novbr. 26.

1. Letters recommending Several Piedmontese or Vaudois Protestants to be Sent over.

2. Letters reed, of numbers perishing in Georgia by drinking Rum, and of an intended rising of the meaner Sort of Inhabitants.

14 Novbr. 27.

1. Grant past to Will. Stirling of 500 acres

to Hugh Stirling of 500

to Ja. Houston of 500

2. Powers given to Mr. St. Julian & Mr. Scot to execute in Mr. Oglethorps absence, Such powers & appointments as Shall remain unexecuted by him.

3. Power given Mr. Oglethorp and in his absence to those Gentlemen to Set out, limit and deliver possession of the 3 above Grants.

4. Powers to Mr. St. Julian and Mr. Scot to grant lycenses in Mr. Ogelthorps absence to persons to go out of the Colony.

5. Will. Lake petition’d for an addition of 200 acres intending to carry over ten Servants. The Same was granted, So that his Grant is of 300 acres.

6. Resolv’d that if there are not Saltsburgers to make up the number 75, that the Same be compleated with English men.

7. A Committee of any 3 of the Common Council appointed for that purpose.

8. Order to acquaint the Society of Christian Knowledge that on their paying 3000£, the Trustees will engage under their Seal to p ann 50£ to a Saltsburg Minister, 30£ to a Catechist, and 10£ to a School master.

9. 50£ ordered to the Secy. & 25£ to the Accomp. for ye Services.

21 Novembr. 28.

1. Letter and proposal read for 100 German families to go to Georgia.

2. Benefactions reed.

3. Persons examin’d to go over.

4. Order past for prohibiting the drinking Rum in Georgia, & to Stave all the Rum brought thither.

5. Grant past of 150 Acres to Nathanl. Polhill.

6. Powers granted to the Revd. Mr. Boltzius to do Ecclesiastical Officer in Georgia.

1 Decembr. 29.

1. A letter order’d, recommending Tho. Trip a Carpenter for 50 Acres on his paying 10£.

8 Decembr. 30.

1. Recd. Benefactions.

2. Read a letter from Mr. D. Wolters at Rotterdam, with a petition of Jean Louis Poyas to be Sent to Georgia with Several Piedmontese or Vaudois.

15 Decembr. 31

1. Letter orderd to Mr. Wolters, that we would receive Vaudois to the number of 40 heads, and that Mr. Poyas might chuse that number of Such as knew the Silk trade & Vine dressing.

2. Letter of thanks orderd to Mr. Von Reck for his intention to conduct 40 Saltsburgers to Georgia, & 10£ orderd him. They now were at Dover.

3. Imprest made of 500£ to Mr. Heathcote for the expence of the Saltsburg embarkation & other occassions.

4. The Saltsburgers agreed with.

22 Decembr. 32.

[No entry]

29 Decembr. 33.

1. The affair of the Jews debated, whose going Surreptitiously over offended every member present.

2. Letters read touching the Saltsburgers at Dover on board the Ship Purysburg, Capt. Fry Commander.

3. Letters read from Georgia of an accident befallen Mr. Oglethorp in Georgia, & his design to return to England.

4. Letters read from Germany, that 1000 Saltsburgers among whom are Some late converted Papists & 2 Priests, had given in their names to quit their Country.

5. Letters read that many Anabaptist have been order’d to depart Saxony, and desire to Settle at their own charges in Georgia.

5 Jany. 1733–4. 34.

1. Letter read from Mr. Oglethorp dat. 15 Novr. that he was Speedily designing for England. That he Should leave the Colony in good condition but could not make up Accts. as he wish’d, because Hughes the Storekeeper was dead, and his books not to be found. That he had drawn on us for 1100£ & Should draw again for more.

2. A letter from Some eminent jews was read, excusing their Sending jews to Georgia without our Knowledge. Order’d a letter to them to return their Commissions for collecting, and make us Satisfaction by using their endeavours to recall those jews, or remove them to Some other place.

3. 600£ imprest to Mr. Heathcote for immediate Services.

[N.B.] About the month of Jany. 1733–4 Mr. Oglethorp wrote that he had 437 mouths to feed in the following Settlements

There were about 40 more dead (whom the Trustees Sent over) about Septbr. last. By this it appears that many joyn’d the Colony not Sent by the Trust, but whose maintenance Mr. Oglethorp found reason to charge the Trust with.

[N.B.] On the 23d Jan. 1733–4 Mr. Oglethorp purchassed 40 Irish transport Servants who put into Savannah in their way to Pensilvanea being in the utmost distress, which the Trustees allow’d of. But most of them proved vile rogues.

24 Jany. 35

1. A Debate about moving the House concerning the great Collection made for the poor Palatins in Q. Anne’s reign, wch. was not paid to their use, but remain’d Sunk in the pockets of the brief Gatherers. Our design was that it Should be recover’d and apply’d to the Settlement of Georgia.

2. Letter from Rotterdam was read, desiring a Sallary for a Vaudois minister in case we Should carry any number of those people to Georgia.

30 Jany. 36.

1. Grant past to Joseph Wardrope of 150 acres.

2. Resolv’d that a competent allottment of Land be granted for the use of a Catechist in Georgia.

6 Feby. 37.

1. Commission given to the Rector of St. Georges Parish Hanover Square to collect benefactions.

2. Resolv’d to petition the Parliamt. for the Palatin money formerly mention’d.

3. A bill drawn on us by Mr. Oglethorp refused acceptance for want of advice.

4. 500£ imprest to Mr. Heathcote to answer bills that were accepted.

5. Dr. Hales desired to preach our next Anniversary Sermon at St. Brides Church.

8 Feby. 35. [sic]

1. Read a petition from Several Subscribers to the Collection made for the Palatin Refugees in 1709, complaining that One Walker had taken out a great number of Briefs, by which as they were inform’d near 20000£ had been collected for Settling Palatins in America, but that the money had not been apply’d to that use. Wherefore they desired the Parliamt. would enquire into the abuse, and that what money could be recover’d might be apply’d towards the Settlement of Georgia, or Some other Publick purpose.

2. Order’d that Mr. Douglass a Sollicitor be employ’d to get hands to the petition, in order that it may be presented to Parliamt. The Speaker having Seen & approved the petition.

3. A Principal Millright for Sawing timber, now in Georgia, having apply’d that Some others of that business might be Sent over. The Same was order’d.

11 Feby. 36.

1. Committee of Correspondence consisting of Common Council men and Trustees appointed to open letters, and prepare drafts of answers to be laid before the board.

13 Feby. 37.

1. Information given that what we had been told concerning the Palatine money’s being Sunk is a mistake, for that Mr. Bendish Secy of those Briefs Knew of 21000£ paid into the Chamber of London, who repaid it to the Merchants who transported many of those people to America.

2. Some bills drawn by Mr. Oglethorp were accepted he having give advice of them. And other bills to the value of 250£ were likewise accepted, tho without advice, by reason that if we did not they would have been protested, which would draw great Scandal on us, have proved detrimental to the Province on many Accts. and the protesting them had been 30 p cent loss to us.

20 Feby. 38.

1. I acquainted the Board that Ld. Bathurst would give Sr. Francis Bathurst 100£ to go to Georgia, and that he had 2 daughters and a son 16 years old. I was desired to let me Ld. know Sr. Francis Should have 50 acres for every Servant he carry’d, and that his Son Should be admitted as a Servant.

2. Order given for publickly advertising a legacy of 100£ left us by a Broker in Exchange Ally.

3. A Benefaction for the maintaining a Catechist, 10£ presented by Mr. Burton who desired the persons name might be conceald, and the Same promised to be continued 5 years.

4. Mr. Miller a Surgeon, recommended by Sr. Hans Sloan, was accepted Botanist in the room of Mr. Houston deceased, and he agreed with us on the Same terms made with Mr. Houston. He proposes to Sail in 2 months. Particular persons having Subscribed to him 195£ we engaged to make it up 200£ p ann.

5. Order given for Securing the Collections made for Georgia by Mr. Houston.

6. Mr. Douglass the Sollicitor reported, that the Collections made for the Palatins before they went over had been paid into the chamber of London & amounted to about 21000£. But that the Letters Patents for collecting were in force till the Michelmass following, and from the time the Palatine went no briefs had been return’d.

7. Some Bills of which we reed, advice were accepted.

8. Letter order’d to Mr. Oglethorp to Send us advice when ever he draws on us, and in his absence to Mr. St. Julian & Mr. Scot.

27 Febry. 39

1. Resolv’d that application be made to the Ld. Chancellor in favour of the Revd. Mr. Saml. Smith, for Some Ecclesiastical Preferment on acct. of his great Service to the Trust.

2. Ld. Tirconnel paid in a benefaction of 225.1.6 collected in St. George’s Parish Hanover Square, where Dr. Rundall preach’d.

3. Mr. Gordon 1 Bailif of Savannah lately come over to be cut for a fistula, attended, and presented a draft of Savannah wch. We orderd to be engraved. He gave us an acct. of the State of the Colony.

[N.B.] Mr. Gordons acct. of the Colony at the time he left it, November last, was, That there were about 500 Souls, and of them 100 fighting Men. That 40 houses were already built of Timber & Clap board, with Shingled roofs, but Mr. Oglethorp Still lay in his Tent. That the town was intended to consist of 6 Wards, each Ward containing 4 Tythings, and each Tything 10 houses, So that the whole number of houses & Lots would be 240. That there is a battery of 12 guns on the River and over them a Guard Room, besides which 2 block houses at the Angles of the town had each 4 guns. That a Town house is erected where Mr. Quincy perform’d divine Service. That under the town the river is 12 foot deep at low water, and at high water 19 or 20. But the Bluff on which the Town is built was 40 foot higher than high Watermark. That the kitchen roots and herbs Sent over by the Trustees did not Succeed So well as was expected, nor did the people apply themselves So much as was hoped to clear and Sow their land for garden roots & corn, because taken up with building their houses, which would oblige the Trustees to give another years maintenance above what had been engaged for. That he had great hopes the cultivation of Madera grapes would bring employment & profit to the Inhabitants by producing wine, and that the growing of Silk would do the Same. That the Indians of the neighboring Town were 40 Souls, and lived in great friendship with our people as they do with them. That Several Inhabitants were fallen Sick by drinking as was Supposed the River water. But Mr. Oglethorp had Sunk a Well in the middle of the Town, which produced a Sufficient quantity of good water. That the River had a great quantity of Several Sorts of fish, particularly mullet & Sturgeon. That the people were orderly and healthy when he came away, and Mr. Oglethorp indefatigable in carrying on the affairs of the Province, conducting the building the Town, Keeping peace, laying out land, Supplying the Stores with provision, encouraging the faint hearted &c.

4. Mr. Douglass the Sollicitor acquainted us that he had wrote to Mr. Walker concerning the Palatin mony in his hands unaccounted for, (which Mr. Bendish who likewise attended Said was 1300£) and that he had received no answer. We thought it proper to move the House of Commons for a Committee to enquire into this matter.

[N.B.] Sr. Rogr. Meredith delivered the petition, and a Committee was appointed 28 of Feby. but Mr. Walker was grown Senseless by old age and no Satisfaction could be obtain’d concerning the money his books being mislay’d.

5. Thanks order’d for 62£ collected for us in a Parish in London.

6. Final agreemt. made with Mr. Miller the Botonist.

7. Grant past to Ja. Hazlefoot of 150 acres.

6 March 40.

1. Agreed that the new Members to be chosen next Anniversary day be balloted for; and that if any two Members objected to the election, they Should have a weeks time to give their reason.

2. Order’d that the first Meeting of the Committee of Correspondence be this evening.

3. Instructions given Mr. Miller for his conduct in the Several voyages he is to make. He was agreed with 6 March.

4. Order’d an advertisment against certain persons who in the Trustees name, kidnap people to Send to the West Indies under promise of money or land.

17 March 41.

1. A By law proposed that all our Members be balloted for.

2. A By law proposed that upon any question proposed, a member may have leave to enter his dissent in writing, & that both be offer’d the ensuing Anniversary meeting.

3. Mr. Vernon proposed a law that heirs female & collatoral branches may Succeed to lands by will of the deceased. He Said many families were discouraged from going over for want of this permission. The debate was adjourned to the next Common Council day.

4. Ld. Tirconnel proposed the recommendation of our Secrety. to the Govt, for Some recompence of his Services to us.

5. A letter was read from one Peter Flower dated at Purysbury 7 Jany. last, giving Acct. that Georgia was in a thriving way.

[N.B.] The principal contents of Peter Flowers letter was, that about 600 persons were in Georgia. 10 families Settled at Thunderbolt 6 miles up St. Augustin Creek, and 4 below by water from Savannah, & as many by land. 10 familys on Tibee Isld. where a lighthouse was intended to be built. 10 families at the Ogeeky, 40 miles by land behind Savannah, and 80 by water. 10 families at Cornhow Creek 8 miles below Purysburg. 10 families at a village call’d Highgate 4 miles from Savannah, and 40 houses intended to be built for a vilage above Purysburg.

6. Another letter from Charlestown giving Some Acct. of Purysburg.

[N.B.] The letter from Charlestown added that Kilbury the most active man we had died 8 December last, that the people of the first embarkation do now work quietly and industriously, & that there were 48 houses in Savannah built, and good bricks made in Purysburg.

7. A letter the Committee of Correspondence to Mr. Oglethorp was approved, wherein we complain of his neglect to write frequently to us, whereby we are not able to acquaint the Great officers with our proceedings as we are obliged by our Charter. We therefore desire him to find a person proper to correspond with us, and promise him a recompence. We also complain of his drawing bills of 250£ upon us wth.out giving advice.

8. Finding our cash low, we order’d a letter to countermand the Vaudois who were expected from Rotterdam.

9. Grant of 75 acres made to Will. Bateman.

21 March 42.

1. This being our Anniversary day, We met in the Vestry of St. Brides Church, and after the transaction of Some business, heard a Sermon preach’d by Mr. Hales, and then din’d together at the Castle Tavern. Mr. Hucks was President for a time, but being obliged to leave us, Mr. Holland took his place.

2. A benefaction of 20£ from Dr. Rundal (Since Bi. of Derry) was reported, who promises the like Sum 4 years more to come.

3. We past a By Law for balloting for elections of Members, & for permitting Members who approve not of any resolution to enter his dissent in Writing, without giving his reasons.

4. Mr. Verelts laid before us an Acct. of our Expences Since 9 June last, which amounted to upwards of 6100£ and it appear’d that above 600 persons including Foreigners and others who went over at their own charges were at this time in the Colony.

5. A draft of 150£ made by Mr. Oglethorp was order’d to be paid, and

6. 500£ was imprest to Mr. Heathcote to answer other Bills expected.

7. New Trustees elected this day were

Thomas Archer Esq

Henry Archer Esq

Richd. Coop Esq Director of the South Sea Compy.

Robt. Ayers Esq. eldst. Son to the Ld. Ch. justice Ayers

Dr. Rundal Prebd. of Durham, Since Bi. of Derry

Mr. Talbot, eldest Son to the Ld. Chancellor

Robt. Tracy Esq.

Woolaston (Willm.) Esq

Woolaston (Fra.) Esq

27 March 43.

1. Letters from Mr. Oglethorp dat. 17 Septbr. to the Trustees and Mr. Tho. Towers were read.

2. Letter also from Mr. Causton one of the Bailifs of Savannah, that Since the 1. Embarkation 8 children were born and 33 persons dead.

3. The Widdow Warren who lost her husband and 2 of her children in Georgia, and return’d to England with Mr. Oglethorps recommendation, appear’d, and being poor, most of the gentlemen gave her each a guinea, and told her She Should return to the Colony with her new husband, when we could get him from the Ship on board which he was prest. Her house was converted into an Infirmary at her coming away, but the timber on her lot preserv’d for her remaining Sons use.

4. Resolv’d that any younger child, male or female, Shall on their marriage to any person who has not lands already in Georgia and will covenant to reside there, have a grant of land to descend to their heirs male.

5. Impress made to Mr. Geo. Heathcote of 500£ for the Colonies use.

6. Order given to the Committee of Correspondence to prepare an answer to the letter wrote to us by one Monsr. Dumont a foreigner, wherein he complains of the great inconveniencies and discouragement to persons who would Settle in Georgia by not Suffering females to Inherit. He was to be told, that it was in our power to let females inherit Estates when we thought it proper, and we Should do it in the general, but it would not be convenient to put that matter entirely out of our power by making an order that we would always do it. That our aim was to fix the number of residents in the colony, and if the girls of Parents grew up and marry’d, their husbands Should have lands And as to marry’d women, they by the laws of England Succeed to the Thirds of their husbands estates, and the law is the Same in Georgia.

7. Thanks order’d to the Revd. Mr. Ven for preaching & collecting for us in his Parish 34£.

3 April 44.

1. Mr. Vernon inform’d us that the Saltsburgers declined going to Georgia: and that the Collectors for their releif, had thereupon agreed to lay out the mony design’d for their use upon Vaudois who Shall be willing to go over. The Trustees therefore resolv’d to Send Monsr. Poyas & 40 of these people now in Holland, and approved of the letter prepared in answer to Mr. Dumont french Minister at Rotterdam, wherein we clear’d up the difficulties objected by him agst. our tenure in Tail male.

2. A letter was produced wrote by Mr. Bofin from Purysburg to Mr. Simons the Mercht. dat. 23 Jany. last, wherein he gives a very advantagious Acct. of the town Savannah, & of other Settlements, and highly commends Mr. Oglethorps application.

6 April. 45.

1. Half years Sallary due 23 Feb. last to Mr. Verelts, order’d to be pd. him.

10 April 46.

1. Recd. 5.6.3. for Skins Sold, which were Sent us from Georgia.

2. A Benefaction for Religious uses reported.

3. Commissions granted to 2 Parish Ministers of London to collect for us.

17 May 46.

1. Benefactions reed, of 71.1.6. & 34£.

22 May 47.

1. Mr. Bedford reported that the Society for promoting Christian Knowledge declined assisting us with money towards the expence of the Vaudois to be Sent over, and that all he could obtain was, that they would take no resolution till Mr. Vernon Should come to town.

2. Monsr. Poyas Conductor of the Vaudois intended to be Sent over, appear’d, and Said he had chosen 40 of them who understood the Silk business as also vine dressing & agriculture, but that they were unwilling to go unless their wives & daughters might Succeed to their Grants as well as their Sons. This occasion’d a debate, and the further consideration thereof put off to the next meeting of Common Council, and in the meantime letters were order’d to be written to Several absent Members for their opinion.

[N.B.] The point insisted on by the Vaudois to alter the Tenure in Tail Male in favour of female Issue caused frequent debates. This day there were none against it but Mr. Hucks & I. We were of opinion that Such alteration in favour of the Vaudois, would create un-easiness in the English and Saltsburgers who went over on the foot of Tale male only, and raise their jealousie that more Should be indulged to the Italians than to them. That when this desire had been exprest on former occasions, we had opposed it upon just apprehension that the female might marry a Man who would not live on the land, wch. of course would remain uncultivated, and Men inhabitants who are the Strength of towns and Countries be lessen’d. That this once obtained, it would be followd by a liberty to Sell, which would make our Grants become a bubble in Exchange Ally. That it was unnecessary the Vaudois Should insist on it, Since we Should not refuse any particular female her desire when judged reasonable, and for the good of the Colony, but because Such application might Some times be hurt-full it was fit [we] Should re[tain] the power in our own hands. Mr. Chandler Said he doubted if our restraining females from Succeeding is good in law, being contrary to the law of England. To wch. we reply’d that Grants are a gift which may be qualified as agreed on between the Parties, that we were not altering an ancient property, but giving a new one. Capt. Coram and Dr. Bundy Said the Vaudois Seem’d peremptory on this head, & it would be a great pity to lose the opportunity of Sending Such a number of usefull and experienced hands in the Silk trade. That it was no objection to Say that the Inhabitants now in Georgia will expect the Same favour, for it will be necessary to give it to them likewise, or else they will all go away as soon as the years Subsistance allow’d them is out, and the Neighboring Colonies will tempt them to it where the Proprietors have large Tracts of land uncultivated, where on they will give them encouragement to Settle.

We Said the debate must be defer’d we being not a Common Council to resolve the thing, and it would be fit the absent Gentlemen should be acquainted with it, particularly Mr. Digby, Ld. Tirconnel, Towers & Holland who Should be wrote to. Capt. Coram Said, we that are here might agree to it & engage to Support it, but we desired to be excused.

3. Our Secretary acquainted us that Mr. Oglethorp was gone to Charlestown in order to embark for England in feby. last: but twas believed he would return to Georgia to take care of the Saltsburgers just arrived.

29 May 48.

1. No answer could be made to Monsr. Poyas who attended, concerning female inheritance, because we were not a board of Common Council. But because the poor people were in great want at Rotterdam, we acquainted him they Should have 8£ allow’d them, (being with their wives & children about 50) weekly, till Such time as they Knew the resolution taken therein. NB. This 8£ weekly allowance was not to be taken out of the Trustees Cash, but out of 50£ given by Ld. Tullamore for Such purposes the Trustees Should judge proper.

2. The debate revived concerning the Vaudois demand that their daughters might inherit. But nothing could be determin’d because we were not a Common Council Board.

[N.B.] Two letters received from Mr. Digby & Ld. Tirconnel, occasioned the revival of the debate mentioned in the foregoing folio concerning the allowing the Vaudois daughters to inherit. The former was much against it, & the latter as Strenuous for it. Mr. Towers opposed it warmly, and fell Severely on Capt. Coram for being the occasion of the dissatisfaction which was risen against the exclusion of female heirs. He told him he was only a Trustee, and ought to [justify?] to the publick as he did in all places a resolution taken upon wise grounds by the Common Council. That we Should hear his opinion at all times with pleasure, but he ought to know himself bound by the decisions of the board. That it was Strange the Vaudois who are banish’d naked out of their Country for Religion Should Scruple to take lands in Georgia on the Same foot as the English and Saltsburgers have done. That our present Grants are only to Settle Inhabitants till a body of laws Shall be made, which very likely may alter the present tenure more to their mind and advantage, but these laws will take time to make and must be well considered, and must also pass the approbation of the King and Council. But to grant what the Vaudois desire, would be giving them Estates absolutely in Fee Simple, which his Majy. & Council might not approve. Nevertheless, Mr. Towers hastily drew up Some further encouragements to be consider’d of at the next Common Council board, and to be Shewn to Monsr. Poyas for his opinion whether that would Satisfy the Vaudois: Such as granting 50 acres of land to the Widow over 6 above her Thirds of her deceased husbands 50 acres, in case She remarrys a Man who will Settle on it. As also 50 acres to every daughter when She marrys.

7 June 49

1. The Vaudois having presented a Memorial that exceeded the demands contain’d in the former, as that their lands might descend in Fee Simple on female heirs, together with other articles that if granted would cause a mutiny in the Colony, it was unanimously rejected, and Mr. Poyas civily dismist. Mr. Bedford gave a good character of them out of the Book of Revelations, and desired Something might be done for them. So we order’d them a full months Subsistence at 9£ per week, and that Mr. Poyas’s charges of coming & going back Should be paid.

2. We past a grant to Sr. Fra. Bathurst Bt. but he desiring Some alterations in it, it was afterwards cancell’d for a new one.

The Number of Trustee Boards held this 2d Year were 48, and of Common Council 21. The number of days the Gentlemen met on were 49, and the number of times each of them attended were as follows:

The Persons Sent this 2d Year at the Trustees charge were 208 Men, 133 Women, in all 341. Which added to 93 men and 59 women Sent the 1st year makes 301 men and 192 women: in all 493.

The Country Lotts granted this year were

The Several Embarkations made this year were as follow:

The Number Sent this year on the poor account was 341, which with 152 Sent in 1733 makes 493, of whom males 299 Females 194. In Jany. 1733–4, 40 Irish Transport Servants put in to Savannah harbour in great distress, whom Mr. Oglethorp purchassed, and in April 1733 Six were Sent from England, So that at this time we had 46 Trust Servants in the Province.