[1] “Antiquities of the Southern Indians, particularly of the Georgia Tribes.” New York, 1873.
[2] History of the Province of Georgia, pp. 29, 30. Wormsloe, 1849.
[3] Extract of the Journals of Mr. Commissary VonReck, &c., p. 32. London, 1734.
[4] The Stone of Help.
[5] An Extract of the Journals of Mr. Commissary VonReck, &c., pp. 16, 18. London, 1734.
[6] Moore’s Voyage to Georgia, p. 11. London, 1744.
[7] Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 87. Baltimore, 1855.
[8] Voyage to Georgia, &c., p. 23. London, 1741.
In reporting this change of location to the Trustees, Mr. Oglethorpe, on the 13th of February, wrote as follows: “The people at Ebenezer are very discontented and Mr. VonReck and they that come with him, refuse to settle to the Southward. I was forced to go to Ebenezer to quiet things there and have taken all the proceedings in writing. Finding the people were only ignorant and obstinate, but without any ill intention, I consented to the changing of their Town. They leave a sweet place where they had made great improvements, to go into a wood.” Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 13. Savannah, 1873.
Compare Harris’ Biographical Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 130, 132. Boston, 1841. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 113. London, 1867.
[9] Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 89. Baltimore, 1855.
[10] Reverend Mr. John Wesley, writing in 1737, records in his Journal the following description of this abandoned settlement: “Old Ebenezer, where the Saltzburghers settled at first, lies twenty-five miles west of Savannah. A small Creek runs by the Town, down to the River, and many Brooks run between the little Hills: But the soil is a hungry, barren sand; and upon any sudden Shower, the Brooks rise several Feet perpendicular, and overflow whatever is near them. Since the Saltzburghers remov’d, two English Families have been placed there; but these too say, That the Land is good for nothing; and that the Creek is of little Use; it being by Water twenty miles to the River; and the Water generally so low in Summer-time, that a Boat cannot come within six or seven miles of the Town.” An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley’s Journal, &c., &c., pp. 59, 60. Bristol, n. d.
[11] Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia, vol. I, pp. 226, 227. London, 1742.
In 1740 this Cow-Pen was still in existence at Old Ebenezer, the Trustees having a great number of cattle there. “But,” continues the narrative, “they were much neglected, there not being Horses or Men sufficient to drive up the young and outlying cattle.” A State of the Province attested upon Oath in the Court of Savannah, November 10, 1740, p. 9. London, 1742.
Compare An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 48. London, 1741. Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, &c., vol. II, p. 337. London, 1748.
[12] Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 91. Baltimore, 1855.
[13] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., Plan facing p. 24. Wormsloe, 1849.
[14] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, p. 47. London, 1741.
Another contemporaneous account is almost identical; “On the Georgia side [of the Savannah river], twelve miles from Purysburg, is the Town of Ebenezer, which thrives very much; there are very good Houses built for each of the Ministers, and an Orphan House; and they have partly framed Houses and partly Huts, neatly built, and formed into regular streets; they have a great deal of Cattle and Corn-Ground, so that they sell Provisions at Savannah; for they raise much more than they can consume.” A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath in the Court of Savannah, November 10, 1740, p. 5, London, 1742. See also idem, pp. 29, 31. “An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia,” p. 13. London, 1741.
Compare Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, &c., vol. II, p. 337. London, 1748.
The Rev. Mr. John Wesley’s description is as follows: “New Ebenezer, to which the Saltzburghers removed in March, 1736, lies six Miles Eastward from the Old, on a high bluff, near the Savannah River. Here are some Tracts of Fruitful Land, tho’ the greatest Part of that adjoining to the Town, is Pine-barren. The Huts, 60 in number, are neatly and regularly built; the little Piece of Ground allotted to each for a Garden, is everywhere put to the best Use, no spot being left unplanted. Nay, even one of the main Streets, being one more than was as yet wanted, bore them this year a crop of Indian Corn.” An Extract of the Rev. Mr. John Wesley’s Journal, &c., p. 60. Bristol, n. d.
[15] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 69, 72. London, 1741.
Compare A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath, &c., pp. 5, 29, 30, 32. London, 1742. An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, &c., pp. 66, 69. London, 1741.
[16] See McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, p. 199. Savannah, 1811.
[17] See Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 123. Baltimore, 1855.
[18] An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia, &c., pp. 39, 40. London, 1741.
[19] Chapter V, pp. 55, 59. London, 1733.
[20] An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, p. 13. London, 1741.
[21] Martyn’s Reasons for establishing the Colony of Georgia with regard to the Trade of Great Britain, p. 9. London, 1733.
[22] An Account showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia in America, &c., p. 32. London, 1741.
[23] Gentleman’s Magazine for 1755, p. 185. London Magazine for 1755, p. 186.
[24] Silk Culture in Georgia, by Dr. Stevens. Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 410, 411. Boston, 1841.
[25] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., p. 20. Wormsloe, 1749.
[26] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., pp. 21, 22. Wormsloe, 1849.
[27] The Saltzburgers and their Descendants, &c., p. 149. Baltimore, 1855.
[28] History of the Province of Georgia, &c., p. 24. Wormsloe, 1849.
[29] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, pp. 150, 151.
Under the Writs of Election issued by Sir James Wright in 1761, the following gentlemen were returned as members from St. Matthew’s Parish:
Abercorn and Goshen—William Francis.
Ebenezer—William Ewen, N. W. Jones, and James de Veaux.
McCall’s History of Georgia, vol I, p. 285.
[30] Watkins’ Digest, p. 8.
[31] See Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 194. Baltimore, 1855.
[32] In 1776, Ebenezer had been partially fortified by the Revolutionists. See letter of Sir James Wright to Lord George Germain under date March 20, 1776. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 239. Savannah, 1873.
[33] Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, pp. 203, 207. Baltimore, 1855.
[34] Ebenezer is not mentioned among the principal towns of Georgia enumerated by George Sibbald in 1801.
See “Notes and Observations on the Pine Lands of Georgia,” &c., pp. 58 to 66. Augusta, 1801.
[35] Watkins’ Digest, p. 298.
[36] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, pp. 154, 155.
[37] Marbury and Crawford’s Digest, p. 158.
[38] See Strobel’s Saltzburgers and their Descendants, p. 234. Baltimore, 1855.
[39] Rev’d P. A. Strobel.
[40] Reasons for Establishing the Colony of Georgia with regard to the Trade of Great Britain, &c., pp. 38-41. London, 1733.
[41] A New and Accurate Account of the Provinces of South Carolina and Georgia, &c. London, 1733.
[42] See Copy of Charter, McCall’s History of Georgia, Vol. I, p. 329 et seq.: Savannah, 1811. Reasons for establishing the Colony of Georgia, &c., p. 29. London, 1733. A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon oath, &c., p. 1. London, 1742.
[43] See Letter of Gen’l Oglethorpe to the Trustees under date February 27th, 1735-6. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, Vol. III, p. 15. Savannah, 1873.
[44] A Voyage to Georgia, begun in the year 1735 by Francis Moore, p. 17. London, 1744.
Compare Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. II, p. 330. London, 1748. An Account Showing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia, &c., p. 20. London, 1741.
[45] Moore’s Voyage to Georgia, &c., p. 44. London, 1744.
[46] Named by Oglethorpe after Frederick, Prince of Wales.
[47] These are “long flat-bottomed boats carrying from 20 to 35 Tons. They have a kind of a Forecastle and a Cabbin; but the rest open, and no Deck. They have two Masts, which they can strike, and Sails like Schooners. They row generally with two Oars only.”
[48] The Aborigines cleared considerable spaces on the Sea Islands along the Georgia Coast, planting them with maize, pumpkins, gourds, beans, melons, &c. These indications of early agriculture were not infrequent in various portions of the State. The richest localities were selected by the Aborigines for cultivation: their principal towns and maize-fields being generally found in rich valleys where a generous soil yielded, with least labor, the most remunerative harvest. The trees were killed by girdling them by means of stone axes. They then decayed and fell piecemeal. So old were these Indian fields that in them no traces appeared of the roots and stumps even of the most durable trees. The occupancy of these islands by the Red race was general and of long duration. Prominent bluffs are to this day marked by their refuse heaps, composed chiefly of the shells of oysters, conchs, and clams, and the bones of the animals, reptiles, birds, and fishes upon which they subsisted, intermingled with sherds of pottery, and broken articles, and relics of various sorts. Many localities are hoary with ancient shell-mounds, while sepulchral tumuli of earth are not infrequent. Besides the primitive population permanently domiciled on these islands, at certain seasons of the year, large numbers of Indians from the main here congregated and spent much time in hunting and fishing.
[49] An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 40 and 41. London, 1741.
[50] Buffalo and quail were found on the Main.
[51] State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath, &c., p. 25. London, 1742.
Compare Affidavits of Lieut. Raymond Demare, Hugh MacKay, and John Cuthbert, to same effect. An Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, pp. 61, 63, 64. London, 1741.
[52] Francis Moore, Voyage to Georgia, &c., p. 57. London, 1744.
[53] Moore says April. See A Voyage to Georgia, p. 63. London, 1744.
[54] Oglethorpe’s letter to the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 28. Savannah, 1873.
[55] This island was named Wissoo by the Indians, signifying Sassafras. It was called Cumberland in memory of his Royal Highness, the Duke of Cumberland, at the suggestion of Toonahowi,—nephew of Tomo-chi-chi,—to whom, during his visit to England, the Duke had given a gold repeating watch, that he “might know how the time went.” “We will remember him at all times,” said Toonahowi, “and therefore will give this Island this name.”
[56] Called by the Spaniards Santa Maria.
[57] Moore’s Voyage to Georgia, p. 71. London, 1744.
[58] On the South-west side of Cumberland island, and upon a high neck of land commanding the water approaches each way, Fort St. Andrews was subsequently built. “Its walls were of wood, filled in with earth. Round about were a ditch and a palisade.” Wesley’s Journal, p. 61. Bristol, n. d.
[59] See Wright’s Memoir of Gen’l James Oglethorpe, p. 167. London, 1867.
[60] See A Journal of the Proceedings in Georgia, &c., vol. I, p. 98. London, 1742.
[61] See one of the Memorials of the Trustees in “An Account Shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia,” &c., p. 58. London, 1741.
[62] See Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 191. London, 1867.
[63] See Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 188, 189. Boston, 1841. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 191. London, 1867. Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. VIII, p. 164.
[64] Stephens’ Journal of Proceedings, vol. I, pp. 294, 295. London, 1742.
[65] Gentleman’s Magazine for January, 1739, p. 22.
[66] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 48. Savannah, 1873.
[67] Sketch of the Life of General James Oglethorpe. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, p. 261. Savannah, 1840.
[68] Vol. II, p. 332. London, 1748.
[69] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 62. Savannah, 1873.
[70] Idem, p. 94.
[71] See Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, pp. 97, 101. Savannah, 1873.
[72] Compare Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, vol. II, p. 337. London, 1748.
[73] Compare Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. IX, pp. 214, 215. Stephens’ Journal of Proceedings, vol. I, p. 326. London, 1742. McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 124, 125. Savannah, 1811. Hewitt’s Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, pp. 70, 71. London, 1779. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 154, 155. New York, 1847. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, pp. 204, 205. London, 1867. Harris’ Biographical Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 194, 195, 369. Boston, 1841.
[74] See McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 125, 126. Savannah, 1811.
[75] Hewitt’s Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, pp. 72-74. London, 1779.
[76] Sketch of the Life of General James Oglethorpe. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, p. 263. Savannah, 1840.
[77] See Stephens’ Journal of Proceedings, etc., vol. II, p. 153. London, 1742. Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. X, p. 129. Historical Sketch of Tomo-chi-chi, C. C. Jones, Jr., p. 120, et seq. Albany, 1868.
For the precise location of Tomo-chi-chi’s grave, see Plan of the City of Savannah and its Fortifications by John Gerar William DeBrahm, History of the Province of Georgia, etc., p. 36. Wormsloe, 1849.
[78] See Jones’ Historical Sketch of Tomo-chi-chi, pp. 107, 108. Albany, 1868. Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. XII, p. 497. Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 256, 257. Boston, 1841.
[79] In the account of this transaction contained in the Gentleman’s Magazine for 1740, (volume X, page 129,) it is stated that after they were shot, the heads of these two Highlanders were cut off and their bodies cruelly mangled by the enemy. The perpetrators of this outrage consisted of Spaniards, negroes, and Indians. See Letter of General Oglethorpe to the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, dated November 16th, 1739. “The Spanish Hireling detected,” etc., pp. 50, 51. London, 1743.
[80] For full details of these incursions see letter of Gen. Oglethorpe to Col. Stephens, dated Frederica, 1st February, 1740. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, pp. 105-108. Savannah, 1873.
[81] In a letter dated Frederica, December 29th, 1739, General Oglethorpe explained to the Carolina authorities his designs against St. Augustine, and the assistance he desired to receive from that Province. A requisition was therein made for twelve 18-pounder guns with two hundred rounds of ammunition for each piece, one mortar with proper complement of powder and bombs, eight hundred pioneers, either negroes or white men, and the requisite tools “such as spades, hoes, axes, and hatchets to dig trenches, make gabelines, and fascines.” Vessels and boats sufficient to transport the artillery, men, and provisions, and six thousand bushels of corn or rice to feed the thousand Indians who were to unite in the expedition, were also demanded. He also desired that as many horsemen as could be collected, should, under the guidance of Mr. McPherson or Mr. Jones, cross the Savannah and rendezvous at the ferry on the “Alata” river, from which point they would be conducted into “Spanish Florida.” It was suggested that fifty good horsemen might be raised at “Purrisburg,” and that four months’ provisions for four hundred men of his regiment should be contributed, and also boats sufficient to transport them. Of artillery on hand the General reported thirty-six coehorns and about eighteen hundred shells. In addition to the four hundred men drawn from his regiment, and the Indians whom he had engaged, he expected to be able to arm and utilize for the expedition about two hundred men of the Georgia Colony, if arrangements could be made for paying and feeding them. For this letter in full, see Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, vol. II, pp. 338, 339. London, 1748.
See also “The Spanish Hireling detected,” etc., pp. 52-57. London, 1743.
[82] See Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 378, 380. Boston, 1841.
[83] The object of this fort was to guard the passage of the St. Johns river and maintain communication with St. Marks and Pensacola. It was a place of some strength, and the traces of the earth-works there thrown up may still be seen about a fourth of a mile north of the termination of the Bellamy road. Fairbanks’ History and Antiquities of St. Augustine, pp. 144, 145. New York, 1858.
[84] This work had been erected by Don Diego de Spinosa upon his own estate. Its remains, with one or two cannon, are still visible. Idem, p. 144.
[85] See Letter of General Oglethorpe to the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina, under date December 29, 1739. “The Spanish Hireling detected,” etc., pp. 57, 58. London, 1743. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, pp. 108, 109. Savannah, 1873.
[86] “Spanish Hireling detected,” etc., pp. 59-61. London, 1743.
[87] Of South Carolina.
[88] This was an out-post on the North river, about two miles north of St. Augustine. A fortified line,—a considerable portion of which may now be traced,—extended across from the stoccades on the St. Sebastian to Fort Moosa. A communication by a tide creek existed through the marshes, between the Castle at St. Augustine and Fort Moosa. Fairbanks’ History and Antiquities of St. Augustine, p. 144. New York, 1858.
[89] The main battery on Anastasia island, called the Poza, was armed with four eighteen pounders and one nine pounder. Two eighteen pounders were mounted on the point of the wood of the island. The remains of the Poza battery are still to be seen, almost as distinctly marked as on the day of its erection. Four mortars and forty cohorns were employed in the siege. See Fairbanks’ History and Antiquities of St. Augustine, p. 146. New York, 1868.
[90] The light guns, from their long range, caused trifling effect upon the strong walls of the castle. When struck, they received the balls in their spongy, infrangible embrace, and sustained comparatively little injury. The marks of their impact may be noted to this day.
[91] Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, p. 81. London, 1779.
[92] Stephens says, ... Most of the gay Volunteers run away by small Parties, basely and cowardly, as they could get Boats to carry them off during the Time of greatest Action; and Capt. Bull, (a son of the Lieutenant-Governor) who had the Command of a Company in that Regiment, most scandalously deserted his Post when upon Duty, and not staying to be relieved regularly, made his Flight privately, carrying off four Men of his Guard with him, and escaped to Charles Town; for which he ought in Justice to have been tried as a Deserter; but he was well received at home. Journal of Proceedings, &c., vol. II, p. 462. London, 1742.
Compare Ramsay’s History of South Carolina, vol. I, p. 143. Charleston, 1809.
[93] Wright’s Memoir of General James Oglethorpe, p. 254. London, 1867.
[94] See Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 239, 240. Boston, 1841, quoting from the Gentleman’s Magazine.
[95] See “An Impartial Account of the late Expedition against St. Augustine under General Oglethorpe,” &c., London, 1742, which called forth “The Spanish Hireling detected,” &c., London, 1743.
[96] For fuller account of this demonstration against St. Augustine see Harris’ “Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels,” &c., pp. 339, 340. London, 1748. “An Impartial Account of the late Expedition against St. Augustine,” &c. London, 1742. “The Spanish Hireling detected,” &c. London, 1743. Stephens’ “Journal of Proceedings,” &c., vol. II, pp. 438, 444-448, 461 et aliter. London, 1742. Hewitt’s “Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia,” vol. II, chap. viii, pp. 65-82. London, 1770. McCall’s “History of Georgia,” vol. I, pp. 143-151. Savannah, 1811. Stevens’ “History of Georgia,” vol. I, pp. 167-179. New York, 1847. Spalding’s “Sketch of the Life of General James Oglethorpe,” Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, pp. 265-272. Savannah, 1840. Harris’ “Biographical Memorials of James Oglethorpe,” pp. 222-242. Boston, 1841. Wright’s “Memoir of General James Oglethorpe,” &c., pp. 235-255. London, 1867. Ramsay’s “History of South Carolina,” vol. I, pp. 140-144. Charleston, 1809, &c., &c., &c. Fairbanks’ History and Antiquities of St. Augustine, pp. 141-152. New York, 1858.
[97] Stephens’ “Journal of Proceedings,” &c., vol. II, pp. 467-468, 494-495. London, 1742.
[98] Idem, p. 496.
[99] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, p. 273. Savannah, 1840.
[100] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, p. 274. Savannah, 1840. Bancroft’s History of the United States, vol. III, p. 434. Boston, 1852.
In this estimate may properly be included such officers and men of Oglethorpe’s regiment as were there stationed.
[101] Page 106. Charles-Town, South Carolina, 1741.
[102] Pages 51 and 52. London, 1741.
Compare “A State of the Province of Georgia attested upon Oath,” &c., p. 11. London, 1742. “An Account Shewing the Progress of the Colony of Georgia,” &c., p. 36. London, 1741. Wright’s Memoir of Gen’l James Oglethorpe, pp. 263, 264. London, 1867.
[103] See an Impartial Enquiry into the State and Utility of the Province of Georgia, &c., p. 53. London, 1743. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 264. London, 1867.
[104] Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, p. 258. Savannah, 1840.
[105] London, 1741.
[106] London, 1742.
[107] London, 1743.
[108] A Brief Account of the Causes that have retarded the Progress of the Colony of Georgia, &c., Appendix, pp. 1-19. London, 1743.
[109] See Letter of General Oglethorpe, dated Frederica, June 8th, 1742. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 298. London, 1867.
[110] For 1742. Vol. XII, p. 694.
[111] See Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, p. 133 et seq. Savannah, 1873.
[112] Consisting of fifty-six sail, and between seven and eight thousand men.
[113] This was a large Settee having one hundred and fifty men on board. A few days afterwards the fleet was dispersed by a storm so that all the shipping did not arrive at St. Augustine.
[114] These he attacked, driving some of them ashore.
[115] “Never did the Carolineans,” says Mr. Hewitt, “make so bad a figure in the defence of their country. When union, activity and dispatch were so requisite, they ingloriously stood at a distance, and suffering private pique to prevail over public spirit, seemed determined to risk the safety of their country, rather than General Oglethorpe by their help should gain the smallest degree of honour and reputation.... The Georgians with justice blamed their more powerful neighbors, who, by keeping at a distance in the day of danger, had almost hazarded the loss of both provinces.” Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, pp. 119, 120. London, 1779.
[116] This was on the 21st of June. Most of the accounts place the number of Spanish vessels, then attempting to enter Amelia Sound, at nine, instead of fourteen.