Chapter D: Preface (2)

GOD’s ways are in the deep; the LORD only knows what he is about to do with your dear family. Here at Mr. _Bull_’s and at Mr. _Hugh Bryan_’s they sojourn at present, and all, blessed be our gracious JESUS, in pretty good bodily health. Distress from the hands of the _Spaniards_ (under GOD) seems to be coming upon poor _Georgia_, and perhaps upon this colony also. Our afflictions have been heavy: the LORD only enabled us to bear up under them; but I really believe we have tasted but the first fruits of our trials. Was it not for a persuasion that GOD can, yea, will help us, we must sink under a prospect of impending difficulties. About the 25th of last month several _Spanish_ galleys came into _Cumberland_ sound, a little to the South of St. _Simon_’s, where the General’s forces are encamped. The General himself in a deal cutter, accompanied with two boats, was attacked by them, and had a very wonderful escape. The gallies went off as though they would go to _Augustine_; but a day or two after returned, attended with several schooners, sloops, and ships of force to St. _Simon_’s. Several days they lay within sight of the General’s camp. When we heard this, we kept a day of fasting, prayer, and humiliation, to ask direction of our great shepherd what we should do. As the _Spanish_ fleet had then made no inroad upon the General, we concluded to _stand still_ and wait upon GOD. The 5th instant the _Spanish_ fleet run into St. _Simon_’s _Sound_, up the river that leads to _Frederica_. The fleet, I hear, consisted of thirty-five or thirty-seven vessels; and notwithstanding the General fired upon them from his battery, and two privateers, and other vessels did the same, they passed without seeming to regard them, and landed a great number of people at _Gascoign’s Bluff_ on St. _Simon_’s. The General seeing himself encompassed about with enemies, ordered several sloops, _New-Yorkers_, laden with provision to be sunk; his privateer sloop was burnt, and Captain _Thomson_ and the ♦schooner made the best of their way to the North. The General is now surrounded by the _Spaniards_ upon an island, without having one vessel of any bigness to carry him and his army off. He retreated from St. _Simon_’s (burnt all the hutts, houses, &c. there) to _Frederica_, and gave leave for the women and children, and I think all except his fighting people, to make their escape.

♦ “scooner” replaced with “schooner”

The 17th instant several boats full of people passed by our house, and informed us of the above, and that it was thought the General’s army would be entirely cut off, unless great assistance was immediately sent them, which it is likely could not be done soon enough. We all met together, and prayed to our dear Father, and afterward desired every one to speak their mind freely, what was necessary to be done in this emergency. We considered it would be impossible to move so many children, weak women, and babes in their arms away upon a sudden approach of the enemy; that we were so locked in, that we could not get through the _Narrows_ with our boats but four hours in twenty-four, and unanimously agreed to move them away directly. But we had one great objection to get over, the glory of GOD; we thought the providence of GOD plainly pointed out our removal; and if the _Spaniards_ should be permitted to take and burn all before them, we should be accessary to the death of eighty-five poor creatures, and likewise bring a reproach upon religion, through our disregard of using means for our preservation. Our friends thought things might not be _so bad_ as reported, and concluded to stay that evening at the Orphan-house, while I should go to _Savannah_ to ask the advice of friends, and likewise be better informed about it. Accordingly I went about nine that evening, and returned at three in the morning. The news I had confirmed from the persons who had fled from _Frederica_; and our friends at _Savannah_ advised us to move. Mr. _Jones_ offered to lend me any assistance to do it. The next morning, as delays might be dangerous, we took as many goods out of the house as the boats would conveniently carry with the people. We had none about us but Mr. _K――――_’s and _G――――_’s family, and two sick men in the infirmary, and in all made about eighty-five or eighty-six persons. Then we had another difficulty to grapple with: we knew not where to go. If we went to _Ebenezer_, we had no opportunity of providing so large a body of people with provisions, and might be in as much danger there as at _Bethesda_. If we went to _Carolina_, we considered that it was there, in all probability, the enemy wanted to be, and were destroying _Georgia_ in order to get there with the more safety. But believing we should be better able to make our retreat to the Northward from _Carolina_, if necessity should oblige us, and also should be better able to supply the family with victuals, we came here last night about twelve o’clock, and were received kindly by our dear friends, who think we have done right in moving.

Mr. _Barber_ who superintends the spiritual affairs of the family, in a letter dated near the same time writes,――“That as they were on their passage, they heard guns firing all round them, which occasioned them to think they were in the midst of their enemies.――This brought them into straits, not knowing which way to take to avoid falling into their hands.――But the LORD giving them to strengthen themselves in him, they ventured on, and got safe to the shore; where they were informed, that the guns they had heard, where in _Carolina_, firing to alarm the province of the danger they apprehended they were in from the _Spaniards_. What those guns were that they heard firing from other quarters they did not know; most probably their enemies, whom the LORD directed them to shun by taking the way they did.”

Mr. _Habersham_, again says,――How it is with _Georgia_, I have not heard these three days; but as we left a great quantity of goods at the Orphan-house, and fearing that it might be plundered, brother _Grant_ and I, with four hands, are in a few minutes to go there. I think, as we have moved away the helpless people, if the enemy should come, we can the better make our escape. O my brother, I hope you will not blame us.――A sense of so many souls being liable to be destroyed, was very burdensome, and called for speedy acting. I know not whether I shall be ever able to write to you again. Perhaps some friends that I leave behind me here may, and then they will tell you of all our difficulties. It is hard to leave my dear friends and children, my wife and little babe; but duty obliges me to go; I have no time to say any more; what I have written has been in great hurry. Pray pardon my abruptness. If I never see you, or write more, let me assure _you of my love_. I hope I need not now use any arguments to persuade you to come over. Farewel, farewel, farewel.

Yours, for ever,

_James Habersham_.

’Tis past one in the morning.

From Mr. _Habersham_, at Mr. _Bull_’s plantation in
_South-Carolina_, _July 27, 1742_.

_My dear Friend and Brother_,

I WROTE you the 4th, 11th, and 14th instant. Doubtless the contents of my letters will give you some concern, and will be a means of hastening you over to us. I hope you will find us at our desired habitation. Hitherto the LORD seems to be on our side, and fights our battles. News is lately come from the General, that the _Spaniards_ have moved off in great confusion; but it is not sufficiently confirmed; when it is, we purpose moving to _Bethesda_. In mine of the 11th instant, I informed you, according to my knowledge of the state of your family, and the colony till that time. I told you brother _Grant_ and self were just returning to _Georgia_. We soon got there, and found our goods and house safe. _John Goldwire_, I, and a boy, staid at _Bethesda_ while brother _Grant_ went to _Carolina_, and returned with two boats. In the mean time we heard the General had engaged twice with a party of the _Spaniards_, and killed and taken one hundred and fifty of them, and that the enemy was so intimidated, and the General’s army so encouraged, that there was great expectations that the _Spaniards_ would soon be drove off the island. GOD was pleased at this time to bring me very low by bodily illness, so that I was almost incapable of making any escape, if the enemy had been suffered to come upon us, having a hundred miles to ride through bad swamps, to my friends in _Carolina_. Likewise there was no one there, nor at _Savannah_, to give me any relief.

The 20th instant, having left three people at _Bethesda_, and our family wanting necessaries at _Carolina_, brother _Grant_ and I returned with most of our goods. When we now left _Bethesda_, we were not very apprehensive of any danger of staying ourselves, or leaving the goods there; but as I was obliged to seek for some assistance, and our dear people wanted things we had there, we thought it was but a very little more trouble to load the boats. I have many times intended to write to you since I came here, but was not able conveniently till to day, but I bless GOD I feel myself much better in health. As far as I can learn, the General has behaved himself exceeding well, and the LORD has wonderfully ordered things for him, contrary, I believe, to his own and others expectations. His clemency to the _Spanish_ prisoners, his confidence, prudence, and courage throughout the whole affair is so conspicuous, that his greatest enemies cannot impeach his conduct. I don’t as yet hear, that he has lost (except by accident) above three or four men. Indeed the hand of GOD has been evidently against the boasting enemy. Some say near fifty vessels set out at first to invade us, but in their passage, which is usually run in a week or ten days, they were fifty days, and by some means fifteen of them were separated from the rest, and did not come up to them at St. _Simon_’s. They first proposed to land in _Carolina_, and cause an insurrection among the negroes; to that end they brought a number of negroes, to head and persuade our negroes (I suppose) to revolt. But being so long on their passage, they wanted water, and were obliged to put in at St. _Simon_’s. In their council of war there, they said they would soon cut off the General and his few men, and did not doubt but to settle and regain King _Philip_’s dominions, yea, even as far as the Capes of _Virginia_. I should have wished you had been present when we consulted about fleeing for our lives; it would have been great satisfaction to us all; but I am of opinion, you would not have staid with the great troop of little ones, under the apprehension of so much danger. I have met with none but what have approved of what we did.

Every one, I believe, are willing to contract expences.――I hope, nay I am assured, that all things shall work together for good; and I am of opinion, we shall all have reason to bless GOD for every, yea, especially for his late awful dispensation.――The deliverances we have had are many and wonderful, and he that has done much can do more. In regard to the _Spaniards_, they came like a flood, but the LORD can save by few as well as by many.

From Mr. _Habersham_.

_Bethesda, August, 19, 1742._

_My dearest Friend and Brother_,

I HOPE ere this reaches you, you have received mine of the 4th, 11th, 14th, and 27th of _July_ last, and that you see your way clear to come to us. Blessed be GOD we have reason to conclude the _Spaniards_ have entirely left the colony, and we are now very comfortably settled again. The deliverance the LORD has wrought for us by the General, I think is the most remarkable I ever heard or read of, except some instances recorded in the Old Testament. It is so manifest, that “Surely GOD has fought our battles,” is in the mouth of every one, whatever may be in their hearts. I cannot now mention particulars, being much streightened for time; at _Savannah_ the poor people are almost all sick; four have been cut off. At _Frederica_ likewise, and at Mr. _Bryan_’s, and other neighbours, they are in the same condition. We have also many down. GOD has been chastising us with whips, but now seems to be scourging us with scorpions. O that the goodness and patience of GOD may lead us to repentance! We have a good crop on the ground, and have none to gather it in but the few boys. Brother _Hunter_ has his hands full, and is chiefly at _Savannah_. It is but little we buy abroad.――We hunt and kill our own stock, and have potatoes and corn enough of our own. I am but poorly, as is dear brother _Barber_, who is singularly useful at this trying time.――What should I have done without him? I have much to say to you. Indeed I hope you are now in your passage to us. We cannot but expect you. _B. Grant_ hurries me to conclude. Please to give my tender love to your wife, and all with you, and believe me to be

Your affectionate servant in our LORD,

_J. Habersham_.

I.
How are thy servants bless’d, O LORD!
How sure is their defence!
Eternal wisdom is their guard,
Their help Omnipotence.

II.
In all their various griefs, O LORD!
Thy mercy sets them free,
While in the confidence of prayer
Their souls lay hold on thee.

III.
In midst of dangers, fears and deaths
Thy goodness we’ll adore,
And praise thee for thy mercies past,
And humbly hope for more.

_January, 14, 1743._

SINCE the foregoing papers were sent to the press, I have received letters from Mr. _B――――r_ and Mr. _H――――m_, the persons who superintend the spiritual and temporal affairs of the Orphan-house, dated in _October_ last; by which I am informed that all was well, and that the family was mercifully supplied with things convenient for them. I don’t hear that any of the family have been taken off by the late sickness; but am informed of the death of one Mrs. _Dudding_, (a person converted at the Orphan-house some time ago): she went with the family into _Carolina_, where she staid after they returned, and there died triumphantly.

Mr. _Bolzius_, one of the _Saltzburghers_ ministers, writes to me thus,

_Ebenezer_ in _Georgia_, _September 22, 1742_.

_Reverend and dear Sir_,

IT was with great satisfaction that I received the favour of your letter, dated _M――――_ the 5th of _October_ last, in which you acquainted me with the joyful news, that the LORD has been pleased to bless your kind endeavours of collecting twenty pounds for our poor people, on which our mill, and especially our Orphan-house had its share according to your intention and order. This great blessing is delivered into my hand by Mr. _H――――m_, our dear friend and favourer, and is laid out in such a manner, that I hope, to have obtained the end, at which you aim in all your actions, and in this act of love too, _viz._ to promote the great giver’s, our heavenly father’s glory and our people’s welfare. May it please an almighty and merciful GOD to reward you and all our benefactors many-fold for this and many more testimonies of your and their real favours, and let descend upon your worthy person and holy ministry as many blessings to your spiritual and temporal welfare, as prayers and hearty wishes do ascend to the throne of grace from our hearts and lips in publick and private.

GOD has been pleased to visit me and my fellow-labourer with dangerous sickness, but has graciously restored our health for our better being prepared to the heavenly and blessed regions, and for being in some measure, by the operation of the Holy Ghost, useful to shew our hearers the way through CHRIST to the Father, and their eternal happiness. Many in our congregation have been dangerously sick, and some died in peace; the rest begin to recover by degrees. Good Dr. _Hunter_¹ has been mighty useful and assistive to the inhabitants of _Savannah_ in their long and dangerous sicknesses; and GOD has blessed his cures with very good effects; and I am in hopes some people there will begin to be sensible of the many blessings that flow from _Bethesda_ upon them, and praise with us the LORD for his great kindness and mercy in having raised this house of mercy to many grown people’s and children’s spiritual and temporal welfare. If GOD should give me the pleasure of seeing you here again, and being edify’d by your conversation, I would humbly thank him for it; but if he is pleased to carry either of us from this to a better world, then we will see not only one another happily, but our glorious Redeemer also face to face for ever, to his infinite praise and our eternal happiness, at which my brother _Gronau_, myself, our families, and several of our congregation aim by all means and strength, which GOD gives us from the merits of his beloved son, our dear Saviour. To his infinite mercy and gracious conduct I commit you, and me with our people, Orphan-house, my fellow-labourer Mr. _Gronau_, and our families, who all salute you very heartily, to the continuance of your favour and kind remembrance before GOD and men, remaining sincerely,

Reverend and dear Sir, your unworthy brother,
and humble servant in CHRIST,

_John Martin Bolzius_.

¹ The Surgeon belonging to the Orphan-house.

Continuation of the ACCOUNT and
PROGRESS, &c. of the ORPHAN-HOUSE.

_Bethesda, March 21, 1746._

_Sir_,

SOME months have I been here, and now think it high time, according to my promise, to send you as explicit an account, as I well can, of the _progress_, and _present situation_ of the Orphan-house. Some have thought, that the erecting such a building was only the produce of my own brain; but they are much mistaken. It was first proposed to me by my dear friend the reverend Mr. _Charles Wesley_, who, with his excellency General ♦_Oglethorpe_, had concerted a scheme for carrying on such a design, before I had any thoughts of going abroad myself. It was natural to think, that as the government intended this province for the refuge and support of many of our poor countrymen, that numbers of such adventurers must necessarily be taken off, by being exposed to the hardships which unavoidably attend a new settlement. I thought it therefore a noble design in general, to erect a house for fatherless children. And believing such a provision for orphans would be some inducement with many to come over, I fell in with the design, when mentioned to me by my friend, and was resolved, in the strength of GOD, to prosecute it with all my might. This was mentioned to the honourable the trustees. They took it kindly at my hands; and as I then began to be pretty popular at _Bristol_, and elsewhere, they wrote to the _Bishop_ of _Bath_ and _Wells_, for leave for me to preach a charity-sermon on this occasion in the abbey-church. This was granted, and I accordingly began immediately to compose a suitable discourse: but knowing my first stay at _Georgia_ would be but short, on account of my returning again to take priests orders, I thought it most prudent, first to go and see for myself, and defer prosecuting the scheme till I came home: because I could then be better able to judge, whether the scheme was practicable, and consequently could be able to recommend it with the greater earnestness. When I came to _Georgia_, I found many poor orphans, who though taken notice of by the honourable trustees, yet through the neglect of persons that acted under them, were in miserable circumstances. For want of a house to breed them up in, the poor little ones were tabled out here and there, and besides the hurt they received by bad examples, forgot at home what they learnt at school. Others were at hard services, and likely to have no education at all. Upon seeing this, and finding that his majesty and parliament had the interest of this colony much at heart, I thought I could not better shew my regard to GOD and my country, than by getting a house and land for these children, where they might learn to labour, read, and write, and at the same time be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the LORD. Accordingly, at my return to _England_ in the year 1738, to take priest orders, I applied to the honourable society for a grant of five-hundred acres of land, and laid myself under an obligation to build a house upon it, and to receive from time to time, as many orphans as the land and stock would maintain. As I had always acted like a clergyman of the church of _England_, having preached in many of the _London_ churches, and as I had but a few months before collected near a thousand pounds _Sterling_, for the children belonging to the charity-schools in _London_ and _Westminster_; it was natural to think, that I might now have the use at least of some of these churches to preach in, for the orphans hereafter more immediately to be committed to my care. But by the time I had taken priests orders, the spirit of the clergy began to be much imbittered. Churches were gradually denied to me. And I must let this good design drop, and thousands (I might add ten thousands) go without hearing the word of GOD, or preach in the fields. Indeed two churches, one in _London_ (_Spittle-fields_) and one in _Bristol_ (St. _Philip_’s and _Jacob_) were lent me upon this occasion; but those were all. However, GOD kept me from being discouraged. I collected for the Orphan-house in _Moorfields_, two and fifty pounds one sabbath-day morning; twenty-two pounds of which was in copper. It would have rejoiced your heart to see the people give; they offered willingly, and took more pains to come through the crowd and put their contributions into my hat, than some would to have gotten them. Thousands of prayers were put up with the alms that were given, and I trust both went up as a memorial before GOD. In the afternoon I collected again at _Kennington-Common_, and continued to do so at most of the places where I preached. Besides this, two or three of the _Bishops_, and several persons of distinction contributed; till at length, having about a thousand and ten pounds, I gave over collecting, and went with what I had to _Georgia_. At that time multitudes offered to accompany me; but I chose to take over only a surgeon, and a few more of both sexes, that I thought would be useful in carrying on my design. These chearfully embarked with me, desiring nothing for their pains, but food and raiment. My dear fellow-traveller, _William Seward_, Esq. also joined with them, and was particularly useful to me on this occasion. Our first voyage was to _Philadelphia_, where I was willing to go for the sake of laying in provision. Having a Captain of a ship with me, who had been my spiritual child, by his advice, I laid out in _London_ a good part of the thousand pounds for goods; and by his care and that of my other fellow-travellers, without any trouble to myself, got as much by them at _Philadelphia_ as nearly defrayed the family’s expence of coming over. Here GOD blessed my ministry daily, and begun that work in _Philadelphia_, which, I am persuaded, will be remembered through the ages of eternity. _January_ following, 1739, I met my family at _Georgia_, and being unwilling to lose any time, I hired a large house, and took in all the Orphans I could find in the colony. A great many also of the town’s children came to school _gratis_, and many poor people who could not maintain their children, upon application, had leave given them to send their little ones for a month or two, or more, as they could spare them, till at length my family consisted of between sixty and seventy. Most of the orphans were in poor case; and three or four almost eaten up with lice. I likewise erected an _Infirmary_, in which many sick people were cured and taken care of _gratis_. I have now by me a list of upwards of a hundred and thirty patients, who were under the Surgeon’s hands, exclusive of my own private family. This Surgeon I furnished with all proper drugs and utensils, which put me to no small expence; and this was still increased by clearing land, buying stock, and building a large dwelling-house, sixty-feet by forty, and out-houses, commodious for a large family to live in. Sometimes (labourers and all) I have had a hundred and twenty to provide for daily. My friends, as well as myself, seemed to have particular courage and faith given us for the season; and we went on chearfully, believing that He for whose sake we began, would enable us to finish this good work. About _March_ I began the great house, having only about one hundred and fifty pounds in cash. I called it _Bethesda_, because I hoped it would be a house of mercy to many souls. Blessed be GOD, we have not been disappointed of our hope; it has proved a house of mercy indeed to many. Several of our labourers, as well as visitors, have (in a judgment of charity) been born of GOD here, and given evident proofs of it, by bringing forth the fruits of the spirit. Many boys have been put out to trades, and many girls put out to service. I had pleasure the other day, of seeing three boys work at the house in which they were bred, one of them out of his time, a journeyman, and the others serving under their masters. One that I brought from _New-England_ is handsomely settled in _Carolina_, and another from _Philadelphia_ is married, and lives very comfortably at _Savannah_. How so large a family has been supported in such a colony, without any visible fund, is wonderful! I am surprized when I look back, and see, how for these six years last past, GOD has spread a table in the wilderness for so many persons. Were all the particular providences that have attended this work recorded, perhaps they would be found not inferior to those mentioned by Professor _Franck_, in his _Pietas Hallensis_, whose memory is very precious to me, and whose example has a thousand times been blessed to strengthen and encourage me in the carrying on this enterprize. My being detained so long in _England_, has been a little detrimental to me, my friends not knowing so well how to act, because they expected to see me daily. And I cannot yet say that I have surmounted the first year’s expence, which indeed was very great, and greater no doubt than it would be now, after my friends have had so many years experience in the colony. However, I doubt not, but by the blessing of GOD, in a short time to pay off my arrears, and then the family will be maintained at a small expence. My standing annual charges are now but trifling to what they have been; and my friends have raised an annual subscription sufficient for discharging it, till the family may be able to provide for itself. This, GOD willing, I hope will be, in a good measure, speedily effected. We have lately begun to use the plow; and next year I hope to have many acres of good oats and barley. We have near twenty sheep and lambs, fifty head of cattle, and seven horses. We hope to kill a thousand weight of pork this season. Our garden, which is very beautiful, furnishes us with all sorts of greens, &c. We have plenty of milk, eggs, poultry, and make a good deal of butter weekly. A great quantity of wool and cotton has been given me, and we hope to have sufficient spun and wove for the next winter’s cloathing. If the vines hit, we may expect two or three hogsheads of wine out of the vineyard. The family now consists of twenty-six persons. Two of the orphan boys are blind, one is little better than an idiot. But notwithstanding, they are useful in the family, one in the field, and the other in the kitchen. I have two women to take care of the houshold work, and three men and two boys employed about the plantation and cattle. A sett of _Dutch_ servants has been lately sent over: the magistrates were pleased to give me two; and I took in a poor old widow, aged near seventy, whom no body else cared to have. A valuable young man from _New-England_ is my school-master, and in my absence performs duty in the family. Sabbath-days the grown people attend public worship at _Savannah_, or at _White-bluff_, a village near _Bethesda_, where a _Dutch_ minister officiates. My dear friends who have hitherto been my assistants, being married and having three or four children, thought it best, as most suitable to the institution, to remove: GOD has mercifully provided for them, and they are comfortably settled at _Savannah_ and elsewhere: we frequently write to and hear from one another. I need not trouble you with the order of our family. It is pretty near the same as usual, and I do not think to make any material alteration for some time. Many have applied to me to take in their children as boarders, and erect a public school: but I have not yet determined. It is certain such a school would be exceedingly useful in this part of the world, if there should be a peace, not only for these northern parts of the colony, but also for the more southern parts of _Carolina_, _Purisburgh_, and _Frederica_, where are many fine youths. I have been prevailed on to take one from _Frederica_, and another from _Purisburgh_, and it may be shall admit more. For the present, considering the situation of affairs, I think it most prudent to go on making what improvements I can on the plantation, and shall bring a tutor with me from the northward in the fall, to teach a few youths the languages, and enlarge the family, when affairs are more settled. The house is a noble commodious building, and every thing well adapted for bringing up youth. Here is land to employ them in exercising their bodies, and to keep them from idleness out of school hours. Here are none of the temptations to debauch their tender minds, which are common to more populous countries, or in places where children must necessarily be brought up with negroes. What GOD intends to do with the colony is not for me to enquire: secret things belong to him. It has hitherto been wonderfully preserved, and the Orphan-house, like the burning bush, has flourished unconsumed. In fine, the government has, no doubt, its welfare much at heart: and, GOD willing, I intend to carry on my design till I see the colony sink or swim. The money that has been expended on the Orphan-house, and Orphan-house family, has been of vast service to this northern part of the colony. And though it has been greatly detrimental to my own private interest, yet I do not repent of the undertaking. No, I rejoice in it daily, and hope yet to see many more souls born unto GOD here. I have had a very comfortable winter. The people of _Savannah_, having no minister till lately, gladly accepted my labours; and at _Frederica_, the gentlemen and soldiers of General ♦_Oglethorpe_’s regiment, as well as the inhabitants of that town, received me very gladly. Major _Horton_ seems to behave very well; he has a very fine growing plantation. I saw barley in the ear the first of _March_. _Georgia_ is very healthy. Not above one, and that a little child, has died out of our family, since it removed to _Bethesda_. I think the colony (were the inhabitants sufficiently numerous) is capable of as good improvement as any on the continent.

♦ “Oglethorp” replaced with “Oglethorpe”

For the satisfaction of my friends, and silencing, if possible, my enemies, I have had my accounts from the very beginning to _January_ last, publickly audited and examined, debtor and creditor, article by article; and an oath for confirmation, being an end of all strife, I have sworn to them. If it gives you or others any satisfaction, I shall be glad. I have no more to add, but to beg a continued interest in your prayers, and subscribe myself, very dear Sir,

Your most affectionate friend, and servant,

_G. W._

To his Excellency JAMES WRIGHT, Esq. Captain General and Governor
in Chief of his Majesty’s province of _Georgia_, and to the
members of his Majesty’s council in the said province.

_The_ MEMORIAL _of_ George Whitefield, _Clerk_,

SHEWETH,

THAT about twenty-five years ago, your memorialist, assisted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and well disposed persons, at a very great expence, and under many disadvantages, did erect a commodious house, with necessary out-buildings, suitable for the reception of orphans, and other poor and deserted children; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchase of negroes, and supporting a large orphan family for so many years, he hath expended upwards of twelve thousand pounds sterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magistrates of _Savannah_.

That your memorialist, since the commencement of this institution, hath had the satisfaction of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were assisted, and thereby kept from leaving the colony in its infant state, but also that a considerable number of poor helpless children have been trained up; who have been, and now are useful settlers in this and the other neighbouring provinces.

That in order to render the institution aforesaid more extensively useful, your memorialist, as he perceived the colony gradually increasing, hath for some years past designed within himself, to improve the original plan, by making further provision for the education of persons of superior rank; who thereby might be qualified to serve their king, their country, and their GOD, either in church or state. That he doth with inexpressible pleasure, see the present very flourishing state of the province; but with concern perceives that several gentlemen have been obliged to send their sons to the northern provinces; who would much rather have had them educated nearer home, and thereby prevent their affections being alienated from their native country, and also keep considerable sums of money from being carried out of this into other provinces.

Your memorialist further observes, that there is no seminary for academical studies as yet founded, southward of _Virginia_; and consequently if a college could be established here (especially as the late addition of the two _Floridas_ renders _Georgia_ more centrical for the southern district) it would not only be highly serviceable to the rising generation of this colony, but would probably occasion many youths to be sent from the _British West India_ islands and other parts. The many advantages accruing thereby to this province, must be very considerable.

From these considerations, your memorialist is induced to believe, that the time is now approaching, when his long projected design for further serving this his beloved colony, shall be carried into execution.

That a considerable sum of money is intended speedily to be laid out in purchasing a large number of negroes, for the further cultivation of the present Orphan-house, and other additional lands, and for the future support of a worthy able president, professors, and tutors, and other good purposes intended.

Your memorialist therefore prays your Excellency and Honours to grant to him in trust, for the purposes aforesaid, two thousand acres of land, on the north fork of _Turtle River_, called the _Lesser Swamp_, if vacant, or where lands may be found vacant, south of the river _Altamaha_.

_G. W._

_Savannah in Georgia_,

_December 18, 1764_.

The ADDRESS of both Houses of Assembly in GEORGIA.

To his Excellency JAMES WRIGHT, Esq. Captain General and Governor
in Chief of his Majesty’s province of _Georgia_.

_May it please your Excellency_,

WE his Majesty’s most dutiful and loyal subjects, the council and commons house of assembly of _Georgia_, in general assembly met, beg leave to acquaint your Excellency, that with the highest satisfaction we learn, that the Rev. Mr. _George Whitefield_ has applied for lands, in order to the endowment of a College in this province. The many and singular obligations _Georgia_ has continually laid under to that reverend gentleman, from its very infant state, would in gratitude induce us, by every means in our power, to promote any measure he might recommend; but in the present instance, where the interest of the province, the advancement of religion, and the pleasing prospect of obtaining proper education for our youth, so clearly coincide with his views, we cannot in justice but request your Excellency to use your utmost endeavours to promote so desirable an event, and to transmit home our sincere and very fervent wishes, for the accomplishment of so useful, so beneficent, and so laudable an undertaking.

By order of the upper House.

JAMES HABERSHAM, President.

_December 20, 1764._

By order of the Commons House.

ALEX. WYLLY, Speaker.

To which his Excellency was pleased to return
the following Answer.

_Gentlemen_,

I AM so perfectly sensible of the very great advantage which will result to the province in general, from the establishment of a seminary for learning here, that it gives me the greatest pleasure to find so laudable an undertaking proposed by the Rev. Mr. _Whitefield_. The friendly and zealous disposition of that gentleman, to promote the prosperity of this province, has been often experienced; and you may rest assured, that I shall transmit your address home, with my best endeavours for the success of the great point in view.

JAMES WRIGHT.

_December 20, 1764._

A Letter to his Excellency Governor WRIGHT, giving an account
of the steps taken, relative to the converting the GEORGIA
ORPHAN-HOUSE into a COLLEGE: Together with the literary
correspondence that passed upon that subject, between his
Grace the Archbishop of _Canterbury_ and the Reverend Mr.
_Whitefield_.

_Provide things honest in the sight of all men._
Romans xii. 14.

_Honoured Sir_,

AS your Excellency, together with the members of his Majesty’s honourable council, and house of representatives, were pleased at my late visit to the Orphan-house, not only highly to approve of, but also deeply to interest yourselves in the design of converting the present _Georgia_ Orphan-house into a college; so I am persuaded, you make no doubts but that ever since my arrival in _England_, _July 1765_, I have exerted my utmost efforts in endeavouring to bring this important affair to a desirable issue. To mention all the various circumstances which have occurred during that interval, to impede and retard its more speedy prosecution, would be tedious and unnecessary: I would therefore only inform your Excellency, that about fifteen months ago, a memorial was delivered into the hands of the late clerk of his Majesty’s most honourable privy council. That this memorial was by him transmitted to the Lord President, and by his Lordship referred to the consideration of his Grace the Archbishop of _Canterbury_; that by his Grace’s permission a literary correspondence ensued; but as that correspondence, and with that, the negociation itself seems at an end, I think it my duty, not only to lay an account of the whole before your Excellency in particular; but, through your Excellency’s hands, before his Majesty’s council and house of representatives of the colony of _Georgia_, together with all the other _American_ colonists, and the public in general, on both sides the water, who have so liberally contributed to the promoting this design.

To the KING’s most Excellent MAJESTY.

_The_ MEMORIAL _of_ George Whitefield, _Clerk_,

SHEWETH,

THAT about twenty-six years ago, your memorialist, assisted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and well disposed persons, at a very great expence, and under many disadvantages, did erect a very commodious house, with necessary out-buildings, suitable for the reception of orphans and other poor and deserted children; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchase of negroes, and supporting a large orphan family so many years, he hath expended upwards of twelve thousand pounds sterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magistrates of _Savannah_, and which are humbly presented with this memorial.

That your memorialist, since the commencement of this institution, hath had the satisfaction of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were assisted and thereby kept from leaving the colony in its infant state; but also that a considerable number of poor helpless children have been trained up, who have been, and are now useful settlers in this and the other neighbouring provinces; that in order to render the institution aforesaid more extensively useful, your memorialist, as he perceived the colony gradually rising, hath for some years past designed, within himself, to improve the original plan, by making further provision for the education of persons of superior rank, who thereby may be qualified to serve their king, their country, and their God, either in church or state.

That in his late visit to _Georgia_, he did with inexpressible pleasure see the province in a very flourishing state; but with concern perceived that several gentlemen had been obliged to send their sons to the northern provinces, who would much rather have had them educated nearer home; and thereby prevent their affections being alienated from their native country, and also considerable sums of money from being carried out of _Georgia_ into other provinces.

Your memorialist begs leave further to observe, that there is no seminary for academical studies as yet founded southward of _Virginia_; and consequently if a college could be established (especially as the addition of the two _Floridas_ renders _Georgia_ more centrical for the southern district) it would not only be highly serviceable to the rising generation of the colony of _Georgia_, but would probably occasion many youths to be sent from the neighbouring southern provinces for education. The many advantages accruing to _Georgia_ thereby, must necessarily be very considerable.

That in consideration of the foregoing premises, your memorialist, in _December 1764_, presented a memorial to his Excellency the Governor, and the honourable the council of the province of _Georgia_, praying that two thousand acres of land might be granted in trust, towards carrying on the desirable end of founding a College; which motion was not only immediately complied with, but the general assembly being then sitting, an address, a copy of which is herewith also sent, was presented from them to his Excellency, expressing their unanimous and highest approbation, with a desire that his Excellency would use his endeavours to have this affair forwarded at home with all possible expedition. That upon the arrival of your Memorialist, he was informed that this address was remitted to, and laid before the Lords Commissioners for trade and plantations; and having received repeated advices, that numbers both in _Georgia_ and _South-Carolina_ are waiting with impatience to have their sons initiated in academical exercises; your Memorialist therefore prays, that a charter upon the plan of _New-Jersey_ College may be granted; upon which your Memorialist is ready to give up his present trust, and make a free gift of all lands, negroes, goods, and chattels, which he now stands possessed of in the province of _Georgia_, for the present founding, and towards the future support of a College, to be called by the name of _Bethesda_ College in the province of _Georgia_.

_Mr._ Whitefield _to the Archbishop_.

_June 17, 1767._

_May it please your Grace_,

I THINK myself highly honoured in the L―――― P――――t’s referring a late memorial to your Grace’s consideration; and as highly obliged to your Grace, for the deep attention your Grace hath given to the copy of an intended charter presented to your Grace by the E―――― of _D――――h_. The inclosed will shew, what an almost implicit regard hath been paid to your Grace’s wise remarks, and judicious corrections. I wish it could have been altogether implicit; but circumstances are such, (as hath been hinted to your Grace by L―――― _D――――h_) that I cannot, in honour and conscience, _oblige_ the master of the _Georgia_ College to be a member or minister of the church of _England_. Such an obligation, I am persuaded, hath greatly retarded the progress of the College of _New-York_; as on the contrary, the letter signed by your Grace, Proprietor _Pen_, and the late Dr. _Chandler_; engaging, that institution shall be continued on a BROAD BOTTOM, hath as much promoted the growth of the College of _Philadelphia_. The trustees of that seminary (as your Grace is pleased to observe) have agreed, “That their Provost shall always be a minister of the established church.” But then I would beg leave to reply, that they are not thereto _enjoined_ by their charter. That is entirely silent concerning this matter: their agreement is purely voluntary. The wardens of the College of _Georgia_ will not be prohibited by charter, from following the example of the trustees of the College of _Philadelphia_. It is more than probable they will never need it. The first Master will assuredly be a clergyman of the church of _England_. By far the majority of the intended wardens, are, and always will be members of that communion; and consequently the choice of a Master will always continue to run in that channel. My heart’s desire is, that some worthy duly qualified minister of the church of _England_ may be always and readily found for that grand purpose. But lest this should not always be the case, I dare not, as persons of all denominations have been contributors, confine or fetter the future electors. The monies gained by the _New-York_ lotteries, for the erecting a college in _New-York_, were thrown in by persons of all religious persuasions, in confidence, that the College would hereafter be founded on an enlarged basis. And therefore, very great numbers, may it please your Grace, think, and for ever will think themselves injured, by its being confined within its present contracted boundary. Hence it is, that many fine promising youths are almost daily sent from the college in their native city, to that of _New-Jersey_. I dread giving the same occasion of resentment and offence: and therefore am determined to avoid it in the wording of the _Georgia_ College charter. For the same reasons, I dare not enjoin the daily use of our church liturgy. I love to use it, I have fallen a martyr, in respect to bodily health, to the frequent reading it in _Tottenham-Court_ chapel; and it has been constantly read twice every _Sunday_ in the Orphan-house, from its first institution to this very day. The Wardens, when the power is devolved on them, may determine this point as they please; but I cannot enjoin it by charter: and have therefore, in this present draught, not only omitted the paragraph concerning public prayer, but also that concerning doctrinal articles. Perhaps your Grace may judge, that, all things considered, saying nothing about either, may be a proper medium. Your Grace further wisely observes, “That his Majesty should be very well advised, whom he names for the first Master.” I trust he will. I believe the Right Honourable the Earl of _D――――h_ will vouchsafe to interest himself in the choice, and likewise be so good as to present the first Master to your Grace’s approbation. The terms of ♦the charter being not as yet settled, the choice of a Master cannot as yet be fixed upon. When the former are ascertained, the latter may more easily be applied for. In the mean while your Grace may be assured, that the lot will not fall upon me. Alas! my shoulders are too weak for the support of such an academical burden: my capacity, may it please your Grace, is by no means extensive enough for such a scholastic trust. To be a presbyter at large, is the station, which I think divine Providence hath called me to, for near these thirty years past. During that space, I trust my eye hath been in some degree single, and my views disinterested; and my highest, my only ambition, during the feeble remains of my future pilgrimage, I trust, will be this, That the last glimmerings of an expiring taper may be blessed, and owned by the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, to guide some wandering sinners to the practical knowledge of himself. I desire to bless his name, that I have been spared long enough to see the colony of the once despised _Georgia_, and the yet more despised Orphan-house, advanced to such a promising height. My honoured friend and father, good Bishop _Benson_, from his dying bed, sent me a benefaction for it of ten guineas, and poured forth his most fervent dying breathings for its future prosperity. That your Grace may yet live many years, to be happily instrumental in promoting its welfare, both spiritual and temporal, when turned into a college, is the earnest prayer of, may it please your Grace,

Your Grace’s most dutiful, obliged son and servant,

_G. W._

_Tottenham-Court Road_,

_June 17, 1767_.

♦ removed duplicate “the”

_The Archbishop to Mr._ Whitefield.

_To the Reverend Mr. Whitefield_,

THE Archbishop of _Canterbury_ hath put Mr. _Whitefield_’s draught of a charter for a College in _Georgia_, into the hands of the Lord President; who hath promised to consider it: but desires to know from Mr. _Whitefield_, what present endowment, and to what value, he proposes for his College.

_July 1, 1767._

_Mr._ Whitefield _to the Archbishop_.

_London, July 4, 1767._

_May it please your Grace_,