_To Mr. T――――._
_January 9, 1743._
_Dear Sir_,
I Remember, when in _Scotland_ last year, how heartily your good people
joined in praise and thanksgiving, for the deliverance GOD had wrought
out for the inhabitants of _Georgia_; and I hope I shall never forget
how liberally they contributed to the necessities of the orphans,
though they knew not but at that time both orphans and Orphan-house
were in the enemies hand. As this was an uncommon event, I send you
herewith part of the proclamation for a day of thanksgiving to almighty
GOD, for putting an end to this _Spanish Invasion_. It runs thus:
ALMIGHTY GOD has in all ages shewn his power and mercy, in the
marvellous and gracious deliverance of his church, and in the
protection of righteous and religious kings and states, professing his
holy and eternal truth, from the open invasion, wicked conspiracies,
and malicious practices of all the enemies thereof. He hath by the
manifestation of his providence delivered us from the hands of the
_Spaniards_: they, with forty sail of small gallies and other craft,
came into _Cumberland_ Sound; but such a terror came upon them that
they fled. With another fleet of thirty-six ships and vessels they came
into _Jekyl_ Sound, and after a sharp fight became masters thereof; we
having only four vessels to oppose their force. We engaged them for the
space of four hours, and not one of us was killed, though many of the
enemy perished, and five were killed by one shot only. They landed four
thousand five hundred men, according to the account of the prisoners,
and even of _Englishmen_, who escaped from them. The first party
marched up through the woods to this town, and was within sight thereof,
when GOD delivered them into our hands, though we were but few in
number. They fought and were soon dispersed and fled. Another party
which supported them, also fought; but were soon put to flight. We may
truly say, the hand of the LORD fought for us; for in two attacks more
than five hundred fled before fifty. At first they seemed to fight with
courage; and the grenadiers particularly charged with great resolution;
but their shot did not take place, insomuch that none of ours were
killed; but they were broken and pursued with great slaughter, and
by the report of the prisoners since taken, upwards of two hundred
men never returned to their camp. They also came up with their half
galleys towards the town, and returned without so much as firing one
shot, leaving behind them some cannon, and many things they had taken.
Twenty-eight sail attacked _Fort-William_, in which were only fifty men.
After three hours fight, they went away and left the province, and were
pursued as far as Saint _John’s_. So that by this whole expedition, no
more than two of ours were taken and two killed. We may therefore truly
say, the LORD hath done great things for us, who has delivered us out
of the hands of the enemy.
Having taken the premises into consideration, I do hereby order,
that _Sunday_ the twenty-fifth instant be observed as a day of public
thanksgiving to almighty GOD for his great deliverance, in having put
an end to the _Spanish_ Invasion: and that all persons do solemnize the
same in a christian and religious manner, and abstain from drunkenness,
and any other wicked and dissolute testimonies of joy.
Given under my hand and seal, this twenty-fourth day of _July_, at
_Frederica_ in _Georgia_, _Anno Domini_ one thousand seven hundred and
forty-two.
Signed by,
_James Oglethorp_.
By his excellency’s command,
_Francis Moore_.
Business prevents my enlarging further at this time, and indeed I chuse
rather to leave you to make your own remarks on the inclosed. I only
observe in general that as a tincture of piety runs through the whole,
and all the glory given to him to whom all glory is due, it will be as
acceptable to you as it was to,
Yours,
_G. W._