village.
Frederica } Villes Barikmake } Village.”
New-Inverness }
Savannah and Augusta still exist and are justly reckoned among the most
opulent, beautiful, and attractive cities of the Empire State of the
South. In their locations the judgment of the early Colonists has been
sanctioned by the favorable experience of nearly a century and a half.
New Inverness has given place to Darien which, amid shifting fortunes, is
still supported by the lumber trade and the rice crop of the Alatamaha.
Of the memories of Frederica, Sunbury, New and Old Ebenezer, Bethany,
Hardwick, and Abercorn, we have already spoken; and it remains for us in
a few words to mention some smaller and insignificant towns, projected in
the early days of the Colony, which have long since lost their identity
amid the changes of population and the vicissitudes of ownership.
* * * * *
Brandon may be recognized as still maintaining a feeble existence in
the later village of Wrightsboro, although its original features and
peculiarities have encountered essential modifications. The founder of
Brandon was Edmund Grey, a pretending Quaker, who came from Virginia
with a number of followers. A man of strong will and marked influence,
he was nevertheless a pestilent fellow, and, during Governor Reynolds’
administration, was compelled to abandon his little town. He subsequently
formed a settlement on the neutral lands lying between the Alatamaha and
the St. Johns rivers. Thither flocked criminals, and debtors anxious to
escape the just demands of their creditors.[270]
Brandon on Little river was revived by Joseph Mattock, a Quaker, who
having obtained for himself and friends a grant of forty thousand acres of
land, called the town Wrightsboro in honor of Governor Sir James Wright,
who favored the establishment of the new colony. Mr. Mattock hospitably
entertained Mr. William Bartram in 1773, by whom he is described as a
public spirited man about seventy years of age, hearty, active, and
presiding as the chief magistrate of the settlement.[271] We recall no
special incidents in the history of this town. Its life was uneventful,
and at present it can scarcely claim even a nominal existence.
Between four and five miles southwest of Savannah, as its limits were at
first ascertained, and on rising ground, the village of HIGH-GATE was laid
out in 1733. Twelve families,—mostly French,—were here located. A mile
to the eastward the village of HAMPSTEAD was formed the same year, and
peopled by twelve families,—chiefly German. These settlers were engaged in
gardening, and their principal business was to supply the inhabitants of
Savannah with vegetables. Francis Moore, who visited these little towns in
the spring of 1736, describes them as being “pretty,” and says that the
“Planters are very forward, having built neat Huts and clear’d and planted
a great deal of Land.”
It would appear, however, that the prosperity of these villages was of
short duration. We are informed that in 1740 but two families remained at
High-gate, while Hampstead was entirely abandoned.[272]
* * * * *
For the protection of the few families to whom a home at THUNDERBOLT had
been assigned, a small fort was erected; but as early as 1737 it had
fallen into decay.
* * * * *
On the north-east point of SKIDOWAY ISLAND, ten families were placed
and a fort built in 1734. This attempt at colonization proved so
unsuccessful that four years afterwards the village had disappeared and
the fortification was in a deserted and ruinous condition.
A similar fatality attended the effort to plant a colony of ten families
near the light-house on TYBEE ISLAND the year after Savannah was settled.
* * * * *
So long as FORT ARGYLE was garrisoned, the ten freeholders who established
their plantations in its vicinity strove to render their cultivation
profitable: but, upon the withdrawal of the Rangers, eight of them
removed, and within a short time all signs of industry disappeared.
* * * * *
The labors of the Scottish colonists at JOSEPH’S TOWN were prosecuted but
a few years, and that settlement was quickly numbered among the failures
which occurred on every hand.
* * * * *
Near fort St. Andrew on the north-east extremity of Cumberland island grew
up the village of BARRIMACKÉ, which, about 1740, embraced some twenty-four
families. When General Oglethorpe’s regiment was withdrawn from the
southern frontier, this town speedily died, and for more than a century
all traces of its former existence have been entirely wanting.
Similar is the history of the German village of gardeners and fishermen
which stood near the southern end of the military road connecting
Frederica with St. Simons.
Of the meagre and uneventful lives of Acton and Vernonburgh on Vernon
river, of Goshen and Bethany near the Savannah, of Williamsburgh, and Fort
Barrington on the Alatamaha, and of Queensbury on the Great Ogeechee, we
feel scarce called upon to speak. Were we not dealing exclusively with
the _dead_ towns of Georgia, we might enumerate others which, in their
moribund condition and present dilapidation, perpetuate little more than
the names and sites which they at first received.
Of the more prominent plantations established at an early date we may
mention those of Colonel Cochran, Captain Gascoin, and Lieutenant Horton
on St. Simon’s island,—of Messrs. Carr and Carteret on the main,—of Sir
Francis Bathurst, Walter Augustine, Robert Williams, Patrick Tailfer,
Jacob Matthews, Mr. Cooksey, and Captain Watson on the Savannah river,—of
Mr. Houstoun on the Little Ogeechee,—of the Messrs. Sterling on the Great
Ogeechee river,—of Messrs. Noble Jones, Henry Parker, and John Fallowfield
on the Isle of Hope,—of Oxtead, the settlement of Mr. Thomas Causton
on Augustine creek,—of the Hermitage, the abode of Hugh Anderson,—of
Mr. Thomas Christie,—of the twenty German families sent over by Count
Zinzendorf,—of Mr. William Williamson,—of the Trustees, committed to the
care of William Bradley,—of Mr. Thomas Jones,—and of president William
Stephens at Bewlie. This last plantation consisted of a grant of five
hundred acres at the mouth of Vernon river, and was confirmed by General
Oglethorpe on the 19th of April, 1738. Of this place Mr. Stephens, on
the 21st of March, 1739, writes as follows: “I was now called upon to
give the Place a Name; and thereupon naturally revolving in my Thoughts
divers Places in my native Country, to try if I could find any that had
a Resemblance to this; I fancied that _Bewlie_, a Manor of his Grace the
Duke of _Montague_ in the _New Forest_, was not unlike it much as to its
Situation; and being on the Skirts of that Forest, had Plenty of large
Timber growing everywhere near; moreover a fine Arm of the Sea running
close by, which parts the _Isle of Wight_ from the main Land, and makes a
beautiful Prospect; from all which Tradition tells us it took its Name
and was antiently called _Beaulieu_, though now vulgarly _Bewlie_; only by
leaving out the _a_ in the first Syllable, and the _u_ in the end of the
last.”[273]
This is the true account of the original cession and _naming_ of that
attractive bluff rendered memorable in after years by the debarcation of
Count D’Estaing on the 12th of September, 1779, and by the erection of
formidable batteries for the protection of this approach to the city of
Savannah during the Confederate struggle for independence.
These plantations, and others which might be enumerated, have, _with a
single exception_, so far as our information extends, lost all traces
of primal occupancy and passed into the ownership of strangers. We
allude to the beautiful plantation of WORMSLOE on the Isle of Hope. Of
this interesting spot we have the following description penned by an
intelligent visitor who made his observations in 1743. He was then, in an
open boat, journeying towards Savannah from St. Catharine’s island, where
a short season had been spent in the companionship of the friendly Indians
who were dwellers there. “We arrived in somewhat more than two Days at the
_Narrows_ where there is a kind of _Manchecolas_ Fort for their Defence,
garrison’d from _Wormsloe_, where we soon arriv’d. It is the settlement of
Mr. _Jones_ 10 Miles S. E. of _Savannah_, and we could not help observing
as we passed, several very pretty Plantations.
“Wormsloe is one of the most agreeable Spots I ever saw, and the
Improvements of that ingenious Man are very extraordinary: He commands a
Company of Marines who are quarter’d in Huts near his House, which is also
a tolerable defensible Place with small Arms. From the House there is a
Vista of near three Miles cut thro’ the Woods to Mr. Whitefield’s Orphan
House, which has a very fine Effect on the Sight.”[274]
After concluding his visit to Savannah, this gentleman “set out in one of
Captain _Jones’s Scout Boats_ mann’d by a Party of his _Marine Company_,
and had a very pleasant Passage to Fort _Frederick_ on the _Island of Port
Royal_ in _South Carolina_.”[275]
Noble Jones, the proprietor of Wormsloe, was a Lieutenant commanding
thirty men,—volunteers and enlisted from Savannah,—in General Oglethorpe’s
expedition against St. Augustine. He was subsequently assigned to the
command of a scout and guard boat and a company of marines to watch the
“Narrows at Skedoway” and the “Inlets of the near adjoining Sea;” more
especially “those near him of Wassaw and Ussuybaw, lest any surprise
should happen.” His guard-boat was armed “with a small swivel Gun” in the
bow; and, in February, 1741, upon the appearance of a Spanish Privateer
on the coast, “One of our smartest Pieces of Cannon,” says Stephens,
“carrying a four Pound Ball, and well mounted,” was delivered to him to
assist in the coast defense.[276]
At Wormsloe may still be seen the remains of the Tabby Fortification
constructed by Captain Noble Jones. The outline of the work and its
general features are well preserved, and constitute, perhaps, the most
unique and interesting historical ruin on the Georgia coast.
With all its wealth of magnificent live-oaks, palmettoes, magnolias, and
cedars; with its quiet, gentle views, balmy airs, soft sunlight, inviting
repose, and pleasant traditions, this beautiful residence has at all
times remained in the possession and ownership of the descendants of the
original proprietor. Mr. G. W. J. DeRenne now guards the spot with all the
tender care and devotion of a most loyal son, and to the memories of the
past has added literary and cultivated associations in the present, which
impart new charms to the name of _Wormsloe_.
In this youthful country, so careless of and indifferent to the memories
of other days,—so ignorant of the value of monuments and the impressive
lessons of antiquity,—where no law of primogeniture encourages in the son
the conservation of the abode and heirlooms of his fathers,—where new
fields, cheap lands, and novel enterprises at remote points are luring
the loves of succeeding generations from the gardens which delighted,
the hoary oaks which sheltered, and the fertile fields which nourished
their ancestors,—where paternal estates are constantly alienated at
public and private sales,—landed acquisitions are placed at the mercy of
speculative strangers, and family treasures, established inheritances, and
old homesteads are seldom preserved. Thus it comes to pass that ancestral
graves lie neglected, abodes once noted for refinement, intelligence,
virtue, and hospitality lose their identity in the ownership of strangers,
and traditions worthy of transmission, are forgotten amid the selfish
engagements of an alien present.
The utilitarian may smile at this, the Republican rejoice in it as a
logical sequence of his cherished theories, and the disciples of Benjamin
Franklin pronounce in favor of such a condition of affairs, but there is
a deal of sadness about it nevertheless; and if this order of things
obtain in the coming years as it has in those which are gone, America will
continue to be largely a land without permanent homes,—a country devoid of
ancestral monuments.
In planting colonies where proper preliminary surveys have not been made,
and where the founders are compelled in large measure to grope their way
in selecting points for earliest occupancy, errors of judgement will
occur, and changes will be necessitated upon a more intimate acquaintance
with the territory and during the progress of development. Locations
at first deemed essential become subordinate to others, and sometimes
prove of no value. Mistakes are committed with regard to the importance
of streams, lines of communication, and the desirability of permanent
seats. Defensive positions are rendered useless as the tide of human
life advances. Barren fields are exchanged for others possessing greater
fertility. Diseases are developed at certain points which compel their
abandonment.
Settlements increase to the annihilation or absorption of others in their
vicinity. The possessions of the many become concentrated in the ownership
of the few. Towns perish for lack of support. Thus nothing is more common
than to observe, amid the changes consequent upon the development of new
plantations, a mortality among villages and settlements for which, at the
outset, growth and lasting prosperity were confidently anticipated.
“It hath been a great endangering to the health of some plantations,” says
Lord Bacon, “that they have built along the sea and rivers in marish and
unwholesome grounds; therefore though you begin there to avoid carriage
and other like discommodities, yet build still rather upwards from the
stream, than along.”
Had this precaution been observed, fewer towns would have died in Georgia.
After all, however, despite the admonitions of the wisest and the
foresight of the most experienced, we cannot hope to arrest the
potent influence of inherent decay, or to stay that unseen hand which
remorselessly worketh change and destruction among human habitations.
“Out upon Time! it will leave no more
Of the things to come than the things before!
Out upon Time! who forever will leave
But enough of the Past for the Future to grieve
O’er that which hath been, and o’er that which must be:
What we have seen, our sons shall see;
Remnants of things that have pass’d away,
Fragments of Stone rear’d by Creatures of Clay.”
FOOTNOTES
[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.”