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_.
[117] In endeavoring to reach St. Augustine for repairs, four of their
vessels foundered at sea.
[118] This was the merchant ship “_Success_,” mounting twenty guns. The
General sent one hundred soldiers on board of her and filled her with
necessary military stores. Thus she became, in the language of one of her
crew, “ready for twice the number of Spaniards.”
[119] For their passage and outfit, they had agreed to labor for the Trust
for a given period.
[120] This little fleet consisted of the “Success,” Captain Thompson,
of twenty guns and one hundred and ten men, with springs upon her
cables,—General Oglethorpe’s schooner of fourteen guns and eighty men,—and
the sloop “St. Philip,” of fourteen guns and eighty men. Eight York
sloops were close in shore, with one man on board each of them, whose
instructions were, in case the enemy were about to capture, to sink or run
them on shore. Gentleman’s Magazine, vol. XII, p. 495.
[121] This attempt was made by the Spanish Commodore with a ship of
twenty-two guns, and a settee with an eighteen pounder and two nine
pounders in her bow. So stout was the resistance offered by Captain
Thompson with the great guns of his ship, by Captain Carr and his company
of Marines, and by Lieutenant Wall and Ensign Otterbridge in charge of a
detachment from Oglethorpe’s Regiment, that the Spaniards were obliged to
retire with loss. A snow of sixteen guns at the same time attempted to
board the Guard Schooner, but was repulsed by Captain Dunbar.
See Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, vol. II, p. 341.
London, 1748.
[122] From the statement made by live Spanish prisoners captured and
brought in by the Creek Indians, it appeared that Don Manuel de Monteano,
Governor of St. Augustine, was the Commander in Chief of the Expedition,
and that Major General Antonio de Redondo was Chief Engineer. He and
two Brigadier Generals accompanied the forces which came from Cuba. The
aggregate strength of the expedition was about five thousand men, of whom
four thousand three hundred were landed on St. Simons.
Heavy scouting parties were sent out in every direction by General
Oglethorpe to observe the movements of the enemy and retard any advance in
the direction of Frederica, the defences of which were being strengthened
as rapidly and as thoroughly as time and the forces at command would
permit.
[123] In this charge Oglethorpe encountered one hundred and twenty Spanish
Pioneers, forty Yamassee Indians, and an equal number of negroes. So
violent was the onslaught that nearly the whole party was either captured
or slain. With his own hands the General captured two prisoners. Captain
Sanchio commanding this advance, was taken prisoner by Lieut. Scroggs
of the Rangers, and Toonahowi, although shot through the right arm by a
Spanish officer, drew his pistol with his left and killed his antagonist
on the spot.
See Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, p. 305. McCall’s History of Georgia,
vol. I, p. 181.
[124] After locating his troops, Oglethorpe hastened back to Frederica to
prepare the Rangers and the Marine Company for action at a moments warning.
[125] Captain McCall furnishes the following account of this affair:
Captain Noble Jones, with a detachment of regulars and Indians,
being out on a scouting party, fell in with a small detachment
in the enemy’s advance, who were surprised and made prisoners,
not deeming themselves so far in front of the main army. From
these prisoners information was received that the whole Spanish
army was advancing: this was immediately communicated by an
Indian runner to the General who detached Captain Dunbar with
a company of grenadiers to join the regulars and Indians, with
orders to harrass the enemy on their advance. These detachments
having formed a junction, observed at a distance the Spanish
army on the march: and taking a favorable position near a
marsh, formed an ambuscade. The enemy fortunately halted within
a hundred paces of this position, stacked their arms, made
fires, and were preparing their kettles for cooking, when a
horse observed some of the party in ambuscade, and, frightened
at the uniform of the regulars, began to snort, and gave the
alarm. The Spaniards ran to their arms, but were shot down
in great numbers by Oglethorpe’s detachment, who continued
invisible to the enemy; and after repeated attempts to form,
in which some of their principal officers fell, they fled
with the utmost precipitation, leaving their camp equipage
on the field, and never halted until they got under cover of
the guns of their battery and ships. General Oglethorpe had
detached Major Horton with a reinforcement, who arrived only
in time to join in the pursuit. So complete was the surprise
of the enemy, that many fled without their arms; others in a
rapid retreat discharged their muskets over their shoulders at
their pursuers; and many were killed by the loaded arms which
were left on the ground; generally the Spaniards fired so much
at random that the trees were pruned by the balls from their
muskets; their loss in killed, wounded and prisoners, was
estimated at five hundred. The loss in Oglethorpe’s detachment
was very inconsiderable. From the signal victory obtained
over the enemy, and the great slaughter amongst the Spanish
troops, the scene of action just described has ever since been
denominated the _bloody marsh_.
History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 185, 187. Savannah, 1811.
Compare Spalding’s Life of Oglethorpe, Collections of the Georgia
Historical Society, vol. I, pp. 281-284. Savannah, 1840.
[126] The Spaniards regarded the loss of this officer as more severe than
that of a thousand men.
[127] In these two engagements the enemy had sustained a loss of two
Captains, one Lieutenant, two Sergeants, two Drummers, and one hundred and
sixty privates killed; and one Captain and nineteen men captured.
[128] This was on the 8th of July.
[129] During the 9th and 10th of July all hands were employed on the works
at Frederica, except the scouts and Indians; the latter brought in some
scalps and prisoners.
[130] July 13th.
[131] St. Simon’s town was destroyed by the Spaniards prior to their
evacuation of the island. To a writer in the London Magazine for 1745,
who made his observations in the early part of 1743, are we indebted for
the following notice of this place:—“At the South Point of this Island of
_St. Simon_, are the Ruins of the Town of _St. Simons_ destroyed by the
_Spaniards_ at their Invasion. By the remaining Vestiges it must have been
a very uniform Place; and the Situation is quite charming, tho’ it now
makes one melancholy to see such a Desolation in so new a Country. The
only Building they left standing was one House which they had consecrated
for a Chapel. How different the Proceedings of the more generous _English_
even in their Parts who never leave behind them such direful Remembrances;
but here religious Fury goes Hand in Hand with Conquest, resolv’d to
ruin whom they can’t convert. The Fort has some Remains still, and seems
to have been no extraordinary affair; tho’ no Place was ever better
defended, and the Enemies seem, by their Works and Intrenchments to have
thought themselves sure of keeping the Town, but found themselves wofully
mistaken. Down the Beach to the westward is a Look-out of Tappy-work which
is a very good Mark for standing over the Bar into the Harbour; and on the
opposite Point of Jekyl Island is a very remarkable Hammock of Trees much
taken notice of by Seamen on the same Account. Somewhat lower and more
Northerly is the Plantation call’d Gascoign’s which underwent the same
Fate with St. Simons. An Officer’s Command is station’d at South Point,
who disposes his Centries so as to discover Vessels some Leagues at Sea,
and upon any such Discovery an Alarm-Gun is fir’d, and an Horseman sent
up with Notice to the Head-Quarters which is nine miles from this Place.
If they appear to make for the Harbour, a perpendicular mounted Gun is
fir’d as a Signal, which, by the Ascent of the Smoke is a Direction to a
Ship a long Way in the Offing, and is a most lucky Contrivance. The road
from hence to Frederica is cut through the Woods, and through the Marshes
rais’d upon a Causeway.” Page 549.
[132] July 16th.
[133] For further account of this memorable defence, see—Harris’ Complete
Collection of Voyages and Travels, vol. II, pp. 340, 342. London, 1748.
McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 170, 190. Savannah, 1811.
Hewitt’s Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies
of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, pp. 114, 119. London, 1779.
Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 180, 196. New York, 1847. Harris’
Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 250, 268. Boston, 1840. Wright’s Memoir of
Oglethorpe, pp. 299, 317. London, 1867. Spalding’s Life of Oglethorpe,
Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, pp. 275, 284.
Savannah, 1840. Ramsay’s History of South Carolina, vol. I, pp. 144, 147.
Charleston, 1809. London Magazine, vol. XI, pp. 515, 516, 568. Gentleman’s
Magazine for 1742, vol. XII, pp. 494, 496, 550, 561, 693, 694. Gentleman’s
Magazine for 1743, vol. XIII, pp. 84, 638, 639.
[134] The following estimate was made of the forces engaged:
SPANISH TROOPS.
One regiment of dismounted Dragoons 400
Havanna Regiment 500
Havanna Militia 1,000
Regiment of Artillery 400
Florida Militia 400
Battalion of Mulattoes 300
Black Regiment 400
Indians 90
Marines 600
Seamen 1,000
-----
Total 5,090
GENERAL OGLETHORPE’S COMMAND.
His Regiment 472
Company of Rangers 30
Highlanders 50
Armed Militia 40
Indians 60
---
Total 652
See McCall’s History of Georgia, vol I, p. 196. Savannah, 1811.