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to contain but ‘proper powers for establishing and
governing the colony.’
The land, open to Jews, was closed against ‘Papists.’
At the head of the coun-
cil stood
Shaftesbury, fourth earl of that name; but its most celebrated member was
Oglethorpe.
So illustrious were the auspices of the design, that hope at once painted brilliant visions of an Eden that was to spring up to reward the ardor of such disinterested benevolence.
The kindly sun of the new colony was to look down on the abundance of purple vintages, and the
silkworm yield its thread to enrich the
British merchant, and employ the
British looms.
The benevo lence of
England was aroused; the charities of an opulent and an enlightened nation were to be concern trated on the new plantation; individual zeal was kindled in its favor; the Society for propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts sought to promote its interests; and parliament showed its good will by at once contributing ten thousand pounds.
But, while others gave to the design their leisure, their prayers, or their wealth,
Oglethorpe, heedless of danger, devoted himself to its fulfilment.
In Novem-
1732. Nov. 17-28. 1733. Jan. 13. Jan. 13-24. Jan. 20-31. |
ber, 1732, embarking with about one hundred and twenty emigrants, he began the voyage to
America, and in fifty-seven days arrived off the bar of
Charleston.
Accepting a hasty welcome, he sailed directly for
Port Royal.
While the colony was landing at
Beaufort, its patron ascended the boundary river of
Georgia, and chose for the site of his chief town the high bluff on which
Savannah now stands.
At the distance of a half mile dwelt the Yamacraws, a branch of the Muskhogees, who, with Tomo-chichi, their chieftain, sought security by an alliance with the
English.
‘Here is a little present,’ said the red man, as he
