Biographical Memorials of James Oglethorpe | Page 3

exhibit its morning promise and its evening lustre;--endeavoring to

give some account of what he was and did forty-four years before he
commenced "the great emprise," and where he was and how occupied
forty-two years after its accomplishment.
Moreover, the official records contain, principally, a detail of the plans
and measures which were adopted and pursued by the Trustees in
London, or comprise the statement of public grants of money, and
military stores and forces;--and these belong to History, and not to
Biography.
The Letters of Oglethorpe, besure, would be exceedingly interesting;
but I presume that much of what they refer to may be collected from
pamphlets and periodicals of the day, where he is spoken of as he
would not feel free to speak of himself. As from these I have collected
the most material particulars, I cannot think that my actual deficiencies
in the history of that eventful period can be very considerable or
important.
From a correspondence with I.K. TEFFT, Esq. and WILLIAM B.
STEVENS, M.D., of Savannah, I have obtained the clearer statement of
some important facts and occurrences, which is respectfully noticed
where introduced, and for which I render my grateful acknowledgments.
The latter gentleman has also obligingly favored me with an article on
the culture of silk in Georgia, which graces my appendix.
I have done the best I could with scanty store; Let abler man, with
ample means, do more; Yet not deficiencies of mine decry, Nor make
my gatherings his own lack supply.
May _1st_, 1841.
The date, at the close of the first preface, indicates that the publication
of this work had been suspended.--A subsequent epistolary
correspondence, in reference to it, with friends at Savannah, excited
promptings, which were succeeded by a list of nearly two hundred
subscribers for the volume in print;--a list that included the names of
the most respectable gentlemen of the city, among whom were those
that held distinguished stations and filled important offices in public
life.
For this flattering encouragement and honorary patronage, the most
grateful acknowledgments are rendered.
* * * * *
The name of the capital of South Carolina was originally written

Charles-Town and Charles' Town. At the time of the early settlement of
Georgia it had become blended in the compound word Charlestown,
which, being found in the documents referred to or quoted in this work,
is retained here, though of later years it is spelt Charleston.
In the following pages variations occur in the names of persons and
places, principally in the extracts from German publications. This lack
of uniformity in some instances, as also a few verbal errors in others,
was not detected till the sheets had passed the press.
"Acres circumfert centum licet Argus ocellos, Non tamen errantes
cernat ubique typos."

CONTENTS
The chapters, into which this work is divided, are with reference to
somewhat distinct portions of the history; and may be likened to a suit
of apartments in a capacious house; some large and some small,
variously furnished, and with different prospects abroad; but yet
adjoining each other, and, if but fitly framed together, adapted to a duly
constructed edifice.

CHAPTER I.
Parentage of Oglethorpe--Birth--Christian Name--Education--Military
Profession and Promotion--In the Suite of the Earl of
Peterborough--Service under Prince Eugene of Savoy--Elected Member
of Parliament--Visits a Gentleman in Prison--Moves in the House of
Commons for a redress of the rigors of Prison Discipline--Appointed
on the Committee--Extracts from his Speeches in Parliament,

CHAPTER II.
Oglethorpe appointed first a Director, and then Deputy Governor of the
Royal African Company--Takes a compassionate interest in the
situation of an African kidnapped, sold as a slave, and carried to
Annapolis, in Maryland, a Province in North America, who proves to
have been an Iman, or assistant Priest, of Futa, and was named Job

Solomon--Causes him to be redeemed, and sent to England, where he
becomes serviceable to Sir Hans Sloane for his knowledge of Arabic;
attracts also the notice of persons of rank and distinction, and is sent
back to Africa,

CHAPTER III.
Project for settling the south-eastern frontier of Carolina--A Charter
granted for it, by the name of Georgia--Trustees appointed, who
arrange a plan of Settlement--They receive a grant of Money from
Parliament, and from Subscriptions and Contributions--Oglethorpe
takes a lively interest in it--States the Object, and suggests Motives for
Emigration--A Vessel hired to convey the Emigrants--Oglethorpe
offers to accompany the intended Colonists--His disinterested
devotedness to the benevolent and patriotic Enterprise,

CHAPTER IV.
The emigrants embark--Arrive at Charlestown, South
Carolina--Oglethorpe visits Governor Johnson--Proceeds up the
Savannah river--Place of settlement fixed upon--Town laid out--Labors
superintended, and assisted by Colonel Bull--Treaty with Tomo
Chichi--Progress of settlement--Oglethorpe makes a visit to Governor
Johnson, presents himself before the House of Assembly, and makes an
Address of grateful acknowledgment of favors received--Returns to
Savannah--Holds a