An Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol 2 | Page 8

and to enter in a book the names of all the charitable
benefactors, together with the sums contributed by each of them; and to
bind and oblige themselves, and their successors in office, to lay a state
of the money received and expended before the Lord Chancellor of
England, the Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench and Common
Pleas, the Master of the Rolls, and the Lord Chief Baron of the
Exchequer.
When this scheme of the Trustees with respect to the settlement of
Georgia was made public, the well-wishers of mankind in every part of
Britain highly approved of an undertaking so humane and disinterested.
To consult the public happiness, regardless of private interest, and to
stretch forth a bountiful hand for relief of distressed fellow-creatures,
were considered as examples of uncommon benevolence and virtue,
and therefore worthy of general imitation. The ancient Romans, famous
for their courage and magnanimity, ranked the planting of colonies
among their noblest works, and such as added greater lustre to their
empire than their most glorious wars and victories. By the latter old
cities were plundered and destroyed; by the former new ones were
founded and established. The latter ravaged the dominions of enemies,
and depopulated the world; the former improved new territories,
provided for unfortunate friends, and added strength to the state. The
benevolent founders of the colony of Georgia perhaps may challenge
the annals of any nation to produce a design more generous and
praise-worthy than that they had undertaken. They voluntarily offered
their money, their labour, and time, for promoting what appeared to
them the good of others, leaving themselves nothing for reward but the
inexpressible satisfaction arising from virtuous actions. Among other
great ends they had also in view the conversion and civilization of
Indian savages. If their public regulations were afterwards found
improper and impracticable; if their plan of settlement proved too
narrow and circumscribed; praise, nevertheless, is due to them. Human

policy at best is imperfect; but, when the design appears so evidently
good and disinterested, the candid and impartial part of the world will
make many allowances for them, considering their ignorance of the
country, and the many defects that cleave to all codes of laws, even
when framed by the wisest legislators.
About the middle of July, 1732, the trustees for Georgia held their first
general meeting, when Lord Percival was chosen President of the
Corporation. After all the members had qualified themselves, agreeable
to the charter, for the faithful discharge of the trust, a common seal was
ordered to be made. The device was, on one side, two figures resting
upon urns, representing the rivers Alatamaha and Savanna, the
boundaries of the province; between them the genius of the colony
seated, with a cap of liberty on his head, a spear in one hand and a
cornucopia in the other, with the inscription, COLONIA GEORGIA
AUG.: on the other side was a represention of silk worms, some
beginning and others having finished their web, with the motto, NON
SIBI SED ALIIS; a very proper emblem, signifying, that the nature of
the establishment was such, that neither the first trustees nor their
successors could have any views of interest, it being entirely designed
for the benefit and happiness of others.
[Sidenote] James Oglethorpe carries a colony to Georgia.
In November following, one hundred and sixteen settlers embarked at
Gravesend for Georgia, having their passage paid, and every thing
requisite for building and cultivation furnished them by the Corporation.
They could not properly be called adventurers, as they run no risque but
what arose from the change of climate, and as they were to be
maintained until by their industry they were able to support themselves.
James Oglethorpe, one of the Trustees, embarked along with them, and
proved a zealous and active promoter of the settlement. In the
beginning of the year following Oglethorpe arrived in Charlestown,
where he was received by the Governor and Council in the kindest
manner, and treated with every mark of civility and respect. Governor
Johnson, sensible of the great advantage that must accrue to Carolina
from this new colony; gave all the encouragement and assistance in his
power to forward the settlement. Many of the Carolineans sent them
provisions, and hogs, and cows to begin their stock. William Bull, a
man of knowledge and experience, agreed to accompany Mr.

Oglethorpe, and the rangers and scout-boats were ordered to attend him
to Georgia. After their arrival at Yamacraw, Oglethorpe and Bull
explored the country, and having found an high and pleasant spot of
ground, situated on a navigable river, they fixed on this place as the
most convenient and healthy situation for the settlers. On this hill they
marked out a town, and, from the Indian name of the river which ran