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PREFACE.

IT is the practice of almost every writer to preface his productions with apologies. Perhaps their are few who have a better claim to the lenity and indulgence of critics, than the au thor of this work: never having contemplated appearing in the character of an historian, he has reluctantly, and not entirely with his own consent, offered the following sheets to the press. Without map or compass, he entered an unexplored forest, destitute of any other guide than a few ragged pamphlets, defaced news-papers, and scraps of manuscripts. In many instances he has been obliged to resort to the aged, and appeal to their memories for a connection of events, relating to the history of Georgia in its infancy. In commencing the enquiries and collecting the facts which have terminated in this work, it was the author's intention to proffer them to an historian, who was capable of doing justice to the task, and he made the offer to several gentlemen whose talents were equal to the undertaking, but he uniformly found that their avocations interfered with the accomplishment of a plan, which

he had so deeply at heart; he was therefore compelled to offer this humble effort to the public, or suffer the product of his exertions to remain useless, and moulder amongst the many important papers which have been consigned to oblivion.

The occurrences of a new country, when dressed in their best attire, are not very engaging, and it is to be expected that many interesting facts have escaped the author's notice, owing to the limited scope of his researches, in consequence of his affliction under a portion of disease and decripitude, almost without a parallel in the history of human life.

THE

HISTORY OF GEORGIA.

CHAPTER I.

IT is natural and right that we should feel a lively interest and concern in the lives and fortunes of our ancestors. When we behold them braving the horrors of the desert; surmounting the difficulties of an inhospitable climate; exploring forests infested with wild beasts, and surrounded by savages; their courage and perseverance inspire us with astonishment and admiration. We are pleased with a recital of the dangers they have escaped, and the difficulties they have encountered, in planning and executing the establishment of a country, where we are now in the enjoyment of liberty, peace and plenty. These reflections, justly fill us with enthusiastic esteem, respect and affection, for the stock from which we have descended.

B

From the best sources of information which can be resorted to at the present day, Sir Wal ter Raleigh is the reputed discoverer of that part of the United States, now denominated Georgia. This man, so greatly distinguished for his genius, courage, enterprise, and unmerited fate, under the government of a pusillanimous monarch, had been deeply interested in the adventures of his half brother, Sir Humphrey Gilbert; and anxious to complete the discoveries which he had commenced, determined to prosecute them with vigor. Accordingly Sir Walter made application to queen Elizabeth for a patent similar to the one granted to Gilbert, which was obtained on the 26th of March, 1584, to explore North-America, and take possession of such countries as he might discover; and on the 23d of April, he dispatched two ships under the command of captains Amadas and Barlow, for the purpose of visiting the countries of which he contemplated the future settlement. And to avoid the errors of Gilbert in shaping his course too far to the frozen regions of the North, took the route by the West India Islands, and approached the North American continent at the Gulf of Florida, from whence he coasted and occasionally touched the land, visiting and conversing with the natives, until they reached Pamplico sound on the borders of North-Carolina, thence along the coast northward, and returned to England in September; reporting that he had discovered a fine

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