[♦] “Oglethorp” replaced with “Oglethorpe”
For the satisfaction of my friends, and silencing, if possible, my enemies, I have had my accounts from the very beginning to January last, publickly audited and examined, debtor and creditor, article by article; and an oath for confirmation, being an end of all strife, I have sworn to them. If it gives you or others any satisfaction, I shall be glad. I have no more to add, but to beg a continued interest in your prayers, and subscribe myself, very dear Sir,
Your most affectionate friend, and servant,
G. W.
To his Excellency James Wright, Esq. Captain General and Governor in Chief of his Majesty’s province of Georgia, and to the members of his Majesty’s council in the said province.
The Memorial of George Whitefield, Clerk,
Sheweth,
THAT about twenty-five years ago, your memorialist, assisted by the voluntary contributions of charitable and well disposed persons, at a very great expence, and under many disadvantages, did erect a commodious house, with necessary out-buildings, suitable for the reception of orphans, and other poor and deserted children; and that with the repair of the buildings, purchase of negroes, and supporting a large orphan family for so many years, he hath expended upwards of twelve thousand pounds sterling, as appears by the accounts, which from time to time have been audited by the magistrates of Savannah.
That your memorialist, since the commencement of this institution, hath had the satisfaction of finding, that by the money expended thereon, not only many poor families were assisted, and thereby kept from leaving the colony in its infant state, but also that a considerable number of poor helpless children have been trained up; who have been, and now are useful settlers in this and the other neighbouring provinces.
That in order to render the institution aforesaid more extensively useful, your memorialist, as he perceived the colony gradually increasing, hath for some years past designed within himself, to improve the original plan, by making further provision for the education of persons of superior rank; who thereby might be qualified to serve their king, their country, and their God, either in church or state. That he doth with inexpressible pleasure, see the present very flourishing state of the province; but with concern perceives that several gentlemen have been obliged to send their sons to the northern provinces; who would much rather have had them educated nearer home, and thereby prevent their affections being alienated from their native country, and also keep considerable sums of money from being carried out of this into other provinces.