[132] July 16th.
[133] For further account of this memorable defence, see—Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, vol. II, pp. 340, 342. London, 1748. McCall’s History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 170, 190. Savannah, 1811. Hewitt’s Historical Account of the Rise and Progress of the Colonies of South Carolina and Georgia, vol. II, pp. 114, 119. London, 1779. Stevens’ History of Georgia, vol. I, pp. 180, 196. New York, 1847. Harris’ Memorials of Oglethorpe, pp. 250, 268. Boston, 1840. Wright’s Memoir of Oglethorpe, pp. 299, 317. London, 1867. Spalding’s Life of Oglethorpe, Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. I, pp. 275, 284. Savannah, 1840. Ramsay’s History of South Carolina, vol. I, pp. 144, 147. Charleston, 1809. London Magazine, vol. XI, pp. 515, 516, 568. Gentleman’s Magazine for 1742, vol. XII, pp. 494, 496, 550, 561, 693, 694. Gentleman’s Magazine for 1743, vol. XIII, pp. 84, 638, 639.
[134] The following estimate was made of the forces engaged:
Spanish Troops.
| One regiment of dismounted Dragoons | 400 |
| Havanna Regiment | 500 |
| Havanna Militia | 1,000 |
| Regiment of Artillery | 400 |
| Florida Militia | 400 |
| Battalion of Mulattoes | 300 |
| Black Regiment | 400 |
| Indians | 90 |
| Marines | 600 |
| Seamen | 1,000 |
| Total | 5,090 |
General Oglethorpe’s Command.
| His Regiment | 472 |
| Company of Rangers | 30 |
| Highlanders | 50 |
| Armed Militia | 40 |
| Indians | 60 |
| Total | 652 |
See McCall’s History of Georgia, vol I, p. 196. Savannah, 1811.
[135] Of the condition of this town in 1743 we find the following account in the London Magazine for 1745: “Our first Stage we made New Inverness, or the Darien, on the Continent near 20 miles from Frederica; which is a Settlement of Highlanders living and dressing in their own Country Fashion, very happily and contentedly. There is an Independent Company of Foot of them, consisting of 70 men who have been of good service. The Town is regularly laid out, and built of Wood mostly, divided into Streets and Squares; before the Town is the Parade, and a Fort not yet finish’d. It is situated upon a very high Bluff, or Point of Land, from whence, with a few cannon, they can scour the River, otherwise it is surrounded by Pine-barrens, and Woods, and there is a Rout by Land to Savannah and Fort Argyle, which is statedly reconnoitred by a Troop of Highland Rangers who do duty here. The Company and Troop, armed in the Highland manner, make an extreme good appearance under arms. The whole Settlement may be said to be a brave and industrious People; but were more numerous, planted more, and raised more cattle before the Invasion, with which they drove a good Trade to the Southward; but Things seem daily mending with them. They are forc’d to keep a very good Guard in this Place, it lies so open to the Insults of the French and Spanish Indians, who once or twice have shewn Straglers some very bloody Tricks.” Page 551.
[136] Samuel Cloake,—who was a prisoner on board the “Pretty Nancy” taken by the Spaniards from the English, and fitted out for the invasion of Georgia,—made oath that during the time they lay off the bar the Spaniards often “whetted their swords and held their knives to this deponent’s and other English prisoners’ throats, saying they would cut the throats of those they should take at Georgia.” Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, pp. 342, 343. London, 1748.