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Fries + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Moravians in Georgia, by Adelaide L. Fries + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Moravians in Georgia + 1735-1740 + +Author: Adelaide L. Fries + +Release Date: November 27, 2009 [EBook #570] +Last Updated: November 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA *** + + + + +Produced by A. Light, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + 1735-1740 + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Adelaide L. Fries + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + (Note on text: Italicized words or phrases are capitalized. A few + obvious errors have been corrected. Many German names with umlauts have + had the umlaut replaced with an ‘e’ following the vowel (according to + standard form) due to the limitations of ASCII. These names are noted in + the Index.) + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + Winston-Salem, N. C. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + Preface. + </h2> + <p> + In the life of any individual, association, or nation, there will probably + be one or more occurrences which may be considered as success or failure + according to the dramatic features of the event and the ultimate results. + Of this the Battle of Bunker Hill is a striking example. On the morning of + June 17th, 1775, a force of British soldiers attacked a small body of raw, + ill-equipped American volunteers, who had fortified a hill near Boston, + and quickly drove them from their position. By whom then was the Bunker + Hill Monument erected? By the victors in that first engagement of the + Revolution? No, but by proud descendants of the vanquished, whose broader + view showed them the incalculable benefits arising from that seeming + defeat, which precipitated the great struggle, forcing every man in the + Colonies to take a position squarely for or against the American Cause, + convinced the timid that only proper equipment would be needed to enable + the American army to hold its own against the foe, and taught the British + that they were dealing, not with hot-headed rebels who would run at first + sight of the dreaded “red coats”, but with patriots who would stand their + ground so long as a charge of powder remained, or gunstocks could be + handled as clubs. + </p> + <p> + Very much the same line of argument may be applied to the first attempt of + the Moravian Church to establish a settlement on the American Continent. + The story is usually passed over by historians in a few short paragraphs, + and yet without the colony in Georgia, the whole history of the Renewed + Church of the Unitas Fratrum would have been very different. Without that + movement the Moravian Church might never have been established in England, + without it the great Methodist denomination might never have come into + being, without it the American Moravian provinces, North or South, might + not have been planned. Of course Providence might have provided other + means for the accomplishment of these ends, but certain it is that in the + actual development of all these things the “unsuccessful attempt” in + Georgia, 1735 to 1740, played a most important part. + </p> + <p> + In preparing this history a number of private libraries, the collections + of the Georgia Historical Society, the Congressional Library, the British + Museum, were searched for data, but so little was found that the story, in + so far as it relates to the Moravian settlement, has been drawn entirely + from the original manuscripts in the Archives of the Unitas Fratrum at + Herrnhut, Germany, with some additions from the Archives at Bethlehem, + Pa., and Salem, N. C. For the general history of Georgia, of the Moravian + Church, and of the Wesleys, Steven’s History of Georgia, Hamilton’s + History of the Moravian Church, Levering’s History of Bethlehem, Pa., Some + Fathers of the American Moravian Church, by de Schweinitz, Strobel’s + History of the Salzburgers, Tyreman’s Oxford Methodists, and Wesley’s + Journal have been most largely used. + </p> + <p> + The history of the Moravian settlement in Georgia falls into that period + when dates are much confused through the contemporaneous use of the old + style, or Julian calendar, and the new style, or Gregorian calendar. As + the latter is now current everywhere, except in Russia and the Orient, it + is here employed throughout, old style dates being translated where they + occur in the records. + </p> + <p> + Special thanks are due to Rev. A. Glitsch, Archivist at Herrnhut, for + courtesies extended while the author was examining the invaluable + collection of papers entrusted to his care, and also for his supervision + of the copying of such documents as were selected; to Mr. Isaac Beckett, + of Savannah, for information respecting the Moravian lands; to Mr. John + Jordan, of Philadelphia, for copies of deeds and other papers relating to + the settlement; to Mr. W. S. Pfohl, of Salem, for assistance with the + illustrations; and to Mr. John W. Fries for suggestion and inspiration for + the work, and the constant encouragement and sympathetic interest without + which the author’s courage would have failed during the tedious years of + gathering material for the book, which is now presented to those who may + find in it something of explanation, something of interest, concerning the + Moravian settlement in Georgia, and the broader history which the story + touches on every side. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Adelaide L. Fries. +August, 1904. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> Preface. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_TOC"> Detailed Table of Contents. </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA, 1735-1740.</b> + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> Chapter I. Antecedent Events. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> Chapter II. Negotiations with the Trustees + of Georgia. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> Chapter III. The First Year in Georgia. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> Chapter IV. Reinforcements. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> Chapter V. The Second Year in Georgia. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> Chapter VI. Disintegration. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> Chapter VII. Conclusion. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_TOC" id="link2H_TOC"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Detailed Table of Contents. + </h2> + <blockquote> + <p> + Chapter I. Antecedent Events. <br /> The Province of Georgia. <br /> The + Salzburgers. <br /> Unitas Fratrum. <br /> Halle Opposition. <br /> Chapter + II. Negotiations with the Trustees of Georgia. <br /> The Schwenkfelders. + <br /> Preliminary Steps. <br /> The “First Company”. <br /> Chapter III. + The First Year in Georgia. <br /> The Voyage. <br /> Making a Start. <br /> + Aim and Attainment. <br /> Chapter IV. Reinforcements. <br /> The “Second + Company”. <br /> Four Journals. <br /> Organization. <br /> Chapter V. The + Second Year in Georgia. <br /> The English Clergymen. <br /> Work Among + the Indians. <br /> The “Society”. <br /> Rumors of War. <br /> Chapter VI. + Disintegration. <br /> Spangenberg’s Visit. <br /> A Closing Door. <br /> + Wesley, Ingham and Toeltschig. <br /> The Negro Mission. <br /> Chapter + VII. Conclusion. <br /> Later Attempts in Georgia. <br /> The Savannah + Lands. <br /> Arrivals, Departures, Deaths. <br /> Summary. <br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + THE MORAVIANS IN GEORGIA,<br /> 1735-1740. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter I. Antecedent Events. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Province of Georgia. +</pre> + <p> + It was in the year 1728 that the English Parliament was persuaded by James + Oglethorpe, Esq.—soldier, statesman and philanthropist,—to + appoint a committee to investigate the condition of the debtors confined + in the Fleet and Marchalsea prisons. The lot of these debtors was a most + pitiable one, for a creditor had power to imprison a man for an indefinite + term of years, and the unfortunate debtor, held within the four walls of + his prison, could earn no money to pay the debt that was owing, and unless + friends came to his rescue, was utterly at the mercy of the oft-times + barbarous jailor. The Committee, consisting of ninety-six prominent men, + with Oglethorpe as Chairman, recommended and secured the redress of many + grievances, and the passing of better laws for the future, but Oglethorpe + and a few associates conceived a plan which they thought would eradicate + the evil by striking at its very root, the difficulty which many found in + earning a living in the overcrowded cities. + </p> + <p> + In 1663 King Charles II. had granted to eight “Lords Proprietors” the + portion of North America lying between the 31st and 36th degrees of + latitude, enlarging the boundaries in 1665 to 29 deg. and 36 deg. 30 min. + By 1728 most of these Lords Proprietors had tired of their attempt to + govern the colonies they had established in “Carolina”, and in 1729 seven + of the eight sold their interest to the English crown, the district being + divided into “North Carolina”, “South Carolina”, and a more southerly + portion, nominally included in the latter, which was held in reserve. + </p> + <p> + To this unused land the thoughts of Oglethorpe turned, and he and his + friends addressed a memorial to the Privy Council, stating “that the + cities of London, Westminster, and parts adjacent, do abound with great + numbers of indigent persons, who are reduced to such necessity as to + become burthensome to the public, and who would be willing to seek a + livelihood in any of his majesty’s plantations in America, if they were + provided with a passage, and means of settling there.” They therefore + asked for a grant of land lying south of the Savannah River, where they + wished to establish a colony in which these unfortunate men might begin + life anew, and where Protestants, persecuted in some parts of Europe, + might find a refuge. They also offered to take entire charge of the + affair, and their petition, after passing through the usual channels, was + approved by the King, George II, a charter was prepared, and the great + seal was affixed June 9th, 1732. + </p> + <p> + This instrument constituted twenty-one noblemen and gentlemen a body + corporate, by the name and style of “The Trustees for establishing the + Colony of Georgia in America”, and in them was vested full authority for + the collecting of subscriptions and the expending of moneys gathered, the + selection of colonists, and the making and administering of laws in + Georgia; but no member of the corporation was allowed to receive a salary, + or any fees, or to hold land in the new province. The undertaking was to + be strictly for the good of others, not for their own pecuniary benefit. + The charter granted to them “all those lands, countries, and territories + situate, lying and being in that part of South Carolina, in America” + between the Savannah and Altamaha, gave them permission to take over any + British subjects, or foreigners willing to become such, and guaranteed to + each settler the rights of an English subject, and full liberty of + conscience,—Papists alone excepted. This apparently pointed + exception was natural enough, since from a political standpoint the new + colony was regarded as a valuable guard for the Protestant English + Colonies on the north, against the Indians and Roman Catholic colonists to + the south, who had been keeping the border settlers in a continual state + of uneasiness, even in times of nominal peace. Moreover England had not + forgotten the terrible experience of the latter half of the preceding + century, when it was war to the death between Catholic and Protestant, and + the latter party being the stronger the former was subjected to great and + unpardonable persecution, many were executed, and all holding that faith + were laid under political disabilities which lasted for a hundred and + fifty years. + </p> + <p> + The plans of the Trustees were very broad. They intended “to relieve such + unfortunate persons as cannot subsist here, and establish them in an + orderly manner, so as to form a well regulated town. As far as their fund + goes they will defray the charge of their passage to Georgia—give + them necessaries, cattle, land, and subsistence, till such time as they + can build their houses and clear some of their land.” In this manner “many + families who would otherwise starve will be provided for, and made masters + of houses and lands; * * * and by giving refuge to the distressed + Salzburgers and other Protestants, the power of Britain, as a reward for + its hospitality, will be increased by the addition of so many religious + and industrious subjects.” + </p> + <p> + Each of the emigrants was to receive about fifty acres of land, including + a town lot, a garden of five acres, and a forty-five acre farm, and the + Trustees offered to give a tract of five hundred acres to any well-to-do + man who would go over at his own expense, taking with him at least ten + servants, and promising his military service in case of need. + </p> + <p> + But there was a commercial as well as a benevolent side to the designs of + the Trustees, for they thought Georgia could be made to furnish silk, + wine, oil and drugs in large quantities, the importing of which would keep + thousands of pounds sterling in English hands which had hitherto gone to + China, Persia and the Madeiras. Special provision was therefore made to + secure the planting of mulberry trees as the first step towards silk + culture, the other branches to be introduced as speedily as might be. + </p> + <p> + Filled with enthusiasm for their plan, the Trustees proceeded to spread + abroad the most glowing descriptions of the country where the new colony + was to be settled. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The kind spring, which but salutes us here, + Inhabits there, and courts them all the year. + Ripe fruits and blossoms on the same trees live— + At once they promise, when at once they give. + So sweet the air, so moderate the clime, + None sickly lives, or dies before his time. + Heaven, sure, has kept this spot of earth uncurst, + To shew how all things were created first.” + </pre> + <p> + So wrote Oglethorpe, quoting the lines as the best pen picture he could + give of the new land, and truly, if the colonists found the reality less + roseate than they anticipated, it was not the fault of their generous, + energetic leader, who spared neither pains nor means in his effort to make + all things work out as his imagination had painted them. + </p> + <p> + The Trustees having, with great care, selected thirty-five families from + the number who wished to go, the first emigrant ship sailed for Georgia in + November, 1732, bearing about one hundred and twenty-five “sober, + industrious and moral persons”, and all needful stores for the + establishment of the colony. Early in the following year they reached + America, and Oglethorpe, having chosen a high bluff on the southern bank + of the Savannah River, concluded a satisfactory treaty with Tomochichi, + the chief of the nearest Indian tribe, which was later ratified in a full + Council of the chiefs of all the Lower Creeks. His fairness and courteous + treatment won the hearts of all, especially of Tomochichi and his people, + who for many years remained on the best of terms with the town which was + now laid out upon the bluff. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Salzburgers. +</pre> + <p> + The Salzburgers, referred to by name in the proposals of the Georgia + Trustees, were, at this time, very much upon the mind and heart of + Protestant Europe. They were Germans, belonging to the Archbishopric of + Salzburg, then the most eastern district of Bavaria, but now a province of + Austria. “Their ancestors, the Vallenges of Piedmont, had been compelled + by the barbarities of the Dukes of Savoy to find a shelter from the storms + of persecution in the Alpine passes and vales of Salzburg and the Tyrol, + before the Reformation; and frequently since, they had been hunted out by + the hirelings and soldiery of the Church of Rome, and condemned for their + faith to tortures of the most cruel and revolting kind. In 1684-6, they + were again threatened with an exterminating persecution; but were saved in + part by the intervention of the Protestant States of Saxony and + Brandenburg, though more than a thousand emigrated on account of the + dangers to which they were exposed. + </p> + <p> + “But the quietness which they then enjoyed for nearly half a century was + rudely broken in upon by Leopold, Count of Firmian and Archbishop of + Salzburg, who determined to reduce them to the Papal faith and power. He + began in the year 1729, and ere he ended in 1732 not far from thirty + thousand had been driven from their homes, to seek among the Protestant + States of Europe that charity and peace which were denied them in the + glens and fastnesses of their native Alps. + </p> + <p> + “The march of these Salzburgers constitutes an epoch in the history of + Germany. * * * Arriving at Augsburg, the magistrates closed the gates + against them, refusing them entrance to that city which, two hundred years + before, through Luther and Melancthon and in the presence of Charles V and + the assembled Princes of Germany, had given birth to the celebrated + Augsburg Confession, for clinging to which the Salzburgers were now driven + from their homes; but overawed by the Protestants, the officers + reluctantly admitted the emigrants, who were kindly entertained by the + Lutherans. + </p> + <p> + “The sympathies of Reformed Christendom were awakened on their behalf, and + the most hospitable entertainment and assistance were everywhere given + them.” Only a few months after the signing of the Georgia Colony Charter, + the “Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge” requested the + Trustees to include the Salzburgers in their plans. The Trustees expressed + their willingness to grant lands, and to manage any money given toward + their expenses, but stated that they then held no funds which were + available for that purpose. + </p> + <p> + In May, 1733, the House of Commons appropriated 10,000 Pounds to the + Trustees of Georgia, “to be applied towards defraying the charges of + carrying over and settling foreign and other Protestants in said colony,” + and over 3,000 Pounds additional having been given privately, the + Trustees, at the suggestion of Herr von Pfeil, consul of Wittenberg at + Regensberg, wrote to Senior Samuel Urlsperger, pastor of the Lutheran + Church of St. Ann in the city of Augsburg, who had been very kind to the + Salzburgers on their arrival there, “and ever afterward watched over their + welfare with the solicitude of an affectionate father.” On receipt of the + invitation from the Trustees, seventy-eight persons decided to go to + Georgia, and left Augsburg on the 21st of October, reaching Rotterdam the + 27th of November, where they were joined by two ministers, Rev. Mr. + Bolzius, deputy superintendent of the Latin Orphan School at Halle, and + Rev. Mr. Gronau, a tutor in the same, who were to accompany them to their + new home. In England they were treated with marked kindness, and when they + sailed, January 19, 1734, it was with the promise of free transportation + to Georgia, and support there until they could reap their first harvest + from the fifty acres which were to be given to each man among them. + </p> + <p> + They reached Charlestown, South Carolina, the following March, and met + General Oglethorpe, the Governor of Georgia, who was intending an + immediate return to Europe, but went back to help them select a suitable + place for their settlement, they preferring not to live in Savannah + itself. The site chosen was about twenty-five miles from Savannah, on a + large stream flowing into the Savannah River, and there they laid out + their town, calling it “Ebenezer”, in grateful remembrance of the Divine + help that had brought them thither. Baron von Reck, who had accompanied + them as Commissary of the Trustees, stayed with them until they had made a + good beginning, and then returned to Europe, leaving Ebenezer about the + middle of May. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Unitas Fratrum. +</pre> + <p> + But while the Salzburgers received so much sympathy and kindness in + Germany on account of their distress, other exiled Protestants, whose + story was no less touching, were being treated with scant courtesy and + consideration. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of July, 1415, the Bohemian Reformer, John Hus, was burned at + the stake. But those who had silenced him could not unsay his message, and + at last there drew together a little body of earnest men, who agreed to + accept the Bible as their only standard of faith and practice, and + established a strict discipline which should keep their lives in the + simplicity, purity, and brotherly love of the early Apostolic Church. This + was in 1457, and the movement quickly interested the thoughtful people in + all classes of society, many of whom joined their ranks. The formal + organization of the Unitas Fratrum (the Unity of Brethren) followed, and + its preaching, theological publications, and educational work soon raised + it to great influence in Bohemia, Moravia, and Poland, friendly + intercourse being established with Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers as + they became prominent. + </p> + <p> + Then came destruction, when the religious liberty of Bohemia and Moravia + was extinguished in blood, by the Church of Rome. The great Comenius went + forth, a wanderer on the face of the earth, welcomed and honored in courts + and universities, introducing new educational principles that + revolutionized methods of teaching, but ever longing and praying for the + restoration of his Church; and by his publication of its Doctrine and + Rules of Discipline, and by his careful transmission of the Episcopate + which had been bestowed upon him and his associate Bishops, he did + contribute largely to that renewal which he was not destined to see. + </p> + <p> + In the home lands there were many who held secretly, tenaciously, + desperately, to the doctrines they loved, “in hope against hope” that the + great oppression would be lifted. But the passing of a hundred years + brought no relief, concessions granted to others were still denied to the + children of those who had been the first “protestants” against religious + slavery and corruption, and in 1722 a small company of descendants of the + ancient Unitas Fratrum slipped over the borders of Moravia, and went to + Saxony, Nicholas Lewis, Count Zinzendorf, having given them permission to + sojourn on his estates until they could find suitable homes elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + Hearing that they had reached a place of safety, other Moravians took + their lives in their hands and followed, risking the imprisonment and + torture which were sure to follow an unsuccessful attempt to leave a + province, the Government of which would neither allow them to be happy at + home nor to sacrifice everything and go away. Among these emigrants were + five young men, who went in May, 1724, with the avowed intention of trying + to resuscitate the Unitas Fratrum. They intended to go into Poland, where + the organization of the Unitas Fratrum had lasted for a considerable time + after its ruin in Bohemia, but, almost by accident, they decided to first + visit Christian David, who had led the first company to Herrnhut, Saxony, + and while there they became convinced that God meant them to throw in + their lot with these refugees, and so remained, coming to be strong + leaders in the renewed Unity. + </p> + <p> + Several years, however, elapsed before the church was re-established. One + hundred years of persecution had left the Moravians only traditions of the + usages of the fathers, members of other sects who were in trouble came and + settled among them, bringing diverse views, and things were threatening to + become very much involved, when Count Zinzendorf, who had hitherto paid + little attention to them, awoke to the realization of their danger, and at + once set to work to help them. + </p> + <p> + It was no easy task which he undertook, for the Moravians insisted on + retaining their ancient discipline, and he must needs try to please them + and at the same time preserve the bond of union with the State Church,—the + Lutheran,—of which, as his tenants, they were officially considered + members. His tact and great personal magnetism at last healed the + differences which had sprung up between the settlers, the opportune + finding of Comenius’ ‘Ratio Disciplinae’ enabled them with certainty to + formulate rules that agreed with those of the ancient Unitas Fratrum, and + a marked outpouring of the Holy Spirit at a Communion, August 13th, 1727, + sealed the renewal of the Church. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “They walked with God in peace and love, + But failed with one another; + While sternly for the faith they strove, + Brother fell out with brother; + But He in Whom they put their trust, + Who knew their frames, that they were dust, + Pitied and healed their weakness. + + “He found them in His House of prayer, + With one accord assembled, + And so revealed His presence there, + They wept for joy and trembled; + One cup they drank, one bread they brake, + One baptism shared, one language spake, + Forgiving and forgiven. + + “Then forth they went with tongues of flame + In one blest theme delighting, + The love of Jesus and His Name + God’s children all uniting! + That love our theme and watchword still; + That law of love may we fulfill, + And love as we are loved.” + (Montgomery.) +</pre> + <p> + At this time there was no thought of separating from the State Church and + establishing a distinct denomination, and Zinzendorf believed that the + Unitas Fratrum could exist as a ‘society’ working in, and in harmony with, + the State Church of whatever nation it might enter. This idea, borrowed + probably from Spener’s “ecclesiolae in ecclesia”, clung to him, even after + circumstances had forced the Unity to declare its independence and the + validity of the ordination of its ministry, and many otherwise + inexplicable things in the later policy of the Church may be traced to its + influence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Halle Opposition. +</pre> + <p> + In 1734 Zinzendorf took orders in the Lutheran Church, but this, and all + that preceded it, seemed to augment rather than quiet the antagonism which + the development of Herrnhut aroused in certain quarters. This opposition + was not universal. The Moravians had many warm friends and advocates at + the Saxon Court, at the Universities of Jena and Tuebingen, and elsewhere, + but they also had active enemies who drew their inspiration principally + from the University of Halle. + </p> + <p> + The opposition of Halle seems to have been largely prompted by jealousy. + In 1666 a revolt against the prevailing cold formalism of the Lutheran + Church was begun by Philip Jacob Spener, a minister of that Church, who + strongly urged the need for real personal piety on the part of each + individual. His ideas were warmly received by some, and disliked by + others, who stigmatized Spener and his disciples as “Pietists”, but the + doctrine spread, and in the course of time the University of Halle became + its centre. Among those who were greatly attracted by the movement were + Count Zinzendorf’s parents and grandparents, and when he was born, May + 26th, 1700, Spener was selected as his sponsor. + </p> + <p> + Being of a warm-hearted, devout nature, young Zinzendorf yielded readily + to the influence of his pious grandmother, to whose care he was left after + his father’s death and his mother’s second marriage, and by her wish he + entered the Paedagogium at Halle in 1710, remaining there six years. Then + his uncle, fearing that he would become a religious enthusiast, sent him + to the University of Wittenberg, with strict orders to apply himself to + the study of law. Here he learned to recognize the good side of the + Wittenberg divines, who were decried by Halle, and tried to bring the two + Universities to a better understanding, but without result. + </p> + <p> + In 1719 he was sent on an extensive foreign tour, according to custom, and + in the picture gallery of Duesseldorf saw an Ecce Homo with its + inscription “This have I done for thee, what hast thou done for me?” which + settled him forever in his determination to devote his whole life to the + service of Christ. + </p> + <p> + Rather against his wishes, Count Zinzendorf then took office under the + Saxon Government, but about the same time he bought from his grandmother + the estate of Berthelsdorf, desiring to establish a centre of piety, + resembling Halle. The coming of the Moravian and other refugees and their + settlement at Herrnhut, near Berthelsdorf, was to him at first only an + incident; but as their industry and the preaching of Pastor Rothe, whom he + had put in charge of the Berthelsdorf Lutheran Church, began to attract + attention, he went to Halle, expecting sympathy from his friends there. + Instead he met with rebuke and disapproval, the leaders resenting the fact + that he had not placed the work directly under their control, and + apparently realizing, as he did not, that the movement would probably lead + to the establishment of a separate church. + </p> + <p> + In spite of their disapprobation, the work at Herrnhut prospered, and the + more it increased the fiercer their resentment grew. That they, who had + gained their name from their advocacy of the need for personal piety, + should have been foremost in opposing a man whose piety was his strongest + characteristic, and a people who for three hundred years, in prosperity + and adversity, in danger, torture and exile, had held “Christ and Him + Crucified” as their Confession of Faith, and pure and simple living for + His sake as their object in life, is one of the ironies of history. + </p> + <p> + Nor did the Halle party confine itself to criticism. Some years later + Zinzendorf was for a time driven into exile, and narrowly escaped the + confiscation of all his property, while its methods of obstructing the + missionary and colonizing efforts of the Moravians will appear in the + further history of the Georgia colony. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter II. Negotiations with the Trustees of Georgia. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Schwenkfelders. +</pre> + <p> + Among those who came to share the hospitalities of Count Zinzendorf during + the years immediately preceding the renewal of the Unitas Fratrum, were a + company of Schwenkfelders. Their sojourn on his estate was comparatively + brief, and their association with the Moravian Church only temporary, but + they are of interest because their necessities led directly to the + Moravian settlements in Georgia and Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + The Schwenkfelders took their name from Casper Schwenkfeld, a Silesian + nobleman contemporary with Luther, who had in the main embraced the + Reformer’s doctrines, but formed some opinions of his own in regard to the + Lord’s Supper, and one or two other points. His followers were persecuted + in turn by Lutherans and Jesuits, and in 1725 a number of them threw + themselves on the mercy of Count Zinzendorf. He permitted them to stay for + a while at Herrnhut, where their views served to increase the confusion + which prevailed prior to the revival of 1727, about which time he moved + them to Ober-Berthelsdorf. + </p> + <p> + In 1732, Zinzendorf’s personal enemies accused him, before the Saxon + Court, of being a dangerous man, and the Austrian Government complained + that he was enticing its subjects to remove to his estates. The Count + asked for a judicial investigation, which was granted, the Prefect of + Goerlitz spending three days in a rigid examination of the affairs of + Herrnhut. The result was a most favorable report, showing the orthodoxy of + the settlers, and that instead of urging emigration from Bohemia and + Moravia, Zinzendorf had protested against it, receiving only those who + were true exiles for conscience’ sake. In spite of this the Saxon + Government, a few months later, forbade him to receive any more refugees. + </p> + <p> + In April, 1733, a decree went forth that all Schwenkfelders were to leave + the Kingdom of Saxony. This, of course, affected those who were living at + Ober-Berthelsdorf, and a committee of four waited on Count Zinzendorf, and + requested him to secure a new home for them in the land of Georgia in + North America. Probably Zinzendorf, whose attention had been caught by the + attractive advertisements of the Trustees, had unofficially suggested the + idea to them. + </p> + <p> + Lest his opening negotiations with the English Company should foment the + trouble at home, he sent his first communication to them anonymously, + about the end of 1733. + </p> + <p> + “A nobleman, of the Protestant religion, connected with the most + influential families of Germany, has decided to live for a time in + America, without, however, renouncing his estates in Germany. But as + circumstances render it inadvisable for him to take such a step hastily, + he wishes to send in advance a number of families of his dependents, + composed of honest, sturdy, industrious, skillful, economical people, well + ordered in their domestic affairs, who, having no debts, will try to sell + such possessions as they cannot take with them in order to raise the funds + for establishing themselves in their new home. + </p> + <p> + “This nobleman, on his part, promises: + </p> + <p> + (1) To be governed by the King, and the English Nation, in all things, + matters of conscience alone excepted; that is, he will be true to the + Prince, the Protestant Succession, and Parliament in everything relating + to the estates he may receive in this country, and thereto will pledge his + life, and the property he may in future hold under the protection of His + Majesty of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + (2) To be surety for the dependents that he sends over, and to assume only + such jurisdiction over them as is customary among English Lords on their + estates. + </p> + <p> + (3) To carefully repay the English Nation such sums as may be advanced for + his establishment in Georgia, and moreover, as soon as the property is in + good condition, to consider it only as rented until the obligation is + discharged. + </p> + <p> + (4) To assist the King and Nation, with all zeal and by all means in his + power, to carry out His Majesty’s designs for Georgia. He will bring to + that all the insight and knowledge of a man of affairs, who from youth up + has studied the most wholesome principles and laws for a State, and has + had personal experience in putting them into execution; but, on the other + hand, he has learned such self-control that he will meddle with nothing in + which his services are not desired. + </p> + <p> + “In consideration of these things the nobleman asks that— + </p> + <p> + (1) If more knowledge of his standing is desired he shall be expected to + give it to no one except a Committee of Parliament, composed of members of + both houses, appointed by his Britannic Majesty, or to a Committee of the + ‘Collegii directoriatis’ of America, who shall be empowered to grant his + requests; this in view of the fact that the petitioner is a German + Nobleman, whose family is well known, his father having been Ambassador to + England, and his kindred among the foremost statesmen of Europe. + </p> + <p> + (2) After the Committee has received sufficient and satisfactory + information it shall be silent in regard to the circumstances and his + personality, as he has weighty reasons for not wishing to subject himself + to criticism. + </p> + <p> + (3) He shall be given a written agreement, guaranteeing the following + things: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + a. That he shall receive enough land for a household + of fifty to sixty persons, and for about a hundred other dependents, + most of whom have a trade or profession, and all able + to help build up the country. + + b. That his dependents shall be given free transportation, + and supplies for the voyage. + + c. That they shall be taken directly to the place mentioned + in the agreement. + + d. That he and his agent shall have certain sums advanced to him + for the expenses of the removal to Georgia, the money to be given them + only when they are ready to embark in England,—payment to be made + several years later, a rate of interest having been mutually agreed on, + and the estate in Georgia being given for security if necessary. + + e. All that is needed for the building of a village for himself and + his dependents shall be furnished them,—but as an interest bearing loan. + + f. That he, and the colonists who will go with him, shall have + full religious liberty, they being neither papists nor visionaries. + + g. That if any of his dependents should fall into error + no one should attempt to correct them, but leave him to handle the matter + according to his own judgment; on the other hand he will stand surety + for the conduct of his dependents as citizens. + + h. That he and his descendents shall be taken under the protection + of the English Nation if they request it. + + i. That he may be permitted to choose whether he will go himself to Georgia, + or send a representative to set his affairs in order, and if the latter, + then the representative shall receive the courteous treatment + that would have been accorded him. + + j. That those among his colonists who wish to preach the gospel + to the heathen shall be allowed to do so; and their converts shall have + the same religious freedom as his colonists. + + k. That he and his dependents in Georgia shall be given the privileges + in spiritual affairs which the independent Lords of Germany enjoy + in temporal affairs. + + l. That all his property shall be at the service of the State + in time of need, but neither he nor his dependents shall be called on + for military duty, in lieu whereof he will, if necessary, + pay a double war tax.” + </pre> + <p> + From this document it appears that even at this early stage of the + negotiations Zinzendorf’s plans for the settlement in Georgia were well + matured. A town was to be built by his colonists, where they should have + all privileges for the free exercise of their religion; they, as thrifty + citizens, were to assist in the upbuilding of Georgia; they were to preach + the gospel to the heathen; they were NOT to bear arms, but in case of war + to pay a double tax. His careful avoidance of the plea of religious + persecution was caused by the fact that his own King had ordered the exile + of the Schwenkfelders, for Zinzendorf all his life sought to pay due + respect to those in authority, and even when his conscience forced him to + differ with them it was done with perfect courtesy, giving equal weight to + all parts of the commandment “Honor all men; love the brotherhood; fear + God; honor the King.” + </p> + <p> + The proposals of the Count were forwarded through Herr von Pfeil, and were + presented to the Trustees of the Colony of Georgia by a Mr. Lorenz. Who + this gentleman was does not appear, but a man bearing that name was one of + the Germans, living in London, who in 1737 formed a society for religious + improvement under the influence of Count Zinzendorf. + </p> + <p> + Through the same channel the answer of the Trustees was returned: + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Lorenz, + </p> + <p> + The proposals sent by Baron Pfeil from Ratisbon (Regensberg) to the + Trustees of Georgia have been read at their meeting, but as they see that + the gentleman asks pecuniary assistance for the establishment he + contemplates, they answer that they have absolutely no fund from which to + defray such expenses, but that in case the gentleman who suggests it + wishes to undertake the enterprise at his own cost they will be able to + grant him land in Georgia on conditions to which no one could object, and + which he may learn as soon as the Trustees have been informed that he has + decided to go at his own expense. You will have the kindness to forward + this to Baron Pfeil, and oblige, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + your most humble + servant J. Vernon.” + </pre> + <p> + Whether this plea of “no fund” was prompted by indifference, or whether + they really considered the money appropriated by Parliament as intended + for the Salzburgers alone, is immaterial. Perhaps Zinzendorf’s very + proposals to consider any assistance as a loan made them think him able to + finance the scheme himself. + </p> + <p> + The Schwenkfelders, being under orders to expatriate themselves, left + Berthelsdorf on the 26th of May, 1734, under the leadership of Christopher + Wiegner (sometimes called George in Moravian MSS.) and at their request + George Boehnisch, one of the Herrnhut Moravians, went with them. Their + plan was to go through Holland to England, and thence to Georgia, but in + the former country they changed their minds and sailed for Pennsylvania. + In December of the same year Spangenberg was in Rotterdam, where he lodged + with a Dr. Koker, from whom he learned the reason for their, until then, + unexplained behavior. Dr. Koker belonged to a Society calling themselves + the “Collegiants”, the membership of which was drawn from the Reformed, + Lutheran, and various other churches. Their cardinal principles were + freedom of speech, freedom of belief, and liberty to retain membership in + their own denominations if they desired. The Society was really an + offshoot of the Baptist Church, differing, however, in its non-insistance + upon a particular form of baptism. Twice a year the members met in the + Lord’s Supper, to which all were welcomed whose life was beyond reproach. + In Holland they enjoyed the same privileges as other sects, and had a + following in Amsterdam, Haarlem, Rotterdam, Leyden, etc. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that the Schwenkfelders had first addressed themselves to + these Collegiants, especially to Cornelius van Putten in Haarlem, and + Pieter Koker in Rotterdam, but when their need grew more pressing they + appealed to Count Zinzendorf. When he was not able to obtain for them all + they wanted, they turned again to the Collegiants, and were in conference + with them in Rotterdam. The Collegiants were very much opposed to the + Georgia Colony,—“the Dutch intensely disliked anything that would + connect them with England,”—and although Thomas Coram, one of the + Trustees, who happened to be in Rotterdam, promised the Schwenkfelders + free transportation (which had been refused Zinzendorf), the Collegiants + persuaded them not to go to Georgia. Their chief argument was that the + English Government sent its convicts to Georgia, a proof that it was not a + good land, and the Schwenkfelders were also told that the English intended + to use them as slaves. + </p> + <p> + Disturbed by this view of the case, the Schwenkfelders accepted an offer + of free transportation to Pennsylvania, where they arrived in safety on + the 22nd of September. + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg had wished to serve as their pastor in Georgia, thinking it + would give him opportunity to carry out his cherished wish to bear the + gospel message to the heathen, and he felt himself still in a measure + bound to them, despite their change of purpose, and at a somewhat later + time did visit them in their new home. There was some idea of then taking + them to Georgia, but it did not materialize, and they remained permanently + in Pennsylvania, settling in the counties of Montgomery, Berks and Lehigh. + Their descendents there preserve the customs of their fathers, and are the + only representatives of the Schwenkfelder form of doctrine, the sect + having become extinct in Europe. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Preliminary Steps. +</pre> + <p> + While the exile of the Schwenkfelders was the immediate cause which led + Zinzendorf to open negotiations with the Trustees of the Colony of + Georgia, the impulse which prompted him involved far more than mere + assistance to them. Foreign Missions, in the modern sense of the word, + were almost unknown in Zinzendorf’s boyhood, yet from his earliest days + his thoughts turned often to those who lay beyond the reach of gospel + light. In 1730, while on a visit to Copenhagen, he heard that the Lutheran + Missionary Hans Egede, who for years had been laboring single handed to + convert the Eskimos of Greenland, was sorely in need of help; and Anthony, + the negro body-servant of a Count Laurwig, gave him a most pathetic + description of the condition of the negro slaves in the Danish West + Indies. + </p> + <p> + Filled with enthusiasm, Zinzendorf returned to Herrnhut, and poured the + two stories into willing ears, for ever since the great revival of 1727 + the Moravian emigrants had been scanning the field, anxious to carry the + “good news” abroad, and held back only by the apparent impossibility of + going forward. Who were they, without influence, without means, without a + country even, that they should take such an office upon themselves? But + the desire remained, and at this summons they prepared to do the + impossible. In August, 1732, two men started for St. Thomas,—in + April, 1733, three more sailed for Greenland, and in the face of hardships + that would have daunted men of less than heroic mold, successful missions + were established at both places. + </p> + <p> + But this was not enough. “My passionate desire,” wrote Zinzendorf from + Herrnhut in January, 1735, “my passionate desire to make Jesus known among + the heathen has found a satisfaction in the blessed Greenland, St. Thomas + and Lapp work, but without appeasing my hunger. I therefore look into + every opportunity which presents itself, seeking that the kingdom of my + Redeemer may be strengthened among men.” + </p> + <p> + Nor did he lack ready assistants, for the Moravians were as eager as he. + “When we in Herrnhut heard of Georgia, of which much was being published + in the newspapers, and when we realized the opportunity it would give to + carry the Truth to the heathen, several Brethren, who had the Lord’s honor + much at heart, were led, doubtless by His hand, to think that it would be + a good plan to send some Brethren thither, if it might please the Lord to + bless our work among the heathen, and so to bring those poor souls, now + far from Christ, nigh unto Him. We tried to learn about the land, but + could secure no accurate information, for some spoke from hearsay, others + with prejudice, and many more with too great partiality. But we at last + decided to venture, in the faith that the Lord would help us through.” + </p> + <p> + The needs of the Schwenkfelders gave a new turn to their thoughts, and + suggested the advantages that might accrue from a settlement in America to + which they might all retreat if the persecution in Saxony waxed violent; + but early in the year 1734, the question “Shall we go to Georgia only as + Colonists, or also as Missionaries?” was submitted to the lot, and the + answer was “As Missionaries also.” + </p> + <p> + The defection of the Schwenkfelders, therefore, while a serious + interference with the Herrnhut plan, was not allowed to ruin the project. + Zinzendorf wrote again to the Trustees, and they repeated their promise of + land, provided his colonists would go at their own expense. + </p> + <p> + After much consultation the decision was reached that Zinzendorf should + ask for a tract of five hundred acres, and that ten men should be sent + over to begin a town, their families and additional settlers to follow + them in a few months. + </p> + <p> + The next step was to find a way to send these men across the Atlantic. + Baron George Philipp Frederick von Reck, a nephew of Herr von Pfeil, who + had led the first company of Salzburgers to Georgia, was planning to take + a second company in the course of the next months. He was young and + enthusiastic, met Zinzendorf’s overtures most kindly, and even visited + Herrnhut in the early part of October, 1734, when, as it happened, nine of + the prospective colonists were formally presented to the Congregation. + Baron Reck was very much impressed, promised to take with him to Georgia + any of the Moravians who wished to go, and even sent to David Nitschmann, + who was to conduct the party as far as London, full authorization to bring + as many as desired to come, promising each man who went at his own expense + a fifty-acre freehold in Georgia, and offering others necessary assistance + when they reached London. This paper was signed at Bautzen, October 22nd, + 1734. + </p> + <p> + But Reck had failed to realize the force of the Halle opposition to + Herrnhut, and soon weakened under the weight of persuasion and command + laid upon him by those whose opinion he felt obliged to respect. On the + 4th of November he wrote from Windhausen to Graf Stolberg Wernigerode, “I + have hesitated and vexed myself in much uncertainty whether or not I + should go with the Herrnhuters to America. And now I know that God has + heard our prayer at Halle and Wernigerode, and your letters have decided + me to stay in Germany this winter, in the first place because my going + would be a grief to my dear Urlsperger, whom I love as a father, secondly + because the English will send over a third transport of Salzburgers in the + coming spring and wish me to take them, and thirdly because I wish to obey + worthy and chosen men of God.” + </p> + <p> + He wrote to the same effect to Zinzendorf, and the Count, though doubtless + annoyed, replied simply: “Your Highness’ resolution to accommodate + yourself to your superiors would be known by us all for right. You will + then not blame us if we go our way as it is pointed out to us by the + Lord.” + </p> + <p> + A few days later Reck received a sharp note from the Trustees of Georgia, + reproving him for his temerity in agreeing to take the Moravians with him + to Georgia without consulting them, and reiterating the statement that the + funds in their hands had been given for the use of the Salzburgers, and + could be used for them alone. + </p> + <p> + The young man must have winced not a little under all this censure, but + while he yielded his plan to the wishes of the Halle party, he held firmly + to the opinion he had formed of the Moravians. He wrote to Urlsperger and + others in their behalf, declaring that they were a godly people, much + misunderstood, that it was a shame to persecute them and try to hinder + their going to Georgia, and he felt sure that if their opponents would + once meet the Moravians and converse with them freely, confidentially, and + without prejudice, they would come to respect them as he did. He also + suggested that there were many protestants remaining in Bohemia, who would + gladly leave, and who might be secured for Georgia on the terms offered to + the Salzburgers. The next year in fact, an effort was made to obtain + permission from the Austrian Government for the emigration of these + people, and Reck was authorized by the Trustees to take them to Georgia, + but nothing came of it. + </p> + <p> + Nor did his championship of the Bohemians and Moravians already in Saxony + have any result. Urlsperger was offended that the negotiations from + Herrnhut with the Trustees were not being carried on through him, “the + only one in Germany to whom the Trustees had sent formal authority to + receive people persecuted on account of religion, or forced to emigrate,” + and the Halle party were unable or unwilling to meet the leaders of the + Moravians “without prejudice”. The company of Salzburgers therefore sailed + for Georgia in November without Baron von Reck, and without the Moravians, + Mr. Vat acting as Commissary. + </p> + <p> + The Moravians, meanwhile, were not waiting idly for matters to turn their + way, but even before Reck reached his decision Spangenberg had started for + England to arrange personally with the Georgia Trustees for their + emigration. + </p> + <p> + August Gottlieb Spangenberg was born July 15th, 1704, at Klettenberg, + Prussia. In the year 1727, while a student at Jena, he became acquainted + with the Moravians through a visit of two of their number, which won them + many friends at that institution. Later, when he was Assistant Professor + of Theology at Halle, he was required to sever his connection with the + Moravians, or leave the University, and choosing the latter he came to + Herrnhut in the spring of 1733. He was one of the strongest, ablest, and + wisest leaders that the Unitas Fratrum has ever had, and eventually became + a Bishop of the Unity, and a member of its governing board. He was a + writer of marked ability, and in his diaries was accustomed to speak of + himself as “Brother Joseph”, by which name he was also widely known among + the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg left Herrnhut in the late summer or early fall of 1734, + bearing with him Zinzendorf’s Power of Attorney to receive for him a grant + from the Georgia Trustees of five hundred acres of land, and to transact + all other necessary business. He stopped for some time in Holland, where + he made a number of acquaintances, some of whom gave him letters of + introduction to friends in England and in America, and others contributed + toward the necessary expenses of the emigrants. From Rotterdam he wrote to + Zinzendorf, saying that he heard no ship would sail for America before + February or March, and that he thought it would be best for the colonists + to wait until he wrote from London, and then to come by way of Altona, as + the Holland route was very expensive. These suggestions, however, came too + late, as the party had left Herrnhut before the arrival of his letter. + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg had a stormy voyage to England, and on reaching London, rented + a room in “Mr. Barlow’s Coffee House,” in Wattling’s street, near St. + Anthelius Church.” He found the outlook rather discouraging, and a long + letter written on the 10th of January, gives a vivid picture of the + English mind regarding the “Herrnhuters”. Spangenberg had called on + several merchants to see if he could arrange a loan for the Moravians, for + Zinzendorf’s means were already strained to the utmost by what he was + doing for the Church, and he did not see how it was possible to provide + the money in any other way. But the merchants declined to make the loan, + saying: “We can not take the land (in Georgia) as surety, for it is not + yet settled, and no man would give us a doit for it; the personal security + (of the emigrants) is also not sufficient, for they might all die on the + sea or in Georgia,—there is danger of it, for the land is warmer + than Europeans can bear, and many who have moved thither have died; if + they settle on the land and then die the land reverts to the Trustees, so + we would lose all; and the six per cent interest offered is not enough, + for the money applied to business would yield twenty per cent. + </p> + <p> + Others objected to having the Moravians go at all, especially Court + Preacher Ziegenhagen, who belonged to the Halle party, and who, + Spangenberg found, had much influence on account of his good judgment and + spotless character. They claimed: (1) That the Moravians were not + oppressed in Saxony, and had no good reason for wishing to leave; (2) that + to say they wished to be near the heathen was only an excuse, for Georgia + had nothing to do with the West Indies where they had a mission; (3) the + Moravians could not bear the expense, and neither the Trustees nor the + Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge would help them; (4) + they could neither speak nor understand English, and would therefore be + unable to support themselves in an English colony; (5) their going would + create confusion, for Herr Bolzius, the pastor of the Salzburgers at + Ebenezer, had written to beg that they should not be allowed to come; (6) + if they went it would involve England in trouble with Saxony, and the + Georgia Colony was not meant to take other rulers’ subjects away from + them, only to furnish an asylum for exiles, and poor Englishmen; (7) the + Moravians could not remain subject to Zinzendorf, for they must all become + naturalized Englishmen; (8) the suggestion that Zinzendorf’s land could be + cultivated by the heathen was absurd, for slavery was not permitted in + Georgia and the Moravians could not afford to hire them; (9) ten or + fifteen men, as were said to be on the way, would never be able to make + headway in settling the forest, a task which had been almost too much for + the large company of Salzburgers. + </p> + <p> + Some of these statements dealt with facts, about which the critics might + have acquired better information, had they so desired, others were + prophecies of which only the years to come could prove or disprove the + truth, others again touched difficulties which were even then confronting + Count Zinzendorf’s agent; but in the light of contemporary writings and + later developments, it is possible to glance at each point and see in how + far the Halle party were justified in their argument. (1) The treatment in + Saxony, while not as yet a persecution which threatened them with torture + and death, had many unpleasant features, and the constant agitation + against them might at any time crystalize into harsh measures, for those + members of the Herrnhut community who had left friends and relatives in + the homelands of Bohemia and Moravia were already forbidden to invite them + to follow, or even to receive them if they came unasked seeking religious + freedom. (2) There was no idea of associating the missions in Georgia and + the West Indies, for the heathen whom they wished to reach by this new + settlement were the Creek and Cherokee Indians with whom Governor + Oglethorpe had already established pleasant relations, bringing several of + their chiefs to England, and sending them home filled with admiration for + all they had seen, much impressed by the kindness shown them, and willing + to meet any efforts that might be made to teach them. (3) The money + question was a vital one, and it was principally to solve that that + Spangenberg had come to England, where with Oglethorpe’s help he later + succeeded in securing the desired loan. (4) That they could speak little + English was also a real difficulty; Spangenberg used Latin in his + conferences with the educated men he met in London, but that medium was + useless in Georgia, and while the Moravians learned English as rapidly as + they could, and proved their capability for self-support, the failure to + fully understand or be understood by their neighbors was responsible for + many of the trials that were awaiting them in the New World. (5) The + protest of Bolzius was only a part of the general Salzburger opposition, + and to avoid friction in Georgia, Zinzendorf had particularly recommended + that the Moravians settle in a village apart by themselves, where they + could “lead godly lives, patterned after the writings and customs of the + apostles,” without giving offense to any; and he promised, for the same + reason, that as soon as they were established he would send them a + regularly ordained minister, although laymen were doing missionary work in + other fields. (6) In order to avoid any danger of creating trouble between + the Governments, the Moravian colonists carefully said nothing in London + regarding their difficulties in Saxony, or the persecutions in Bohemia and + Moravia, and instead of proclaiming themselves exiles for the Faith as + they might have done with perfect truth, they appeared simply as Count + Zinzendorf’s servants, sent by him to cultivate the five hundred acres + about to be given to him, and by his orders to preach to the Indians. (7) + A change of nationality would not affect the relation between Zinzendorf + and his colonists, for their position as his dependents in Germany was + purely voluntary, such service as they rendered was freely given in + exchange for his legal protection, and his supremacy in Church affairs + then and later was a recognition of the personal character of the man, not + a yielding of submission to the Count. (8) That the Indians could not be + employed on Zinzendorf’s estate was quite true, not so much on account of + the law against slavery, for the Count intended nothing of that kind, but + their character and wild habits rendered them incapable of becoming good + farmers, as the American Nation has learned through many years of effort + and failure. (9) Whether the ten or fifteen men, reinforced by those who + followed them, would have been able to make a home in the heart of the + forest, will never be known, for from various reasons the town on the five + hundred acre tract was never begun. In short, while the Moravians were + risking much personal discomfort, there was nothing in their plan which + could possibly injure others, and the cavil and abuse of their opposers + was as uncalled for as is many a “private opinion publicly expressed” + to-day. + </p> + <p> + Hearing of the many obstacles which were being thrown in their way, Mr. + Coram, who was a man of wide charities, and interested in other colonies + besides Georgia, suggested to Spangenberg that his company should go to + Nova Scotia, where the climate was milder, and offered them free + transportation and aid in settling there, but this proposal Spangenberg at + once rejected, and pinned his faith on the kindness of Gen. Oglethorpe, + whose return from Georgia the preceding July, explained the more favorable + tone of the Trustees’ letters after that date. Oglethorpe asked him + numberless questions about the doctrine and practice of the Moravians, and + their reasons for wishing to go to Georgia, and promised to lay the matter + before the Trustees, using all his influence to further their designs. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The “First Company”. +</pre> + <p> + On the 14th of January, 1735, the first company of Moravian colonists + arrived in London. At their head was David Nitschmann,—variously + called “the III”, “the weaver”, “the Syndic”, and Count Zinzendorf’s + “Hausmeister”, who was to stay with them until they left England, and then + return to Germany, resigning the leadership of the party to Spangenberg, + who was instructed to take them to Georgia and establish them there, and + then go to Pennsylvania to the Schwenkfelders. The other nine were + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + John Toeltschig, Zinzendorf’s flower-gardener. + Peter Rose, a gamekeeper. + Gotthard Demuth, a joiner. + Gottfried Haberecht, weaver of woolen goods. + Anton Seifert, a linen weaver. + George Waschke, carpenter. + Michael Haberland, carpenter. + George Haberland, mason. + Friedrich Riedel, mason. +</pre> + <p> + They were “good and true sons of God, and at the same time skillful + workmen,” with such a variety of handicrafts as to render them largely + independent of outside assistance in the settlement which they proposed to + make; and all but Haberecht were religious refugees from Moravia and + adjacent parts of Bohemia. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann and Toeltschig were two of the five young men in Zauchenthal, + Moravia, who had set their hearts on the revival of the ancient Unitas + Fratrum. Toeltschig’s father, the village burgess, had summoned the five + comrades before him, and strictly forbidden their holding religious + services, warning them that any attempt at emigration would be severely + punished, and advising them to act as became their youth, frequent the + taverns and take part in dances and other amusements. They were sons of + well-to-do parents, and little more than boys in years, (Nitschmann was + only twenty), but their faith and purpose were dearer to them than + anything else on earth, so they had left all and come away, commending + their homes and kindred to the mercy of God, and singing the exile hymn of + the ancient Unitas Fratrum, sacred through its association with those + brave hearts who had known the bitterness and the joy of exile a hundred + years before. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Blessed the day when I must go + My fatherland no more to know, + My lot the exile’s loneliness; + + “For God will my protector be, + And angels ministrant for me + The path with joys divine will bless. + + “And God to some small place will guide + Where I may well content abide + And where this soul of mine may rest. + + “As thirsty harts for water burn, + For Thee, my Lord and God, I yearn, + If Thou are mine my life is blest.” + </pre> + <p> + Though holding positions as Count Zinzendorf’s hausmeister and gardener, + both Nitschmann and Toeltschig were actively employed in the affairs of + the renewed Unitas Fratrum, and had been to England in 1728 to try to + establish relations with the Society for the Propagation of Christian + Knowledge, though without success. They were the better fitted, therefore, + to conduct the party to England, and to share in the negotiations already + begun by Spangenberg. + </p> + <p> + This “first company” left Herrnhut on the 21st of November, 1734, + traveling by Ebersdorf (where Henry XXIX, Count Reuss, Countess + Zinzendorf’s brother, gave them a letter of recommendation to any whom + they might meet on their way), to Holland, whence they had a stormy and + dangerous voyage to England. + </p> + <p> + The day after they reached London they called on Gen. Oglethorpe and + having gained admittance with some difficulty they were very well received + by him, carrying on a conversation in a mixture of English and German, but + understanding each other fairly well. Spangenberg coming in most + opportunely, the Moravian affairs were fully discussed, and the new-comers + learned that their arrival had been fortunately timed, for the Georgia + Trustees were to hold one of their semi-annual meetings two days later, + when Oglethorpe could press their matter, and a ship was to sail for + Georgia the latter part of the month. Oglethorpe was disturbed to find + that the colonists had failed to raise any money toward their expenses, + but promised to try and assist them in that also. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th the colonists were formally presented to the Trustees, heard + the lively argument for and against their cause, and had the satisfaction + of seeing the vote cast in their favor. It was contrary to the custom of + the Trustees to grant lands to any who did not come in person to apply for + them and declare their intention of going to Georgia to settle, but + Oglethorpe’s argument that the high rank of Count Zinzendorf was entitled + to consideration was accepted and five hundred acres of land were granted + to the Count and his male heirs. + </p> + <p> + The Indenture bore date of Jan. 10, 1734, Old Style, (Jan. 21, 1735,)* and + the five hundred acres were “to be set out limited and bounded in Such + Manner and in Such Part or Parts of the said Province as shall be thought + most convenient by such Person or Persons as shall by the said Common + Council be for that Purpose authorized and appointed,” there being a + verbal agreement that the tract should be in the hilly country some + distance from the coast, which, though less accessible and less easily + cultivated, lay near the territory occupied by the Indians. Five pounds + per annum was named as the quit rent, payment to begin eight years later; + and such part of the tract as was not cleared and improved during the next + eighteen years was to revert to the Trustees. The Trustees also agreed + that they would reserve two hundred acres near the larger tract, and + whenever formally requested by Count Zinzendorf, would grant twenty acres + each “to such able bodied Young Men Servants as should arrive and settle + with him in the said Province of Georgia.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * This IS written correctly. See the author’s explanation + of the calendar in Chapter IV.—A. L., 1996.— +</pre> + <p> + In addition to the five hundred acres granted to Zinzendorf, fifty acres + were given to Spangenberg, and fifty acres to Nitschmann, although as the + latter was not going to Georgia, and the former did not intend to stay, + this alone was a departure from the custom of the Trustees. Each of the + fifty acre grants was in three parts, a lot in the town of Savannah, a + five acre garden, and a forty-five acre farm, and while their acquisition + had not been a part of the Herrnhut plan the colonists readily yielded to + the advice of their English friends, who pointed out the necessity of + having a place to stay when they reached Savannah, and land that they + could at once begin to cultivate, without waiting for the selection and + survey of the larger tract. In fact, though they knew it not, these two + grants, which lay side by side, were destined to be the scene of all their + experiences in the Province of Georgia. + </p> + <p> + The Trustees seem to have been pleased with the appearance of their new + settlers, and approved of their taking passage in the ship that was to + sail the latter part of the month. Since the vessel had been chartered by + the Trustees, they promised to make no charge for such baggage as the + Moravians wished to take with them, arranged that they should have a + portion of the ship for themselves instead of being quartered with the + other passengers, and offered Spangenberg a berth in the Captain’s cabin. + This he declined, preferring to share equally with his Brethren in the + hardships of the voyage. Medicine was put into his hands to be dispensed + to those who might need it, and he was requested to take charge of about + forty Swiss emigrants who wished to go in the same vessel on their way to + Purisburg in South Carolina, where they sought better material conditions + than they had left at home. + </p> + <p> + Land having been secured, Gen. Oglethorpe arranged that the Trustees + should lend the “First Company” 60 Pounds, payable in five years, with the + understanding that if repaid within that time the interest should be + remitted, otherwise to be charged at ten per cent., the usual rate in + South Carolina. Of this 10 Pounds was spent in London for supplies, and 50 + Pounds paid their passage across the Atlantic. The ten men (Spangenberg + taking Nitschmann’s place) pledged themselves jointly and severally to the + payment of the debt, the bond being signed on Jan. 22nd, (Jan. 11th, O. + S.) the day after the grant of the land. + </p> + <p> + In addition to this Oglethorpe collected 26 Pounds 5 Shillings, as a gift + for the Moravians, 10 Pounds being presented to them in cash in London, + and the rest forwarded to Savannah with instructions that they should be + supplied with cattle, hogs and poultry to that amount. Oglethorpe further + instructed Messrs. Toojesiys and Baker, of Charlestown, to honor + Spangenberg’s drafts on him to the amount of 20 Pounds, so securing the + settlers against possible need in their new home. + </p> + <p> + The next day Gen. Oglethorpe presented Spangenberg to the Bishop of + London, who received him very kindly. Oglethorpe’s idea was that the + Moravians might ally themselves closely with the Church of England, and + that the Bishop might, if they wished, ordain one of their members from + Herrnhut. Spangenberg and Nitschmann were not authorized to enter into any + such agreement, but both welcomed the opportunity to establish pleasant + relations with the English clergy, and several interviews were had which + served as a good opening for intercourse in later years. + </p> + <p> + Until their vessel sailed, the Moravians found plenty to interest them in + the “terribly great city”, where they were regarded with much interest, + and where they were greatly touched by the unexpected kindness they + received. + </p> + <p> + They had interviews with the Trustees, with Mr. Vernon, and with Gen. + Oglethorpe, who gave them much information as to what to expect in their + new home, and many suggestions as to the best way of beginning their + settlement. Spangenberg was presented to the “Society for the Propagation + of Christian Knowledge”, was courteously received, offered more books than + he was willing to accept, invited to correspond with the Society, and + urged to keep on friendly terms with the Salzburgers, which he assured + them he sincerely desired to do. Conversations with Court Preacher + Ziegenhagen were not so pleasant, for a letter had come from Senior + Urlsperger inveighing against the Moravians and Ziegenhagen put forth + every effort to reclaim Spangenberg from the supposed error of his ways, + and to persuade him to stop the company about to start for Georgia, or at + least to separate himself from them, and return to the old friends at + Halle. Oglethorpe smiled at the prejudice against the Moravians, and told + them frankly that efforts had been made to influence him, but he had + preferred to wait and judge for himself. “It has ever been so,” he said, + “from the time of the early Christians; it seems to be the custom of + theologians to call others heretics. They say, in short, ‘you do not + believe what I believe, a Mohammedan also does not believe what I believe, + therefore you are a Mohammedan;’ and again ‘you explain this Bible passage + so and so, the Socinian also explains it so and so, therefore you are a + Socinian.’” As for opposition, he, too, was beginning to find it since the + Georgia Colony was proving a success. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile new friends were springing up on every side of the Moravians. A + doctor helped them lay in a store of medicine, another gave them some + balsam which was good for numberless external and internal uses. A German + merchant, who had become an English citizen, helped them purchase such + things as they would require in Georgia, and a cobbler assisted Riedel in + buying a shoemaker’s outfit. Weapons were offered to all the members of + the party, but declined, as they wished to give no excuse to any one who + might try to press them into military service. They yielded, however, to + the argument that they would need to protect themselves against wolves and + bears, and sent Peter Rose, the gamekeeper, with Mr. Verelst, one of the + secretaries of the Trustees, to purchase a fowling piece and hunting + knives. + </p> + <p> + Letters of introduction to various prominent men in America were given to + them; and, perhaps most important of all in its future bearing, people + discovered the peculiar charm of the Moravian services. Reference is made + in the diaries to one and another,—from English clergyman to Germans + resident in London,—who joined with them in their devotions, and + seemed much moved thereby. Neither was it a passing emotion, for the seed + a little later blossomed into the English Moravian Church. + </p> + <p> + And so the month passed swiftly by, and the ship was ready to commence her + long voyage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter III. The First Year in Georgia. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Voyage. +</pre> + <p> + In the year 1735 a voyage across the Atlantic was a very different thing + from what it is in this year of grace 1904. To-day a mighty steamship + equipped with powerful engines, plows its way across the billows with + little regard for wind and weather, bearing thousands of passengers, many + of whom are given all the luxury that space permits, a table that equals + any provided by the best hotels ashore, and attendance that is + unsurpassed. Then weeks were consumed in the mere effort to get away from + the British Isles, the breeze sometimes permitting the small sailing + vessels to slip from one port to another, and then holding them prisoner + for days before another mile could be gained. Even the most aristocratic + voyager was forced to be content with accommodations and fare little + better than that supplied to a modern steerage passenger, and those who + could afford it took with them a private stock of provisions to supplement + the ship’s table. + </p> + <p> + And yet the spell of adventure or philanthropy, gain or religion, was + strong upon the souls of men, and thousands sought the New World, where + their imagination saw the realization of all their dreams. Bravely they + crossed the fathomless deep which heaved beneath them, cutting them off so + absolutely from the loved ones left at home, from the wise counsels of + those on whom they were accustomed to depend, and from the strong arm of + the Government under whose promised protection they sailed, to work out + their own salvation in a country where each man claimed to be a law unto + himself, and where years were to pass before Experience had once more + taught the lesson that real freedom was to be gained only through a + general recognition of the rights of others. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of February, 1735, the Moravians arose early in their London + lodging house, prayed heartily together, and then prepared to go aboard + their vessel, “The Two Brothers”, Capt. Thomson, where the Trustees wished + to see all who intended to sail on her. A parting visit was paid to Gen. + Oglethorpe, who presented them with a hamper of wine, and gave them his + best wishes. After the review on the boat Spangenberg and Nitschmann + returned with Mr. Vernon to London to attend to some last matters, while + the ship proceeded to Gravesend for her supply of water, where Spangenberg + rejoined her a few days later. On the 25th of February they passed the + Azores, and disembarked at Savannah, April 8th, having been nine and a + half weeks on shipboard. + </p> + <p> + The story of those nine weeks is simply, but graphically, told in the + diary sent back to Herrnhut. Scarcely had they lifted anchor when the + Moravians began to arrange their days, that they might not be idly wasted. + In Herrnhut it was customary to divide the twenty-four hours among several + members of the Church, so that night and day a continuous stream of prayer + and praise arose to the throne of God, and the same plan was now adopted, + with the understanding that when sea-sickness overtook the company, and + they were weak and ill, no time limit should be fixed for the devotions of + any, but one man should pass the duty to another as circumstances + required! + </p> + <p> + Other arrangements are recorded later, when, having grown accustomed to + ship life, they sought additional means of grace. In the early morning, + before the other passengers were up, the Moravians gathered on deck to + hold a service of prayer; in the afternoon much time was given to Bible + reading; and in the evening hymns were sung that bore on the text that had + been given in the morning. Spangenberg, Toeltschig, and Seifert, in the + order named, were the recognized leaders of the party, but realizing that + men might journey together, and live together, and still know each other + only superficially, it was agreed that each of the ten in turn should on + successive days speak to every one of his brethren face to face and heart + to heart. That there might be no confusion, two were appointed to bring + the food to the company at regular times, and see that it was properly + served, the following being “the daily Allowance of Provisions to the + Passengers on board the “Two Brothers”, Captain William Thomson, for the + Town of Savannah in Georgia. + </p> + <p> + “On the four beef-days in each week for every mess of five heads + (computing a head 12 years old, and under 12 two for one, and under 7 + three for one, and under 2 not computed), 4 lbs. of beef and 2-1/2 lbs. of + flour, and 1/2 lb. of plums. + </p> + <p> + “On the two pork days in each week for said mess, 5 lbs. of pork and 2-1/2 + pints of peas. + </p> + <p> + “And on the fish day in each week for said mess, 2-1/2 lbs. of fish and + 1/2 lb. of butter. + </p> + <p> + “The whole at 16 ounces to the pound. + </p> + <p> + “And allow each head 7 lbs. of bread, of 14 ounces to the pound, by the + week. + </p> + <p> + “And 3 pints of beer, and 2 quarts of water (whereof one of the quarts for + drinking), each head by the day for the space of a month. + </p> + <p> + “And a gallon of water (whereof two quarts for drinking) each head, by the + day after, during their being on their Passage.” + </p> + <p> + Another Moravian was chosen as nurse of the company, although it happened + at least once that he was incapacitated, for every man in the party was + sick except Spangenberg, who was a capital sailor, and not affected by + rough weather. His endurance was severely tested too, for while the breeze + at times was so light that they unitedly prayed for wind, “thinking that + the sea was not their proper element, for from the earth God had made + them, and on the earth He had work for them to do,” at other times storms + broke upon them and waves swept the decks, filling them with awe, though + not with fear. “The wind was high, the waves great, we were happy that we + have a Saviour who would never show us malice; especially were we full of + joy that we had a witness in our hearts that it was for a pure purpose we + sailed to Georgia,”—so runs the quaint record of one tempestuous + day. + </p> + <p> + A more poetic expression of the same thought is given by Spangenberg in a + poem written during the voyage, and sent home to David Nitschmann to be + set to the music of some “Danish Melody” known to them both. There is a + beauty of rhythm in the original which the English cannot reproduce, as + though the writer had caught the cadence of the waves, on some bright day + when the ship “went softly” after a season of heavy storm. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Gute Liebe, deine Triebe + Zuenden unsre Triebe an, + Dir zu leben, dir zu geben, + Was ein Mensch dir geben kann; + Denn dein Leben, ist, zu geben + Fried’ und Segen aus der Hoeh. + Und das Kraenken zu versenken + In die ungeheure See. + + “Herr wir waren von den Schaaren + Deiner Schaeflein abgetrennt; + Und wir liefen zu den Tiefen, + Da das Schwefelfeuer brennt, + Und dein Herze brach vor Schmerze, + Ueber unsern Jammerstand; + O wie liefst du! O wie riefst du! + Bist du uns zu dir gewandt. + + “Als die Klarheit deiner Wahrheit + Unsern ganzen Geist durchgoss, + Und von deinen Liebesscheinen + Unser ganzes Herz zerfloss, + O wie regte und bewegte + Dieses deine Liebesbrust, + Uns zu hegen und zu pflegen, + Bis zur suessen Himmelslust. + + “Dein Erbarmen wird uns Armen, + Alle Tage wieder neu, + Mit was suessen Liebeskuessen + Zeigst du deine Muttertreu. + O wie heilig und wie treulich + Leitest du dein Eigentum; + O der Gnaden dass wir Maden + Werden deine Kron’ und Ruhm. + + “Wir empfehlen unsre Seelen + Deinem Aug’ und Herz und Hand, + Denn wir werden nur auf Erden + Wallen nach dem Vaterland. + O gieb Gnade auf dem Pfade, + Der zum Reich durch Leiden fuehrt, + Ohn’ Verweilen fortzueilen + Bis uns deine Krone ziert. + + “Unser Wille bleibe stille + Wenn es noch so widrig geht; + Lass nur brausen, wueten, sausen, + Was von Nord und Osten weht. + Lass nur stuermen, lass sich tuermen + Alle Fluthen aus dem See, + Du erblickest und erquickest + Deine Kinder aus der Hoeh’.” + + (Love Divine, may Thy sweet power + Lead us all for Thee to live, + And with willing hearts to give Thee + What to Thee a man can give; + For from heaven Thou dost give us + Peace and blessing, full and free, + And our miseries dost bury + In the vast, unfathomed sea. + + Lord, our wayward steps had led us + Far from Thy safe-guarded fold, + As we hastened toward the darkness + Where the sulphurous vapors rolled; + And Thy kind heart throbbed with pity, + Our distress and woe to see, + Thou didst hasten, Thou didst call us, + Till we turned our steps to Thee. + + As Thy Truth’s convincing clearness + Filled our spirits from above, + And our stubborn hearts were melted + By the fervor of Thy love, + O Thy loving heart was moved + Us Thy righteous laws to teach, + Us to guide, protect and cherish + Till Thy heaven we should reach. + + Without merit we, yet mercy + Each returning day doth bless + With the tokens of Thy goodness, + Pledges of Thy faithfulness. + O how surely and securely + Dost Thou lead and guard Thine own; + O what wonderous grace that mortals + May add lustre to Thy throne. + + In our souls we feel the presence + Of Thine eye and heart and hand, + As we here on earth as pilgrims + Journey toward the Fatherland. + O give grace, that on the pathway, + Which through trial leads to heaven, + Without faltering we may hasten + Till to each Thy crown is given. + + Though our path be set with danger + Nothing shall our spirits shake, + Winds may rage and roar and whistle, + Storms from North and East may break, + Waves may roll and leap and thunder + On a dark and threatening sea, + Thou dost ever watch Thy children, + And their strength and peace wilt be.) +</pre> + <p> + Before the vessel sailed the Trustees had followed up their request to + Spangenberg by requiring the forty Swiss emigrants to promise submission + to his authority, and consequently numerous efforts were made to be of + service to them. It was disappointing work, in a way, for attempts to give + them religious instruction were met with utter indifference, but their + material needs were many. There was a great deal of sickness among them, + and four died, being buried hastily, and without ceremony. The Moravians + themselves were not exempt, several being dangerously ill at times, even + Spangenberg was prostrated, from having, he supposed, stayed too long on + deck in the night air, tempted thereto by the beauty of a calm night in a + southern latitude. But having work to do among the Swiss on the following + day, he roused himself, and soon became better. Two of the Moravians were + appointed nurses for the sick Swiss, and by the use of the medicine + provided by the Trustees, supplemented by unwearying personal attention, + they were made as comfortable as possible. + </p> + <p> + Nor were the crew forgotten. From the day when the Moravians helped lift + the anchor as they sailed from the coast of Dover, they busied themselves + in the work of the ship, always obliging, always helpful, until the + sailors came to trust them absolutely, “even with the keys to their + lockers.” When the cook was suddenly taken sick they nursed him carefully, + and then appointed two of their number to carry wood and water for him + until his strength returned, and it is no wonder that such accommodating + passengers were well regarded. + </p> + <p> + Captain Thomson was disposed to favor them, but when they realized that + they were receiving a larger share of food and drink than went to the + Swiss, they courteously declined, fearing it would breed jealousy. His + kindly feeling, however, continued, and when Toeltschig was ill he brought + a freshly killed fowl from which to make nourishing broth, and on another + occasion, after a severe attack of sea-sickness, they all derived much + benefit from some strong beer which he urged upon them. + </p> + <p> + There were a few cabin passengers on the ship, and on one occasion + Spangenberg was invited to dine with them, but their light jesting was + distasteful to him, and the acquaintance was not pursued. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Making a Start. +</pre> + <p> + The vessel entered the Savannah River, April 6th, and the Captain, taking + Spangenberg and Toeltschig into his small boat, went ahead to the town of + Savannah, the capital of Georgia, now the home of about six hundred + people. Spangenberg had a letter of introduction to Mr. Causton, who + received him and his companion in a friendly fashion, entertained them at + supper, and kept them over night. Mr. Causton was one of the three + magistrates charged with all civil and criminal jurisdiction in Savannah, + and his position as keeper of the Store, from which all provisions + promised by the Trustees were dispensed, gave him such additional power + that he was really the dictator of Savannah, ruling so absolutely that the + people finally rebelled, and in 1738 secured his dismissal from office. On + his return to England in 1739, he found great difficulty in trying to + explain his accounts to the Trustees, was sent back to Georgia to procure + some needed papers, died on the passage over, and was buried in the ocean. + His treatment of the Moravians was characteristic, for he was courtesy + itself to the new-comers who had money to spend, inconsiderate when hard + times came, deaf to appeals for settlement of certain vexing questions, + and harsh when their wills were opposed to his. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, before sunrise, Spangenberg and Toeltschig went apart + into the woods, fell upon their knees, and thanked the Lord that He had + brought them hither in safety. The day was spent in gaining information as + to the customs of the place, Mr. Causton again claiming them as his guests + at dinner, and in the evening they accepted the invitation of a merchant + to supper. As they ate, the report of a cannon announced the arrival of + their vessel, and Toeltschig went to spend the night aboard, Spangenberg + remaining on shore to push the preparation for the reception of the + company. + </p> + <p> + Early on the following morning, April 8th, he had their town lots + assigned, (Nos. 3 and 4 Second Tything, Anson Ward), in order that their + baggage might be brought directly to their own property, for he had found + that lodgings in the town were very dear, and decided that a small cabin + should be built at once and a house as soon as possible. Going then to the + ship he guided the company to their new home, and the entire day was + consumed in moving their belongings to the town, as it was some distance, + and everything had to be carried by hand to the little hut which was + hastily erected and roofed over with sacking. Evening came before they had + really finished the arrangement of their possessions, but before they + prepared and shared their evening meal, they humbly knelt and thanked God + for His mercies, discussed the Bible text for the day, and joined in + several familiar hymns. A New York merchant stopped and asked them to sing + one of his favorites, which was done, and an Indian who had joined them + near the river and followed them home, stayed through the service, and at + parting beckoned them to come and visit him. Despite their fatigue, the + “Hourly Intercession” was observed throughout the night, their slumbers + rendered more peaceful by the knowledge that one and another in turn was + watching and praying beside them. + </p> + <p> + On the following day two more Indians visited the Moravians. Their faces + were adorned with streaks of red paint, and they seemed very friendly, + rejoiced over the gift of two pewter mugs, and on leaving made signs that + some one should go with them, an invitation that could not then be + accepted. + </p> + <p> + The 10th of April, the first Sunday in America, Spangenberg attended + service in the English Church, and heard a sermon on the text, “Be not + overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good,” well fitted to be the + watchword of the Moravian settlers in the trials that were before them. + </p> + <p> + No unpleasant presentiments, however, troubled them, as they went busily + about their work during the next weeks. Mr. Causton was very pleasant to + them, selling them provisions at cost, offering them credit at the store, + and promising Spangenberg a list of such Indian words as he had been able + to learn and write down. He also introduced him to Tomochichi, the Indian + Chief, and to John Musgrove, who had a successful trading house near the + town. Musgrove had married Mary, an Indian princess of the Uchees, who had + great influence with all the neighboring tribes. At a later time, through + the machinations of her third husband, she made much trouble in Georgia, + but during the earlier years of the Colony she was the true friend of the + white settlers, frequently acting as Interpreter in their conferences with + the Indians, and doing much to make and keep the bond of peace between the + two races. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of April the five acre garden belonging to Spangenberg was + surveyed, and work was immediately begun there, as it was just the season + for planting corn. Nine days later Nitschmann’s garden was laid out aside + of Spangenberg’s. By the 14th the cabin on Spangenberg’s town lot was + finished. It was twenty feet long, ten feet wide, and fourteen feet high, + with a little loft where they slept, their goods, with a table and benches + being in the room below. At daybreak they rose, sang a hymn, and prayed + together, breakfasted at eight o’clock, the daily text being read aloud, + then worked until half past eleven, when they dined and read the Bible. + More work, an evening prayer service, and such conference as was needed + that each might engage in the next day’s labor to the best advantage, + prepared them for their well-earned repose. + </p> + <p> + With this simple program steadily carried out, much was accomplished. A + fence was built around a small kitchen-garden on their town property, and + a chicken-yard was enclosed, while the neighbors came to look on and opine + “that the Moravians had done more in a week than their people in two + years.” As the gardens (the five acre lots) lay at some distance from + Savannah, a hut was built there, to serve as a shelter against sun and + rain, a heavy storm having chased them home one day soon after their + arrival. + </p> + <p> + Either from the noonday heat, or other conditions to which they were not + yet acclimated, Gotthard Demuth and George Haberland became seriously ill, + causing Spangenberg much anxiety, for he did not feel at liberty to send + for a physician, as they could not afford to pay for medicine. So resort + was had to bleeding, then an approved practice, and to such medicine as + remained from their voyage, and Rose was fortunate enough to shoot a + grouse, which gave them some much needed palatable meat and broth. Perhaps + the most serious case was Gottfried Haberecht’s, who suffered for several + days with fever resulting from a cut on his leg. Finally oak-leaves were + heated and bound about the limb, which induced free perspiration and + quickly relieved him, so that he was able to return to work! + </p> + <p> + A day was appointed on which Spangenberg and several others were to ride + out into the country to select the five hundred acre tract granted to + Count Zinzendorf, and the additional two hundred acres which the Trustees + had promised to hold in reserve, and grant to the Count’s “servants” + whenever he should request it, but there was rumor of a raid by hostile + Indians, under Spanish influence, so the expedition had to be postponed, + with the promise, however, that it should be made as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + By the close of the third week in Georgia the invalids were better, and + matters were in such a shape that the Moravians resolved “that on each + Saturday work should stop early, and every Sunday should be a real day of + rest.” As an immediate beginning, they on Saturday evening united in a + Lovefeast, where “we recalled much loving-kindness which God has shown us + hitherto; Toeltschig washed the feet of the Brethren; we remained together + until very late, and were truly blessed.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Aim and Attainment. +</pre> + <p> + When the “first company” left Herrnhut for London and the New World, they + took with them Count Zinzendorf’s formal “Instructions” for the conduct of + their affairs: + </p> + <p> + “I shall not attempt to tell you what you are to do from day to day. I + know that in many ways Love will lead you, prepare the way, and point out + your path. I shall only bid you remember the principles and customs of our + Congregation, in which, if you stand fast, you will do well. Your one aim + will be to establish a little place near the heathen where you may gather + together the dispersed in Israel, patiently win back the wayward, and + instruct the heathen tribes. + </p> + <p> + “You have and will ask nothing more than the opportunity to attain this + end through your own labors, but you will request free transportation for + yourselves and those who will follow you,—if they receive your + present small number the Lord will send you more. + </p> + <p> + “If you should be tempted to injure any work of the Lord for my sake, + refrain from doing it, remembering that I am under a gracious guardianship + which nothing can disturb. + </p> + <p> + “You will take absolutely no part in the Spangenberg-Halle controversy; + you know the mind of the Congregation regarding it. If you find people + prejudiced against you leave it to Him who has bidden you go to Georgia. + Enter into no disputes, but, if questions are asked, give the history of + the Congregation, being careful not to censure our opposers, and saying, + which is true, that the Congregation at Herrnhut gives them little heed. + Entire freedom of conscience must be granted you, but there may be points + which you can yield without injuring the cause of Christ,—if so you + will find them in due time. + </p> + <p> + “You must live alone, establishing your own little corner, where your + customs will irritate no one; and as soon as you are settled an ordained + minister will be sent you, out of consideration for the scruples of the + Salzburgers, although our Brethren in other Colonies are served by laymen, + as permitted by our ancient constitution. + </p> + <p> + “God willing, I shall soon follow you, and only wait until He opens the + way for me. Our dear Elder (Spangenberg) will quickly return from America, + and in his absence I commit you to the mighty grace of God. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Your brother and servant, + Lewis Count v. Zinzendorf. +</pre> + <p> + “At this time one of the Elders at Herrnhut. November 27th, 1734. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “‘He everywhere hath way, + And all things serve His might, etc.’” + </pre> + <p> + That these sensible and liberal instructions were not fully carried out is + at once apparent, especially in the two points of free transportation and + settlement in a quiet, secluded spot. The inability of the Trustees to + grant their request for the first, burdened the Moravian colonists with + what was, under the circumstances, a heavy debt, while the location of + Zinzendorf’s five hundred acre tract was responsible for their failure in + attaining the second. + </p> + <p> + When Gen. Oglethorpe planned the fortifications and defense of Savannah in + 1733, he decided to erect a small fort on the Ogeechee River, some miles + south, in order to command one of the trails by which the Indians had been + accustomed to invade Carolina. This “Fort Argyle” was garrisoned with a + detachment of rangers, and ten families were sent from Savannah to + cultivate the adjacent land. The tract selected in London for Count + Zinzendorf, was to lie on the Ogeechee, near Fort Argyle, an excellent + place from which to reach the Indians in times of peace, but the worst + possible location for noncombatants when war was threatening. + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg urged the survey of the five hundred acre tract as often and + as strongly as he dared, but from various causes, chiefly rumors of Indian + incursions, the expedition was deferred until Aug. 22nd, when Spangenberg, + Toeltschig, Riedel, Seifert, Rose, Michael Haberland, and Mr. Johnson, the + Trustees’ surveyor, prepared to start on their toilsome journey, going by + boat, instead of attempting to follow the circuitous, ill-marked road + across the country, impassable to pedestrians, though used to some extent + by horsemen. + </p> + <p> + At one o’clock in the morning of Aug. 23rd the seven men embarked, taking + advantage of the ebbing tide, and made their way down the Savannah River. + It was very dark, the Moravians were unaccustomed to rowing, and Mr. + Johnson, who steered, went to sleep time after time, so when they + accidentally came across a ship riding at anchor they decided to stay by + her and wait for the day. When dawn broke they hastened on to Thunderbolt, + where a fort had been built, and some good land cleared, and there they + found two Indians, who claimed to know the country, and agreed to go with + them as pilots. Toward evening they reached Seituah*, where a stockade was + being built as a protection against the Indians, and the night was spent + with a Captain Wargessen (Ferguson), who, with several soldiers, was out + in a scout boat watching the movements of the Indians and Spaniards in + that neighborhood. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * On Skidaway Island, exact site unknown.— +</pre> + <p> + The next day they made their way among the islands until they reached the + mouth of the Ogeechee, up which they turned, but night overtook them, and + they were forced to drop their anchor. The Indians had been left behind + somewhere, and with the return of day it became necessary to retrace their + course for some hours in order to learn where they were. That night was + spent at Sterling’s Bluff, with the Scotch who had settled upon it, and + the next morning they proceeded to Fort Argyle. As they rowed up the + river, a bear left one of the islands, and swam across to the main land. + “He was better to us than we to him, for Peter shot at him twice when he + came near us, but he left us in peace and went his way!” + </p> + <p> + The following morning Spangenberg and Johnson, accompanied by the + Lieutenant from Fort Argyle and several of his rangers, rode out to + inspect the land selected for the Moravians. The horses were accustomed to + service against the Indians, and went at full gallop, pausing not for + winding paths or fallen trees, and the University-bred man of Germany + expected momentarily to have his neck broken, but nothing happened, and + after looking over the tract they returned to Fort Argyle. + </p> + <p> + Despite the exertions of the morning Spangenberg then manned his boat, and + started up the river to visit an Indian town, where he hoped to find + Tomochichi. Much floating timber rendered the trip dangerous and tedious, + and it was not until early Sunday morning that they reached their + destination, only to find the place deserted, as the band had left a few + days before for a hunting expedition, and, if fortune favored them, for a + brush with the Spanish Indians, with whom they had a perpetual feud. Soon + Johnson appeared, guided by some of the rangers, who, after a hearty meal + with the Moravians, returned to the Fort, Johnson remaining behind. + </p> + <p> + Monday morning, August 29th, before the sun rose, the party repaired to + the Moravian tract, which Johnson surveyed, the Moravians acting as + chain-carriers. Spangenberg was much pleased with the tract. It had a half + mile frontage on the Ogeechee, extended two miles back into the forest, + and gave a good variety of land, some low and damp for the cultivation of + rice, sandy soil covered with grass for pasturage, and dry uplands + suitable for corn and vegetables. A rapid stream furnished an abundance of + pure water, and site for a mill, while the thick growth of timber + guaranteed a supply of material for houses and boats. Near the river rose + a high hill, where it had once been the intention to build a fort, and a + house had really been erected. This the Indians burned, and later another + site had been chosen for Fort Argyle, but the place retained the name of + “Old Fort”, and the hill would serve as the location for the Moravian + dwelling. + </p> + <p> + Indian tribes which were friendly to the English lived at no great + distance, and the trail to Savannah and Ebenezer led directly by Old Fort, + while the opening of two roads would bring both those towns within a four + hour’s ride of the settlement. + </p> + <p> + Well content, therefore, with their new acquisition, the Moravians + returned to Fort Argyle, whence Johnson rode back to Savannah, leaving + them to follow with the boat. At the mouth of the Ogeechee they + encountered a severe storm, against which they could make little headway, + try as they would. Their anchor was too light to hold against the current, + and there was a marsh on one bank and rocks on the other, but at last, + after night-fall, in the face of a terrific thunder storm, they forced + their way to a place where they could land, and where they passed the rest + of the night, enduring as best they could the heavy rain, and the attack + of insects, against neither of which they were able to protect themselves. + “This place takes its name,—‘Rotten-possum’,—from an animal + frequently found here, which they call a Possum. I am told that it has a + double belly, and that if pursued it puts its young into one belly, runs + up a tree until it reaches a limb, springs out on that until it is among + the leaves, and then lays itself across the branch with one belly on each + side, and so hides itself, and saves its life!” The rest of the journey + was uneventful, and on Friday morning, September 2nd, they reached + Savannah, having been absent ten days. + </p> + <p> + It seems a great pity that the Moravians were unable to establish + themselves on this tract, where their industry would soon have made an + oasis in the wilderness, but one thing after the other interfered, and the + “second company” which arrived early in the following year, found them + still at Savannah. + </p> + <p> + In Savannah matters moved toward a fair degree of prosperity for the + Moravians. About four acres of Spangenberg’s garden were cleared in time + for the first summer’s crop of corn, which yielded them sixty bushels. + They also raised some beans, which came to maturity at a time when + provisions and funds were very low, so helping them greatly. + </p> + <p> + The two farm lots were laid out during the summer, Spangenberg assisting + with the survey. By the close of the year twenty-six acres had been + cleared,—on the uplands this meant the felling of trees, and gradual + removal of stumps as time permitted, but on the rice lands it meant far + more. The great reeds, ten to twelve feet high, grew so thick that a man + could scarcely set foot between them, and in cutting them down it was + necessary to go “knee-deep” below the surface of the ground, and then the + roots were so intertwined that it was difficult to pull them out. + </p> + <p> + Every acre of land that was cleared and planted had to be securely fenced + in, for cattle roamed in the woods, and ruined unprotected crops. Indeed, + the colonists in Georgia derived little benefit from their cattle, which + ran at large, and when a few were wanted for beef or for domestic + purposes, they were hunted and driven in. The Moravians had to wait until + midsummer before they could get their allotment, and then they received a + cow and calf, six hogs and five pigs, with the promise of more. Before the + others came the cows had again escaped to the woods, and the swine had + been drowned! + </p> + <p> + In July Spangenberg wrote to Herrnhut that he had given his fifty acres of + land, including the town lot, to the Moravian Congregation at Savannah, + and that he would at once apply to the Trustees to vest the title in that + body, and if he left Georgia before this was accomplished he would give a + full Power of Attorney to Toeltschig. From the first his land had been + used as the common property of the party, and he desired that the nine + men, who, with him, were bound to the repayment of the 60 Pounds, borrowed + from the Trustees, should have the use of it until that obligation was + met, and then it should be used as the Savannah Congregation thought best. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann’s land seems to have been held in a different way, although + granted at the same time, and under similar circumstances. July 11th, + Spangenberg sent him a detailed description of the town and garden lots, + explaining the advantages and difficulties of cultivation, suggesting + several methods by which it could be done, and giving the approximate + cost, urging that instructions be sent as to his wishes. Later he wrote + that the company had decided not to wait for Nitschmann’s reply, but to + clear the garden on the terms usual in Georgia, e.g., that the man who + cleared a piece of ground held it rent free for seven years, when it + reverted to the owner. This had been done, and the garden was ready to + plant and fence, and if Nitschmann approved they intended to clear the + farm, and would build a small house on the town lot. Zinzendorf had + suggested that negroes be employed on Nitschmann’s land, but at that time + slavery was prohibited in Georgia, and any negroes who ran away from + Carolina were at once returned to their masters. + </p> + <p> + The two farms lay side by side about four miles from Savannah, the + gardens, also adjoining, were about two miles from town, so it was + necessary to build cabins at both places, as shelters from sun and storm, + which the settlers found equally trying. Two additional cabins had been + built in Savannah on Spangenberg’s lot, and by the end of the year a + house, thirty-four by eighteen feet in size, was under roof, though not + yet finished. This gave an abundance of room, not only for themselves, but + for the second company to whose arrival they were looking forward with + such eagerness. + </p> + <p> + When this reinforcement came they hoped to move to Zinzendorf’s tract, and + then, as soon as they could be spared, Demuth, Haberecht, Waschke and the + two Haberlands wished to claim the twenty acres apiece which the Trustees + had promised to the Count’s “servants”. Riedel was of the same mind, but + he did not live to see the arrival of the second company. Some months + after reaching Georgia, he was dangerously ill with fever, but passed the + crisis successfully, and recovered his full strength. He was one of the + party who went to survey Zinzendorf’s tract, but was taken sick again + three days after the boat left Savannah, and by the time they returned he + was obliged to go to bed, and soon became delirious. The other Moravians + were greatly distressed, but could do nothing except nurse him carefully + and pray for him earnestly, and toward the end his mind cleared, though + his body had lost the power to recuperate. He died on the 30th of + September, the first Moravian to “fall asleep” in the United States, + though others had given up their lives for the mission work in the West + Indies. His spiritual condition had at times caused much concern to + Toeltschig, who was especially charged with the religious welfare of the + first company, many of whom had been under his care in Germany, but in the + main he had been an earnest man, a willing and industrious partaker in the + common toil, and his death caused much regret. The burial customs in + Savannah included the ringing of bells, a funeral sermon, and a volley of + musketry, but learning that these ceremonies were not obligatory the + Moravians declined the offer of the citizens to so honor their Brother, + and laid him to rest in the Savannah cemetery with a simple service of + hymns and prayer. + </p> + <p> + As they were robing Riedel for his burial, a young man came to the door, + and asked if he could not make them some pewter spoons. In the + conversations that followed it developed that he was a native of + Switzerland, the son of a physician, and after his father’s death he had + sailed for Pennsylvania, intending there to begin the practice of + medicine. But his fellow-passengers stole his books and everything he had, + he was unable to pay for his transportation, and forced to sell his + service for seven years as a redemptioner. At the end of five years he had + become quite ill, and his master, having waited six months for his + recovery, heartlessly turned him out, to live or die as the case might be. + Instead of dying, his strength returned, and then his former master + demanded 10 Pounds Pennsylvania currency, for his unexpired term, although + only 5 Pounds had been paid for him, and he had served five years. The + young man was obliged to promise to pay this, and Spangenberg encouraged + him to push his spoon-making, in order to do it as speedily as possible. + Meanwhile the Moravians were so much pleased with his appearance and + speech, that they agreed to receive him into their company for as long as + he chose to stay, and John Regnier soon became an important factor in + their comfort. Spiritually he was somewhat at sea. At one time he had + desired to be a hermit, and then he had drifted from one sect to another, + seeking something which he could not find, but acquiring a medley of odd + customs. Spangenberg advised him to turn his thoughts from men to God, + learning from Him “what was better and higher, Faith, Love, Hope, etc.”, + and under the Moravian influence he gradually laid aside his unwise + fancies, giving them encouragement to believe that he would eventually + come into the clearer light, as they knew it. + </p> + <p> + In material things John Regnier was of great assistance, owing to his + ability to turn his hand to almost anything. The shoes of the party were + badly torn, but though they had brought leather and tools from England + none of them knew the cobbler’s trade. John Regnier had never made a shoe, + but he took it up, and soon provided for them all, and then he mended + their clothing, and added new garments. He also showed much aptitude for + nursing, and Spangenberg put him in charge of several cases. A man from a + neighboring village sent word that he had severed an artery and could not + check the bleeding, and asked for help. Regnier went to him, and was so + successful in his treatment that in two weeks the man was entirely + restored. Some one discovered a poor Scotchman, dying with dropsy, lying + utterly neglected upon the floor of a miserable hut, and appeal was made + to the Moravians to take him and care for him. They did so, moving him to + one of their cabins, where they made him a bed, and Regnier nursed him + until death ended his sufferings. Another man had high fever, and no + friends, and him also the Moravians took, and cared for, the Trustee’s + agent furnishing food and medicine for the sick, but offering no + recompense for the care they received. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, as the months passed by, the Moravians established a reputation + for charity and for hospitality. Not only had they kept free of dispute + with the Salzburgers, but the friendliest relations existed, and the + Moravian cabins were always open to them when they came to Savannah. Nor + were they slow to avail themselves of the kindness. Gronau and Bolzius + often lodged with them, and others came in groups of nine or ten to spend + the night. During the evening stories would be exchanged as to their + circumstances in the home lands, and their reasons for leaving there, and + then sometimes the hosts would spread hay upon the floor for their guests, + at other times give up their own beds, and themselves sleep upon the + floor. + </p> + <p> + With their nearer neighbors in Savannah, they were also upon cordial + terms, though they found few who cared for religious things. The Jews were + particularly courteous to them, inviting Spangenberg into their Synagogue, + and bringing gifts of meat and fish on several occasions when help was + sorely needed on account of the illness of some of their number,—for + Riedel was not the only one who was seriously ill, though no others died. + All the conditions in Georgia were so different from what they were + accustomed to in Germany that it took them some time to adapt themselves, + and longer to become really acclimated, and they noticed that the same was + true of all new-comers. All of the Moravians were sick in turn, many + suffering from frosted feet, probably injured on the voyage over, but + Spangenberg, Toeltschig, Haberecht and Demuth were dangerously ill. Nearly + all of the medicine brought from Europe was gone, and what they could get + in Savannah was expensive and they did not understand how to use it, so + they were forced to depend on careful nursing and simple remedies. + Turpentine could easily be secured from the pines, Spangenberg found an + herb which he took to be camomile, which had a satisfactory effect, and + with the coming of the cooler autumn weather most of the party recovered + their health. + </p> + <p> + Probably the food was partly responsible for their troubles, though they + tried to be careful, and cooked everything thoroughly. Rice and salt-meat + were their chief articles of diet, for bread cost so much that they soon + gave it up entirely, substituting cornmeal mush, and butter was so dear as + to be entirely out of the question. During the summer months which + preceded the harvest, they could get neither corn, rice nor beans at the + store, so lived on mush, salt-meat, and the beans they themselves had + planted. Fresh meat was a great treat, particularly when it enabled them + to prepare nourishing broth for their sick, and once Rose shot a stag, + giving them several good meals, but this happened so seldom as to do + little toward varying the monotony of their fare. + </p> + <p> + Drinking water was held to be responsible for the swollen feet and nausea + from which many of them suffered, so they made a kind of sassafras beer, + which proved palatable and healthful, and used it until they had become + accustomed to the climate, when they were able to drink the water. + </p> + <p> + When the Moravians came to Georgia they brought with them a little ready + money, the gift of English friends, and their cash payments secured them + good credit at the Trustees’ store. Other merchants sought their + patronage, but they decided to run an account at one place only, and + thought Mr. Causton, as the Trustees’ agent, would give them the most + liberal treatment. Their hardest time financially, as well as regarding + health, was during the summer, when credit came to be accorded grudgingly, + and finally Spangenberg, personally, borrowed 15 Pounds sterling, and + applied it on their account, which restored their standing in Mr. + Causton’s eyes. On Feb. 8th, 1736, they decided to buy enough corn, rice + and salt-meat to last until harvest, having learned by sad experience how + very dear these necessities were later in the year. Very little work had + been done which brought in ready money, for their time had been fully + occupied in building their house and clearing the land, but all things + were prepared for the coming of the second company, with whose assistance + they expected to accomplish much. In February the two carpenters were + engaged to build a house for Mr. Wagner, a Swiss gentleman who had + recently arrived, and rented one of the Moravian cabins temporarily, and + this was the beginning of a considerable degree of activity. + </p> + <p> + The intercourse of the Moravians with the other residents of Savannah was + much impeded by their ignorance of the English language, and it occurred + to Spangenberg that it might be a good thing to take an English boy, have + him bound to them according to custom, and let them learn English by + having to speak to him. About July a case came to his knowledge that + roused all his sympathies, and at the same time afforded a good + opportunity to try his plan. “I have taken a four-year-old English boy + into our family. He was born in Charlestown, but somehow found his way to + Savannah. His father was hanged, for murder I have heard, and his mother + has married another man, and abandoned the child. A woman here took charge + of him, but treated him most cruelly. Once she became angry with him, took + a firebrand, and beat him until half his body was burned; another time she + bound him, and then slashed him with a knife across the back, and might + have injured him still more if a man had not come by and rescued him. The + magistrates then gave him to other people, but they did not take care of + him, and hearing that he was a bright child, I decided to offer to take + him. The Magistrates gladly agreed, and will write to his relatives in + Charlestown, and if they do not claim him he will be bound to us. He is + already proving useful to the Brethren, as he speaks English to them, and + they are rapidly learning to speak and to understand. I am sending him to + an English school, as I would rather he would not learn German, but being + bright he is learning a good deal of it from the Brethren.” + </p> + <p> + On October 31st a widow and her seven-year-old son were received into + their household. The woman was in destitute circumstances, and anxious to + work, so after four weeks’ trial she was installed as maid, and promised + $14.00 a year wages. She proved to be quiet and industrious, but not very + bright. On Dec. 17th another boy, six years old, was taken, his mother + being dead, and his father a day-laborer who could not care for him. + </p> + <p> + Of the Indians the Moravians had seen a good deal, but no start had been + made toward teaching them, except that some of their words had been + learned. Spangenberg decided that the only way to master their language + would be to go and live among them, and this Rose professed himself + willing to do as soon as he could be spared. With Tomochichi they were + much pleased. “He is a grave, wise man, resembling one of the old + Philosophers, though with him it is natural, not acquired. Were he among a + hundred Indians, all clothed alike, one would point him out and say, ‘that + is the king.’” When the Indians came to the Moravian cabins they were + courteously received, and supplied with food and drink, often remaining as + silent listeners at the evening service. In turn their good will took the + form of a gift of grouse or dried venison, which the Moravians gratefully + received. + </p> + <p> + The English were very anxious to keep the friendship of these Indians, on + whom much of their safety depended, and when one of the nations came five + or six hundred miles to renew a treaty with them, they planned a spectacle + which would at once please and impress them. All the settlers were put + under arms, and led out to meet them, saluting them with a volley of + musketry. With great pomp they were conducted into the town, presented + with guns, clothing, etc., and then, through an interpreter, they were + assured of the good will and faith of the English, and urged to be true to + the treaty, and protect the settlement against those Indian tribes who + were under French and Spanish influence. + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg was ordered out with the others, but excused himself on the + ground of weakness from his recent illness, and when the officials offered + to depart from their custom, and allow one of Zinzendorf’s “servants” to + take his place, he explained that the Moravians did not understand + English, and knew nothing of military manoeuvres. During the first year + the question of military service was not sufficiently prominent to cause + real uneasiness, but Spangenberg foresaw trouble, and wrote to Herrnhut, + urging that the matter be given serious consideration. + </p> + <p> + When the Moravians passed through London they had fully explained their + position to Gen. Oglethorpe, who promised them exemption, but they had no + written order from the Trustees to show to the local officials, and not + even a copy of the letter in which reference to the subject was made. As + Count Zinzendorf’s “servants” nine of them were ineligible, but + Spangenberg, as a free-holder, was expected to take part in the weekly + drill, which he quietly refused to do. + </p> + <p> + All free-holders were likewise expected to take their turn in the Watch, + composed of ten men, who patrolled the town by night and day. Spangenberg + admitted that the Watch was necessary and proper, but decided that he had + better not take a personal share in it, other than by hiring some one to + take his place, which was permitted. As the turn came every seventeen + days, and a man expected fifty cents for day and one dollar for night duty + each time, this was expensive, doubly so because the officers demanded a + substitute for the absent Nitschmann also. Twice had Spangenberg been + before the Court, attempting to have the matter adjusted, but he found + that this, like many other things, could not be settled until Gen. + Oglethorpe came. “All men wait for Gen. Oglethorpe, it is impossible to + describe how they long for him.” The Salzburgers especially wished for + him, for they did not like the place where they had settled, and wanted + permission to move to a more favorable location which they had chosen. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th of February, 1736, Capt. Thomson arrived, bringing letters + from England, and one to Spangenberg announced that the second company of + Moravians was on the way and might soon be expected. At three o’clock in + the morning of February 17th, the town was roused by the sound of bells + and drums. Thinking it meant fire, the Moravians rushed out, but learned + that Gen. Oglethorpe’s ship had reached Tybee, and the people were + awakened to welcome him. Full of interest to learn whether the second + company was with him the Moravians paused for a hasty meal before going to + meet the ship, when to their great joy Bishop Nitschmann appeared before + them, “and his face was to us as the face of an Angel!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter IV. Reinforcements. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The “Second Company”. +</pre> + <p> + Before David Nitschmann, the “Hausmeister”, left London, after the sailing + of the first Moravian company for Georgia, he presented to the Trustees a + series of propositions, the acceptance of which would open the way for a + large increase of Moravian emigration. The proposals were, in brief, that + the Trustees should give credit to the Moravians to the extent of 500 + Pounds sterling, which, deducting the 60 Pounds advanced to the first + company, would provide passage money and a year’s provision for fifty-five + more of Count Zinzendorf’s “servants”, the loan to be repaid, without + interest, in five years, and to bear interest at the usual rate if payment + was longer deferred. He also suggested that the money, when repaid, should + be again advanced for a like purpose. + </p> + <p> + In addition he requested that each man of twenty-one years, or over, + should be granted fifty acres near Count Zinzendorf’s tract. + </p> + <p> + The Trustees were pleased to approve of these proposals, and promised the + desired credit, with the further favor that if the debt was not paid + within five years it should draw interest at eight per cent. only, instead + of ten per cent., the customary rate in South Carolina. + </p> + <p> + During the summer, therefore, a second company prepared to follow the + pioneers to the New World. On the 5th of August, 1735, two parties left + Herrnhut, one consisting of three young men, and the other of thirteen + men, women and children, who were joined at Leipzig by Jonas Korte, who + went with them to London. On August 8th, five more persons left Herrnhut, + under the leadership of David Nitschmann, the Bishop, who was to take the + second company to Georgia, organize their congregation, and ordain their + pastor. + </p> + <p> + This David Nitschmann, a carpenter by trade, was a companion of David + Nitschmann, the “Hausmeister”, and John Toeltschig, when they left Moravia + in the hope of re-establishing the Unitas Fratrum, and with them settled + at Herrnhut, and became one of the influential members of the community. + When missionaries were to be sent to the Danish West Indies, Nitschmann + and Leonard Dober went on foot to Copenhagen (August 21st, 1732), and + sailed from there, Nitschmann paying their way by his work as ship’s + carpenter. By the same handicraft he supported himself and his companion + for four months on the island of St. Thomas, where they preached to the + negro slaves, and then, according to previous arrangement, he left Dober + to continue the work, and returned to Germany. In 1735, it was decided + that Bishop Jablonski, of Berlin, and Bishop Sitkovius, of Poland, who + represented the Episcopate of the ancient Unitas Fratrum, should + consecrate one of the members of the renewed Unitas Fratrum at Herrnhut, + linking the Church of the Fathers with that of their descendents, and + enabling the latter to send to the Mission field ministers whose + ordination could not be questioned by other denominations, or by the civil + authorities. David Nitschmann, then one of the Elders at Herrnhut, was + chosen to receive consecration, the service being performed, March 13th, + by Bishop Jablonski, with the written concurrence of Bishop Sitkovius. + </p> + <p> + The three parties from Herrnhut met at Magdeburg on August 13th, + proceeding from there to Hamburg by boat, and at Altona, the sea-port of + Hamburg, they found ten more colonists who had preceded them. Here also + they were joined by Christian Adolph von Hermsdorf, who went with them to + Georgia as “a volunteer”. Apparently Lieutenant Hermsdorf wanted the + position of Zinzendorf’s Agent in Georgia, for the Count wrote to him on + the 19th of August, agreeing that he should go with the Moravians, at + their expense, but saying that if he desired office he must first prove + himself worthy of it by service with and for the others, even as the Count + had always done. If the reports from Georgia justified it, the Count + promised to send him proper powers later, and to find a good opportunity + for his wife to follow him. Rosina Schwarz and her child, who had come + with them to Hamburg to meet her husband, returned with him to their home + in Holstein; and on account of Rosina Neubert’s serious illness, she and + her husband reluctantly agreed to leave the company, and wait for another + opportunity to go to Georgia. In 1742 they carried out their intention of + emigrating to America, though it was to Pennsylvania, and not to Georgia. + </p> + <p> + The “second company”, therefore, consisted of twenty-five persons: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + David Nitschmann, the Bishop. + Christian Adolph von Hermsdorf, a volunteer. + John Andrew Dober, a potter. + David Zeisberger. + David Tanneberger, a shoemaker. + John Tanneberger, son of David, a boy of ten years. + George Neisser. + Augustin Neisser, a young lad, brother of George. + Henry Roscher, a linen-weaver. + David Jag. + John Michael Meyer, a tailor. + Jacob Frank. + John Martin Mack. + Matthias Seybold, a farmer. + Gottlieb Demuth. + John Boehner, a carpenter. + Matthias Boehnisch. + Maria Catherine Dober, wife of John Andrew Dober. + Rosina Zeisberger, wife of David Zeisberger. + Judith Toeltschig, Catherine Riedel, Rosina Haberecht, Regina Demuth, + going to join their husbands already in Georgia. + Anna Waschke, a widow, to join her son. + Juliana Jaeschke, a seamstress.* + + * Fifteen of these colonists were originally from Moravia + and Bohemia.— +</pre> + <p> + During an enforced stay of three weeks at Altona, the Moravians + experienced much kindness, especially at the hands of Korte and his + family, and Mrs. Weintraube, the daughter of a Mennonite preacher, who had + come from her home in London on a visit to her father. By this time the + Moravian settlement at Herrnhut was coming to be well and favorably known + in Holland, and every visit won new friends, many of whom came into + organic fellowship with them. A few years later, when the Unitas Fratrum + was confronted by a great financial crisis, it was largely the loyalty and + liberality of the Dutch members that enabled it to reach a position of + safety. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of September, the company went aboard an English boat, homeward + bound, but contrary winds held them in port until the 13th, and it was not + until Sunday, Oct. 2nd, that they reached London, after a long and stormy + crossing, which gave many of them their first experience of sea-sickness. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann and Korte at once went ashore to report their arrival to + Secretary Verelst, and on Monday a house was rented, and the twenty-five + colonists and Jonas Korte moved into it, to wait for the sailing of Gen. + Oglethorpe’s ship, the General having offered them berths on his own + vessel. The General was out of town when they reached London, but called + on Monday evening, and showed them every kindness,—“Oglethorpe is + indeed our good friend, and cares for us like a father.” + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann found a good deal of difficulty on account of the language, for + he could not speak Latin, as Spangenberg had done, and knew no English, so + that all of his conversations with Oglethorpe had to be carried on through + an interpreter; nevertheless a number of important points were fully + discussed. + </p> + <p> + On the question of military service he could reach no definite and + satisfactory conclusion, and thought it a great pity that there had not + been a perfect mutual understanding between Zinzendorf and the Trustees + before the first company sailed. That Zinzendorf’s “servants” should be + free from military service was admitted by all, but Oglethorpe thought + three men must be furnished to represent Zinzendorf, Spangenberg and + Nitschmann (the Hausmeister), the three free-holders, and suggested that + Lieutenant Hermsdorf might take one place. Nitschmann said that would not + do, that the Moravians “could not and would not fight,” and there the + matter rested. Nitschmann wrote to Zinzendorf, begging him to come to + London, and interview the Trustees, but advised that he wait for + Oglethorpe’s return from Georgia some nine months later. + </p> + <p> + On this account the members of the second company agreed that it would be + better for them not to accept land individually, but to go, as the others + had done, as Zinzendorf’s “servants”, to work on his tract. Oglethorpe + suggested that an additional five hundred acres should be requested for + Count Zinzendorf’s son, and Nitschmann referred the proposal to the + authorities at Herrnhut. In regard to the five hundred acre tract already + granted, the General said that it had been located near the Indians, at + the Moravians’ request, but that settlers there would be in no danger, for + the Indians were at peace with the English, there was a fort near by, and + besides he intended to place a colony of Salzburgers fifty miles further + south, when the Moravians would be, not on the border but in the center of + Georgia. + </p> + <p> + Gen. Oglethorpe assured Nitschmann that there would be no trouble + regarding the transfer of title to the Georgia lands, for while, for + weighty reasons, the grants had been made in tail male, there was no + intention, on the part of the Trustees, to use this as a pretext for + regaining the land, and if there was no male heir, a brother, or failing + this, a friend, might take the title. (In 1739 the law entailing property + in Georgia was modified to meet this view, and after 1750, all grants were + made in fee simple.) He also explained that the obligation to plant a + certain number of mulberry trees per acre, or forfeit the land, was + intended to spur lazy colonists, and would not be enforced in the case of + the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann told Gen. Oglethorpe of the wives and children who had been + left in Herrnhut, and suggested the advisability of establishing an + English School for them, that they might be better fitted for life in + Georgia. Oglethorpe liked the idea, and, after due consideration, + suggested that some one in Herrnhut who spoke French or Latin, preferably + the latter, should be named as Count Zinzendorf’s Agent, to handle funds + for the English school, and to accompany later companies of Georgia + colonists as far as London, his expenses to be paid by the Trustees. Of + this the Trustees approved, and donated 40 Pounds sterling, partly for + Nitschmann’s use in London, and the balance,—about 4 Pounds it + proved to be,—for the Herrnhut school. An English gentleman also + gave them 32 Pounds, with the proviso that within four years they in turn + would give an equal amount to the needy, which Nitschmann readily agreed + should be done. + </p> + <p> + Various other gifts must have been received, for when the company sailed, + Nitschmann reported to Count Zinzendorf that, without counting a + considerable amount which Korte had generously expended on their behalf, + they had received 115 Pounds in London, and had spent 113 Pounds. “This + will seem much to you, but when you look over the accounts, and consider + the number of people, and how dear everything is, you will understand.” + Unfortunately the colonists had left Herrnhut without a sufficient + quantity of warm clothing, thinking that it would not be needed, but + letters from Georgia gave them quite new ideas of the climate there, and + they were forced to supply themselves in London, though at double what it + would have cost in Germany. + </p> + <p> + In addition to these expenditures, the second company borrowed from the + Trustees the funds for their passage to Georgia, and a year’s provision + there, binding themselves jointly and severally to repay the money, the + bond, dated Oct. 26th, 1735, being for the sum of 453 Pounds 7 Shillings 6 + Pence, double the amount of the actual debt. This included + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Passage for 16 men, 8 women and 1 boy, + 25 persons, 24-1/2 “heads”. Pounds 122: 10: 0 + 25 sets of bed-clothes. 6: 5: 0 + 1 year’s provisions in Georgia, + being 12 bushels Indian Corn, + 100 lbs. Meat, 30 lbs. Butter, + 1 bushel Salt, 27 lbs. Cheese, + per head. 64: 6: 3 + Advanced in London for necessaries. 33: 12: 6 + ————————- Pounds 226: 13: 9 +</pre> + <p> + This was to be repaid in five years, drawing eight per cent. interest + after three years, further security to be given within twelve months if + requested by the Trustees or their Agent; and any provisions not used to + be credited on their account. + </p> + <p> + In the matter of forming new acquaintances in London, the second company + was far less active than the first had been, Spangenberg’s standing and + education having given him access to many people, attracting their + attention to his companions. The second company profited by the friends he + had made, Mr. Wynantz especially devoting himself to their service, and + while Nitschmann and his associates did not reach many new people, they + inspired the respect and confidence of those whom Spangenberg had + introduced to the Moravian Church, and so strengthened its cause. A + carpenter from Wittenberg, Vollmar by name, who was attracted to them, + requested permission to go to Georgia with them, although not at their + expense, and to this they agreed. A number of Salzburgers who were to go + to Georgia with General Oglethorpe, though not on the same ship, were + under the leadership of the young Baron von Reck with whom Zinzendorf had + corresponded during the early stages of the Moravian negotiations, and the + Baron called on the second company several times, offered to assist them + in any way in his power, and expressed the wish that the Moravians and + Salzburgers could live together in Georgia. Nitschmann doubted the wisdom + of the plan, but courteously agreed to refer it to Zinzendorf, who, + however, refused his sanction. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of October, the Moravians went aboard Gen. Oglethorpe’s ship, + the ‘Simmonds’, Capt. Cornish, where they were told to select the cabins + they preferred, being given preference over the English colonists who were + going. The cabins contained bare bunks, which could be closed when not in + use, arranged in groups of five,—three below and two above,—the + five persons occupying them also eating together. The Moravians chose + their places in the center of the ship, on either side of the main mast, + where the ventilation was best, and there would be most fresh air when + they reached warmer latitudes. “The number of people on the ship is rather + large, for we are altogether one hundred and fifty who are going to + Georgia, but besides ourselves they are all Englishmen.” “Many of them are + like wild animals, but we have resolved in all things to act as the + children of God, giving offence to no one, that our purpose be not + misconstrued.” + </p> + <p> + After seeing his companions comfortably settled on the vessel, Nitschmann + returned to his numerous tasks in London. On the 24th, he came back to the + ship, accompanied by Korte, who bade them an affectionate farewell. By the + 27th all of the passengers, including Gen. Oglethorpe, were on board, but + it was not until the afternoon of October 31st, that the ‘Simmonds’ sailed + from Gravesend. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Four Journals. +</pre> + <p> + On the ‘Simmonds’, as she sailed slowly down the Thames on her way to + Georgia, there were four Englishmen, with whom the Moravians were to + become well acquainted, who were to influence and be influenced by them, + and through whom a great change was to come into the religious history of + England. These were John and Charles Wesley, Benjamin Ingham and Charles + Delamotte. The Wesleys were sons of Samuel Wesley, a clergyman of the + Church of England, and while at the University of Oxford they, with two + companions, had formed a little society for religious improvement, and by + their strict and methodical habits gained the name of “Methodists”; both + brothers had taken orders in the English Church, and were on their way to + Georgia, John to serve as rector at Savannah, and Charles as Gen. + Oglethorpe’s private secretary. Benjamin Ingham was born in Yorkshire, and + met the Wesleys at Oxford, where he joined their Methodist society. He, + too, had been ordained in the English Church, and now, at the age of + twenty-three, had yielded to John Wesley’s persuasions, and agreed to go + with him “to the Indians”. Charles Delamotte, the son of a London + merchant, met the Wesleys at the home of James Hutton, shortly before they + sailed for Georgia, and was so much impressed by them, and by their object + in seeking the New World, that he decided “to leave the world, and give + himself up entirely to God,” and go with them. + </p> + <p> + For the greater part of his life John Wesley kept a Journal, extracts from + which were given to the public from time to time, and Benjamin Ingham’s + account of the voyage to Georgia was also printed, so that the story of + those weeks is quite well known. Nevertheless, something of interest may + be gained by comparing these two Journals with the Diaries kept by David + Nitschmann, Bishop of the Moravians, and John Andrew Dober, one of the + second company. + </p> + <p> + To avoid confusion it should be noted that the difference of eleven days + in the dates is only apparent, not real, for the Englishmen used the old + style calendar, the Germans employed the modern one. In 46 B. C. the Roman + Calendar had gained two months on the actual seasons, and a more accurate + calculation resulted in the adoption of the so-called “Julian Calendar” + (prepared at the request of Julius Caesar), the two missing months being + inserted between November and December in that “year of confusion”. By + 1582, however, the Julian Calendar had fallen ten days behind the seasons, + so another calculation was made, and Pope Gregory XIII abolished the + Julian Calendar in all Catholic countries, dropped the dates of ten days + from that year, and established the “reformed”, or “Gregorian Calendar”. + This was adopted in Catholic Germany, in 1583, in Protestant Germany and + Holland, in 1700, but in England not until 1752, by which time the + difference had increased to eleven days. Following the ancient Jewish + custom the Year, for many centuries, began with the 25th of March, but + public sentiment came to favor the 1st of January as the more appropriate + date, and it was gradually adopted. In England, however, the legal year + continued to begin with March 25th, until 1752, although many people were + either using the newer fashion, or indicating both, and a date might be + correctly written in four ways, e.g. January 10th, 1734, old style, legal, + January 10th, 1734-5, or January 10th, 1735, old style, popular, and + January 21st, 1735, new style, the last agreeing with the calendar now in + general use. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Nitschmann gives the outline of their religious services on almost + every day, and in the translation which follows these are generally + omitted; in the same way some paragraphs are left out of the Wesley + Journal. Extracts from Dober’s and Ingham’s Journals are inserted when + they give facts not otherwise noted. + </p> + <p> + ====== 24 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann’s Diary. Oct. 24th, 1735. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I went to the ship, (the ‘Simmonds’, Captain Cornish). + My heart rejoiced to be once more with the Brethren. + In the evening we held our song service. +</pre> + <p> + (We have all given ourselves to the Lord, and pray that the Saviour may + comfort our hearts with joy, and that we may attain our object, namely, to + call the heathen, to become acquainted with those whom we have not known + and who know us not, and to worship the name of the Lord.—Letter of + Oct. 28.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 25 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + John Wesley’s Journal. Oct. 14th, 1735, (O. S.) Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Benjamin Ingham, of Queen’s College, Oxford, Mr. Charles Delamotte, + son of a merchant in London, who had offered himself some days before, my + brother Charles Wesley, and myself, took boat for Gravesend, in order to + embark for Georgia. Our end in leaving our native country was not to avoid + want, (God having given us plenty of temporal blessings,) nor to gain the + dung or dross of riches or honor; but singly this,—to save our + souls, to live wholly to the glory of God. In the afternoon we found the + ‘Simmonds’ off Gravesend, and immediately went on board. + </p> + <p> + (We had two cabins allotted us in the forecastle; I and Mr. Delamotte + having the first, and Messrs. Wesley the other. Theirs was made pretty + large, so that we could all meet together to read or pray in it. This part + of the ship was assigned to us by Mr. Oglethorpe, as being most convenient + for privacy.—Ingham’s Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 27 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Oct. 27th. + </p> + <p> + Bled Mrs. Toeltschig and Mrs. Zeisberger. On deck one man was knocked down + by another, striking his head on the deck so as to stun him. In the + evening we held our song service at the same hour that the English had + theirs. I spoke with Mr. Oglethorpe and the two English clergymen, who + asked concerning our ordination and our faith. Mr. Oglethorpe said he + would be as our father, if we would permit it. + </p> + <p> + ====== 28 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Oct. 28th. + </p> + <p> + At our prayer-meeting considered Eph. 1, how our election may be made + sure; I also wrote to the Congregation at Herrnhut. Mrs. Zeisberger was + sick, and Mr. Oglethorpe concerned himself about her comfort. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Oct. 17th. + </p> + <p> + I began to learn German in order to converse with the Germans, six and + twenty* of whom we had on board. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * Twenty-five Moravians and the Wittenberg carpenter.— +</pre> + <p> + ====== 29 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Oct. 29th. + </p> + <p> + Spoke with the Wittenberg carpenter concerning his soul. + </p> + <p> + ====== 30 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Oct. 30th. + </p> + <p> + We decided who should attend to various duties during the voyage, and held + our “Band” meetings. (The “Bands” were small groups, closely associated + for mutual religious improvement.) An English boy fell overboard, but was + rescued by a sailor. + </p> + <p> + ====== 31 Oct. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Oct. 31st. + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon we sailed twelve miles from Gravesend. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Oct. 20th, Monday. + </p> + <p> + Believing the denying ourselves, even in the smallest instances, might, by + the blessing of God, be helpful to us, we wholly left off the use of flesh + and wine, and confined ourselves to vegetable food,—chiefly rice and + biscuit. In the afternoon, David Nitschmann, Bishop of the Germans, and + two others, began to learn English. O may we be, not only of one tongue, + but of one mind and of one heart. + </p> + <p> + ====== 1 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 1st. + </p> + <p> + The English clergyman began to spend an hour teaching us English. In the + early service we read concerning new life in the soul; the preceding night + was blessed to me, and the Saviour was near. At the evening service we + spoke of earnest prayer and its answer. + </p> + <p> + (David Nitschmann, in the presence of all the members, formally installed + certain of our members in office,—David Tanneberger as overseer, + Dober as teacher and monitor, Seybold as nurse for the brethren, and Mrs. + Dober as nurse for the sisters.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + (We have arranged that one of us shall watch each night, of which Mr. + Oglethorpe approves.—Letter of Oct. 18th.) —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Oct. 21st. + </p> + <p> + We sailed from Gravesend. When we were past about half the Goodwin Sands + the wind suddenly failed. Had the calm continued till ebb, the ship had + probably been lost. But the gale sprung up again in an hour, and carried + us into the Downs. + </p> + <p> + We now began to be a little regular. Our common way of living was this: + From four in the morning till five, each of us used private prayer. From + five to seven we read the Bible together, carefully comparing it (that we + might not lean to our own understanding) with the writings of the earliest + ages. At seven we breakfasted. At eight were the public prayers. From nine + to twelve I usually learned German and Mr. Delamotte Greek. My brother + writ sermons, and Mr. Ingham instructed the children. At twelve we met to + give an account to one another what we had done since our last meeting, + and what we designed to do before our next. About one we dined. The time + from dinner to four, we spent in reading to those whom each of us had + taken in charge, or in speaking to them severally, as need required. At + four were the Evening Prayers; when either the Second Lesson was explained + (as it always was in the morning,) or the children were catechised, and + instructed before the congregation. From five to six we again used private + prayer. From six to seven I read in our cabin to two or three of the + passengers, (of whom there were about eighty English on board), and each + of my brethren to a few more in theirs. At seven I joined with the Germans + in their public service; while Mr. Ingham was reading between the decks to + as many as desired to hear. At eight we met again, to exhort and instruct + one another. Between nine and ten we went to bed, where neither the + roaring of the sea, nor the motion of the ship, could take away the + refreshing sleep which God gave us. + </p> + <p> + ====== 2 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 2nd. + </p> + <p> + We sailed further. In the early prayer service we considered Eph. 4, the + unity of the Spirit, and the means of preserving the bond of peace. In the + song service many points of doctrine were discussed with the English + clergyman, also the decline and loss of power. + </p> + <p> + ====== 3 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 3rd. + </p> + <p> + A dense fog and unpleasant weather, so we lay still at anchor. + </p> + <p> + ====== 4 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 4th. + </p> + <p> + I visited the other ship, (the ‘London Merchant’, Capt. Thomas) where the + so-called Salzburgers are. I spend most of my time studying English. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Oct. 24th. + </p> + <p> + Having a rolling sea, most of the passengers found the effects of it. Mr. + Delamotte was exceeding sick for several days, Mr. Ingham for about half + an hour. My brother’s head ached much. Hitherto it has pleased God the sea + has not disordered me at all. + </p> + <p> + During our stay in the Downs, some or other of us went, as often as we had + opportunity, on board the ship that sailed in company with us, where also + many were glad to join in prayer and hearing the word. + </p> + <p> + ====== 5 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 5th. + </p> + <p> + We prayed for the Congregation at Herrnhut, and also that we might be one + with it in spirit. In the evening we spoke of the Lord’s protection, how + good it is. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There is no room for fear, + The world may shake and quiver, + The elements may rage, + The firmament may shiver, + We are safe-guarded. +</pre> + <p> + ====== 8 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 8th. + </p> + <p> + An (English) child died, and was buried in the sea at five o’clock. + </p> + <p> + ====== 11 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 11th. + </p> + <p> + The text was “The Lord is with me, therefore I do not fear.” + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Oct. 31st. + </p> + <p> + We sailed out of the Downs. At eleven at night I was waked by a great + noise. I soon found there was no danger. But the bare apprehension of it + gave me a lively conviction what manner of men those ought to be, who are + every moment on the brink of eternity. + </p> + <p> + ====== 12 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 12th. + </p> + <p> + (This afternoon we came near Portsmouth, and anchored. Today Dober began + to study English, and learned the Lord’s Prayer.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Nov. 1st, Saturday. + </p> + <p> + We came to St. Helen’s harbour, and the next day into Cowes road. The wind + was fair, but we waited for the man-of-war which was to sail with us. This + was a happy opportunity of instructing our fellow travellers. May He whose + seed we sow, give it the increase! + </p> + <p> + ====== 13 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 13th. + </p> + <p> + Hermsdorf visits Baron von Reck. + </p> + <p> + ====== 14 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 14th. + </p> + <p> + We lay at anchor at Cowes on the Isle of Wight, and some of us landed. I + went with Baron von Reck to Newport, one mile distant, it is a beautiful + place. I conversed with Baron von Reck about the Lord’s Prayer. + </p> + <p> + ====== 18 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 18th. + </p> + <p> + A great storm. To me the time is precious, and passes too swiftly. It is + as though we were in the midst of wild beasts, which are bound and cannot + harm us. We know the Saviour stands by us, and strengthens us through the + Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + ====== 20 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 20th. + </p> + <p> + One older and two young Englishmen were whipped for stealing. + </p> + <p> + ====== 21 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 21st. + </p> + <p> + Conversed with Mr. Oglethorpe about our ordination, Baron von Reck acting + as interpreter. He was well pleased when I explained our view, and that we + did not think a Bishop must be a great lord as among the Catholics. He + offered to give us anything we wished, but I told him we needed nothing. + </p> + <p> + ====== 23 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 23rd. + </p> + <p> + The Man-of-war (‘Hawk’, Capt. Gascoine) joined us. A boy was beaten, and + sent away from the ship. + </p> + <p> + ====== 25 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 25th. + </p> + <p> + Spoke with Mr. Oglethorpe about Boehner and George Neisser, who are sick + and must go ashore for treatment. Boehner has a sore arm, and Neisser a + sore foot. An English friend gave us a guinea to buy some things we need. + </p> + <p> + ====== 29 Nov. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Nov. 29th. + </p> + <p> + In the evening I prayed for a good wind, since we do not wish to lie in + one place and be of no use. + </p> + <p> + ====== 1 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 1st. + </p> + <p> + The wind was good, we thanked God and sailed about eight o’clock. Not long + after the wind fell, and we anchored, but I could not believe that we were + not to go. The wind rose again, and we sailed nine miles. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Nov. 20th. + </p> + <p> + We fell down Yarmouth road, but the next day were forced back to Cowes. + During our stay here there were several storms, in one of which two ships + in Yarmouth roads were lost. + </p> + <p> + The continuance of the contrary winds gave my brother an opportunity of + complying with the desire of the minister of Cowes, and preaching there + three or four times. + </p> + <p> + ====== 2 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 2nd. + </p> + <p> + About two o’clock we returned to Cowes. + </p> + <p> + ====== 3 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 3rd. + </p> + <p> + The women went ashore to wash our clothes. The others went with them, + because we do not wish to annoy any one, and desired to be alone that we + might celebrate the Lord’s Supper. I could not leave the ship, but was + with them in spirit. + </p> + <p> + ====== 4 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 4th. + </p> + <p> + (Nitschmann and Dober spoke with several of the Brethren concerning their + spiritual condition. In the evening a storm sprang up which continued most + of the night. Mr. Oglethorpe is ill, which reminds us to pray for him, and + the English preacher, John Wesley, has promised to do the same. This + preacher loses no opportunity to be present at our song service; he spares + no pains to perform the duties of his office and he likes us. We wish we + could converse freely with him, so that we could more carefully explain + the way of God to him.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Nov. 23rd, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + At night I was waked by the tossing of the ship, and roaring of the wind, + and plainly showed I was unfit, for I was unwilling to die. + </p> + <p> + ====== 7 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 7th. + </p> + <p> + A great storm, and we thanked God that we were in a safe harbor. + </p> + <p> + ====== 10 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 10th. + </p> + <p> + All hands summoned to lift the anchor. Mr. Oglethorpe called me, took me + by the hand, led me into the cabin, and gave me 1 Pound for the Brethren. + Later the wind was again contrary, and we had to lie still. + </p> + <p> + ====== 18 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 18th. + </p> + <p> + We lifted the anchor at three o’clock, but as we got under sail the wind + changed again. We must stay still, but what the Lord intends we do not + know. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 7th, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + Finding nature did not require such frequent supplies as we had been + accustomed to, we agreed to leave off suppers; from doing which we have + hitherto found no inconvenience. + </p> + <p> + ====== 21 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 21st. + </p> + <p> + An east wind sprang up, and with the help of God we sailed at nine o’clock + from Cowes, where we had been for five weeks and three days. + </p> + <p> + When we reached the open sea many became sea-sick. There was so much to be + done that we could not hold our prayer-meeting, for our people help in all + the work, and therefore the sailors treat us well, no matter what they + think of us in their hearts. In the evening our song service was much + blessed. + </p> + <p> + (With us went two ships, the man-of-war, and that which carried Baron von + Reck and his Salzburgers. Two of the Salzburgers were on shore, and were + left behind when the ship sailed, whereat their wives and children who + were on board, were sorely grieved.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 10th, Wednesday. + </p> + <p> + We sailed from Cowes, and in the afternoon passed the Needles. From this + day to the fourteenth being in the Bay of Biscay, the sea was very rough. + Mr. Delamotte and others were more sick than ever; Mr. Ingham a little; I + not at all. But the fourteenth being a calm day, most of the sick were + cured at once. + </p> + <p> + ====== 22 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 22nd. + </p> + <p> + The wind was east, and we sailed nine miles an hour, but were all very + sea-sick. + </p> + <p> + ====== 23 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 12th. + </p> + <p> + (In the forenoon we left the man-of-war, he not being able to sail as fast + as our ships.—Ingham’s Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 25 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 25th. + </p> + <p> + As this was Christmas Day we read Matt. 8 in our prayer service. The wind + had died down, everyone felt much better, and it was a beautiful day. + </p> + <p> + ====== 27 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 27th. + </p> + <p> + At midnight there was a great storm, and the waves broke over the ship; + the middle hatch was open, and the water poured in, running into our + cabin, so that we had to take everything out of them until we could dry + them. + </p> + <p> + ====== 30 Dec. 1735. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Dec. 30th. + </p> + <p> + The weather was again pleasant. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 19th. + </p> + <p> + (Messrs. Wesley and I, with Mr. Oglethorpe’s approbation, undertook to + visit, each of us, a part of the ship, and daily to provide the sick + people with water-gruel, and such other things as were necessary for them.—Ingham’s + Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 1 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 1, 1736. + </p> + <p> + It was New Year’s Day, and Mr. Oglethorpe’s birthday. + </p> + <p> + (Br. Nitschmann asked us to select a number of verses, wrote them out and + presented them as a birthday greeting to Mr. Oglethorpe. It was a + beautiful day, warm and calm.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 21st, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + We had fifteen communicants, which was our usual number on Sundays. + </p> + <p> + (This being Mr. Oglethorpe’s birthday, he gave a sheep and wine to the + people, which, with the smoothness of the sea, and the serenity of the + sky, so enlivened them that they perfectly recovered from their + sea-sickness. + </p> + <p> + On Christmas Day, also, Mr. Oglethorpe gave a hog and wine to the people.—Ingham’s + Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 5 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 5th. + </p> + <p> + (To-day, according to the old style, Christmas was celebrated on our ship. + Br. Nitschmann spoke on the words, “Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son + is given.”—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 9 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Dec. 29th. + </p> + <p> + (We are now past the latitude of twenty-five degrees, and are got into + what they call the Trade winds, which blow much the same way all the year + round. The air is balmy, soft, and sweet. The ship glides smoothly and + quietly along. The nights are mild and pleasant, being beautifully adorned + with the shining hosts of stars, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Forever singing as they shine, + The Hand that made us is divine.” + —Ingham’s Journal.) +</pre> + <p> + ====== 10 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 10th. + </p> + <p> + (We have been running for several days with the Trade winds. Here the day + is two hours longer than it is in Germany at this season. The sailors + wished to adhere to their custom of initiating those who crossed the + Tropic of Cancer for the first time, but Gen. Oglethorpe forbade it. The + weak, the children, and the sick, are well cared for, so that the nine + months’ old child receives an egg and some goat’s milk every day.—Dober’s + Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 12 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 12th. + </p> + <p> + To-day, according to the old style, we celebrated the New Year. + </p> + <p> + ====== 20 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 20th. + </p> + <p> + An English clergyman asked us how often we celebrated the Lord’s Supper, + saying that he thought it a sacrifice which consecrated and improved the + life. We told him our view; he said he would like to visit Herrnhut. + </p> + <p> + (We re-crossed the Tropic of Cancer.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 21 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 21st. + </p> + <p> + (We are still in the Trade wind, and sail swiftly and steadily.) + </p> + <p> + We cannot thank God enough that we are all well, only Mrs. Demuth is + always sea-sick when the wind rises. + </p> + <p> + ====== 23 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 23rd. + </p> + <p> + We saw a ship. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 12th, 1736. + </p> + <p> + (I began to write out the English Dictionary in order to learn the Indian + tongue.—Ingham’s Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 26 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 15th. + </p> + <p> + Complaint being made to Mr. Oglethorpe of the unequal distribution of the + water among the passengers, he appointed new officers to take charge of + it. At this the old ones and their friends were highly exasperated against + us, to whom they imputed the change. But “the fierceness of man shall turn + to thy praise.” + </p> + <p> + ====== 27 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 27th. + </p> + <p> + (As there was little good water left the passengers were given poor water, + but when Oglethorpe heard of it, he ordered that all, in the Cabin and + outside, should be treated alike, as long as the good water lasted. Mr. + Oglethorpe and the preacher, John Wesley, are very careful of the + passengers’ welfare; the latter shows himself full of love for us.—Dober’s + Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 28 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 28th. + </p> + <p> + There was a great storm, the waves went over the ship, and poured into it. + Then many who knew not God were frightened, but we were of good cheer, and + trusted in the Lord who does all things well. Roscher and Mack are good + sailors and not afraid of anything. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 17th, Saturday. + </p> + <p> + Many people were very impatient at the contrary wind. At seven in the + evening they were quieted by a storm. It rose higher and higher till nine. + About nine the sea broke over us from stem to stern; burst through the + windows of the state cabin, where three or four of us were, and covered us + all over, though a bureau sheltered me from the main shock. About eleven I + lay down in the great cabin, and in a short time fell asleep, though very + uncertain whether I should wake alive, and much ashamed of my + unwillingness to die. O how pure in heart must he be, who would rejoice to + appear before God at a moment’s warning! Toward morning “He rebuked the + wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.” + </p> + <p> + ====== 29 Jan. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Jan. 29th. + </p> + <p> + We read the 13th chapter of Mark at our early prayer service. The weather + was a little better, but the wind was contrary. We also saw a ship which + was sailing northeast. In the evening we read the ninety-eighth Psalm, the + Lord was with us and we were blessed. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 18th, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + We returned thanks to God for our deliverance, of which a few appeared + duly sensible. But the rest (among whom were most of the sailors) denied + we had been in any danger. I could not have believed that so little good + would have been done by the terror they were in before. But it cannot be + that they should long obey God from fear, who are deaf to the motives of + love. + </p> + <p> + ====== 1 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 1st. + </p> + <p> + The weather was fine, and there was no wind until ten o’clock, when it + came from the right quarter. In addition to our usual allowance the + Captain sent us fresh meat, which he has done thrice already, and we do + not altogether like it, for we are content with what we have, and do not + desire more. + </p> + <p> + ====== 3 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 3rd. + </p> + <p> + There was a great storm, which lasted all night. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 23rd, Friday. + </p> + <p> + In the evening another storm began. In the morning it increased, so that + they were forced to let the ship drive. I could not but say to myself, + “How is it that thou hast no faith?” being still unwilling to die. About + one in the afternoon, almost as soon as I had stepped out of the great + cabin door, the sea did not break as usual, but came with a smooth full + tide over the side of the ship. I was vaulted over with water in a moment, + and so stunned, that I scarce expected to lift up my head again, till the + sea should give up her dead. But thanks be to God, I received no hurt at + all. About noon our third storm began. + </p> + <p> + ====== 4 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 4th. + </p> + <p> + The storm lasted all day, and the waves often swept over the ship. The + storm rudder was lashed fast, and so we were driven. + </p> + <p> + ====== 5 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 5th. + </p> + <p> + In the early morning we had a fairly good breeze, but about ten o’clock, a + storm rose, of such violence that the wind seemed to blow from all four + quarters at once, and we were in danger of being overpowered. The waves + were like mountains; the rudder was lashed fast, only one sail was spread, + and we drove on, only the Lord knew whither. But we did not let it prevent + us from holding our song service. The text given to us was Psalm 115:14, + which assured us that we were blessed of God,—may He ever bless us + more and more. During the service the ship was covered with a great wave, + which poured in upon us, and on the deck there was a great cry that the + wind had split the one sail which was spread. There was great fright among + the people who have no God; the English clergyman was much aroused, ran to + them, and preached repentance, saying among other things that they could + now see the difference. I was content, for our lives are in God’s hands, + and He does what He will; among us there was no fear, for the Lord helped + us. + </p> + <p> + (There was a terrible storm which lasted till midnight. During the song + service a great wave struck the ship with a noise like the roar of a + cannon. The wind tore the strong new sail in two; the people, especially + the English women, screamed and wept; the preacher Wesley, who is always + with us in our song service, cried out against the English, “Now man can + see who has a God, and who has none.” During the last eight days we have + had so much contrary wind, and so many storms that we could not approach + the land, though we were near it several times.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 25th, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + At noon our third storm began. At four it was more violent than before. + The winds roared round about us, and whistled as distinctly as if it had + been a human voice. The ship not only rocked to and fro with the utmost + violence, but shook and jarred with so unequal, grating, a motion, that + one could not but with great difficulty keep one’s hold of anything, nor + stand a moment without it. Every ten minutes came a shock against the + stern or side of the ship, which one would think should dash the planks to + pieces. + </p> + <p> + We spent two or three hours after prayers, in conversing suitably to the + occasion, confirming one another in a calm submission to the wise, holy, + gracious will of God. And now a storm did not appear so terrible as + before. Blessed be the God of all consolation! + </p> + <p> + At seven I went to the Germans; I had long before observed the great + seriousness of their behaviour. Of their humility they had given a + continual proof, by performing those servile offices for the other + passengers, which none of the English would undertake; for which they + desired, and would receive no pay, saying “It was good for their proud + hearts,” and “their loving Saviour had done more for them.” And every day + had given them occasion of showing a meekness, which no injury could move. + If they were pushed, struck, or thrown down, they rose again and went + away; but no complaint was found in their mouth. There was now an + opportunity of trying whether they were delivered from the spirit of fear, + as well as from that of pride, anger, and revenge. In the midst of the + psalm wherewith their service began, the sea broke over, split the + mainsail in pieces, covered the ship, and poured in between the decks, as + if the great deep had already swallowed us up. A terrible screaming began + among the English. The Germans calmly sung on. I asked one of them + afterward, “Were you not afraid?” He answered, “I thank God, no.” I asked, + “But were not your women and children afraid?” He replied mildly, “No; our + women and children are not afraid to die.” + </p> + <p> + From them I went to their crying, trembling neighbors, and pointed out to + them the difference in the hour of trial, between him that feareth God, + and him that feareth Him not. At twelve the wind fell. This was the most + glorious day which I have hitherto seen. + </p> + <p> + ====== 6 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 6th. + </p> + <p> + (The oldest sailors say they have never seen so fierce a storm as the one + we had last night. The wind came from all sides at once, lifted the water + from the sea, bore it through the air and cast it on the other ship, where + Baron von Reck and the Salzburgers were, and so flooded it that twelve + persons were kept at the pumps all night.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 26th. + </p> + <p> + We enjoyed the calm. I can conceive no difference comparable to that + between a smooth and a rough sea, except that which is between a mind + calmed by the love of God, and one torn up by the storms of earthly + passion. + </p> + <p> + ====== 8 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 8th. + </p> + <p> + (There was a calm, and very fine weather, so that a boat could be lowered + to visit the other ship.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 28th. + </p> + <p> + (Being a calm day, I went on board the other ship, read prayers, and + visited the people. At my return I acquainted Mr. Oglethorpe with their + state, and he sent them such things as they needed.—Ingham’s + Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 9 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 9th. + </p> + <p> + (The wind was again favorable to us, but there was much lightning.—Dober’s + Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 29th. + </p> + <p> + About seven in the evening we fell in with the skirts of a hurricane. The + rain as well as the wind was extremely violent. The sky was so dark in a + moment, that the sailors could not so much as see the ropes, or set about + furling the sails. The ship must, in all probability, have overset, had + not the wind fell as suddenly as it rose. + </p> + <p> + ====== 10 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 10th. + </p> + <p> + The whole day was stormy, and all night the waves broke over the ship. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Jan. 30th. + </p> + <p> + We had another storm, which did us no other harm than splitting the + foresail. Our bed being wet, I laid me down on the floor and slept sound + till morning. + </p> + <p> + ====== 12 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 12th. + </p> + <p> + (We were obliged to drift, because we did not know how far we were from + land. About noon we sighted three ships, sailed toward them, and saw they + were English; our sailors lowered the boat, we wrote in haste, and sent + letters to Herrnhut. The ships came from Charlestown, and told us we were + thirty hours’ run from Georgia.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 1st, Sunday. + </p> + <p> + (Three sails appearing, we made up toward them, and got what letters we + could write, in hopes some of them might be bound for England. One of + them, that was bound for London, made towards us, and we put our letters + on board her.—Ingham’s Journal.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 13 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 13th. + </p> + <p> + To-day we had another storm, and twice saw the ocean not far from us, + drawn up like smoke, so that the water reached up to the clouds, and the + ship would have been in great danger if it had struck us. + </p> + <p> + ====== 14 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 14th. + </p> + <p> + Soundings toward evening showed twenty-eight fathoms of water, and we hope + to see land to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + ====== 15 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 15th. + </p> + <p> + About two o’clock we saw land. I climbed the mast, and poured out my heart + to God, thanking Him, and praying that He would care for us in our new + home. We anchored for the night. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 4th, Wednesday. + </p> + <p> + About noon the trees were visible from the mast, and in the afternoon from + the main deck. In the Evening Lesson were these words, “A great door, and + effectual, is opened,” O let no one shut it! + </p> + <p> + ====== 16 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 16th. + </p> + <p> + It was a beautiful day, and the land looked very fair. At two o’clock we + reached Tybee, and were all very happy. The song service was blessed, and + we thanked God with prayer and praise. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 5th. + </p> + <p> + Between two and three in the afternoon God brought us all safe into the + Savannah River. We cast anchor near Tybee Island, where the grove of + pines, running along the shore, made an agreeable prospect, showing, as it + were, the bloom of spring in the depths of winter. + </p> + <p> + ====== 17 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 17th. + </p> + <p> + I went on shore with Mr. Oglethorpe, and we together fell on our knees and + thanked God, and then took a boat to Savannah. I went at once to the + Brethren, and we rejoiced to meet again. I found the Brethren well, and + looked with wonder at what they had accomplished, went with Toeltschig and + Spangenberg to the garden, and also received letters from Herrnhut. + Spangenberg had to go immediately to Mr. Oglethorpe to discuss many things + with him. + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 6th, Friday. + </p> + <p> + About eight in the morning we first set foot on American ground. It was a + small, uninhabited island, (Peeper Island), over against Tybee. Mr. + Oglethorpe led us to a rising ground, where we all kneeled down to give + thanks. He then took boat for Savannah. When the rest of the people were + come on shore, we called our little flock together to prayers. Several + parts of the Second Lesson (Mark 6) were wonderfully suited to the + occasion. + </p> + <p> + ====== 18 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 18th. + </p> + <p> + (About six o’clock in the evening, Br. Spangenberg came from Savannah to + us, which made us very glad and thankful. He told us of the death of Br. + Riedel, and held the song service, praying and thanking God for having + brought us together again.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 7th. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Oglethorpe returned from Savannah with Mr. Spangenberg, one of the + pastors of the Germans. I soon found what spirit he was of; and asked his + advice with regard to my own conduct. + </p> + <p> + ====== 19 & 20 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 19th and 20th. + </p> + <p> + (We waited for the small vessel that was to come for us. Br. Spangenberg + held the prayer and song services.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + —— + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 9th. + </p> + <p> + I asked Mr. Spangenberg many questions, both concerning himself and the + church at Herrnhut. + </p> + <p> + ====== 21 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 21st. + </p> + <p> + (The small vessel came; we had much rain, and the wind was so strong + against us that we had to spend the night on the transport.—Dober’s + Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 22 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Nitschmann. Feb. 22nd. + </p> + <p> + (In the afternoon we reached Savannah, where we were lodged in the house + which the Brethren who came a year ago have built in the town. The Lord + has done all things well, and has turned to our good all that has befallen + us, even when we did not understand His way, and has laid His blessing + upon our journey,—thanks be unto Him.—Dober’s Diary.) + </p> + <p> + ====== 27 Feb. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 16th. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Oglethorpe set out for the new settlement on the Altamahaw River. He + took with him fifty men, besides Mr. Ingham, Mr. Hermsdorf, and three + Indians. + </p> + <p> + ====== 6 Mar. 1736. + </p> + <p> + Wesley. Feb. 24th, Tuesday. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Oglethorpe returned. The day following I took my leave of most of the + passengers of the ship. In the evening I went to Savannah. + </p> + <p> + ====== + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Organization. +</pre> + <p> + The arrival of the “second company” was a marked event in the eyes of the + Moravians already settled at Savannah. Hitherto all had been preparation, + and labor had seemed less arduous and privations less severe because they + were smoothing the path for those who were to follow, and it was with + well-earned satisfaction that wives and friends were lodged in the new + house, taken to the garden and the farm, and introduced to acquaintances + in the town. No doubt poor Catherine Riedel’s heart ached with loneliness, + and her tears flowed fast, when, at the close of that long and stormy + voyage, she heard of her husband’s death, and stood beside his grave in + the Savannah cemetery;—but there was little time for grieving in the + press of matters that required attention, for Spangenberg’s long visit was + now to end, Nitschmann was to remain only until the organization of the + Congregation was complete, and there was much to be done before these two + able leaders took their departure. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Bishop Nitschmann greeted the members of the “first company” + in the dawn of Feb. 17th, 1736, when Spangenberg and Toeltschig took him + to the garden two miles distant, that they might have a private and + undisturbed conference. All too soon, however, word was brought that Gen. + Oglethorpe wanted to see Spangenberg at once, so they retraced their + steps, and Spangenberg received a hearty greeting from the General, and + many compliments on what he and his party had accomplished. There is no + record of the conversations among the Moravians on that day, but they are + not difficult to imagine, for the news from home and from the mission + fields on the one side, and the problems and prospects in Georgia on the + other, would furnish topics which many days could not exhaust. + </p> + <p> + That evening Spangenberg again called on Gen. Oglethorpe, who gave orders + that a boat should take him next day to Tybee, where the ship lay at + anchor, with all her passengers aboard. He also told Spangenberg about the + English preacher whom he had brought over, and made inquiries about + Nitschmann’s position, asking that the explanation be repeated to the + English preacher, who was also interested in him. + </p> + <p> + The following day Spangenberg waited upon Gen. Oglethorpe to ask about + Hermsdorf, as he heard the General had promised to take him to the + Altamaha, where a new town was to be built. He also begged Oglethorpe to + help him arrange his departure for Pennsylvania as soon as possible, which + the General agreed to do. + </p> + <p> + About six o’clock that evening Spangenberg reached the ship at Tybee, and + was warmly welcomed by the Moravians, and at their song service he met the + much-talked-of English preacher, John Wesley. The two men liked each other + at the first glance; Wesley wrote in his Journal, “I soon found what + spirit he was of, and asked his advice in regard to my own conduct,” while + Spangenberg paralleled this in his Diary with the remark, “He told me how + it was with him, and I saw that true Grace dwelt in and governed him.” + </p> + <p> + During the two days which elapsed before the transport came to take the + Moravians from the ship, Wesley and Spangenberg had several long + conversations, each recording the points that struck him most, but without + comment. These discussions regarding doctrine and practice were renewed at + intervals during the remainder of Spangenberg’s stay in Savannah, and the + young Englishman showed himself eager to learn the Indian language so that + he might preach to the natives, generous in his offers to share his + advantages of study with the Moravians, and above all determined to + enforce the letter of the ecclesiastical law, as he understood it, in his + new parish. He thought “it would be well if two of the Moravian women + would dedicate themselves to the Indian service, and at once begin to + study the language,” and “as the early Church employed deaconesses, it + would be profitable if these women were ordained to their office.” He was + also convinced “that the apostolic custom of baptism by immersion ought to + be observed in Georgia.” “He bound himself to no sect, but took the ground + that a man ought to study the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers + of the first three centuries, accepting what agreed with these two + sources, and rejecting all else.” He requested the Moravians to use the + Lord’s Prayer at all their public services, “since this is acknowledged to + have been the custom of the early Church,” and since that early Church + celebrated the Holy Communion every day, he thought it necessary that all + members should partake at least on every Sunday. “He also had his thoughts + concerning Fast days.” Spangenberg promised to lay these matters before + the congregation, but so far as Fast days were concerned, he said that + while he would observe them as a matter of conscience if he belonged to a + Church which required them, he doubted the wisdom of forcing them upon a + Church in which they were not obligatory. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st, the periagua (“so they call a rather deep, large boat”) came + to take the Moravians to Savannah, but it was necessary to call at the + other ship, as some of their baggage had been brought in that vessel. + Spangenberg went ahead, and found that for some reason the baggage could + not be taken off that day. He was pleasantly received by “the younger” + Reck, but the Baron was absent, having gone to see the site to which the + Salzburgers wished to move their settlement, Gen. Oglethorpe having given + his permission. About the time the periagua arrived, a heavy rain came up, + and fearing the effect on the new-comers, Spangenberg obtained permission + to take them into the cabin. When ten o’clock came they decided to wait no + longer, and started for Savannah, with the result that they spent the + entire night in the rain, in an open boat, and then had passed but half + way up the river! Early in the morning Spangenberg took two men and his + small boat and went ahead, stopping at Capt. Thomson’s ship to get some + things Korte had sent them from London. They reached Savannah in the + afternoon, and before daybreak on Thursday, Feb. 23rd, the periagua at + last landed its passengers at Savannah. + </p> + <p> + That evening Spangenberg returned with Oglethorpe to the ship, that + various important matters might be more fully discussed. They agreed, (1) + that the five hundred acres already surveyed for Zinzendorf should be + retained, and settled, but that it would be wise to take an additional + five hundred acres of more fertile land nearer Savannah, where it would be + more accessible, the grant to be made to Christian Ludwig von Zinzendorf, + the Count’s eldest son; (2) that no Moravian could accept a fifty acre + tract without pledging himself to military service, but land could be + secured for a number of them at the rate of twenty acres apiece, without + this obligation. This land could be selected near Zinzendorf’s estate, the + town to be built on the Count’s property. If any wished to leave the + Moravian Congregation, he should receive twenty acres elsewhere for + himself. (3) Non-Moravians, like John Regnier, might live with them on the + same conditions. (4) If one of the Moravians died without male issue, the + Congregation should name his successor in the title to the land. (5) The + promised cattle should still be given. + </p> + <p> + It was further arranged that Spangenberg should continue to hold the title + to his fifty acres, but with the understanding that it was in trust for + the Congregation; the same to apply to Nitschmann’s land, if desired. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th and 26th, a number of Indians visited the ship, being received + with much ceremony. “King” Tomochichi, and others, Spangenberg had often + seen, and they were formally presented to Mr. Wesley, of whom they had + heard, and to whom they gave a flask of honey and a flask of milk, with + the wish that “the Great Word might be to them as milk and honey.” + Tomochichi told of his efforts to keep peace among the tribes, in the face + of rumors that the English meant to enslave them all, and of his success + so far, but he feared the Indians were not in a frame of mind to give much + heed to the Gospel message. Still he welcomed the attempt, and would give + what aid he could, advising that the missionaries learn the Indian tongue, + and that they should not baptize,—as the Spanish did,—until + the people were instructed and truly converted. + </p> + <p> + On Feb. 27th, General Oglethorpe started for the Altamaha. His journey to + Georgia on this occasion had been principally to protect the southern + borders of the colony by establishing two new towns on the frontier, and + erecting several forts near by. One company, which sailed direct from + Scotland, had landed in January, and begun a settlement at New Inverness, + on the north bank of the Altamaha, and a second was now to be established + on St. Simon Island, and was to be called Frederica. Oglethorpe had + expected to take the Salzburgers who came on the ‘London Merchant’, to the + southward with him, but nearly all of them decided that they preferred to + join those of their number who were preparing to move to New Ebenezer, and + the General did not insist, contenting himself with his English soldiers. + </p> + <p> + A periagua had been started a little in advance of the sloop which bore + the provisions, arms, ammunition, and tools, and in the evening Gen. + Oglethorpe followed in a swift, ten-oared boat, called,—from the + service in which it was often employed,—a scout boat. + </p> + <p> + With the General went Mr. Ingham, and Lieut. Hermsdorf. The latter assured + Spangenberg that he had really meant little more than to compliment the + General on the occasion when he remarked “that he would ask nothing better + than to follow him through bush and valley, and see him carry out his wise + designs,” that he did not know at that time that Oglethorpe was going to + the Altamaha, nor how far away the Altamaha was. But Spangenberg gravely + told him that Gen. Oglethorpe had taken his word as that of an honest man, + and that he would not attempt to hold him back, only he wished him to so + demean himself as to bring credit and not shame to Zinzendorf and the + Moravians, to whom he was at liberty to return when he desired. Hermsdorf, + therefore, went with Oglethorpe and his fifty men, was made a Captain and + was given a position of importance in superintending the erection of the + necessary fortifications on St. Simon. + </p> + <p> + Benjamin Ingham’s visit to Frederica proved to be his first unpleasant + experience in the New World. Like John Wesley, he came with the strictest + ideas of Sabbath observance, etc., and as one said, in answer to a + reproof, “these were new laws in America.” The effect may be summed up in + his own words: “My chief business was daily to visit the people, to take + care of those that were sick, and to supply them with the best things we + had. For a few days at the first, I had everybody’s good word; but when + they found I watched narrowly over them, and reproved them sharply for + their faults, immediately the scene changed. Instead of blessing, came + cursing, and my love and kindness were repaid with hatred and ill-will.” + </p> + <p> + Oglethorpe remained on the Altamaha but a few days, and then returned to + Savannah for the rest of his colonists. Meanwhile the Moravian + Congregation was being fully organized. During Spangenberg’s visit to + Oglethorpe on his vessel, the Moravians, including Bishop Nitschmann, met + together, and John Toeltschig was elected manager (Vorsteher), Gottfried + Haberecht, monitor (Ermahner), and Gotthard Demuth to perform various + minor duties (Diener). The name of the nurse (Krankenwaerter) is not + given, but he was probably John Regnier, who acted as physician, not only + for the Moravians, but for many of their poorer neighbors. Andrew Dober + was associated with Toeltschig in the management of the finances, and all + of these men were solemnly inducted into office, it being the custom to + give a kind of specialized ordination even for positions not commonly + considered ministerial. + </p> + <p> + Three “Bands” were formed among the men,—smaller companies + associated for religious improvement, each Band electing a leader charged + with special oversight of the members. There was one among the married + men, one among the unmarried men who were communicants, and another for + the unmarried non-communicants, Toeltschig, Seifert and Rose being the + leaders. The women were organized in like manner, though being few in + number there was probably but one Band among them, under Mrs. Toeltschig + who had been appointed Elderess before leaving Herrnhut. There is no + reference to the celebration of the Holy Communion by the first company + during their months of preparation in Savannah, nor had opportunity been + given to the second company since they left the English coast, but now, + with Bishop Nitschmann to preside, they were able to partake together, + finding much blessing therein. They resolved in the future to commune + every two weeks, but soon formed the habit, perhaps under Wesley’s + influence, of coming to the Lord’s Table every Sunday. + </p> + <p> + When Spangenberg returned to them, a conference was held each evening, and + on Sunday they had a Lovefeast, especially for those who had been selected + to superintend the material and spiritual affairs of the Congregation. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st of March, John and Charles Wesley called on them, and on the + 6th, Charles Wesley came again, and “opened his heart” to them. The Diary + calls him “an awakened but flighty man,” who had come as Gov. Oglethorpe’s + secretary, and was now about to go to Frederica as pastor of that + turbulent flock. From him Spangenberg learned of Oglethorpe’s return from + Altamaha, and accompanied by Nitschmann went with him to the ship, where + the Wesleys were still living. Two days were spent with Oglethorpe, who + promised to give them ground containing a good bed of clay, where they + could make brick, which should be sold to the Trustees’ agent at 15 + shillings per 1,000, two-thirds of the price to be applied on their debt, + and one-third to be paid them in cash. Moreover several English boys + should be apprenticed to them to learn the trade. Hemp and flax seed + should also be given them, and he urged them to weave the linen, for they + had men who understood the art, and cloth was scarce and dear in Georgia. + He also advised them to buy oxen to use in cultivating their land; and + said that they should have one-third of the grape-vines he had brought + over with him, another portion was to be given to Tomochichi, the + remainder to be planted in his own garden. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th, Spangenberg and Nitschmann returned to Savannah, and with + Andrew Dober and John Wesley, (who had now moved from the ship,) proceeded + up the river to Mrs. Musgrove’s, about five miles distant. Wesley wished + to select a site for a small house, which Oglethorpe had promised to build + for him, where he and his companions might live while they were studying + the Indian language, under Mrs. Musgrove’s direction. Nitschmann wanted to + visit and talk with the Indian “King”, Tomochichi, and Dober was trying to + find some clay suitable for pottery. The following day they returned to + Savannah, and Mr. Wesley and Mr. Delamotte took up their abode with the + Moravians, as Mr. Quincy, Wesley’s predecessor in the Savannah pastorate, + had not yet vacated his house. Wesley writes, “We had now an opportunity, + day by day, of observing their whole behaviour. For we were in one room + with them from morning to night, unless for the little time I spent in + walking. They were always employed, always cheerful themselves, and in + good humor with one another; they had put away all anger, and strife, and + wrath, and bitterness, and clamor, and evil speaking; they walked worthy + of the vocation wherewith they were called, and adorned the Gospel of our + Lord in all things.” The impression thus made upon John Wesley was + lasting, and even during the subsequent years in England, when differences + of every kind arose between him and the Moravians, and his Journal is full + of bitter denunciations of doctrines and practices which he did not + understand, and with which he was not in sympathy, he now and again + interrupts himself to declare, “I can not speak of them but with tender + affection, were it only for the benefits I have received from them.” + </p> + <p> + An event which occurred on March 10th, is of more than local interest, in + that it is the first unquestioned instance of the exercise of episcopal + functions in the United States. Prior to this, and for a number of years + later, clergymen of the Church of England, and English-speaking Catholic + priests, were ordained in the Old World, before coming to the New, + remaining under the control of the Bishop and of the Vicar Apostolic of + London, while the Spanish Catholics were under the Suffragan of Santiago + de Cuba, and the French Catholics under the Bishop of Quebec. Tradition + mentions the secret consecration of two Bishops of Pennsylvania before + this time, but its authenticity is doubted, and the two men did not + exercise any episcopal powers. Therefore when Bishop Nitschmann came to + Georgia, and in the presence of the Moravian Congregation at Savannah + ordained one of their number to be their pastor, he was unconsciously + doing one of the “first things” which are so interesting to every lover of + history. + </p> + <p> + Whenever it was possible the Moravians spent Saturday afternoon and + evening in rest, prayer, and conference, and on this occasion four + services were held at short intervals. + </p> + <p> + At the first service the singing of a hymn was followed by the reading of + Psalm 84, a discourse thereon, and prayer. The second was devoted to + reading letters from Germany, and some discussion as to Hermsdorf and his + relation to the Congregation. The third service was the important one, and + the following account was recorded in the Diary. “When we re-assembled the + question: ‘Must not our Congregation have a Chief Elder (Aeltester)?’ was + presented for discussion. All thought it necessary, and were unanimous in + their choice of Anton Seifert, and no other was even suggested. While his + name was being considered, he was sent from the room, and when he had been + recalled, we sang a hymn, and Nitschmann and Toeltschig led the + Congregation in most earnest prayer. Then Nitschmann delivered an earnest + charge, setting before him the importance of his office, which made him + the foremost member of the Congregation, especially in times of danger, + for in the early Church, as well as among our forefathers in Moravia, the + bishops were ever the first victims. He was asked if he would freely and + willingly give up his life for the Congregation and the Lord Jesus. He + answered, ‘Yes.’ Then he was reminded of the evil which arose when + bishops, seeing their power in a Congregation, began to exalt themselves, + and to make outward show of their pre-eminence. He was asked whether he + would recognize as evil, abjure, and at once suppress any inclination he + might feel toward pride in his position as Chief Elder, and his larger + authority. He answered with a grave and thoughtful ‘Yes.’ Then our + Nitschmann prayed over him earnestly, and ordained him to his office with + the laying on of hands. Nitschmann was uncommonly aroused and happy, but + Anton Seifert was very humble and quiet.” John Wesley, who was present, + wrote “The great simplicity, as well as solemnity, of the whole, almost + made me forget the seventeen hundred years between, and imagine myself in + one of those assemblies where form and state were not; but Paul the + tent-maker, or Peter the fisherman, presided; yet with the demonstration + of the Spirit and of power.” + </p> + <p> + Both Wesley and Benjamin Ingham refer to Seifert as a “bishop”, which is a + mistake, though a natural one. Wesley was present at the ordination, and + heard the charge, with example and warning drawn from the actions of + earlier bishops; while Ingham, in the course of several long conversations + with Toeltschig concerning the Moravian Episcopate and Seifert’s + ordination, asked “is Anton a bishop?” and was answered, “yes, FOR OUR + CONGREGATION.” This was in view of the fact that Bishop Nitschmann, in + ordaining Seifert, had empowered him to delegate another member to hold + the Communion, baptize, or perform the marriage ceremony in case of his + sickness or necessary absence. At that time the Moravian Church was just + beginning to form her own ministry, the ranks of Deacon, Presbyter and + Bishop were not fully organized, and the definite system was only + established by the Tenth General Synod of the Church in 1745. The + exigencies of the case required large powers for a man serving in an + isolated field, and they were given him, but strictly speaking, Seifert + was only ordained a Deacon, and never was consecrated Bishop. + </p> + <p> + The fourth and last service of the day was given up to song, a discourse, + and prayer. + </p> + <p> + On Sunday, March 11th, after morning prayers, Wesley went to Tybee for an + interview with General Oglethorpe. At a general gathering of the Moravians + later in the day, the second chapter of Acts was read, with special + reference to the last four verses, and the description of the first + congregation of Christ’s followers, when “all that believed were together, + and had all things common,” was taken as the pattern of their + “Gemeinschaft”. This plan, which had already been tested during the first + year, proved so advantageous that it was later adopted by other American + Moravian settlements, being largely responsible for their rapid growth + during their early years, though in each case there came a time when it + hindered further progress, and was therefore abandoned. In religious + matters, the organization of the Savannah Congregation had been modeled + after that at Herrnhut, so far as possible, but in material things the + circumstances were very different. At Herrnhut the estates of Count + Zinzendorf, under the able supervision of the Countess, were made to pay + practically all the general Church expenses, and many of the members were + in the service of the Saxon nobleman, Nicholas Lewis, Count Zinzendorf, in + various humble positions, even while in the Church he divested himself of + his rank and fraternized with them as social equals. But the men who + emigrated to Georgia had undertaken to support themselves and carry on a + mission work, and Spangenberg, with his keen insight, grasped the idea + that a common purpose warranted a community of service, the labor of all + for the benefit of all, with every duty, no matter how menial, done as + unto the Lord, whom they all, in varying degrees, acknowledged as their + Master. Later, in Bethlehem, Pa., with a larger number of colonists, and + wider interests to be subserved, Spangenberg again introduced the plan, + and elaborated it into a more or less intricate system, which is described + in a clear and interesting manner in “A History of Bethlehem”, by Rt. Rev. + J. Mortimer Levering, which has recently been published. + </p> + <p> + Not only on account of its successor the “Oeconomie”, at Bethlehem, and + others copied therefrom, but in view of the various modern attempts which + have been and are still being made to demonstrate that the action of the + early Church at Jerusalem can be duplicated and made financially + successful, it is worth while to rescue the resolutions of the Moravian + Congregation at Savannah from the oblivion of the manuscript Diary, in + which they have been so long concealed, noting the claim that this was the + first time since Apostolic days, that a Congregation had formed itself + into such a “Society”,—a “Gemeinschaft”. + </p> + <p> + “In our gathering we read Acts 2, and spoke of the ‘Gemeinschaft’, for we + are planning to work, to sow and reap, and to suffer with one another. + This will be very useful, for many a man who has not understood or exerted + himself, will by this means see himself and be led to improve. Others also + will see from it that we love each other, and will glorify the Father in + Heaven. There has been no “society” like that at Jerusalem, but at this + present time it becomes necessary, for material reasons. Were we only + individuals all would fear to give one of us credit, for they would think, + ‘he might die’, but nothing will be denied the ‘Society’, for each stands + for the other. Each member must work diligently, since he does not labor + for himself alone but for his brethren, and this will prevent much + laziness. No one must rely on the fact that he understands a handicraft, + and so on, for there is a curse on him who relies on human skill and + forgets the Divine power. No one will be pressed to give to the ‘Society’ + any property which has hitherto belonged to him.—Each person present + was asked if he had any remarks to make, but there were no objections + raised. Moreover the brethren were told that if one should fall so low + that he not only withdrew himself from the brethren, but was guilty of + gross sin, he would be forced to work for another master until he had + earned enough to pay his transportation here and back again, for we would + not willingly permit such a man to remain in the land as an offence to the + Indians.” + </p> + <p> + It is interesting to observe that care for the poor Indians is the + argument given for the course to be pursued in dealing with a recreant + member! They had come to preach the Gospel to the Indians, and did not + propose that evil should be learned through fault of theirs. + </p> + <p> + At his earnest request, John Regnier was now admitted to the “Society”, + his presence among them so far having been without distinct agreement as + to his standing. This did not make him a communicant member of the Church, + simply put him on a par with the other non-communicants, of whom there + were quite a number in the Congregation. + </p> + <p> + In the evening Anton Seifert, so recently ordained Chief Elder, or pastor, + of the Congregation, officiated for the first time at a Confirmation + service, the candidate being Jacob Frank. He had been in poor health when + the second company left Germany, and Count Zinzendorf had advised him not + to go, but his heart was set on it, and he would not be persuaded. He grew + worse during the voyage and was now very ill with dropsy, but in such a + beautiful Christian spirit that no one could deny his wish for full + membership in the Church. Having given satisfactory answers to the + searching questions put to him, the blessing was laid upon his head, and + he expressed so great a desire to partake of the Lord’s Supper that his + request was immediately granted, the Elders and Helpers (Helfer) communing + with him. Two or three days later he asked Spangenberg to write his will, + and then his strength gradually failed, until on March 19th, he “passed to + the Lord”, leaving to his associates the remembrance of his willing and + happy departure. + </p> + <p> + The term “Helpers” was used to express in a general way all those, both + men and women, who were charged with the spiritual and temporal affairs of + the Congregation. Many of the words employed as official titles by the + Moravians were given a specialized significance which makes it difficult + to find an exact English equivalent for them, though they are always apt + when the meaning is understood. Perhaps the best example of this is + “Diener”, which means “servant”, according to the dictionary, and was used + to designate those who “served” the Congregation in various ways. Until + quite recently a Lovefeast, held annually in Salem, N. C., for members of + Church Boards, Sunday-School Teachers, Church Choir, Ushers, etc. was + familiarly known as “the Servants’ Lovefeast”, a direct inheritance from + the earlier days. It is now more commonly called “the Workers’ Lovefeast”, + an attempt to unite “Helper” and “Diener” in a term understood by all. + </p> + <p> + At a “Helpers’ Conference” held on March 13th, it was decided to have + nothing more to do with Vollmar, the Wittenberg carpenter, who had crossed + with the second company, had proved false and malicious, and had now + joined Herr von Reck’s party without the consent of the Moravians. More + important, however, than the Vollmar affair, was the proposed departure of + Spangenberg for Pennsylvania. Most faithfully had he fulfilled his + commission to take the first company of Moravians to Georgia, and settle + them there, patiently had he labored for and with them during their days + of greatest toil and privation, controlling his own desire to keep his + promise and go to the Schwenkfelders, who were complaining with some + bitterness of his broken faith; but now his task was ended, the Savannah + Congregation was ready to be thrown on its own resources, Gen. Oglethorpe + had provided him with letters of introduction, and the “lot” said, “Let + him go, for the Lord is with him.” + </p> + <p> + Final questions were asked and answered, Spangenberg’s Commission was + delivered to him, and then Bishop Nitschmann “laid his blessing upon” him. + In the Lutheran Church, to which he belonged before he joined the + Moravians, Spangenberg had been an accredited minister of the Gospel. The + Church of England refused to acknowledge the validity of Lutheran + ordination, because that Church had no Episcopate, but the Moravians, + influenced by Count Zinzendorf, himself a Lutheran by birth, broad-minded, + liberal, and devout, did not hesitate to fraternize with the Lutherans, or + even to accept the Sacraments at the hands of Pastor Rothe, in charge of + the Parish Church of Berthelsdorf. At the same time they prized the + Episcopate lately transferred to them from the ancient Unitas Fratrum, and + while continuing in free fellowship with Christians of all denominational + names, they now intended to so ordain their own ministry that no church + could question it. When the three grades were established in 1745, a + license to preach granted by the Lutheran Church was considered equivalent + to the rank of Deacon, ordination in the Moravian Church making the + minister a Presbyter. + </p> + <p> + Now fully equipped for his mission to the English Colony of Pennsylvania, + Spangenberg left Savannah on March 15th, going on Capt. Dunbar’s ship to + Port Royal, where he lodged with a man who was born in Europe, his wife in + Africa, their child in Asia, and they were all now living in America! From + Port Royal he went by land almost to Charlestown, the last short distance + being in a chance boat, and from Charlestown he sailed to New York. From + there he proceeded to Philadelphia, and to the Schwenkfelders, making his + home with Christopher Wiegner on his farm in the Skippack woods, where + George Boehnisch was also living. Spangenberg worked on the farm that he + might not be a burden to his host, and might meet the neighbors in a + familiar way, meanwhile making numerous acquaintances, and gaining much + valuable information. + </p> + <p> + Bishop Nitschmann remained in Savannah until March 26th, when he sailed to + Charlestown. There he was detained ten days waiting for a northbound ship, + and employed the time in delivering several letters of introduction, and + learning all he could about Carolina, and the conditions there. On the + 28th of April he reached New York, and left on the 9th of May for + Philadelphia, going partly by boat, and partly on foot, reaching there on + the 13th. Six weeks he and Spangenberg spent together, visiting many + neighborhoods, and informing themselves as to the religious and material + outlook in Pennsylvania, and then Nitschmann sailed for Germany. + </p> + <p> + His report gave a new turn to the American plans, for both he and + Spangenberg were much pleased with Pennsylvania. Quite a number of the + settlers seemed open to the idea of mutual aid in the spiritual life, + material conditions were very different from those in Georgia and better + suited to the Moravian needs, the Quaker Governor was not likely to force + military service upon people who held the same theories as himself in + regard to warfare, and there were large tribes of Indians within easy + reach, to whom the Gospel might be preached. As troubles thickened in + Savannah, therefore, the heads of the Church at Herrnhut began to look + toward Pennsylvania, and ultimately sent thither the larger companies + originally destined for Georgia. + </p> + <p> + In August, Spangenberg went to visit the Moravian Mission on the island of + St. Thomas, returning to Pennsylvania in November, where he remained until + the following year. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter V. The Second Year in Georgia. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The English Clergymen. +</pre> + <p> + The same day that Bishop Nitschmann left Savannah, John Wesley moved into + the parsonage which had just been vacated by his predecessor, Mr. Quincy. + A week earlier he had entered upon his ministry at Savannah, being met by + so large and attentive an audience that he was much encouraged, and began + with zeal to perform his pastoral duties. He was the third Rector of the + Savannah Parish, the Rev. Henry Herbert having been the first, and he + preached in a rude chapel built on the lot reserved for a house of worship + in the original plan of Savannah,—the site of the present Christ + Church. + </p> + <p> + The first word of discouragement was brought by Ingham, who returned from + Frederica on April 10th, with a message from Charles Wesley begging his + brother to come to his relief. He told a woeful story of persecution by + the settlers, and injustice from Oglethorpe to Charles Wesley, all + undeserved, as Oglethorpe freely admitted when he threw off the weight of + suspicion laid upon his mind by malicious slanderers, and sought an + interview with his young secretary, in which much was explained and + forgiven. But poor Charles was in great straits when he sent Ingham to + Savannah, sick, slighted, and abused, deprived even of the necessaries of + life, and so cast down that on one occasion he exclaimed, “Thanks be to + God, it is not yet made a capital offence to give me a morsel of bread!” + </p> + <p> + Wesley obeyed the summons, taking Delamotte with him, Ingham caring for + the Church and Delamotte’s school during their absence. There were poor + school facilities in Savannah prior to Delamotte’s arrival, and he at once + saw the need, and devoted himself to it. Delamotte seems to have been a + quiet man, who took little share in the aggressive work of his companions, + and consequently escaped the abuse which was heaped upon them. + </p> + <p> + On April 22nd, Ingham sent an invitation to Toeltschig to visit him, and + this was the beginning of a close personal friendship which lasted for the + rest of their lives, and of such a constant intercourse between Ingham and + the Moravian Church, that he is often supposed to have become a member of + it, though he really never severed his connection with the Church of + England. Toeltschig speaks of him as “a very young man, about 24 or 25 + years of age, who has many good impulses in his soul, and is much + awakened.” He had come to Georgia for the sole purpose of bearing the + Gospel message to the Indians, and it was through him that the Moravians + were finally able to begin their missionary work. + </p> + <p> + When Wesley and Delamotte returned from Frederica, the former resumed his + association with the Moravians, continuing to join in their Sunday evening + service, and translating some of their hymns into English. + </p> + <p> + In May two questions were asked of Toeltschig, upon the answering of which + there depended more than any one imagined. The Diary says,—“The + 20th, was Sunday.—Mr. Ingham asked if we could not recognize and + receive him as our brother; to which I replied, that he did not know us + well enough, nor we him, we must first understand each other better. On + the 21st, Mr. Wesley spoke with me, and asked me the selfsame question. I + said to him that we had seen much of him day by day, and that it was true + that he loved us and we loved him, but that we did not so quickly admit + any one into our Congregation.” Then at his request Toeltschig outlined + the Moravian view of conversion, and the requisites for church-membership. + </p> + <p> + A few days later Charles Wesley unexpectedly returned from Frederica, and + Oglethorpe sent word that either John Wesley or Ingham should come down in + his place. The latter was by no means anxious to go,—his former + experience had not been agreeable, but the reason he gave the Moravians + was that a number of Indian traders were soon to visit Savannah, and he + was very anxious to see them. They advised him to be guided by John + Wesley’s wish, which he agreed to do, and then found that Wesley had + decided to go himself. + </p> + <p> + During the weeks that followed, Ingham and Charles Wesley were frequently + with Toeltschig, who answered as best he could their many questions + regarding the history of the Moravian Episcopate, a matter of vital + importance to a strict member of the Church of England who was thinking of + allying himself with them. Everything they heard confirmed Ingham in his + intention, and when John Wesley returned in July he and Ingham again made + application “to be received as brethren in our Congregation, and to go + with us to the Lord’s Table. We entirely refused to admit them into the + Congregation, and I (Toeltschig) gave them the reasons therefor: (1) That + we did not know them well enough; (2) and that they perhaps did not know + us well enough, both things which we considered highly important; and (3) + that their circumstances and situation were such that it would be + difficult if not impossible for them to comply with the requirements of + such admission.” The promises expected from a Confirmand,—to which + they also must have bound themselves,—are thus summarized. “To give + body and soul to the Lord now and forever; to devote and dedicate himself + to the service of the Unity, according to the grace and gifts bestowed on + him by the Saviour; and willingly to submit to the discipline and + regulations which the Unity has established for the welfare and + improvement of souls.” Could these two men, in the zeal and vigor of their + youth, honestly have made these promises, the Moravian Church would have + gained two invaluable co-workers, but they seem to have accepted + Toeltschig’s argument as conclusive, and dropped the matter, with no + ill-will or disturbance of the existing pleasant relations. + </p> + <p> + Concerning the Communion “we assured them that we loved them, and would + welcome them as honored guests at the Lord’s Supper, for we believed that + they loved the Lord.” This invitation, however, the young clergymen would + not accept. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of August, Charles Wesley left for England, bearing dispatches + to the Trustees, and with the hope of interesting others in the + evangelizing of the Indians. He meant himself to return to Georgia, but + feeble health prevented, and he resigned his office as Secretary to Gen. + Oglethorpe the following May. His brother John accompanied him to + Charlestown, and then went to Frederica to deliver certain letters to Gen. + Oglethorpe. He found there was “less and less prospect of doing good at + Frederica, many there being extremely zealous, and indefatigably diligent + to prevent it,” his opposers even attempting personal violence. One “lady” + tried to shoot him, and when he seized her hands and took away her pistol, + she maliciously bit a great piece out of his arm. Still he made two more + visits to the place, and then in “utter despair of doing good there,” took + his final leave of Frederica. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Work Among the Indians. +</pre> + <p> + When the Moravians adopted the conversion of the Indians as their main + object for settling in America, they were greatly influenced by the + attractive descriptions of the “wild people” which were being published. + In a “Report”, ascribed to Gen. Oglethorpe, it is stated that “nothing is + lacking for their conversion to the Christian faith except a knowledge of + their language, for they already have an admirable conception of ‘morals’, + and their conduct agrees perfectly therewith. They have a horror of + adultery, and disapprove of polygamy. Thieving is unknown to them. Murder + is considered an abominable crime, and no one may be killed except an + enemy, when they esteem it a virtue.” This, like too many a description + written then and now to exploit a colonizing scheme, was far too good to + be true. The Indians proved apt learners, but of the vices rather than the + virtues of the English, and drunkenness with all its attendant evils, was + quickly introduced. Afraid of their dusky neighbors, anxious to keep on + good terms with them, distrusting their loyalty to the English under the + bribes offered by French and Spanish, the Government tried to limit the + intercourse between the Indians and the settlers as much as possible, + treating the former as honored guests whenever they came to Savannah, but + forbidding the latter to go to them without special permit in times of + peace, and not at all in time of war. + </p> + <p> + When the Moravians came the restlessness which presaged war was stirring + among the tribes, becoming more and more pronounced, and one of the Indian + Chiefs said frankly, “Now our enemies are all about us, and we can do + nothing but fight, but if the Beloved Ones should ever give us to be at + peace, then we would hear the Great Word.” + </p> + <p> + Tomochichi, indeed, bade the missionaries welcome, and promised to do all + in his power to gain admission for them into all parts of his nation, but + the time was not ripe, nor was his influence equal to his good-will. + Though called a “king”, he was only chief of a small tribe living some + four or five miles from Savannah, part of the Creek Confederacy, which was + composed of a number of remnants, gradually merged into one “nation”. The + “Upper Creeks” lived about the head waters of the creeks from which they + took their name, and the “Lower Creeks”, including Tomochichi’s people, + were nearer the sea-coast. Ingham, whose heart was set on the Indian work, + was at first very anxious to go to the Cherokees, who lived near the + mountains, at a considerable distance from Savannah, having been told that + they had a desire to hear the “Great Word”. On April 22nd, he spoke of his + wish to Toeltschig, inviting Seifert and, if they chose, another Moravian + to join him in the work. It was the best opportunity that had yet offered, + and Seifert wanted to go to the Indians, having already studied their + language as best he could, but they hesitated to undertake the work + conjointly with Ingham. After some time the Cherokee plan was abandoned. + Oglethorpe objected on account of the danger that they would be + intercepted and killed, it being a fourteen day land journey to reach the + Cherokee country, and he positively refused to let John Wesley go because + that would leave Savannah without a minister. Toeltschig says Wesley’s + interest in the Indian work failed, and another writer says he gave up the + work because he could not learn the Indian language, but Wesley lays all + the blame on Oglethorpe. + </p> + <p> + In January, 1737, the question of going to the Upper Creeks was submitted + to the “lot”, and the Moravians were bidden to wait for another opening. + Meanwhile an actual beginning had been made among the Lower Creeks. On the + 7th of May, Ingham and John Wesley went up the river to the home of Mrs. + Musgrove, the half-breed woman who at this time was of such great use as + interpreter and mediator between the Indians and the English. Arrangements + were made by which Ingham should spend three days of each week with her, + teaching her children to read in exchange for instruction in the Indian + language. The other three or four days were to be spent in Savannah, + communicating to Wesley the knowledge he had acquired, Anton Seifert + sharing in the lessons. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of June, the Moravians held a meeting to determine whether the + time had come for them to take up the Indian work in earnest. The “lot” + was appealed to, and the answer being that the language should be learned, + Seifert, George Neisser and John Boehner were appointed to make diligent + use of Ingham’s instructions. The frequent visits of Tomochichi and his + people to Savannah gave them an opportunity to practice speaking, for the + Moravian house was always open to the red men, and food and drink were + theirs at any time of day, a fact of which the visitors were not slow to + take advantage. + </p> + <p> + The “lot” had so great an influence on the progress of affairs in the + Moravian Congregation at Savannah from this time on that it is necessary + to understand how the institution was regarded. The use of the lot was + common in Old Testament days; and in the New Testament it is recorded that + when an apostle was to be chosen to take the place of the traitor, Judas, + the lot decided between two men who had been selected as in every way + suited for the place. Following this example the members of the ancient + Unitas Fratrum used the lot in the selection of their first ministers, and + the Renewed Church did the same when the first elders were elected at + Herrnhut in 1727. It was no uncommon practice in Germany, where many + persons who desired special guidance resorted to it more or less freely, + and Count Zinzendorf, among the rest, had used it from his youth up. + Gradually it came into general use among the Moravians, and at a later + period in their history had its definite place in their system of + government, though the outside public never fully understood it, and still + holds erroneous views, despite the plain statements that have been made. + By degrees its use became more and more restricted, and has been long + since entirely abolished. + </p> + <p> + In its perfection the lot was simply this,—human intellect solving a + problem so far as earnest study and careful deliberation could go, and + then, if the issue was still in doubt, a direct appeal for Divine + guidance, in perfect faith that the Lord would plainly answer his + servants, who were seeking to do his will. This standard was not always + maintained, but the leaders of the Moravian Congregation in Savannah had + the early, absolute, belief that God spoke to them through the lot, and + felt themselves bound to implicit obedience to its dictates. Their custom + was to write two words or sentences on separate slips, representing the + two possible answers to their question, and after earnest prayer to draw + one slip, and then act accordingly. Sometimes a third slip, a blank, was + added, and if that was drawn it signified that no action should be taken + until another time, and after further consideration. + </p> + <p> + Some time in July, Peter Rose and his wife, (the widow Riedel) went to + live among the Lower Creeks, giving all their time to learning the + language, and teaching what they could about religion. + </p> + <p> + On August 9th, Mr. Ingham went to the Moravians with a new plan. Gen. + Oglethorpe had agreed to build a schoolhouse for Indian children, near + Tomochichi’s village, with the idea that it would give opportunity also to + reach the older men and women with the Gospel message. The house was to + contain three rooms, one for Ingham, one for the Moravian missionaries, + and one to be used for the school, and it was suggested that the Moravians + undertake the erection of the building, the Trustees’ fund to pay them for + their labor. The proposition was gladly accepted, and preparations were at + once made to send the necessary workmen. + </p> + <p> + On Monday, the 13th, Toeltschig and five others went to the spot which had + been selected for the Indian Schoolhouse, usually called ‘Irene’. The site + of this schoolhouse has been considered uncertain, but a short manuscript + account of “the Mission among the Indians in America”, preserved in the + Herrnhut Archives, says distinctly that it stood “a mile above the town + (of Savannah) on an island in the Savannah River which was occupied by the + Creeks.” + </p> + <p> + When the carpenters arrived the first act was to unite in prayer for a + blessing on their work, and then they began to fell trees and cut down + bushes, clearing the ground for the hut in which they were to live while + building the schoolhouse. The hut was placed on the grave of an Indian + chief. “The Indians are accustomed to bury their chiefs on the spot where + they died, to heap a mound some 24 feet high above them, to mourn them for + a while, and then to abandon the spot,” and this little elevation was a + favorable site for their hut. Until the hut was finished the men lodged + with the Indians, Tomochichi himself taking charge of their belongings. + Toeltschig returned the same day to Savannah, going back later with a + supply of provisions. The Indians made them heartily welcome to their + neighborhood, and the Moravians, even in the midst of their building + operations, began to teach them the English alphabet, at the same time + putting forth every effort to learn the Indian tongue, in which Rose was + rapidly becoming proficient. + </p> + <p> + By the 20th of September the schoolhouse was finished, and Ingham and the + Moravians held a conference to plan the future work, and decide what + duties each should assume, as he proposed to move thither at once, and, + with the approval of the lot, Rose and his wife were to do the same. + Morning and evening they were to read the English Bible, accompanied by + silent prayer; morning, mid-day and evening an hour was to be given to the + study of the Indian language; and Rose and his wife were to have an hour + for their private devotions. Mrs. Rose was to teach the Indian girls to + read, and the boys, who had already begun to read, were to be taught to + write. In their remaining time they were to clear and plant some land, + that they might not be too long dependent on the Congregation at Savannah, + and on the friendly Indians, who were giving them much. + </p> + <p> + The next day Mr. and Mrs. Toeltschig escorted Rose and his wife to their + new home, and at Ingham’s request united with them in a little prayer + service. Four days later fourteen of the Moravians went to the + schoolhouse, which was solemnly consecrated by Seifert, the Chief Elder. + That evening, in Savannah, Rose and his wife were formally set apart for + their missionary work, and the next day they returned to “Irene”, as the + school was called, to enter upon their duties. + </p> + <p> + At first everything was encouraging. The children learned readily, not + only to read but some to write; they committed to memory many passages of + Scripture, and took special delight in the hymns they were taught to sing. + </p> + <p> + The older Indians looked on with wonder and approval, which stimulated the + missionaries to new zeal in mastering the language, and in taking every + opportunity to make the “Great Word” known to them. Zinzendorf wrote a + letter from Herrnhut to Tomochichi, commending his interest in their + message, and urging its full acceptance upon him; the Indians gave some + five acres of land for a garden, which Rose cleared and planted, and + everything looked promising, until the influence of the Spanish war rumor + was felt. True to their nature, the fighting spirit of the Indians rose + within them, and they took the war-path against the Spanish, for the sake + of their English allies, and perhaps more for the pure love of strife. + Then Ingham decided to go to England for reinforcements, and Rose was left + in charge of the work. He seems to have been a well-meaning man, and much + beloved by the Indians, but he was not a man of much mental strength or + executive ability, and the Congregation at Savannah soon decided that he + and his wife should be recalled until the way opened for one or more of + the others to go back to Irene with him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The “Society”. +</pre> + <p> + In their personal affairs the Moravians were experiencing the usual + mingling of light and shadow. + </p> + <p> + Dober’s effort to make pottery was a failure, for lack of proper clay, but + through Gen. Oglethorpe’s kindness a good deal of carpenter’s work was + given to them. They built a house for Tomochichi at his village, and a + house in Savannah, both in the style of the Moravian house, and another + town house in English fashion, as well as the Indian school, a large share + of their wages being applied on account, so that their debt was gradually + reduced, and their credit sustained. + </p> + <p> + Their manner of living remained very simple. Morning and evening prayers + began and ended their days of toil, the company being divided, part living + at the garden, and part in town during the week, all gathering in the + town-house for Sunday’s rest and worship. When the weather was very warm + the morning Bible reading was postponed until the noon hour, that + advantage might be taken of the cooler air for active labor. Once a month + a general conference was held on Saturday evening, with others as needed, + so that all might do the work for which they were best fitted, and which + was most necessary at the time. “Who worked much gave much, who worked + less gave less, who did not work because he was sick or weak gave nothing + into the common fund; but when they needed food, or drink, or clothing, or + other necessary thing, one was as another.” + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of April, Matthias Seybold asked to be received into the + communicant Congregation, which was done on the 5th of May, and he shared + in the Lord’s Supper for the first time June 3rd. John Boehner also was + confirmed on January 12th of the following year. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of November two little girls, Anna and Comfort, were added to + their household. The mother had recently died, and the father offered to + pay the Moravians for taking care of them, but they preferred to have them + bound, so they could not be taken away just when they had begun to learn, + and so it was arranged. On the 28th, a man from Ebenezer brought his son, + and apprenticed him to Tanneberger, the shoemaker. + </p> + <p> + The dark side of the picture arose from two causes, ill health, and + matrimonial affairs. There was a great deal of sickness throughout Georgia + that summer, and the second company became acclimated through the same + distressing process that the first had found so hard to bear. Mrs. Dober, + Mrs. Waschke, Mrs. Toeltschig, Gottlieb Demuth, John Boehner and others + were sick at various times, and David Jag cut his foot so severely that he + was unable to use it for four months. Nor was this the worst, for three + more of their number died. Roscher was sick when he reached Savannah, with + consumption, it was supposed, but Regnier suspected that this was not all, + and when Roscher died, March 30th, he secured permission to make an + autopsy, in which he was assisted by John Wesley. The examination showed a + large hematoma in the left wall of the abdomen, and other complications. + The records say, “we have no cause to grieve over his departure, for he + was a good soul,” and died in peace. + </p> + <p> + The next to pass away was Mrs. Haberecht. Her health began to fail the + latter part of March, but she did not become seriously ill until the 26th + of May, when she returned from the farm, where she and others had been + employed, and told her friends that the Saviour had called her, and her + end was near. With joy and peace she waited for the summons, which was + delayed for some time, though on several occasions her death seemed only a + matter of hours. On the 16th of June she shared with the others in the + celebration of the Communion, and on the following evening “went to the + Saviour”. + </p> + <p> + Matthias Boehnisch’s illness was of short duration, lasting only from the + 27th of September to the 3rd of October. He had had a severe fall on the + ship coming over, from which he continued to suffer, and now a hard blow + on the chest injured him mortally. Some of his companions found it hard to + understand why he should be taken, for he was a good man, who gave promise + of much usefulness in the Lord’s service. It is an old question, often + asked and never fully answered, but Boehnisch, conscious almost to the + last, was perfectly willing to go, and his associates felt that the + influence of his life “would be a seed, which would bear fruit” in others. + </p> + <p> + It was a serious mistake that sent Juliana Jaeschke to Savannah with the + second company. A seamstress was badly needed, and had she been so minded + she might have been very useful, but in a list giving very briefly the + standing of each one in the “Society”, it is curtly stated that she was + “ill-mannered, and obstructing everything.” Soon after her arrival it was + suggested that she marry Peter Rose, but the lot forbade and he found a + much better helpmeet in the widow of Friedrich Riedel. Waschke thought he + would like to marry Juliana, but she refused, even though Bishop + Nitschmann, Mr. and Mrs. Toeltschig pled with her. Her preference was for + George Haberland, and the result was an uncomfortable state of affairs, + which disturbed the leaders of the “Society” not a little, for living as + they did as one large family it meant constant friction on all sides. They + did not know whether to force Juliana to submit to their authority, (as a + member of the “Society” she had pledged herself to obedience to the duly + elected officers), or whether they should wait and hope for a better frame + of mind. At last they referred it to the lot, which read “Juliana shall + not marry any one yet.” This settled the question for the time being, but + did not improve the spirit of the parties concerned. A few of the others + were homesick, and lost interest in their work and the cause for which + they had come over. Hermsdorf returned from Frederica, sick and depressed, + and was kindly received by the Moravians in Savannah, though their first + favorable impression of him had been lost on the voyage across the + Atlantic, when he complained of the fare, and lay in bed most of the time. + </p> + <p> + The leaders of the party, trying to pacify the discontented, comfort the + sick, and strengthen those that were left as one and another was called + away; planning the daily routine to the best advantage so that they might + repay their debt, and still have the necessaries of life for their large + company; seeking to teach and convert the Indians, and help the poor about + them;—these leaders were further tried by the non-arrival of answers + to the letters sent to Germany. Feeling that they MUST know the will of + those at home if they were to be able successfully to continue their work, + they at last decided to send a messenger to Count Zinzendorf, and the lot + designated Andrew Dober. + </p> + <p> + A ship was lying at anchor, ready to take Gen. Oglethorpe to England, and + he readily agreed to take Dober and wife with him, and on December 2nd, + they embarked, Dober carrying a number of letters and papers. Mrs. Dober + was quite ill when they left, but rapidly improved in the sea breezes. + January 20th, the ship reached London, and Mr. and Mrs. Dober went at once + to Mr. Weintraube, who was to forward the letters to Herrnhut. As they + were talking Bishop Nitschmann walked in, to their mutual great + astonishment. He reported that Count Zinzendorf had just arrived in + London, and had sent to inquire for letters, so those brought from Georgia + were at once delivered. Zinzendorf rented a house, the Countess arrived a + few days later, and Dober and wife remained in his service during the + seven weeks of his stay. + </p> + <p> + The Count’s object in visiting London at this time was fourfold: to confer + with the Georgia Trustees about the Moravians in Savannah; to extend + acquaintances among the Germans in London and do religious work among + them; to discuss the Episcopate of the Unitas Fratrum with Archbishop + Potter of Canterbury; and if possible to revive the “Order of the Mustard + Seed”. This order had been established by Zinzendorf and several + companions in their early boyhood, and grew with their growth, numbering + many famous men in its ranks, and it is worthy of note that even in its + boyish form it contained the germs of that zeal for missions which was + such a dominant feature of the Count’s manhood. + </p> + <p> + Archbishop Potter not only fully acknowledged the validity of the Unity’s + Episcopate, but urged Zinzendorf himself to accept consecration at the + hands of Jablonski and David Nitschmann, and encouraged by him Zinzendorf + was consecrated bishop at Berlin, May 20th, 1737. + </p> + <p> + The Count held frequent services during his stay in London, and before he + left a society of ten members had been formed among the Germans, with a + few simple regulations, their object being “in simplicity to look to these + three things:—to be saved by the blood of Christ; to become holy, or + be sanctified by the blood of Christ; to love one another heartily.” + </p> + <p> + With the Trustees it was agreed: “That the Count’s men” might remain for + two years longer at Savannah, without cultivating the five hundred acre + tract, “and be exempt from all forfeitures arising from such + non-cultivation;” but if they chose they might move to the tract any time + during the two years. They might go to Tomochichi’s Indians whenever they + saw fit and he consented. Other Indians could not be visited in time of + war, but in peace four Moravians should be licensed to go to them, on the + same footing as the English ministers. Those living with Tomochichi were + not included in this number. “As the Moravian Church is believed to be + orthodox and apostolic” no one should interfere with their preaching the + Gospel, or prevent the Indians from attending their services in Savannah, + or elsewhere. The title to their five hundred acre tract was secured to + the Moravians, even in case the Count’s male line should become extinct. + </p> + <p> + Reference to military service is conspicuous by its absence, and at the + very time that these resolutions were being framed, assurance on that one + point was being desperately needed in Savannah. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rumors of War. +</pre> + <p> + In February, 1737, that which Spangenberg had feared came upon the + Moravians,—military service was peremptorily demanded of them, the + occasion being a fresh alarm of Spanish incursions. + </p> + <p> + The feud between the colonists of Spain and England was of long standing, + dating back to rival claims to the New World by right of discovery. The + English asserted that through the Cabots they had a right to the greater + part of North America, and a grant to the Lords Proprietors of Carolina, + in 1663, named the 31 degree of latitude as the southern boundary. Another + patent two years later set the line at the 29 degree, but that availed + nothing as it included the northern part of Florida, where the Spanish + were already settled in considerable numbers. + </p> + <p> + No other nation questioned the English claim to the sea-board as far as + the 31 degree, which was well south of the Altamaha, but the Spanish + greatly resented the settlements in Carolina, as encroaching on their + territory, though successive treaties between the two Governments had + virtually acknowledged the English rights. With the two nations nominally + at peace, the Spanish incited the Indians to deeds of violence, encouraged + insurrection among the negro slaves, welcomed those who ran away, and + enlisted them in their army. Now and then the Governor of Carolina would + send a force, which would subdue them for a time, but the constant + uncertainty made Carolina welcome the Georgia colony as a protection to + her borders. + </p> + <p> + The settlement of Georgia gave further offense to Spain, and her subjects + in Florida burned to exterminate the intruders, as they considered them, + though nothing was done so long as operations were confined to the + Savannah River. But when towns and forts were planned and begun on the + Altamaha their opposition became more outspoken. Oglethorpe did all he + could to preserve peace without retreating from his position, and in Oct. + 1736, he concluded a treaty with the Governor of St. Augustine. + </p> + <p> + Only too soon it became apparent that this treaty would not be respected, + for the Captain-General of Cuba disapproved, and Oglethorpe sailed for + England, in November, to urge the immediate and sufficient fortification + of the frontier. The Trustees and the Government approved of the course he + had pursued, but Spain recalled and executed the Governor of St. + Augustine, for presuming to make such a treaty, and so plainly showed her + intention to make war on Georgia that the English Government authorized + Oglethorpe to raise a regiment for service there, and in July, 1738, he + sailed for America, commissioned to take command of all the military + forces of Carolina and Georgia, and protect the colonies. + </p> + <p> + During the nineteen months of his absence, the Georgia colonists were in a + continual state of uneasiness, which now and then became sheer panic at + some especially plausible report of imminent danger. + </p> + <p> + On February 17th, 1737, Mr. Causton received a letter from Charlestown, in + which the Governor informed him that he had news of the approach of the + Spaniards, and Savannah at once became excited, and prepared for defence. + On the 20th, officers went through the town, taking the names of all who + could bear arms, freeholders and servants alike. Three of them came to the + Moravian house and requested names from Toeltschig. He answered “there was + no one among them who could bear arms, and he would get no names from + them.” They said, “it was remarkable that in a house full of strong men + none could bear arms,—he should hurry and give them the names, they + could not wait.” Toeltschig answered, “if they wanted to go no one would + stop them, there would be no names given.” They threatened to tell Mr. + Causton, Toeltschig approved, and said he would do the same, and they + angrily left the house. + </p> + <p> + Ingham accompanied Toeltschig to Mr. Causton, who at once began to argue + the matter, and a spirited debate ensued, of which the following is a + resume. + </p> + <p> + Causton. “Everybody must go to the war and fight for his own safety, and + if you will not join the army the townspeople will burn down your house, + and will kill you all.” + </p> + <p> + Toeltschig. “That may happen, but we can not help it, it is against our + conscience to fight.” + </p> + <p> + Causton. “If you do not mean to fight you had better go and hide in the + woods, out of sight of the people, or it will be the worse for you; and + you had better go before the enemy comes, for then it will be too late to + escape, the townspeople will certainly kill you.” + </p> + <p> + Toeltschig. “You forget that Gen. Oglethorpe promised us exemption from + military service, and we claim the liberty he pledged.” + </p> + <p> + Causton. “If the Count, and the Trustees and the King himself had agreed + on that in London it would count for nothing here, if war comes it will be + FIGHT OR DIE. If I were an officer on a march and met people who would not + join me, I would shoot them with my own hand, and you can expect no other + treatment from the officers here.” + </p> + <p> + Toeltschig. “We are all servants, and can not legally be impressed.” + </p> + <p> + Causton. “If the Count himself were here he would have to take his gun on + his shoulder, and all his servants with him. If he were living on his + estate at Old Fort it would make no difference, for the order of the + Magistrates must be obeyed. If the English, to whom the country belongs + must fight, shall others go free?” + </p> + <p> + Toeltschig finally yielded so far as to tell him the number of men in + their company, “it could do no harm for we could be counted any day,” but + their names were resolutely withheld, and service firmly refused. + </p> + <p> + Then the townspeople took up the cry. Should they fight for these + strangers who would not do their share toward defending the land? They + would mob and kill them first! They only injured the colony at any rate, + for they worked so cheaply that they lowered the scale of wages; and + besides they received money from many people, for their services, but + spent none because they made everything they needed for themselves! + </p> + <p> + Still the Moravians stood firm in their position, indeed they could do + nothing else without stultifying themselves. The instructions from + Zinzendorf and the leaders of the Church at Herrnhut, with the approval of + the lot, were definite,—they should take no part in military + affairs, but might pay any fines incurred by refusal. To Oglethorpe and to + the Trustees they had explained their scruples, making freedom of + conscience an essential consideration of their settling in Georgia, and + from them they had received assurances that only freeholders were liable + to military duty. Therefore they had claimed no land as individuals, but + had been content to live, and labor, and be called “servants”, paying each + week for men to serve in the night watch, in place of the absent owners of + the two town lots. In Savannah their views were well known, and to yield + to orders from a Magistrate, who openly declared that promises made by the + Trustees, who had put him in office, were not worth regarding, and who + threatened them with mob violence, would have been to brand themselves as + cowards, unworthy members of a Church which had outlived such dire + persecution as that which overthrew the ancient Unitas Fratrum, and + recreant to their own early faith, which had led them to abandon homes and + kindred in Moravia, and seek liberty of conscience in another kingdom. + That Georgia needed armed men to protect her from the Spaniards was true, + but equally so she needed quiet courage, steady industry, strict honesty, + and pious lives to develop her resources, keep peace with her Indian + neighbors, and win the respect of the world, but these traits were hardly + recognized as coin current by the frightened, jealous men who clamored + against the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th, it was demanded that the Moravians help haul wood to the fort + which was being built. They replied that their wagon and oxen were at the + officers’ service without hire, and that they would feed the animals, but + personally they could take no share in the work. This angered the people + again, and several of the members began to wonder whether they might + perhaps comply so far as to assist, as a matter of friendship, in hewing + logs for the fort, refusing the wages paid to others. The lot was tried, + and absolutely forbade it, which was well, for it developed that the + people were watching for their answer, having agreed that if they helped + on the fort it would be a proof that they COULD do what they chose, and + were simply hiding behind an excuse in refusing to fight. + </p> + <p> + But the tension was not relaxed, and on the 2nd of March, the Moravians + met to decide on their further course. Should they keep quiet, and wait + for times to change, or should they go away? It was referred to the lot, + and the paper drawn read “GO OUT FROM AMONG THEM.” This meant not merely + from the city, but from the province, for Mr. Causton had told them that + they would be subject to the same requirements if they were living in the + adjoining country. + </p> + <p> + On the strength of this they wrote a letter to Mr. Causton, rehearsing + their motives in coming to Georgia, and the promises made them, + reiterating their claim for liberty of conscience, and concluding, “But if + this can not be allowed us, if our remaining here be burdensome to the + people, as we already perceive it begins to be, we are willing, with the + approbation of the Magistrate, to remove from this place; by this means + any tumult that might ensue on our account will be avoided, and occasion + of offense cut off from those who now reproach us that they are obliged to + fight for us.” + </p> + <p> + When it came to this point Mr. Causton found himself by no means anxious + to drive away some thirty of his best settlers, who stood well with + Oglethorpe and the Trustees, and had given him all their trade for + supplies, so he began to temporize. “They trusted in God, and he really + did not think their house would be burned over their heads.” Toeltschig + said that was the least part of it, they had come for freedom, and now + attempts were made to force them to act contrary to the dictates of their + consciences. Then he declared that he had no power in the matter of their + leaving, that must be settled between the Count, the Trustees, and + themselves, but he could not permit them to go until he received an order + from the Trustees. Meanwhile he would do what he could to quiet the + people’s dissatisfaction with them. + </p> + <p> + As their debt to the Trustees was not yet fully paid, Causton’s refusal + bound them in Savannah for the time being, according to their bond, so + they had to turn elsewhere for help. Early in February, they had heard of + Spangenberg’s return to Pennsylvania from his visit to St. Thomas, and had + written to ask him to come and help them for a while, but being busy with + other things he did not go. On the 5th of March, Ingham suggested that he + and one of their number should go to England to the Trustees. They thought + it over and decided that George Neisser should go with him as far as + Pennsylvania, where the case should be laid before Spangenberg, with the + request that he go to London, arrange matters with the Trustees, and get + permission for them to leave Georgia. Ingham was going, with the approval + of Wesley and Delamotte, to try and bring over some of their friends to + help in the work of evangelizing the Province. + </p> + <p> + A ship was ready to sail for Pennsylvania on the 9th, so Ingham and + Neisser took passage on her, and sailed, as the event proved, never to + return. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VI. Disintegration. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Spangenberg’s Visit. +</pre> + <p> + After Spangenberg had decided not to comply with the request contained in + the letter from Savannah, but to stay and prosecute the work among the + Schwenkfelders, where a door seemed to be opening, he became conscious of + a feeling of uneasiness, an impression that he was needed in Georgia. This + was increased by news of the expected Spanish outbreak, for so general was + the alarm that all the war-ships in the northern harbors were ordered to + Carolina, and the selling of supplies to the Spaniards was absolutely + prohibited. + </p> + <p> + At this point George Neisser and Benjamin Ingham came, bringing word of + the pressure on the Moravians, their decision to leave Georgia as soon as + it could be arranged, and their request that Spangenberg should go to + England with Ingham to see the Trustees, and secure their consent. Of this + plan Spangenberg did not approve, for he thought the war would ruin + everything, or else the danger would be over, before he could make the + long journey to England, and return. Ingham professed himself ready to + carry letters to the Trustees, and do his best to influence them to grant + the Moravian requests, so Spangenberg decided to entrust that errand to + him, and himself go at once to Georgia, to see whether he could not help + matters there. + </p> + <p> + John Eckstein, a resident of Germantown, a middle-aged man who was in + entire sympathy with Spangenberg’s plans for religious work in + Pennsylvania, resolved to accompany him on his trip to Georgia. They + sailed from Philadelphia on the 22nd of May, 1737, and had a long and very + trying voyage. The Captain and crew were evil men, given to cursing and + swearing, and more than once they threatened to murder the two passengers, + whom they called sorcerers, and accused of bringing the continuous head + winds and frequent storms upon them. Seventy-seven long days the voyage + lasted; twice they sailed southward past Cape Hatteras, and twice were + they driven back to north and east, taking weeks to recover the distance + lost; and the Captain finally discovered that not only were the elements + against him, but his helmsman was slyly hindering their progress all he + could, for some malicious purpose of his own. + </p> + <p> + To the mental strain of the long journey was added physical discomfort, + for firewood gave out, so that no cooking could be done, and for a month + the crew lived on hard tack, dried cherries soaked in water, and raw fish,—dolphins + caught as need required. Spangenberg and his companion had brought + provisions to supplement the ship’s fare, but long before the voyage was + ended their store of butter and sugar was exhausted. Dried ham and tongue + had a tendency to increase their thirst, but by soaking tea in cold water + they made a beverage which bore at least a fancied resemblance to that + brewed on shore. Then the supply of water ran low, each man’s allowance + was reduced to a pint a day, and even this small amount would have failed + had they not been able occasionally to catch rainwater to replenish their + casks. The Captain at last opened a keg of beer found in his cargo, and + sold his passengers enough to relieve their thirst, for which they were + very grateful. + </p> + <p> + But unkind words, delay, uncooked food, thirst, were not all that + Spangenberg and his companion had to bear, for actual danger was added to + their experience from time to time. High waves broke over the ship, winds + tore away the sails, and a water-spout threatened total destruction. So + late was the ship in reaching port that she was given up for lost, and + word was sent to Pennsylvania which caused much grief,—needless + grief, for Spangenberg’s days of service were not to be ended thus. It + sounds almost trivial to say that in the midst of trials of body, mind and + soul Spangenberg occupied himself with making buttons, but no doubt the + homely, useful labor did its part toward rendering endurable the seemingly + endless days. + </p> + <p> + At last, on the 7th of August, the ship ran on a sandbank near Tybee, and + the Moravians, hearing that Spangenberg was on board, took a boat and + brought him to Savannah. They had asked him to go to England, he had + disregarded their request and come to Georgia, but he was dear to them + through many months of united service and mutual help, and they gave him a + hearty welcome, ignoring all cause for complaint, and taking him at once + into their full confidence. He and Toeltschig sat up all of the first + night carefully discussing the condition of affairs and what could be done + to remedy them. Their views were very different, for Spangenberg thought + they had been too hasty in deciding to leave Georgia, while Toeltschig + felt that it was a reflection on the lot to try and hold them in Savannah, + when the lot had said “go”. But Toeltschig possessed the rare art of + seeing a disputed question through the eyes of those who did not agree + with him, as well as from his own standpoint, and now, with no petty + self-assertion, he quietly awaited developments, and told Spangenberg all + that had happened since Neisser’s departure. + </p> + <p> + As the alarm concerning an immediate invasion by the Spanish had died + away, the inhabitants of Savannah had regained their composure, and the + wild outcry against the Moravians gradually ceased. The wagon and oxen + which had been taken for work on the fort had been returned to their + owners, after seven or eight weeks of hard usage, and the hope that + starvation would shake the resolution of the non-combatants had signally + failed of fulfillment. The ship which was to bring the town supplies had + been twelve weeks late in coming, and the stock in the store-house was + almost exhausted. The authorities therefore had announced that provisions + would be sold only to those who were helping build the fort. This entirely + excluded the Moravians, but instead of suffering from hunger they had been + able to share with some of their neighbors. The prices charged at the + store in Savannah were always high, so, as he was passing through New York + on his return from St. Thomas, Spangenberg had asked a friend to send the + Moravians two thousand pounds of flour and salt-meat, for which they were + to pay. The merchant at that time knew of no ship sailing for Savannah, so + in Philadelphia, Spangenberg had arranged that two thousand pounds of meat + should be sent from there at once on a year’s credit. Meanwhile the New + York merchant found an opportunity to send what was ordered from him, so + the Moravians had been surprised by a double quantity, which proved to be + just what they needed during the general scarcity. When the friends in + Pennsylvania heard that provisions had been sent, but not enough to last + until the next harvest, they gave thirty-six hundred pounds of flour to + Spangenberg to be taken, as a present, to the Georgia Moravians, and when + word was received that Spangenberg’s ship was lost, they sent an + additional eighteen hundred pounds, so the “Society” was well supplied + with this necessary article of food for some time to come. + </p> + <p> + In their household affairs the Moravians had had various experiences. + Hermsdorf had been so thoroughly frightened by the demonstrations against + the Moravians that on the 16th of May he had sailed for Germany, + regardless of Toeltschig’s efforts to persuade him to wait, as his wife + might even then be on her way to join him. Not only did he fear the + townspeople so greatly that day and night he stayed in his room “as in a + prison”, but he was still more afraid to face Gen. Oglethorpe, who, it was + said, would soon return. Only once had he joined in the devotional + exercises of the household after his return from Frederica, and it was + rather a relief when he left for home, having first repaid the amount of + his passage to Georgia. He seems to have retained his connection with the + Moravian Church, for he was in Herrnhut when Wesley visited there, and + showed him many courtesies; and he is mentioned in 1742, as bearing + letters to the “Sea Congregation”, then about to sail for Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of June a four-year-old English boy had been taken into their + household. He was an orphan, and they meant to bring him up, but the + little fellow died on the 23rd of July. + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of June the matrimonial troubles of George Waschke and Juliana + Jaeschke had been happily terminated by their marriage. Waschke had been + one of the discontents ever since the arrival of the second company, but + when his marriage was finally arranged he professed himself contrite, and + promised all obedience to the rules of the “Society”, so long as he stayed + in Savannah, though he retained his desire to leave as soon as possible. + Juliana also had greatly improved in her behaviour before the wedding. + </p> + <p> + This marriage was the cause of a very interesting discussion among the + Moravians, as to who should perform the ceremony. “In the afternoon the + Brethren met to decide who should be appointed to marry Waschke and + Juliana. Properly Br. Peter (Rose) should have been ordained by Br. Anton + (Seifert) to the office of a “Diener” in the Congregation, that he might + marry and baptize, but the Brethren did not think it necessary to ordain + him on Waschke’s account, and voted that Toeltschig should marry them. He + objected, but they said Toeltschig had been made a ‘Diener’ of the + Congregation at Herrnhut. He protested that he had not been sent to + Georgia to marry and baptize, and did not wish to do it. The others + insisted, and asked that the lot be tried; Toeltschig agreed to submit to + their wish, and the lot drawn read ‘he shall marry these two’,” which he + did the next day. + </p> + <p> + Parallel with this is the baptism of Rose’s twin daughters, Anna Catherina + and Maria Magdalena, who were born on the 16th of September, 1737,—Anna + Catherina dying later in the same year. Of this Toeltschig wrote: “I, at + the request of the Brethren, baptized them in the name of the Father, the + Son, and of the Holy Ghost, after Br. Anton (Seifert) had ordained me a + “Diener” in the Congregation.” + </p> + <p> + It frequently happens that a puzzling action becomes clear when it is + considered from the standpoint of the man who has done it, but when the + motive can not be fathomed many things are hard to understand. That + Seifert had been empowered to delegate to another member a duty usually + reserved for the clergy, was reasonable, though unusual, for his serious + illness or death would have left the Congregation without ministration + until word could be sent to Germany, and some one else could come to take + his place,—a matter of months,—but, when the “Aeltester” was + present, in full health, in entire accord with his Congregation, and when + he in person confirmed candidates for Church membership, why did he not + marry and baptize directly, instead of ordaining a “Diener” especially for + those two offices? There must have been some regulation in the + Congregation at Herrnhut which led to it, for the idea that Seifert + himself should marry Waschke and Juliana, and baptize the Rose children, + evidently did not occur to them, but the rule can not now be found, and + there is no clue to the strange proceeding. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the Waschke affair had been settled to the satisfaction of all + parties, serious trouble had arisen with Jag and Haberecht. It was + reported to the Moravians that Jag had engaged himself to a Swiss woman + living in Savannah, and when questioned he admitted that it was true. They + argued with him, and pled with him, but to no avail, and finally told him + plainly that they would not allow him to bring the woman to their house, + and more than that, if he persisted in his determination he would have to + leave them; and angry and defiant he did take his departure the next day, + July the 10th. + </p> + <p> + That “troubles never come singly” was exemplified, for the very day that + Jag left, Haberecht went to Toeltschig, and asked if some way could not be + found so that HE could marry that same Swiss woman! Toeltschig was almost + stunned by this second blow, and gave a stern answer, whereupon Haberecht + applied to Seifert, the Aeltester, who was equally as unyielding in his + condemnation of the acquaintance already made, and his refusal to + countenance further steps. Poor Haberecht, less resolute than Jag in his + rebellion, drank deeply of the waters of Marah during the next weeks; + promising to give up the woman, who was really unworthy of his regard, and + then trying to draw Toeltschig into a discussion of his possible marriage; + despairingly making his way to the garden to hide himself among the swine, + feeling he was fit for no better company, and then going to the woman and + asking her to marry him, to which she consented, having already thrown Jag + over; again bitter repentance, confession, and a plea that his associates + would forgive him. Either he was really in earnest this time, or + Spangenberg’s arrival had a salutary effect, for after that the Swiss + woman disappears from the story, and two months later Jag returned, + promised good behaviour, and humbly asked for readmittance to the + household which was at once accorded him. + </p> + <p> + The first days of his visit to Savannah, Spangenberg spent in acquainting + himself with the condition of affairs, and in interviews with the members + singly and collectively, trying to persuade them to content themselves in + Georgia. The “bands” were reorganized, but he was unable to re-establish a + feeling of unity among them, and even those who were willing to stay, and + work, and try whether their plan might not still be carried out, felt that + it would be unwise to hold the rest, for as Toeltschig wrote, almost with + a groan, “it is a blessed thing to live with a little company of brethren, + who are of one heart and one soul, where heart and mind are dedicated to + Jesus, but so to live, when many have weak wills and principles, and there + must be a community of goods, is rather difficult, especially when many + seek their own ends, not the things of Christ.” + </p> + <p> + Spangenberg was forced to see that his arguments were futile, and wisely + yielded to the inevitable. At a general conference each man was called + upon to state his wishes. Several desired to leave at the earliest + possible moment, others as soon as the debt was fully paid; two or three + wanted to return to Europe, others preferred to go to Pennsylvania to + Spangenberg; some longed to live among the Indians as missionaries, while + quite a number were content to stay in Savannah, unless absolutely forced + to leave, or definitely called to labor elsewhere. However, no immediate + steps were taken toward breaking up the settlement. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of August, Spangenberg and Wesley visited the Salzburgers at + Ebenezer, by the invitation of Bolzius, the senior pastor. They, too, had + had their troubles without and within, and Gronau had mourned over the + fact to the Moravians, who deeply sympathized with him. At this time + Gronau and Bolzius differed greatly in their feeling for the Moravians. + Gronau was openly and honestly on the best of terms with them, but + Bolzius, while occasionally accepting their hospitality in Savannah, sent + complaints to the Trustees, in keeping with his original protest against + their coming to Georgia. The English friends of the Moravians heard of + these letters, and were much puzzled, as the reports from the Savannah + Congregation spoke only of pleasant relations with the Salzburgers, and + requests for union of the two forces. Probably Bolzius was fretted by + their refusal to join him, even as the leaders at Halle resented the + independence of Herrnhut, and after Gronau’s death, in 1745, the pastors + of Ebenezer steadily opposed the efforts of the Moravians to recommence a + mission work in Georgia. + </p> + <p> + Apart from the friction with their fellow townsmen and the lack of united + purpose among their own number, Spangenberg found the Moravian colony in + good condition. Their devotional hours were steadily observed, the Lord’s + Supper was celebrated regularly, and a weekly conference kept the many + interests of the “Society” running smoothly. + </p> + <p> + By the aid of the second company, various improvements had been made, so + that their lots and garden presented a prosperous appearance. “They have a + house in town (on Spangenberg’s lot) with a supply of wood for the + kitchen. Behind the house is a well, with a pump, on which almost the + whole town depends, for it not only never goes dry, as do all the others, + but it has the best water to be found in the town. From early morning to + late at night the people come with barrels, pails and pitchers, to take + the water to their homes. Once some one suggested that strangers should be + charged so much a pail for the benefit of the orphans, but Frank said + ‘they have so far received spiritual water from us without price, let them + also have this freely.’ Between the well and the house is a cow shed. They + have a cow, which is pastured out during the day, but comes back in the + evening, and they use the milk and butter for the sick. Near the shed is a + kitchen and bake-oven, and on the other side a hut for their provisions. + Behind the well, on Nitschmann’s lot, stands on one side Tanneberger’s and + on the other Rose’s cabin, with a roof between, under which the leather is + stored, which is to be made into shoes. + </p> + <p> + “Two English miles from the town they have cleared ten acres, (the garden) + and planted corn and rice, which is growing nicely. They have set out + mulberry, peach, and apple trees, which are doing well; in the middle of + the garden, which is enclosed with a fence and ditch, they have built a + corn-house, a cabin in which to live, and a stable.” Another cabin, the + first erected in the garden, had been burned in January, at which time + Mrs. Waschke was living in it, though she was away when it caught fire, + and returned too late to give an alarm and save it. The farm four miles + from town was proving unsatisfactory, requiring much labor and yielding + little return, and they had about decided to stop cultivating it, and give + all their effort to the garden, which was paying well. + </p> + <p> + From the 14th to the 17th of August, Spangenberg busied himself with the + account between the Moravians and the Trustees. In addition to the bonds + signed by the first and second companies for their passage to Georgia, and + provisions to be delivered on arrival, it had been necessary to get a + great deal at the store on credit. On the other hand the men had done a + considerable amount of carpenter work and hauling for the Trustees and for + others. The account on the books at the Trustees’ store was all in + confusion, and as everybody at the store claimed to be too busy to unravel + it, Spangenberg obtained permission to do it himself, and found that in + addition to the bonds, (60 Pounds and 226 Pounds 13 Shillings 9 Pence,) + the Moravians had taken supplies to an amount which gave them a total debt + of some 500 Pounds ($2,400.00). Against this they had a credit which + entirely paid their current account at the store, and reduced their debt + to the Trustees to 121 Pounds 2 Shillings 9 Pence, ($580.80). + </p> + <p> + On the 19th, a Lovefeast was held in honor of Spangenberg and Eckstein, + and on the 21st of August the two visitors sailed for Pennsylvania, + landing there safely in due time. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A Closing Door. +</pre> + <p> + With the month of September letters began to come from England and Germany + in response to Dober’s report, and the communications sent by Ingham, who + presented the Moravian request to the Trustees, (receiving “a sour + answer”,) and also sent a full account of their circumstances to Count + Zinzendorf. The Count had already written to his distressed brethren, + giving his advice on various points, and this letter, which was the first + to arrive, gave them little comfort. They had once hoped for + reinforcements, earnest men and women who would strengthen their hands for + the work among the Indians, and even now it was disappointing to hear that + Zinzendorf had decided not to send any more colonists to Georgia. He + argued that it would take very few men to supply teachers for Tomochichi’s + little village, and that as the Trustees would only permit four + missionaries among the more distant tribes, that number could easily be + spared from the company already in Savannah. + </p> + <p> + Regarding military service he repeated his former definite instructions, + “you will not bear arms either defensive or offensive.” He said that he + had tried to secure from the Trustees a formal “dispensation”, either + verbal or written, exempting the Moravians entirely from military duty, + but they refused to give it, insisting that the Moravians must at least + employ two men to represent the two town lots in defense of the country. + Zinzendorf had agreed to this, so far as the night watch was concerned, + since such a watch was necessary for civic peace and well-being, and the + Moravians were authorized to pay the necessary sums therefor, but he + considered it inconsistent to refuse to fight as a matter of conscience + and then hire others to do it, and so, as he said, “there is nothing to do + but to say NO, and wait.” + </p> + <p> + Although Spangenberg had hoped it would not be necessary for the Moravians + to leave Georgia, he had sent the Trustees their request for permission to + go, adding, “Nor indeed is there any reason why they should be detained, + since it is their full intention and design to pay every farthing of their + debt before they stir a foot; and they have never yet sold their liberty + to any man, neither are they bound to any man by any writing or agreement + whatsoever. I doubt not therefore but ye will readily shew the same + clemency towards innocent and inoffensive men, which any one may expect + from your Honors, whose business is not to destroy but to save and benefit + mankind. May it please you therefore to send orders to the Magistrate of + Savannah that these people may have leave to depart that Province. I do + assure your Honors they always thought it a great favor that ye were + pleased to send them thither; but now they will think it a greater to be + dismissed.” + </p> + <p> + In reply the Trustees wrote to Mr. Causton, forbidding the introduction of + martial law without their express order, and reproving him for having + required more than two men from the Moravians, but in that very reproof + practically insisting that two must serve. The Moravians thought they had + defined their position clearly at the outset, and believed they had the + Trustees’ promise that all should be as they desired, and if the Trustees + realized the construction placed upon their words they had taken a most + unfair advantage of the Moravians by offering them the two town lots as a + special favor, and then using the ownership of those lots as a lever to + force unwelcome service. On the other hand the Trustees claimed that + Zinzendorf had tacitly agreed to furnish two fighting men when he allowed + Spangenberg and Nitschmann to take the two freeholds, and one can hardly + imagine that the gentlemen who served as Trustees of Georgia would stoop + to a subterfuge to gain two soldiers. Probably it was an honest + misunderstanding for which neither side was to blame, and of which neither + could give a satisfactory explanation, each party having had a clear idea + of his own position, and having failed to realize that in the confusion of + tongues the other never did grasp the main point clearly. + </p> + <p> + Regarding the Moravian request for permission to leave, the Trustees + declined to give instructions until after an exchange of letters with + Zinzendorf; but in a second letter to his Congregation, the Count wrote, + “If some do not wish to remain, let them go,” and “if the authorities will + not do what you demand it is certain that you must break up and go + further; but whether to Pennsylvania, or New York or Carolina, the Lord + will show you.” Carolina would be no better than Georgia for their + purpose, for the military conditions were identical, and Bishop + Nitschmann’s advice that they go to Pennsylvania, together with + Spangenberg’s residence there, decided them in favor of that location. + </p> + <p> + Zinzendorf’s permission having cleared the way for departure, they + resolved to wait no longer on the Trustees, and a general conference was + held on September 18th, in which definite arrangements were made for the + assumption of the debt by those who were willing as yet to remain in + Georgia, freeing the four who were to go first. A recent letter had + informed Tanneberger of the death of his wife and children in Herrnhut, + and the news shattered his already weak allegiance. Without them he cared + little where he went, or what became of him, if only he could get away, + and Haberecht was more than ready to join him. His young son went as a + matter of course, and Meyer, another member who had been lazy and + unsatisfactory, completed the party, which sailed for Pennsylvania on the + 16th of October. Jag also intended to go, but for some reason waited for + the next company. + </p> + <p> + Haberecht settled at Ephrata, and the two Tannebergers at Germantown. In + 1741, Haberecht joined the Moravians who were building in “the forks of + the Delaware”, and became one of the first members of the Bethlehem + Congregation. In 1745, David Tanneberger married Regina Demuth, who had + lost her husband the previous year, and they ultimately moved to Bethlehem + also. Meyer never renewed his association with the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + Before the four started to Pennsylvania, another member had taken the + longer journey, and had been laid beside his brethren in the Savannah + cemetery. This was George Haberland, who died September 30th, from flux, a + prevalent disease, from which almost all of the colonists suffered at one + time or another. He had learned much during his life in Georgia, had been + confirmed in June with his brother Michael, and had afterward served + acceptably as a “Diener” of the Congregation. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of October, Seifert and Boehner moved to Tomochichi’s village + to perfect themselves in the language, and begin their missionary work. As + some of the congregation had already left Savannah, and others were soon + to follow, Seifert thought that he could be spared even though he was + “Aeltester”, especially as at first he returned to Savannah every Saturday + to hold the Sunday services. In November he and Boehner spent several + weeks in town helping the carpenters raise the frame of a large house they + were building, and when they returned to the Indians in January, 1738, + Peter Rose, his wife, and surviving daughter went with them. + </p> + <p> + Friday, December 13th, John Wesley left Savannah, to return to England. + His popularity had long since waned, in the face of his rigid insistance + on ecclesiastical rules, and it was said “the Brethren alone can + understand him, and remain in love with him.” He was unfortunate enough to + provoke a spiteful woman, a niece of Mr. Causton, the Magistrate, and so + greatly did the persecution rage under her influence, that Wesley’s chance + of doing further good was ruined, and nothing was left but for him to + withdraw. The Magistrates forbade him to leave, (secretly rejoicing that + they had driven him away,) but he boldly took his departure, without + molestation, making his way to Beaufort, where Charles Delamotte joined + him. Together they went to Charlestown, where he parted from Delamotte, + and on the 2nd of January, 1738, sailed from the continent that had + witnessed the shattering of so many fond hopes and ambitions. + </p> + <p> + Forty-seven years later Brierly Allen settled in Savannah, the first + minister there to represent the great denomination which grew from + Wesley’s later work in England, and the first Methodist Society in that + city of his humiliation was organized in 1806. + </p> + <p> + During the preceding summer Zinzendorf had written to the Trustees, asking + once more for (1) entire exemption from military service for the Georgia + Moravians, for (2) permission for them to leave Georgia if this could not + be granted, and (3) that at least four might remain among the Indians as + missionaries. + </p> + <p> + In answer the Trustees (1) repeated their former decision regarding + freehold representation, (2) gave consent for the Moravians to leave if + they would not comply with this, and (3) refused to let them stay as + missionaries. “The privilege of going among the Indians was given to your + people out of consideration for Your Excellency, and also on account of + their good conduct, they being citizens of this colony; but if they cease + to reside there, this privilege will not be continued to any of them. To + employ them as missionaries to instruct the Indians would be a reflection + on our country, as if it could not furnish a sufficient number of pious + men to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore your people may + continue among the Indians, only so long as they are citizens of the + colony.” + </p> + <p> + This was the death-blow to the Moravian settlement in Georgia. Had the + Trustees exemplified their much-vaunted religious toleration by respecting + the conscientious scruples of the Moravians, there were enough members of + the Savannah Congregation who wanted to stay in Georgia to form the + nucleus of the larger colony which would surely have followed them, for + while they were willing to give up everything except religious liberty, + they were human enough to regret having to abandon the improvements which + they had made at the cost of so much labor and self-denial. The Church at + large shared this feeling, and for many years watched and waited for an + opportunity to re-open the work in Savannah, but without result. If the + Trustees had even permitted the Moravians to stay as missionaries it might + have saved the settlement to Georgia, for within a decade the English + Parliament passed an Act granting the Moravians the very exemption for + which they now asked in vain, and had there been a promising work begun + among the Indians during the intervening years it would inevitably have + drawn more laborers, as it did in Pennsylvania. But the Trustees shut the + door in their faces, other promising and more hospitable fields opened, + and the Moravian efforts were thereafter given to the upbuilding of other + commonwealths. + </p> + <p> + In the latter part of January, 1738, eight more of the Moravian colonists + left Savannah,—Gotthard Demuth and his wife, George Waschke, his + wife and mother, Augustin Neisser, Gottlieb Demuth, and David Jag, those + who remained giving them money and provisions for their journey to + Pennsylvania. Gotthard Demuth and wife settled in Germantown, later moving + to Bethlehem and joining in the organization of that Congregation. In 1743 + they were again living at Germantown, where Gotthard died the following + year. Regina subsequently married David Tanneberger and moved once more to + Bethlehem. Gottlieb Demuth lived at several places, but finally married, + and settled in the Moravian Congregation at Schoeneck. Jag, who located at + Goshenhopper, and the Waschkes and Augustin Neisser who went to + Germantown, never rejoined the Church. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of January, the Moravians in Savannah received an unlooked-for + addition to their number. Toeltschig wrote to Spangenberg, “Yesterday two + boys, who belong to Herrnhut, came unexpectedly to our house. They ran + away from the Brethren in Ysselstein and went to Mr. Oglethorpe in London, + begging him to send them to the Brethren in Georgia. He did so, but we + will have to pay their transportation. One is Zeisberger’s son David, + about 17 years old, and the other John Michael Schober, about 15 years + old. Both are bad boys.” It appears that when Zeisberger’s parents went to + Georgia he was left in Herrnhut to finish his education. From there Count + Zinzendorf took him to a Moravian settlement near Utrecht, Holland, where + he was employed as errand boy in a shop. He was treated with well-meant + but ill-judged severity, and finally after a particularly trying and + undeserved piece of harshness in October, 1737, he and his friend Schober + decided to try and make their way to his parents in Georgia. In this they + succeeded, and though their story was received with disapprobation, they + soon made a place for themselves. Schober did not live very long, but + Zeisberger, from the “bad boy” of Toeltschig’s letter, became the + assistant of Peter Boehler in South Carolina, and later the great “apostle + to the Indians”. + </p> + <p> + During this Spring the Moravians strained every nerve to do an amount of + work sufficient to balance their account with the Trustees. It took a + little longer than they expected, but at last Toeltschig was ready for his + journey to England, the lot having previously decided that he should go as + soon as financial affairs made it proper. His wife remained in Savannah, + it being uncertain whether he would stay in Germany or return to America. + John Regnier took his place as financial agent of the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + On March 12th, Toeltschig went aboard a ship, bound for Charlestown, + sailing from Tybee two days later. On the 18th, he reached Charlestown, + whence he sailed April 1st, bearing with him the record of their account + with the Trustees, and commissioned to tell the authorities at Herrnhut + all about the Georgia colony. On the 30th of May, the vessel touched at + Cowes, where Toeltschig landed, making his way overland to London which he + reached on the 2nd of June. + </p> + <p> + On the 11th of June, Toeltschig, accompanied by Richter, went to present + the account to the Trustees. They asked him many questions concerning + Georgia, all of which he answered frankly, receiving most courteous + attention. Three days later a settlement was reached. The written accounts + showed that the Moravians were short 3 Pounds 5 Shillings 5 Pence, which + Toeltschig offered to pay in cash, but the Trustees said they realized + that the supplies provided for in the second bond had been rated at a + higher price in Georgia than in England, and they were content to consider + the obligations as fully discharged, interest included. Toeltschig + answered “I am VERY glad,” a short sentence which spoke volumes! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Wesley, Ingham and Toeltschig. +</pre> + <p> + During the days which elapsed between his arrival in London and the + meeting of the Trustees, Toeltschig had many interviews with those who had + been “awakened” by the two companies of Moravian colonists, by Count + Zinzendorf, and by Peter Boehler and George Schulius. The last two were + even then at Portsmouth, on their way to America, and the interest caused + by their visit was very manifest. + </p> + <p> + John and Charles Wesley had been particularly attracted to Boehler, the + former especially finding great relief in laying his many spiritual + perplexities before him. Wesley complained that when he conversed with + Spangenberg in Georgia, and they could not agree on any point, Spangenberg + would drop the subject and refuse to discuss it further, but in Boehler he + found a clearness of argument, and power of persuasion which convinced + without irritating him. + </p> + <p> + Having passed through many stages with the guidance, sympathy, and + encouragement of Boehler, Wesley at last found the assurance of salvation + he had sought for so many years, and three weeks after Boehler left + London, he records that at a meeting of their society “I felt I did trust + in Christ, Christ alone for salvation, and an assurance was given me that + he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and + death.” A few days previously his brother Charles had made the same happy + experience, and this gave to their religious life the warmth and fervor + which, added to the zeal, industry and enthusiasm that had always + characterized them, made their labors of so much value to England, and + founded the denomination which has grown so rapidly in America, still + bearing the name once given in derision to the little group of Oxford + “Methodists”. + </p> + <p> + But Wesley’s mind was not one of those which can rest contentedly upon one + vital truth, he must needs run the whole gamut of emotion, and resolve + every point raised by himself or others into a definite negative or + affirmative in his own life. Once settled in a position to his entire + satisfaction, he was as immovable as a mountain, and this was at once the + source of his power and his weakness, for thousands gladly followed the + resolute man, and found their own salvation therein, while on the other + hand the will which would never bend clashed hopelessly with those who + wished sometimes to take their turn in leading. So he became an outcast + from the Church of England, alienated from Ingham, Whitefield, and other + friends of his youth, estranged from the Moravians, even while he was one + of the greatest religious leaders England has ever produced. + </p> + <p> + At the time of Toeltschig’s sojourn in London, however, he was in the + early, troubled stage of his experience, rejoicing in what he had attained + through Boehler’s influence, but beset with doubts and fears. And so, as + he records in his Journal, he determined “to retire for a short time into + Germany, where he hoped the conversing with those holy men who were + themselves living witnesses of the full power of faith, and yet able to + bear with those that are weak, would be a means, under God, of so + establishing his soul, that he might go on from faith to faith, and from + strength to strength.” + </p> + <p> + Ingham, meanwhile, informed of Toeltschig’s arrival in London, had + hastened “over one hundred and forty miles” to see his friend, a fact that + seems to have touched Toeltschig deeply, and arranged to go with him to + Herrnhut, as they had often planned while still in Georgia. John Wesley + joined them, and the three young men sailed on June 24th, landing at + Rotterdam two days later. Wesley’s Journal does not mention Toeltschig by + name, but on leaving Rotterdam he says, “we were eight in all, five + English and three Germans,” and there is no doubt that Toeltschig went + with them to Marienborn to report to Count Zinzendorf, who was living + there during his temporary exile from Herrnhut. + </p> + <p> + In Rotterdam, Dr. Koker showed the party much kindness, while at Baron von + Watteville’s in Ysselstein, they were received “as at home”. At Amsterdam, + they joined in the meeting of the “societies” established under Moravian + influences, and from there proceeded to Cologne, and up the Rhine to + Frankfort. Having neglected to supply themselves with passports, they + experienced much difficulty whenever they reached a walled city, sometimes + being refused admittance altogether, and at other times being allowed to + enter only after much delay, which caused Wesley to “greatly wonder that + common sense and common humanity do not put an end to this senseless, + inhuman usage of strangers.” When any of their number had an acquaintance + in the city to which they had come they sent in a note to him, and he + would arrange for their entrance, and at Frankfort they applied to Peter + Boehler’s father, who entertained them “in the most friendly manner.” + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, July 15th, they reached Marienborn, where Wesley remained for + fifteen days, and Ingham for about seven weeks. + </p> + <p> + From Marienborn, Wesley went to Herrnhut, stopping at Erfurt, Weimar, + Jena, Halle, Leipsig and Dresden on the way. He remained at Herrnhut + twelve days, and then returned by the same route to Marienborn, and to + England. + </p> + <p> + This trip to Germany has been given as the beginning of the breach between + Wesley and the Moravians, but it is doubtful whether such was really the + case. In the “Memoirs of James Hutton” it is stated that Wesley was + offended because Ingham was admitted to the Communion at Marienborn, while + permission was refused him, and that he secretly brooded over the injury, + but Wesley himself does not mention the occurrence, and refers to + Marienborn as a place where he met what he “sought for, viz.: living + proofs of the power of faith,” and where he stayed twelve days longer than + he at first intended. The tone of his account of Herrnhut is also + distinctly friendly, though he did not unreservedly accept two or three + theological statements made to him, but the long conversations he records + prove his joy at finding sympathy, and confirmation of what he wanted to + believe concerning justification by faith, and the fact that a weak faith + was still a real faith, and as such should be cherished and strengthened, + not despised. He could not have been greatly influenced against the + Moravians by his visit to Halle, for each time he stayed but one night, + and on the first occasion Professor Francke was not at home, nor were + their arguments new to him, that they should have impressed him deeply. + </p> + <p> + It frequently happens that when a controversy has arisen between friends, + both parties look backward and read into former words and deeds a meaning + they did not have at the time they transpired, and most probably this is + what has happened in regard to the trip to Germany and its effect on + Wesley. + </p> + <p> + Immediately on his return to England, Wesley began an active religious + campaign, drawing such crowds of all kinds of people that the various + churches in turn closed their doors upon him, and eight months later he + followed Whitefield into open air preaching, after consultation with the + Fetter Lane Society. This Society had been organized at the time of + Boehler’s visit to London, and was composed of members of the earlier + Methodist societies, Germans residing in London, and English who had been + interested in salvation by Zinzendorf and the Moravian companies bound for + Georgia. It had met in the home of James Hutton until it outgrew the + rooms, and was then transferred to the Chapel at 32 Fetter Lane. It was an + independent Society, with no organic connection with the Moravian Church, + and the religious work was carried on under the leadership of John Wesley, + and, in his frequent absences, by James Hutton and others who leaned + strongly toward the Moravians, some of whose customs had been adopted by + the Society. The Hutton “Memoirs” state that Wesley made an effort to + break off intercourse between the Society and the Moravians soon after his + return from Germany, but failed, and matters continued to move smoothly + until about the time that Wesley began his field preaching. During the + subsequent months disputes arose among the members, largely on account of + views introduced by Philip Henry Molther, who at that time had a tendency + toward “Quietism”. Molther was detained for some time in England, waiting + for a ship to take him to Pennsylvania, he having received a call to labor + in the Moravian Churches there, and being a fluent speaker he learned + English rapidly and made a deep impression on many hearers. + </p> + <p> + Wesley was much hurt by the dissensions in his Society, and entirely + opposed to Molther’s views, and after several efforts to bring all the + members back to his own position, he, on Sunday, July 31st, 1740, solemnly + and definitely condemned the “errors” and withdrew from the Fetter Lane + Society, adding “You that are of the same judgment, follow me.” About + twenty-five of the men and “seven or eight and forty likewise of the fifty + women that were in the band” accepted his invitation, and with them he + organized the “Foundry Society”. Into the Foundry Society and the many + others organized among his converts, Wesley introduced lovefeasts and + “bands” (or “classes”,) both familiar to him from the Fetter Lane Society, + which had copied them from the Moravians. When his societies grew so + numerous that he could not personally serve them all he selected lay + assistants, and then “became convinced that presbyter and bishop are of + the same order, and that he had as good a right to ordain as to administer + the Sacraments.” He, therefore, ordained bishops for America, and + Scotland, and registered his chapels in order to protect them, according + to the Act of Toleration. This gave the Methodist body a separate legal + status, but Wesley always claimed that he was still a member of the Church + of England, and would not allow the preachers of his English societies to + administer the Sacraments, a right which was finally granted them by the + Methodist Conference after his death. + </p> + <p> + When Benjamin Ingham returned from Georgia he commenced to preach the + Gospel in Yorkshire, his native place, and at the time of his journey to + Germany a promising work was begun there. From Herrnhut he wrote to Count + Zinzendorf asking that Toeltschig be permitted to visit him in England, + and the request was granted a few months later. Meanwhile Ingham’s work + prospered mightily, so that in June, 1739, he was forbidden the use of the + churches, and forced to imitate Wesley and preach in the open air. Some + forty societies were formed, and in November, Toeltschig went to him, + making many friends among the people, repeating his visit at intervals + during the following months. + </p> + <p> + The intimacy between Ingham and the Moravians became closer and closer, + and in July, 1742, he formally handed over the care of his societies in + Yorkshire and Lascashire to the Moravian Church, himself going into new + fields, and then giving new societies into their keeping. It has often + been stated that Ingham was a Moravian, but this is a mistake. During + these years he worked with them shoulder to shoulder, but there is no + record of his having been received into their Church as a member, nor did + they reordain him into their ministry. The situation would be more strange + to-day than it was then, for there was apparent chaos in England, the + Spirit of God moving upon the face of the waters before “light shone, and + order from disorder sprung,” and the Moravians did not care to emphasize + their independence of the Anglican Church lest it injure their usefulness. + In 1744, when England was threatened with a French invasion, a number of + loyal addresses were presented to the King, and among them one from the + “United Brethren in England, in union with the ancient Protestant + Episcopal Bohemian and Moravian church,” a designation selected after long + and careful discussion as to a true term which would avoid placing them + among the Dissenters from the Church of England. + </p> + <p> + When the Moravians took over the Yorkshire Societies in 1742 they + established headquarters at Smith House, near Halifax, but this not + proving permanently available, Ingham, in 1744, bought an estate near + Pudsey, where the Moravians planted a settlement which they called “Lamb’s + Hill”, later “Fulneck”. In 1746 and 1749 Ingham presented to the Moravians + the ground on which the Chapel and two other houses stood, but for the + rest they paid him an annual rent. The property is now held of Ingham’s + descendents on a lease for five hundred years. + </p> + <p> + In 1753 Ingham withdrew from his close association with the Moravians, and + established a new circle of societies, himself ordaining the ministers who + served them. These societies flourished for a while, but about 1759 Ingham + became imbued with the doctrines of a certain Sandeman, and the result was + the almost total wrecking of his societies. This broke Ingham’s heart, and + affected his mind, so that his last days were very sad. He passed away in + 1772, and his societies gradually merged themselves into other churches. + </p> + <p> + John Toeltschig, Ingham’s friend in Georgia and his co-laborer in + Yorkshire, came to England in November, 1739, in company with Hutton, who + had been to Germany to form a closer acquaintance with the Moravians. + After the debt to the Trustees was paid, Toeltschig had eagerly planned + new things for Georgia,—extension of work among the Indians, a + settlement further up the Savannah River, the strengthening of the + Savannah Congregation, from which missionaries could be drawn and by which + they should be supported while laboring among the heathen tribes. He + offered to return to America at once, ready for any duty, but requesting + that he might not be sole financial manager again, as he had found it most + difficult to attend to those duties, and at the same time share in the + spiritual work. + </p> + <p> + The elders of the Church, after carefully weighing all the circumstances, + decided not to send him back to Georgia, but that he should go to England, + to labor in the Fetter Lane Society, and among its friends. + </p> + <p> + The first step was a visit to Ingham in Yorkshire, and the reception given + him was so cordial and the field so promising that he went again, and yet + again. Boehler and Spangenberg returned to England and traveled hither and + thither in response to the calls that came from every side, other members + aided as they could, and the societies under their direction grew apace. + Fetter Lane Society was organized into a congregation in November, 1742, + and the others followed in due time. The Moravian Church was introduced + into Ireland, and took a firm hold there. In England its successes were + paralleled with much opposition, and in 1749, after several years of + preparation, an appeal was made to Parliament for recognition as a + Protestant Episcopal Church, with full liberty of conscience and worship + throughout Great Britain and her colonies. General Oglethorpe warmly + championed their cause, and after a thorough investigation of Moravian + history and doctrine, the bill was passed, May 12th, 1749, and the + Moravian right to liberty of worship, freedom from military service, and + exemption from oath-taking was unreservedly granted. + </p> + <p> + While not involved in these Parliamentary proceedings, Toeltschig played + an important part in the development of the Moravian Church in England and + Ireland. Although he had great success as a preacher, his especial talents + were as an organizer, and as leader of the “bands”, as might be expected + of a man with a judicial mind, executive ability, and great tact. He was + Elder of the “Pilgrim Congregation” formed at Fetter Lane in May, 1742, a + congregation composed exclusively of “laborers” in the Lord’s vineyard, + and he was also one of the committee charged with the oversight of the + general work. + </p> + <p> + In February, 1748, he went to Ireland, as superintendent of the societies + there, some of which had been organized by Wesley, but now wished to unite + with the Moravians. In 1752 he conducted a company of colonists to + Pennsylvania, but the next year went back to Ireland, where certain + troubles had arisen which he could quiet better than any one else. + </p> + <p> + After Zinzendorf’s death in 1760, Toeltschig was one of that company of + leading men who met in Herrnhut to provide for the immediate needs of the + Moravian Church, whose enemies prophesied disintegration upon the death of + the man who had been at its head for more than thirty years. These + predictions failed of fulfillment, and “it was demonstrated that the Lord + had further employment for the Unitas Fratrum.” + </p> + <p> + Less renowned than many of his confreres, Toeltschig was a type of that + class of Moravians who carried their Church through slight and blight into + the respect and good-will of the world. Industrious and scrupulously exact + in business affairs, courteous and considerate in his dealings with + others, firm and fearless in matters of conscience, bold to declare his + faith, and witness for his Master, energetic and “conservatively + progressive” in promoting the growth of his church, he took little part in + the controversies of his day, but devoted himself unreservedly to + preaching the Gospel as it was read by John Hus, by the founders of the + ancient Unitas Fratrum, by the renewers of that Church in Herrnhut, + “Salvation by faith in Christ and real Christian living according to the + precepts of the Bible.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Negro Mission. +</pre> + <p> + John Toeltschig had been the diarist of the Moravian Congregation in + Savannah, as well as their treasurer and most able member, and after he + left very little record was kept of the daily occurrences. A few stray + letters have been preserved, but little of interest appears therein, + beyond the facts that the summer of 1738 was hot and dry, and that the + Moravians were not molested, although always conscious of the + under-current of antagonism. + </p> + <p> + Some time during these months Matthias Seybold left for Pennsylvania, + where he married, and was one of the company that established the + settlement at Bethlehem. He returned to Europe in 1742, and died at + Herrnhut in 1787. + </p> + <p> + In May, the Rev. George Whitefield reached Georgia, “authorized to perform + all religious offices as Deacon of the Church of England, in Savannah and + Frederica,” in the place of John Wesley. The poverty of the people touched + him deeply, he distributed to the most needy such sums as he had brought + for their relief, and with James Habersham, who had come over at the same + time, he agreed upon the erection of an Orphan House. Whitefield visited + Ebenezer, and acquainted himself with conditions there and elsewhere, and + then returned to England, in August, to raise funds for his Orphan House, + Habersham meanwhile beginning to collect and instruct the most neglected + children. + </p> + <p> + During his stay in Georgia, Whitefield lodged with Charles Delamotte, who + was still carrying on the little school. During the winter Delamotte had + boarded for a while with the Moravians, and when he returned to England in + the autumn, he at once associated himself with the English members. + Tyerman in his “Life and Times of John Wesley”, says, “On his return to + England, Charles Delamotte became a Moravian, settled at + Barrow-upon-Humber, where he spent a long life of piety and peace, and + died in 1790.” + </p> + <p> + On the 16th of October, Peter Boehler and George Schulius arrived in + Savannah, accompanied by the lad, Simon Peter Harper. They came as + missionaries to the negroes of Carolina, the hearts of various + philanthropic Englishmen having been touched by reports of the condition + of these half wild savages recently imported from the shores of Africa to + till the fields of the New World. + </p> + <p> + The plan originated during Count Zinzendorf’s visit to London, in + February, 1737, when it was suggested to him that such a mission should be + begun by two Moravian men, under the auspices of “the associates of the + late Dr. Bray”. + </p> + <p> + Thomas Bray, an English divine, was born in 1656, made several missionary + trips to America, and in 1697 organized a society for the propagation of + the Gospel in the English Colonies. He died in 1730, but the work was + continued by his “associates”, many of whom were also interested in the + Georgia Colony. + </p> + <p> + As this mission was to be under their direction, “the associates of the + late Dr. Bray” wished to be very sure that the doctrine and rules of the + Unitas Fratrum did not conflict with the Church of England, but being + assured by the Archbishop of Canterbury that he considered them as + agreeing in all essential points, they closed an agreement with Zinzendorf + whereby the Count received 30 Pounds with which to prepare “two Brethren + to reside for the instruction of the Negroes at such place in Carolina as + the said associates shall direct.” The missionaries, when they had entered + upon their work, were to receive a salary, “not exceeding thirty pounds a + year,” from the “associates”. + </p> + <p> + For this missionary enterprise, so much to his liking, Zinzendorf + appointed “one of my chaplains, master Boehler,” and “Schulius, a Moravian + brother,” who with Richter and Wenzel Neisser arrived in London, February + 18th, 1738. At the house of their friend Wynantz, the Dutch merchant, they + met John Wesley, who offered to secure them a pleasant, inexpensive + lodging near James Hutton’s, where he was staying. + </p> + <p> + Peter Boehler had been a student at Jena when Spangenberg was lecturing + there, and was himself a professor at that seat of learning when he + decided to accept Zinzendorf’s call to mission work, and join the + Moravians, with whom he had been for a long time in sympathy. Like + Spangenberg he was a highly educated man, and an able leader, fitted to + play an important part in the Church of his adoption. In December, 1737, + he was ordained at Herrnhut by the bishops, David Nitschmann and Count + Zinzendorf, and in later years he, too, became a bishop of the Unity. + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd of February, Boehler and his companions called on Gen. + Oglethorpe, who at first supposed they were simply going over to join the + Savannah congregation. Boehler explained that Richter, who spoke French as + well as German, had come as the Agent of the Moravians, in accordance with + the suggestion made by the Trustees to Bishop Nitschmann in 1736; that + Wenzel Neisser was going on an official visitation to America, especially + to the West Indies; and that he and Schulius were the missionaries + promised by Count Zinzendorf for work among the negroes in Carolina. The + General courteously invited them to confer with him further, either by + letter or in person, and offered to take them with him, as he expected + shortly to sail for Georgia with his regiment. + </p> + <p> + Later, when they wished to come to a definite agreement with Oglethorpe, + who represented the “associates of Dr. Bray”, they experienced some + difficulty, owing to the fact that a letter of introduction Oglethorpe + expected to receive from Count Zinzendorf had failed to arrive, but the + exhibition of their passports, and Richter’s explanation that Zinzendorf + thought (from newspaper notices) that Oglethorpe had already left England, + enabled Boehler and Schulius to establish their identity. So soon as + Zinzendorf heard that his word was needed, he sent them a formal letter of + introduction to Oglethorpe, which was gladly received as corroboration of + their statements. The Moravians were at their own expense while waiting in + London, but Oglethorpe promised that they should be provided with Bibles, + grammars, and other things they might need for the negro school. + </p> + <p> + Being detained in London for three months, instead of three weeks as they + expected, Boehler and his friend had ample opportunity to make + acquaintances in the metropolis. They sent word of their arrival to those + Germans who had learned to know Zinzendorf and the earlier Moravian + emigrants to Georgia, and on the first Sunday “the brethren”, (as they + affectionately called all who, like themselves, were interested in living + a Christian life,) came to them, and a series of meetings for prayer, + conference, and instruction was begun. Boehler was a man of attractive + personality, and convincing earnestness, and in spite of his slight + knowledge of their language many English also became interested and formed + a society similar to that begun by Zinzendorf, the two soon uniting in the + Fetter Lane Society. + </p> + <p> + Ten days after Boehler reached London he accepted an invitation from the + two Wesleys, and went with them to Oxford. There he was most kindly + received, preached in Latin once or twice each day, and had many private + conversations with inquirers. Among those with whom he became acquainted + was the Rev. John Gambold, who later became a bishop in the Moravian + Church, and many others were mightily stirred to seek the salvation of + their souls. + </p> + <p> + Noting how little English Boehler and Schulius knew, Gen. Oglethorpe + offered them a boy who was bright and intelligent, could speak both + English and German, and understood some French, and they found him so + serviceable that they asked and obtained permission to take him with them + to Carolina. + </p> + <p> + Through Wesley, Boehler heard that Gen. Oglethorpe was much surprised at + the speed with which he acquired English, and that he had asked whether + Boehler would consent to serve as Minister of the Church of England in + Savannah, if that Congregation remained without a pastor. Boehler + expressed his willingness to preach at any time, but declined to + administer the Sacraments for any denomination except his own, so the + appointment was not made. + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of April, the baggage of the Missionaries was put aboard the + ‘Union Galley’, Capt. Moberley, with instructions that Boehler and his + companions should join her at Portsmouth. Neisser was to go with them to + Georgia, and from there, as opportunity offered, to St. Thomas, but while + the ship lay at Portsmouth other instructions reached him, and Oglethorpe + kindly made no objection to his withdrawing his box and staying behind, + though he did not quite understand it. + </p> + <p> + On the 15th of May, Peter Boehler, George Schulius, and the lad Simon + Peter Harper, left London, but finding the ship not yet ready to sail, + they, by Oglethorpe’s instructions, went to Southampton where some of the + vessels were lying. + </p> + <p> + Returning to Portsmouth they embarked on May 22nd, and soon found they + were “to dwell in Sodom and Gomorrah” during their voyage. On the 30th the + fleet sailed to Southampton for the soldiers, and when they came aboard + four days later “Sodom and Gomorrah were fully reproduced.” As the ships + lay off Spithead a conspiracy was discovered,—the soldiers on one + vessel had planned to kill their officers, take what money they could + find, and escape to France. During the voyage there were several fights + among the soldiers, or between them and the sailors, and in one drunken + riot a soldier cut off a young girl’s hand. “The Lord was our defense and + shield, and we were among them like Daniel in the midst of the lions,” + wrote Boehler, for the quiet, Bible-reading Moravians found little to like + in their rough associates, who cared for them just as little, and wished + they could be thrown overboard. + </p> + <p> + The ships put to sea July 16th and reached the Madeiras on the 29th, where + they were detained until the 8th of August. Boehler and Schulius went on + shore a number of times, were courteously treated by the most prominent + Catholic priest there, climbed a mountain for the exercise, and + particularly enjoyed their escape from turmoil and confusion. The captain, + who had taken a dislike to them, tried to prevent their leaving the ship, + but Oglethorpe stood their friend, and ordered that they should have + entire liberty. For Boehler, as for many who had preceded him, Georgia and + Carolina were to be a school where great life lessons would be learned. + Fresh from the University halls of Jena, he had met the students of Oxford + on equal footing, quickly winning their respect and admiration, but these + soldiers and sailors, restless, eager for excitement, rude and unlettered, + were a new thing to him, a book written in a language to which he had no + key. Later he would learn to find some point of contact with the unlearned + as well as the learned, with the negro slave and the Yorkshire collier as + well as the student of theology, but just now his impulse was to hold + himself aloof and let their wild spirits dash against him like waves about + the base of a lighthouse which sends a clear, strong beam across the deep, + but has few rays for the tossing billows just beneath. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th of September land was sighted, and on the 29th the fleet + anchored in the harbor of St. Simon’s Island, and with grateful hearts the + Moravians watched the landing of the soldiers. On the 4th of October they + transferred their baggage to a sloop bound for Savannah, which sailed the + 6th, but on account of head winds did not reach Savannah until the 16th. + The Moravians still at Savannah came in a boat to welcome them, and take + them to their house, but Boehler was anxious to see the scene of his + future labors, and stayed in town only a few days, leaving on the 21st for + a tour through Carolina. Schulius accompanied him all the way, and several + others as far as the Indian town where Rose was living with his wife and + child. Here they talked of many things regarding the Savannah + Congregation, but on the following afternoon the missionaries went on + their way, Zeisberger, Haberland, Boehner and Regnier accompanying them to + Purisburg. + </p> + <p> + There Boehler and Schulius lodged with one of the Swiss who had come to + Georgia with Spangenberg and the first company. His wife expressed the + wish that the Moravians in Savannah would take her thirteen-year-old + daughter the following winter, and give her instruction, for which she + would gladly pay. Boehler took occasion to speak to the couple about + salvation and the Saviour, and they appeared to be moved. Indeed this was + the main theme of all his conversations. To the owners of the plantations + visited, he spoke of their personal needs, and their responsibility for + the souls of their slaves; while to the slaves he told the love of God, + filling them with wonder, for most of them were newly imported from the + wilds of Africa, and suspicious even of kindness. Many knew little of the + English tongue, and the few who could understand his words had not yet + learned that there was a God who cared how they lived or what became of + them. Their masters, as a rule, thought the missionaries were attempting + an almost hopeless task in trying to lift these negroes above the brute + creation, but were quite willing to give permission and an opportunity to + reach them, and on this tour Boehler found only one land-owner who refused + his consent. + </p> + <p> + Purisburg had been named as the location of the negro school, but Boehler + found there were very few negroes in the town, which had been largely + settled by Swiss, who had not prospered greatly and had bought few slaves. + The nearest plantation employing negroes was five miles distant, and only + seven lived there, so the outlook was far from encouraging at that point. + </p> + <p> + Boehler and Schulius then made their way from one plantation to another, + until they reached Charlestown. The Rev. Mr. Garden, to whom they had a + letter of introduction, advised that the school should be begun in + Charlestown, where there was a large negro population, perhaps a thousand + souls. This was more than could be found on any single plantation in + Carolina, and as the slaves were strictly forbidden to go from one + plantation to another it would hardly be possible to find another place + where so many could be reached at the same time. Boehler and Schulius were + much impressed with the advantages offered, especially as Mr. Garden + promised all the assistance he could give, and they debated whether + Schulius should not stay and begin at once, while Boehler returned to + report to Oglethorpe. The lot was finally tried, and the direction + received that they should carefully study the situation but wait until + later to commence work. Therefore on the 1st of November the two + companions set out for Savannah, which they reached in eight days. + </p> + <p> + The following weeks were a sore trial for the missionaries. With a + promising field in sight, and eager to commence work in it, they were + obliged to wait for Oglethorpe’s permission, and Oglethorpe was very busy + on the frontier establishing the outposts for which his regiment had been + brought over. When he did return to Savannah, it was only for a few hours, + and he was in no frame of mind for a long argument of pros and cons. He + told Boehler rather testily that they should not go to Charlestown with + his consent; that if they were not willing to follow the plan for + Purisburg he would have nothing more to do with them; and that if they + wanted to talk further they must wait till he came again. + </p> + <p> + Boehler and Schulius wished themselves free to proceed without his + consent, wished they had not entered into an agreement with “the + associates of the late Dr. Bray”, but under the circumstances felt + themselves bound to give the work at Purisburg a fair trial. In December, + Schulius went to Purisburg to look over the field, and make acquaintance + with the people, while Boehler waited at Savannah for Oglethorpe, and + finally, when his patience was quite exhausted, followed the General to + St. Simons. Oglethorpe persisted in his intention to have the school at + Purisburg, and when he learned that his wishes would be obeyed he gave + instructions for the renting of a large house and two acres of ground, and + for supplies to be furnished from the store at Savannah. + </p> + <p> + In February, 1739, therefore, Boehler and Schulius settled in Purisburg. + Young Harper seems to have been with them in Purisburg on some of their + earlier visits, but was sent temporarily to Savannah, and as he does not + reappear in the records, he probably went back to his English home. David + Zeisberger, Jr., joined Boehler and was his willing helper in many ways. + </p> + <p> + At first the outlook was rather more promising than they expected. There + were very few colored children for the school, but “daily more were bought + and born,” there was some interest aroused among the older negroes, and + the owners were disposed to be friendly, and allow the missionaries free + access to their slaves. The German and Swiss settlers were unaffectedly + glad to have the Moravians in their midst, and begged for religious + services, and instruction for their children, so Boehler and Schulius + agreed on a division of labor, the latter to devote himself to the white + residents and their little ones, while Boehler spent most of his time + visiting adjoining plantations. + </p> + <p> + But when the warm weather came Boehler was taken with fever, and from June + to October he suffered severely. From time to time he was able to be up, + and even to visit Savannah, but he was so weak and his feet were so badly + swollen that walking was very difficult, and of course missionary tours + were impossible. + </p> + <p> + On the 4th of August, George Schulius died, after an illness of eighteen + days’ duration. Boehler was in Savannah when he was taken sick, but + returned in time to nurse him, to soothe him in delirium, and to lay him + to rest amid the lamentations of the Purisburg residents. At his death the + school for white children was given up, for Boehler was too weak to + shoulder the additional load, and felt that his first duty was to the + negroes. In September, Oglethorpe was in Savannah, and after much + difficulty Boehler obtained speech with him, and succeeded in convincing + him that a negro school at Purisburg was hopeless. He approved of + Boehler’s plan to itinerate among the plantations and promised that both + his own and Schulius’ salaries should be paid him, that he might be + supplied for traveling expenses. In November, when his health was + restored, Boehler wished to make his first journey, but the storekeeper + declined to pay him any money until the expiration of the quarter year. + When he went again at the appointed time the storekeeper refused to pay + anything without a new order from Oglethorpe, except the remainder of the + first year’s salary, now long overdue. Boehler concluded that the man had + received private instructions from Oglethorpe, and that his services were + no longer desired by the representative of “the associates”, so in + January, 1740, he gave up further thought of obligation to them, and + prepared to go on his own account. He planned to go by boat to Purisburg + and from there on foot through Carolina to Charlestown, but on the way up + the Savannah River the canoe was overtaken by a severe thunderstorm, and + forced to land. Knowing that a sloop would sail in two days he returned to + Savannah, meaning to go to Charlestown on her, but on trying the lot he + received direction to wait for the present in Savannah. + </p> + <p> + While Boehler was making his attempt among the negroes, some changes were + taking place in the Savannah Congregation. He had been very much + distressed by the condition he found when he arrived, for owing partly to + their many difficulties and partly to Seifert’s absence among the Indians, + no Communion had been celebrated for a year, and the “bands” had been + dropped. The Bible and prayer gatherings were steadily observed, but it + seemed to him there was a lack of harmony among the members, and they were + by no means ready to take him at once into their confidence. Seifert, too, + was not well, and had been obliged to leave the Indians, and return to + Savannah. + </p> + <p> + The Indian work was most discouraging, for the men were careless and + drunken, and in January, 1739, even Rose gave up, and moved back to + Savannah with his family. In October, Tomochichi died, and was buried with + great pomp in Percival Square in Savannah. The Moravians were asked to + furnish music at the funeral, but declined, and it was hardly missed amid + the firing of minute guns, and three volleys over his grave. After his + death his little village was abandoned, and the question of further + missionary efforts there settled itself. + </p> + <p> + During the winter John Regnier became deeply incensed at some plain + speaking from Schulius, and decided to leave at once for Europe, the + Congregation paying his way. He probably went to Herrnhut, as that had + been his intention some months previously, and later he served as a + missionary in Surinam. In after years he returned to Pennsylvania, where + he joined those who were inimical to the Moravians. + </p> + <p> + Peter Rose, his wife and daughter left for Pennsylvania soon after their + withdrawal from Irene. They settled in Germantown, and there Peter died + March 12th, 1740. Catherine married John Michael Huber in 1742, who died + five years later on a voyage to the West Indies. Being for the third time + a widow, she became one of the first occupants of the Widows’ House in + Bethlehem, and served as a Deaconess for many years, dying in 1798. Mary + Magdalena became the wife of Rev. Paul Peter Bader in 1763. + </p> + <p> + On August 10th, 1739, John Michael Schober died after a brief illness, the + ninth of the Moravian colonists to find their final resting place beside + the Savannah River. + </p> + <p> + In September, General Oglethorpe received instructions to make reprisals + on the Spanish for their depredations on the southern borders of the + Georgia Province. He rightly judged this to be the precursor of open + hostilities, and hastened his preparations to put Carolina and Georgia in + a state of defense. In October the British Government declared war on + Spain, and November witnessed the beginning of fighting in the Colonies. + Of course this meant a re-opening of the old discussion as to the + Moravians’ liability for service, a repetition of the old arguments, and a + renewal of the popular indignation. Oglethorpe was fairly considerate of + them, thought Zinzendorf ought to have provided for two men, but added + that he did not want the Moravians driven away. Still the situation was + uncomfortable, and the Moravians began to make arrangements for their + final departure. + </p> + <p> + By this time Boehler had won his way into the confidence of the Savannah + congregation, and had learned that he was not the only one who had the + Lord’s interests at heart. With Seifert again in charge of affairs, the + religious services had taken on new life, and on October 18th, John Martin + Mack was confirmed. Judith Toeltschig, however, gave them great concern, + and her brother Michael Haberland sided with her, so that the company + gladly saw them sail for Germany in the latter part of January, 1740. + There Michael married, and returned to America in May, 1749, as one of the + large company which came to settle in Bethlehem, where he died in 1783. + Judith joined her husband in England, and in 1742 was serving as + “sick-waiter” of the Pilgrim Congregation in London. + </p> + <p> + This left only six Moravians in Savannah, for John Boehner had already + started for Pennsylvania on January 20th. He had a very sore arm which + they hoped would be benefited by the change, and he was commissioned to + try and gather together the members who had preceded him, and to make + arrangements for the reception of the remnant which was soon to follow. He + aided faithfully during the early days of the settlement at Nazareth and + Bethlehem, and in 1742 went as a missionary to the island of St. Thomas, + where he labored earnestly and successfully for the rest of his life, and + died in 1787. + </p> + <p> + Nothing now remained for the members still in Savannah, but to so arrange + matters that they might leave on the first opportunity. Oglethorpe had + already bought their trumpets and French horns at a good price, but they + needed to sell their rice and household furniture to provide sufficient + funds for their journey. This was happily arranged on the 2nd of February, + when George Whitefield, who had reached Savannah for the second time a few + days before, came to see them, promised to buy all they cared to sell, and + offered them free passage to Pennsylvania. This offer they gratefully + accepted, receiving 37 Pounds for their household goods, and on April + 13th, 1740, they sailed with Whitefield on his sloop the ‘Savannah’, + Captain Thomas Gladman. Their land and improvements were left in the hands + of an Agent, and the town house was rented to some of Whitefield’s + followers for a hospital. + </p> + <p> + With the Moravians went the two boys, Benjamin Somers and James ——, + who had been given into their hands by the Savannah magistrates in 1735, + and a young woman, Johanna Hummel, of Purisburg. The two lads gave them + much trouble in Pennsylvania, and Benjamin was finally bound out in 1748, + while James ran away. Johanna married John Boehner, and sailed with him to + the West Indies in 1742, but died at sea before reaching there. + </p> + <p> + Boehler and his company expected to find Spangenberg and Bishop Nitschmann + in Pennsylvania, and were much disappointed to learn that both were + absent. They scarcely knew what to do, but Boehler held them together, and + when Whitefield decided to buy a large tract of land and build thereon a + Negro school, and a town for his English friends of philanthropic mind, + and when the Moravians were offered the task of erecting the first house + there, Boehler and his companions gladly accepted the work. Bethlehem + followed in due time, and all were among those who organized that + congregation. David Zeisberger, Sr., died there in 1744, his wife in 1746. + Anton Seifert was appointed Elder, or Pastor of the Bethlehem + Congregation, married, and took an active part in the Church and School + work there and at Nazareth, the latter tract having been purchased from + Whitefield in 1741. April 8th, 1745, he sailed for Europe, laboring in + England, Ireland and Holland, and dying at Zeist in 1785. + </p> + <p> + John Martin Mack became one of the leaders of the Moravian Church in its + Mission work among the Indians in New York, Connecticut and Ohio until + 1760, when he was sent to the negro slaves on St. Thomas, preaching also + on St. Croix and St. Jan, and the English West Indies. He was ordained to + the ministry November 13th, 1742, and was consecrated bishop October 18th, + 1770, during a visit to Pennsylvania, this being the first Episcopal + consecration in the American Province of the Moravian Church. He was + married four times, his last wife passing away two years before his + departure. He died June 9th, 1784, and was buried in the presence of a + great concourse of people,—negro converts, planters, government + officers and the Governor-General. + </p> + <p> + David Zeisberger, Jr., lived a life so abundant in labors, so picturesque + in experiences that a brief outline utterly fails to give any conception + of it. “The apostle of the Western Indians traversed Massachusetts and + Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio, entered Michigan and Canada, + preaching to many nations in many tongues. He brought the Gospel to the + Mohicans and Wampanoags, to the Nanticokes and Shawanese, to the + Chippewas, Ottowas and Wyandots, to the Unamis, Unalachtgos and Monseys of + the Delaware race, to the Onondagas, Cayugas and Senecas of the Six + Nations. Speaking the Delaware language fluently, as well as the Mohawk + and Onondaga dialects of the Iroquois; familiar with the Cayuga and other + tongues; an adopted sachem of the Six Nations; naturalized among the + Monseys by a formal act of the tribe; swaying for a number of years the + Grand Council of the Delawares; at one time Keeper of the Archives of the + Iroquois Confederacy; versed in the customs of the aborigines; adapting + himself to their mode of thought, and, by long habit, a native in many of + his ways;—no Protestant missionary and few men of any other calling, + ever exercised more real influence and was more sincerely honored among + the Indians; and no one, except the Catholic evangelists, with whom the + form of baptism was the end of their work, exceeded him in the frequency + and hardships of his journeys through the wilderness, the numbers whom he + received into the Church of Christ, and brought to a consistent practice + of Christianity, and conversion of characters most depraved, ferocious and + desperate.” “Nor must we look upon Zeisberger as a missionary only; he was + one of the most notable pioneers of civilization our country has ever + known. * * * Thirteen villages sprang up at his bidding, where native + agents prepared the way for the husbandman and the mechanic of the coming + race.” “He was not only bold in God, fearless and full of courage, but + also lowly of heart, meek of spirit, never thinking highly of himself. + Selfishness was unknown to him. His heart poured out a stream of love to + his fellowmen. In a word, his character was upright, honest, loving and + noble, as free from faults as can be expected of any man this side of the + grave.” * + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * “Life and Times of David Zeisberger”, by Rt. Rev. Edmund + de Schweinitz.— +</pre> + <p> + He died at Goshen, Ohio, Nov. 17th, 1808, having labored among the Indians + for sixty years. + </p> + <p> + Like Spangenberg, Peter Boehler’s story belongs to the whole Moravian + Church, rather than to the Georgia colony. His time was divided between + England and America, in both of which spheres he labored most + successfully. Jan. 10th, 1748, he was consecrated bishop at Marienborn, + Germany. After Zinzendorf’s death he helped frame the new Church + constitution, and in 1769 was elected to the governing board of the entire + Unitas Fratrum. He died in London, April 20th, 1774, having been there for + a year on a visitation to the English congregations of the Moravian + Church. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Chapter VII. Conclusion. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Later Attempts in Georgia. + + 1740. +</pre> + <p> + May 18th, 1740, John Hagen arrived in Savannah. He had come over intending + to go as missionary to the Cherokees, and his disappointment in finding + that the Moravians had abandoned Georgia is another example of the + enormous difficulty under which mission work was conducted in those days, + when the most momentous events might transpire months before the + authorities at home could be apprised of them. + </p> + <p> + Hagen had become very ill on the way from Charleston to Savannah, and with + none of his own people to turn to he bethought himself of Whitefield’s + offers of friendship, and went to his house. He was kindly received by + those who were living there, and though he went down to the gates of death + the portals did not open, and he rapidly regained his health. + </p> + <p> + Visiting Irene he found only a few Indian women, for Tomochichi was dead, + and the men were all on the warpath. The opportunity of going to the + Cherokees seemed very doubtful, for there were none living nearer than + three hundred miles, and distances looked much greater in the Georgia + forests than in his own populous Germany. So he concluded to accept the + kind offers of Whitefield’s household, and stay with them, making himself + useful in the garden, and doing such religious work as he was able. + Several Germans living in the town, who had learned to like the Moravians, + asked him to hold services for them, to which he gladly agreed. + </p> + <p> + He was much pleased with the prospect for work in Savannah, where the + people had been greatly stirred by Whitefield’s preaching, and he wrote to + Herrnhut urging that two married couples be sent to help reap the harvest, + a request warmly seconded by Whitefield, who had returned to Savannah on + June 16th. Whitefield reported the Moravians busily engaged in erecting a + Negro school-house for him in Pennsylvania, and told Hagen he would like + to have the two couples come to assist him in carrying out his large plans + for Georgia. + </p> + <p> + But by the 14th of August this invitation had been withdrawn, Hagen had + left Whitefield’s house, and had been refused work on Whitefield’s + plantation, for fear that he might contaminate the Whitefield converts. + The trouble arose over a discussion on Predestination,—not the first + or last time this has happened,—and the two men found themselves + utterly at variance, for Whitefield held the extreme Calvinistic view, + while Hagen argued that all men who would might be saved. Hagen therefore + went to the home of John Brownfield, who shared his views, and made him + very welcome, and from there carried on his work among the residents of + Savannah and Purisburg. + </p> + <p> + Whitefield returned to Pennsylvania in November, 1740, nursing his wrath + against Hagen, and finding Boehler to be of the same mind, he peremptorily + ordered the Moravians to leave his land. Neighbors interfered, and cried + shame on him for turning the little company adrift in the depth of winter, + and he finally agreed to let them stay for a while in the log cabin which + was sheltering them while they were building the large stone house. The + opportune arrival of Bishop Nitschmann and his company, and the purchase + of the Bethlehem tract, soon relieved them from their uncomfortable + position, and later the Nazareth tract was bought from Whitefield, and the + work they had begun for him was completed for their own use. + </p> + <p> + Whitefield, in after years, rather excused himself for his first harshness + toward the Moravians, but a letter written by him to a friend in 1742, is + a good statement of the armed truce which existed among the great + religious leaders of that day. “Where the spirit of God is in any great + degree, there will be union of avail, tho’ there may be difference in + sentiments. This I have learnt, my dear Brother, by happy experience, and + find great freedom and peace in my soul thereby. This makes me love the + Moravian Brethren tho’ I cannot agree with them in many of their + principles. I cannot look upon them as willful deceivers, but as persons + who hazard their lives for the sake of the Gospel. Mr. Wesley is as + certainly wrong in some things as they, and Mr. Law as wrong also. Yet I + believe both Mr. Law and Mr. Wesley and Count Zinzendorf will shine bright + in Glory. I have not given way to the Moravian Brethren, nor any other who + I thought were in the wrong, no, not for one hour. But I think it best not + to dispute when there is no probability of convincing.” + </p> + <p> + Hagen remained in Savannah until February, 1742, when he went to + Bethlehem, accompanied by Abraham Bueninger, of Purisburg, who entered the + Moravian ministry in 1742, and labored among the Indians, the white + settlers, and in the West Indies. + </p> + <p> + Nine more residents of Georgia followed the Moravians to Bethlehem in + 1745, John Brownfield, James Burnside and his daughter Rebecca, Henry + Ferdinand Beck, his wife Barbara, their daughter Maria Christina, and + their sons Jonathan and David, all of Savannah, and Anna Catharine + Kremper, of Purisburg. All of these served faithfully in various important + offices, and were valuable fruit of the efforts in Georgia. + </p> + <p> + John Hagen was appointed Warden of the Nazareth congregation, when it was + organized; and died at Shamokin in 1747. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1746. +</pre> + <p> + General Oglethorpe was much impressed by the industry of the Moravians in + Savannah, and was sorry to see them leave the Province. In October, 1746, + therefore, he proposed to Count Zinzendorf that a new attempt should be + made further up the Savannah River. He offered to give them five hundred + and twenty-six acres near Purisburg, and to arrange for two men to be + stationed in Augusta, either as licensed Traders, for many Indians came + there, or as Schoolmasters. + </p> + <p> + Zinzendorf thought well of the plan, and accepted the tract, which + Oglethorpe deeded to him Nov. 1st, 1746, the land lying on the Carolina + side of the Savannah River, adjoining the township of Purisburg, where + Boehler and Schulius had made many friends. + </p> + <p> + No colonists, however, were sent over, and the title to the land lapsed + for lack of occupancy, as that to Old Fort, on the Ogeechee, had already + done. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 1774. +</pre> + <p> + Early in 1774, Mr. Knox, Under-Secretary of State in London, asked for + missionaries to preach the Gospel to the slaves on his plantation in + Georgia. He offered a small piece of land, whereon they might live + independently, and promised ample store of provisions. + </p> + <p> + This time the plan was carried into execution, and Ludwig Mueller, + formerly teacher in the Pedagogium at Niesky, with John George Wagner as + his companion, went to England, and sailed from there to Georgia. They + settled on Mr. Knox’s plantation, and at once began to visit and instruct + the slaves, and preach to the whites living in the neighborhood. + “Knoxborough” lay on a creek about sixteen miles from Savannah, midway + between that town and Ebenezer. The land had been settled by Germans, + Salzburgers and Wittenbergers, and Mr. Knox had bought up their fifty acre + tracts, combining them into a large rice plantation. The homes of the + Germans had been allowed to fall into ruin, the overseer occupying a + three-roomed house, with an outside kitchen. Mueller was given a room in + the overseer’s house, preaching there to the white neighbors who chose to + hear him, and to the negroes in the large shed that sheltered the stamping + mill. Wagner occupied a room cut off from the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + In February, 1775, Frederick William Marshall, Agent of the Unitas Fratrum + on the Wachovia Tract in North Carolina, (with headquarters at Salem) + visited Georgia to inspect the Moravian property there, accompanied by + Andrew Broesing, who joined Mueller and Wagner in their missionary work. + It had been suggested that the Moravians preach in a church at a little + place called Goshen, near “Knoxborough”, a church which had been built by + subscriptions of Germans and English living in the neighborhood, and had + been used occasionally by a preacher from Ebenezer. + </p> + <p> + At this time the Salzburgers were in a very bad condition. Bolzius had + died in 1765, and Rabenhorst and Triebner, who shared the pastorate, were + greatly at variance, so that the entire settlement was split into + factions. Dr. Muehlenberg, “the father of Lutheranism in Pennsylvania”, + had come to settle the difficulties, and heard with much displeasure of + the plan to have the Moravians preach at Goshen. He declared,—“I + doubt not, according to their known method of insinuation, they will gain + the most, if not all the remaining families in Goshen, and will also make + an attempt on Ebenezer, for their ways are well adapted to awakened souls. + I have learned by experience that where strife and disunion have occurred + in neighborhoods and congregations among the Germans in America, there + black and white apostles have immediately appeared, and tried to fish in + the troubled waters, like eagles which have a keen sight and smell.” + </p> + <p> + Dr. Muehlenberg was too much prejudiced against the Moravians to judge + them fairly, for he belonged to the Halle party in Germany, and in + Pennsylvania had clashed with Zinzendorf during the latter’s residence + there. The Lutheran Church was in no way endangered by the preaching of + the missionaries, for their instructions were explicit: “If you have an + opportunity to preach the Gospel to German or English residents use it + gladly, but receive none into your congregation, for you are sent + expressly to the negroes.” “You will probably find some of the so-called + Salzburgers there, with their ministers. With them you will in all + fairness do only that to which you are invited by their pastor. You will + do nothing in their congregation that you would not like to have another + do in yours.” Dr. Muehlenberg, therefore, might safely have left them free + to preach the Gospel where they would, even to his own distracted flock, + which was weakened by dissensions, suffered severely in the Revolutionary + War, and gradually scattered into the adjoining country. + </p> + <p> + In accordance with his instructions, Mueller at once gave up all idea of + using the Goshen church, and occupied himself with those who heard him + gladly at Knoxborough. After a careful examination of the land, the + Moravians decided not to build a house for themselves, but to continue + with the overseer, who was kind to them, and gave Mueller the use of a + horse for his visits to adjoining plantations. + </p> + <p> + James Habersham, who had come over with George Whitefield in 1738, was one + of the most prominent men in Savannah at this time. In 1744 he had + established a commercial house in Georgia, the first of its kind, to ship + lumber, hogs, skins, etc., to England, and this business had been a + success. He had taken a great interest in Whitefield’s Orphan House, and + had been active in governmental affairs, having served as Secretary of the + Province, President of the Council, and Acting Governor of Georgia. For + many years he had been the Agent in charge of the Moravian lots in and + near Savannah, and now, in failing health, and a sufferer from gout, he + asked that one of the missionaries might be sent to his three estates on + the Ogeechee River, partly as his representative and partly to instruct + the slaves. It was decided that Wagner should accept this invitation and + go to “Silkhope”, while Mueller and Broesing remained at Knoxborough, + Mueller preaching at “Silkhope” every two weeks. + </p> + <p> + Marshall was much pleased with the reception accorded him and the + missionaries, and hoped the time was coming for again using the lots in + Savannah, but the hope again proved to be fallacious. The missionaries all + suffered greatly from fever, always prevalent on the rice plantations in + the summer, and on Oct. 11th, 1775, Mueller died. The outbreak of the + Revolutionary War made Wagner’s and Broesing’s position precarious, for + the English Act exempting the Moravians from military service was not + likely to be respected by the Americans, and in 1776 Broesing returned to + Wachovia, where the Moravians had settled in sufficient numbers to hold + their own, though amid trials manifold. Wagner stayed in Georgia until + 1779, and then he too left the field, and returned to England. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Savannah Lands. +</pre> + <p> + In January, 1735, fifty acres of Savannah land was granted by the Trustees + of Georgia to August Gottlieb Spangenberg, who was going to Georgia as the + leader of the first company of Moravian colonists. Spangenberg had the + habit of speaking of himself as “Brother Joseph” in his diaries, and in + the records he sometimes appears as Joseph Spangenberg, sometimes as + Joseph Augustus Gottlieb Spangenberg, and sometimes by his true name only. + According to custom, the fifty acre grant embraced three lots,—Town + Lot No. 4, Second Tything, Anson Ward, in the town of Savannah, Farm Lot + No. 2, Second Tything, Anson Ward, in the township of Savannah, and Garden + Lot No. 120, East. (Office of the Secretary of State of Georgia, Book D of + Grants, Folio 208.) + </p> + <p> + A few days later a similar grant was made to David Nitschmann, “Count + Zinzendorf’s Hausmeister”, generally known as the Syndic from his office + in later years, who had conducted the first company from Herrnhut to + London. This grant consisted of Town Lot No. 3, Second Tything, Anson + Ward, in the town of Savannah, Farm Lot No. 3, Second Tything, Anson Ward, + in the township of Savannah, and Garden Lot No. 121 East. (Office of the + Secretary of State of Georgia, Book D of Grants, Folio 207.) + </p> + <p> + When the Moravians left Georgia in 1740, these lots were placed in the + hands of an Agent, probably James Habersham, who was acting as + Whitefield’s assistant in his hospital and charity school, the Moravian + house being rented for the former purpose. + </p> + <p> + When the Trustees of Georgia surrendered their Charter to the English + Crown in 1754, it was found that no formal deeds had ever been made for + many of the tracts granted by the Trustees, and it was decreed that any + who could legally claim land under grant from the Trustees should have + their rights confirmed by royal grant upon application to the Governor and + Council of Georgia, within a specified time, the land otherwise to be + considered forfeited. In June, 1761, Habersham wrote to Bethlehem that the + time for entering claim had expired, but that he had asked for and + obtained six months grace for the Moravians, who had previously sent him a + full power of attorney, which had failed to reach him. + </p> + <p> + A new power of attorney was at once sent, and on September 7th, 1762, + royal patents were issued to Nitschmann and Spangenberg, for the Town Lots + and Farm Lots above mentioned. (Register’s Office, Book D, Folios 207 and + 208.) + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the two Garden Lots had been sold to Sir James Wright for 10 + Pounds, and deeds, bearing date of March 15th, 1762, were made to him by + Spangenberg and Nitschmann. The deeds to the Town and Farm lots were + deposited in Bethlehem, and the Agent took his instructions from the + Manager there. + </p> + <p> + In 1765 Bishop Ettwein went from Bethlehem to Savannah to look after the + property. He found that the large house on Spangenberg’s lot had been + condemned as ruinous and pulled down. Some one had built a small house on + the other end of the same lot, and it was supposed to pay 4 Pounds a year + ground rent, but the family living there was very poor, and Habersham had + been unable to collect anything. By permission a poor woman had fenced in + the Nitschmann lot, and was using it as a kitchen-garden, rent free. The + title to the farm lots was in jeopardy, for a certain Alderman Becker in + London claimed that the Trustees had given him a tract, including these + and many other farms, but the settlers thereon were making a strong fight + to hold their property, in which they were finally successful. + </p> + <p> + At the time of Frederick William Marshall’s visit to Savannah in 1775, the + two farm lots were reported to have some good timber, even if they were + not of much use otherwise, and the town lots had increased in value with + the growth of the town. Marshall thought the latter could again be used + for residence, and as a centre for such missionary work as was already + begun by Mueller, Wagner and Broesing, but the Revolutionary War put an + end to their efforts. + </p> + <p> + At this point in the records appears a peculiar uncertainty as to the + identity of the owner of the David Nitschmann lots. The fact that there + were three David Nitschmanns in the active service of the Moravian Church + during a number of years after its renewal in Herrnhut affords ample + opportunity for confusion, but one would not expect to find it in the + minds of their contemporaries. But even such a man as Frederick William + Marshall wrote, “The Deeds to these two lots, Nos. 3 and 4, are kept in + Bethlehem (one stands in the name of Brother Joseph, the other of Bishop + D’d Nitschmann, who passed away in Bethlehem) and it would be well if + something were done about them. I do not know what can be arranged with + the son of the latter; but Brother David Nitschmann, who is now in Zeist, + said when he was in America that he himself was the David Nitschmann in + whose name the grant was made, because he was the one who had shared in + the negotiations with the Trustees of Georgia.” Bishop David Nitschmann + had died in Bethlehem, Oct. 9th, 1772, where his son Immanuel lived until + 1790. The David Nitschmann residing in Zeist was the Syndic, formerly + Count Zinzendorf’s Hausmeister, the leader of the first company to London, + where he and Spangenberg had arranged matters with the Trustees, and had + each received fifty acres of land in his own name. The Bishop had had + nothing whatever to do with the matter, and this was the conclusion + reached, for the title to the Town Lot No. 3 passed at the Syndic’s death, + March 28th, 1779, to his son Christian David Nitschmann. + </p> + <p> + June 14th, 1784, August Gottlieb Spangenberg and Christian David + Nitschmann by deed transferred their title to the Savannah property to + Hans Christian Alexander von Schweinitz, Administrator of the estate of + the Unitas Fratrum in Pennsylvania. + </p> + <p> + The Revolutionary War had come and gone, and Von Schweinitz began again to + investigate the condition of affairs in Savannah. Their Agent, James + Habersham, had died in 1775, but his son James had kept up the taxes, so + the title was intact. “But there is a matter,” he wrote, “which it is + necessary you should be made acquainted with. When the British Troops took + possession of Savannah, they had occasion for a lot belonging to a Mr. + George Kellar, for the purpose of erecting a fort on, it being situated in + the outskirts of the town, and in order to satisfy this man they VERY + GENEROUSLY gave him your two lots in lieu of the one they had taken from + him, but very fortunately for you, our Legislature passed a Law rendering + null and void all their acts during the time they held this country, and + notwithstanding Mr. Kellar is perfectly well acquainted with this matter, + he has moved a house on one of the lots, and on the other he has lately + built another house, which he rents out, and holds possession—in + defiance of me, as I am possessed of no power of attorney to warrant any + proceeding against him.” A power of attorney was at once sent Habersham, + with instructions to evict the intruder, and rent, lease or sell the + property. + </p> + <p> + A suit against the trespasser was won in 1794, but in 1801 his tenant was + still in possession, poor, and refusing to pay rent. Habersham had + meanwhile died, and John Gebhard Cunow, acting as attorney for Von + Schweinitz, who had returned to Germany in 1798, requested Matthew + McAllister to take charge of the matter; but McAllister, having made some + inquiries, reported that the man named John Robinson, who lived on the + premises, was likely to make trouble, and that as he himself was the only + Judge in the district it would be better to put the case into the hands of + some one else, and leave him free to hear it. Cunow therefore asked George + Woodruff to act as attorney, to which he agreed, requesting that John + Lawson be associated with him, which was done the following year. + </p> + <p> + Hans Christian Alexander von Schweinitz died Feb. 26th, 1802, the title to + the Savannah Lots passing by will to Christian Lewis Benzien, of Salem, + North Carolina, who however requested Cunow to continue to look after + them. + </p> + <p> + The Agents had no light task in ejecting John Robinson and his wife from + their abode, for he was “a foolish, drunken man,” and she “a perfect + ‘virago’, and the Sheriff is really afraid of her,” but on July 5th, 1805, + Lawson wrote to Cunow,—“I am happy to inform you that after great + trouble and difficulty we have this day obtained possession of Mr. + Benzien’s lots.” + </p> + <p> + Feb. 17th, 1807, Christian Lewis Benzien, by his attorneys Woodruff and + Lawson, conveyed Town Lot No. 4, Second Tything, Anson Ward, to Charles + Odingsell, the consideration being $1,500, one hundred dollars in cash, + the rest secured by bond and mortgage, payable in one, two, and three + years, with 8 per cent interest from date. + </p> + <p> + In the same manner Town Lot No. 3 was sold to Worthington Gale, March + 14th, 1807, for $1,450. + </p> + <p> + Owing to “the distress of the times,” payment of these bonds was slightly + delayed, but by June, 1811, both were cancelled. + </p> + <p> + Although the two Town Lots thus brought $2,950, they had cost a good deal + in taxes and attorney’s fees, and it is doubtful whether the general + treasury profited greatly by the investment, and certainly the men who had + lived and labored and suffered in Georgia were in no financial way + enriched thereby. + </p> + <p> + Christian Lewis Benzien died Nov. 13th, 1811, and the two Farm Lots were + transferred by will to John Gebhard Cunow of Bethlehem, Pa., who in March, + 1822, deeded them to Lewis David de Schweinitz of Bethlehem, Pa. + </p> + <p> + And here the two Farm Lots disappear from the records. They had never been + available for farming purposes, and by degrees the timber was stolen from + them, so that it became wiser to let them go than to keep up the taxes + with no prospect of return. In course of time the title lapsed, and the + land passed uncontested into other hands. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Arrivals, Departures, Deaths. + + Arrivals in Georgia. + + April 6th, 1735. August Gottlieb Spangenberg From Germany. + “ “ “ John Toeltschig “ ” + “ 7th, “ Peter Rose “ ” + “ “ “ Gotthard Demuth “ ” + “ “ “ Gottfried Haberecht “ ” + “ “ “ Anton Seifert “ ” + “ “ “ Michael Haberland “ ” + “ “ “ George Haberland “ ” + “ “ “ George Waschke “ ” + “ “ “ Friedrich Riedel “ ” + Oct. 11th, “ John Regnier From Pennsylvania. + Feb. 17th, 1736. David Nitschmann, (the Bishop) From Germany. + “ 23rd, “ Christian Adolph von Hermsdorf “ ” + “ “ “ Henry Roscher “ ” + “ “ “ John Andrew Dober “ ” + “ “ “ Maria Catharine Dober, “ ” + (wife of Andrew D.) + “ “ “ George Neisser “ ” + “ “ “ Augustin Neisser “ ” + “ “ “ David Zeisberger “ ” + “ “ “ Rosina Zeisberger, (wife of David Z.) “ ” + “ “ “ David Tanneberger “ ” + “ “ “ John Tanneberger, (son of David T.) “ ” + “ “ “ David Jag “ ” + “ “ “ John Michael Meyer “ ” + “ “ “ Jacob Frank “ ” + “ “ “ John Martin Mack “ ” + “ “ “ Matthias Seybold “ ” + “ “ “ Gottlieb Demuth “ ” + “ “ “ John Boehner “ ” + “ “ “ Matthias Boehnisch “ ” + “ “ “ Regina Demuth, (wife of Gotthard D.) “ ” + “ “ “ Judith Toeltschig, (wife of John T.) “ ” + “ “ “ Catharine Riedel, “ ” + (wife of Friedrich R.) + “ “ “ Anna Waschke, (mother of George W.) “ ” + “ “ “ Juliana Jaeschke “ ” + “ “ “ Rosina Haberecht, “ ” + (wife of Gottfried H.) + Sept. 16th, 1737. Anna Catherina Rose, + Maria Magdalena Rose, (daughters of Peter R.) + Jan. 28th, 1738. David Zeisberger, Jr. From Holland. + “ “ “ John Michael Schober “ ” + Oct. 16th, “ Peter Boehler, From Germany. + (missionary to negroes) + “ “ “ George Schulius, “ ” + (assistant missionary) + “ “ “ Simon Peter Harper From England. + May 18th, 1740. John Hagen From Germany. + Autumn, 1774. Ludwig Mueller “ ” + “ “ John George Wagner “ ” + March 5th, 1775. Andrew Broesing From North Carolina. + + Departures from Georgia. + + March 15th, 1736. August Gottlieb Spangenberg To Pennsylvania. + “ 26th, “ Bishop David Nitschmann “ ” + Dec. 2nd, “ John Andrew Dober To Germany. + “ “ “ Maria Catherine Dober “ ” + March 9th, 1737. George Neisser To Pennsylvania. + May 16th, “ Christian Adolph von Hermsdorf To Germany. + Oct. 16th, “ David Tanneberger To Pennsylvania. + “ “ “ John Tanneberger “ ” + “ “ “ John Michael Meyer “ ” + “ “ “ Gottfried Haberecht “ ” + End of Jan. 1738. Gotthard Demuth “ ” + “ “ Regina Demuth “ ” + “ “ George Waschke “ ” + “ “ Juliana Waschke “ ” + “ “ Anna Waschke “ ” + “ “ Augustin Neisser “ ” + “ “ Gottlieb Demuth “ ” + “ “ David Jag “ ” + March 12th, “ John Toeltschig To Europe. + Summer, “ Matthias Seybold To Pennsylvania. + Winter, 1738-39. John Francis Regnier To Germany. + 1739. Peter Rose To Pennsylvania. + “ Catherine Rose “ ” + “ Maria Magdalena Rose “ ” + “ Simon Peter Harper Unknown. + Jan. 20th, 1740. John Boehner To Pennsylvania. + Jan., “ Judith Toeltschig To Germany. + “ “ Michael Haberland “ ” + April 13th, “ Peter Boehler To Pennsylvania. + “ “ “ Anton Seifert “ ” + “ “ “ John Martin Mack “ ” + “ “ “ David Zeisberger “ ” + “ “ “ Rosina Zeisberger “ ” + “ “ “ David Zeisberger, Jr. “ ” + “ “ “ Benjamin Somers “ ” + “ “ “ James —— “ ” + “ “ “ Johanna Hummel “ ” + Feb., 1742. John Hagen “ ” + “ “ Abraham Bueninger “ ” + 1744. James Burnside “ ” + “ Rebecca Burnside “ ” + 1745. John Brownfield “ ” + “ Henry Ferdinand Beck “ ” + “ Barbara Beck “ ” + “ Maria Christina Beck “ ” + “ Jonathan Beck “ ” + “ David Beck “ ” + “ Anna Catherina Kremper “ ” + 1776. Andrew Broesing To North Carolina. + May, 1779. John George Wagner To England. + + Deaths. + + Oct. 11th, 1735. Friedrich Riedel In Savannah. + March 19th, 1736. Jacob Frank “ ” + March 30th, “ Henry Roscher “ ” + June 17th, “ Rosina Haberecht “ ” + Oct. 3rd, “ Matthias Boehnisch “ ” + Sept. 30th, 1737. George Haberland “ ” + (Nov.?) “ Anna Catherina Rose “ ” + Aug. 4th, 1739. George Schulius In Purisburg. + Aug. 10th, “ John Michael Schober In Savannah. + Oct. 11th, 1775. Ludwig Mueller At Knoxborough. +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Summary. + + Arrivals. + + From Europe 43 + From Pennsylvania 1 + Born in Georgia 2 + From North Carolina 1 + — 47 + + Deaths. + + At Savannah 8 + At Purisburg 1 + At Knoxborough 1 + — 10 + + Departures. + + To Bethlehem, Pa. 18 + To other Moravian Congregations in America 3 + To Moravian Congregations in Europe 8 + Scattered 8 + — + 37 + + ——— + 47 + + Following the Moravians from Georgia to Bethlehem 13 +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Index. + + (The index is retained to allow readers to browse the subjects mentioned + in this book. The bracketed numbers indicate how many mentions are made. + A brief mention or 10 pages worth can both count as a single mention, + so the numbers are sometimes deceptive.) +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Act of Parliament (3) + Aeltester (5) + Allen, Brierly (1) + Altamaha River (7) + Anna (1) + Anthony (1) + Altona (3) + Arrivals in Georgia (2) + Associates of the late Dr. Bray (5) + Augsburg (2) + Augusta (1) + + Bader, Paul Peter (1) + Bands (6) + Beck, Barbara (1) + Beck, David (1) + Beck, Henry Ferdinand (1) + Beck, Jonathan (1) + Beck, Maria Christina (1) + Benzien, Christian Lewis (1) + Berthelsdorf (2) + Bethlehem (Penn.) (10) + Bohemia (8) + Boehler, Peter (10) (Bo"hler) + Boehner, John (8) (Bo"hner) + Boehnisch, George (2) (Bo"hnisch) + Boehnisch, Matthias (2) (Bo"hnisch) + Bolzius, Martin (6) + Bray, Thomas (1) + Broesing, Andrew (3) (Bro"sing) + Brother Joseph (3) (see also Spangenberg) + Brownfield, John (2) + Bueninger, Abraham (1) (Bu"ninger) + Burnside, James (1) + Burnside, Rebecca (1) + + Calendar (1) + Calvin, John (1) + Carolina (11) + Causton, Thomas (9) + Charles II (1) + Charles V (1) + Charlestown (9) (modern Charleston, S. C.) + Cherokees (2) + Chief Elder (see Aeltester) + Christ Church (1) + Church of England (9) + Collegiants (2) + Comenius, John Amos (1) + Comfort (1) + Committee for relief of Debtors (2) + Confession of Faith, Moravian (1) + Coram, Thomas (2) + Cornish, Capt. (3) + Creek Confederacy (1) + Cunow, John Gebhard (2) + + Deaths (2) + Delamotte, Charles (10) + Demuth, Gotthard (6) + Demuth, Gottlieb (3) + Demuth, Regina (4) + Departures from Georgia (2) + Diener (5) + Dober, John Andrew (11) + Dober, Leonard (1) + Dober, Maria Catherine (4) + Dunbar, Capt. (1) + Duesseldorf (1) (Du"sseldorf) + + Ebenezer, New (5) + Ebenezer, Old (5) + Ebersdorf (1) + Ecce Homo (1) + Ecclesiolae in ecclesia (1) + Eckstein, John (2) + Egede, Hans (1) + Elders (1) + England (see Moravian Activity in England) + English School at Herrnhut (1) + Ephrata (1) + Episcopate of Unitas Fratrum (10) + Ermahner (1) + Ettwein, John (1) + Exile Hymn (1) + + Farm Lots (9) + Fetter Lane Congregation (2) + Fetter Lane Society (6) + Fifty Acre Tracts (5) + Financial affairs (34) + First Company (5) + Five Acre Lots (see Garden Lots) + Five Hundred Acre Tract (see Old Fort) + Five Hundred Acre Tract (2nd) (2) + Five Hundred and Twenty-six Acre Tract (1) + Florida (1) + Foreign Missions (5) + Fort Argyle (1) + Forty-five Acre Lots (see Farm Lots) + Foundry Society (1) + Frank, Jacob (3) + Frederica (9) + Fulneck (1) + + Gale, Worthington (1) + Gambold, John (1) + Garden Lots (11) + Gascoine, Capt. (1) + Gemeinschaft (8) + George II (1) + Georgia (25) + Germantown (3) + Gladman, Capt. Thomas (1) + Goshen (2) + Goshenhopper (1) + Greenland (1) + Gronav, Israel Christian (3) + + Haberecht, Gottfried (7) + Haberecht, Rosina (2) + Haberland, George (5) + Haberland, Michael (6) + Habersham, James, Jr. (2) + Habersham, James, Sr. (6) + Hagen, John (1) + Halle (7) + Harper, Simon Peter (3) + Hawk, The (4) + Helfer (see Helpers) + Helpers (2) + Herbert, Henry (1) + Hermsdorf, Christian Adolph von (9) + Herrnhut (24) + Holland (see Moravian Activity in Holland) + Hourly Intercession (2) + Household Affairs (15) + Huber, John Michael (1) + Hummel, Johanna (1) + Hus, John (2) + Hutton, James (5) + + Indian School House (see Irene) + Indians in Georgia (27) + Indians in Pennsylvania (2) + Ingham, Benjamin (22) + Instructions (1) + Ireland (see Moravian Activity in Ireland) + Irene (4) + + Jablonski (3) + Jag, David (6) + James (1) + Jaeschke, Juliana (4) (Ja"schke) + Jena (5) + Jews (1) + Johnson (1) + Journal, John Wesley’s (3) + + Kellar, George (2) + Knox, Mr. (1) + Knoxborough (1) + Koker, Pieter (2) + Korte, Jonas (6) + Krankenwaerter (1) (Krankenwa"rter) + Kremper, Anna Catherine (1) + + Laborers (1) + Lamb’s Hill (1) + Lancashire (1) + Land titles (5) + Lawson, John (2) + Leopold, Archbishop of Salzburg (1) + London (7) + London Merchant, The (5) + Lords Proprietors (2) + Lorenz (2) + Lot, The (12) + Lovefeasts (4) + Lower Creeks (3) + Lutheran Church (7) + Luther, Martin (3) + + Mack, John Martin (4) + Marienborn (3) + Marshall, Frederick William (3) + Matrimonial affairs (4) + McAllister, Matthew (1) + Melancthon (1) + Methodists (5) + Meyer, John Michael (2) + Military affairs (17) + Moberley, Capt. (2) + Molther, Philip Henry (1) + Moravia (9) + Moravian Activity in England (11) + Moravian Activity in Holland (5) + Moravian Activity in Ireland (3) + Moravian Congregation in Fetter Lane (see Fetter Lane Society) + Muehlenberg, Henry Melchior (2) (Mu"hlenberg) + Mueller, Ludwig (2) (Mu"ller) + Musgrove, John (1) + Musgrove, Mary (3) + Music (2) + + Nazareth (4) + Negro Mission (7) + Neisser, Augustin (2) + Neisser, George (5) + Neisser, Wenzel (3) + Neubert, Rosina (1) + New Ebenezer (see Ebenezer, New) + New Inverness (1) + Nitschmann, Christian David (1) + Nitschmann, David (Bishop) (23) + Nitschmann, David (Hausmeister, Syndic) (16) + Nitschmann, Immanuel (1) + North Carolina (1) + Nova Scotia (1) + + Ober-Berthelsdorf (3) + Odingsell, Charles (1) + Oeconomie (1) + Ogeechee River (6) + Oglethorpe, James (49) + Old Fort (16) + Order of the Mustard Seed (1) + Orphan House (2) + Oxford (3) + + Peeper Island (Cockspur) (1) + Pennsylvania (20) + Periagua (2) + Pfeil, von (4) + Pietists (1) + Pilgrim Congregation (2) + Poland (3) + Port Royal (1) + Potter, John (Archbishop of Canterbury) (2) + Province of Georgia (see Georgia) + Pudsey (1) + Purisburg (6) + Putten, Cornelius van (1) + + Quincy, Samuel (2) + + Ratio Disciplinae (2) + Reck, George Philipp Frederick von (9) + Reck, the younger (1) + Regensberg (2) + Regnier, John (10) + Religious affairs (30) + Reuss, Henry XXIX (1) + Revolutionary War (5) + Richter, Abraham Ehrenfried (3) + Riedel, Catherine (3) (see also Rose, Catherine) + Riedel, Friedrich (8) + Robinson, John (2) + Roman Catholics (6) + Roscher, Henry (4) + Rose, Anna Catherina (1) + Rose, Catherine (Riedel) (5) + Rose, Maria Magdalena (4) + Rose, Peter (15) + Rothe, John Andrew (2) + Rotterdam (3) + Rotten-possum (1) + + Salem (2) + Salzburgers (23) + Savannah (20) + Savannah Congregation (Moravian) (25) + Savannah Cemetery (4) + Savannah River (5) + Savannah, The (1) + Saxony (5) + Schober, John Michael (3) + Schoeneck (1) + Schulius, George (4) + Schwarz, Rosina (1) + Schweinitz, Hans Christian Alexander von (2) + Schweinitz, Lewis David de (1) + Schwenkfeld, Casper (1) + Schwenkfelders (10) + Second Company (7) + Seifert, Anton (17) + Seituah (1) + “Servants” of Zinzendorf (12) + Seybold, Matthias (4) + Shamokin (1) + Sickness (13) + Silkhope (1) + Simmonds, The (3) + Sitkovius (2) + Skidaway Island (1) + Smith House (1) + “Society” (see Gemeinschaft) + Society for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge (4) + Somers, Benjamin (1) + South Carolina (5) + Spangenberg, August Gottlieb (33) + Spangenberg’s Hymn (1) + Spaniards (7) + Spanish War (4) + Spener, Philip Jacob (2) + Sterling’s Bluff (1) + St. Simon’s Island (4) + St. Thomas (6) + Swiss Emigrants (5) + + Tanneberger, David (6) + Tanneberger, John (2) + Thomas, Capt. (1) + Thomson, Capt. (5) + Thunderbolt (1) + Toeltschig, John (39) (To"ltschig) + Toeltschig, Judith (8) (To"ltschig) + Tomochichi (15) + Town Lots (10) + Trades (11) + Triebner (1) + Trustees for Establishing the Colony of Georgia in America (27) + Tuebingen (1) (Tu"bingen) + Two Brothers, The (2) + Two Hundred Acre Tract (3) + Tybee (5) + + Union Galley, The (1) + Unitas Fratrum (18) + Upper Creeks (1) + Urlsperger, Samuel (4) + + Vat, Mr. (1) + Verelst, Secy (2) + Vernon, James (3) + Vollmar (3) + Vorsteher (1) + Voyages (9) + + Wachovia Tract (2) + Wagner, John George (4) + Waschke, Anna (4) + Waschke, George (6) + Waschke, Juliana Jaeschke (3) (Ja"schke)) (see also Jaeschke, Juliana) + Weintraube, Mrs. (2) + Wesley, Charles (13) + Wesley, John (30) + Wesley, Samuel (1) + West Indies (7) + Whitefield, George (9) + Wiegner, Christopher (George) (2) + Wittenberg (2) + Woodruff, George (1) + Wright, Sir James (1) + Wynantz (2) + + Yorkshire (3) + Ysselstein (2) + + Zeisberger, David, Jr. (5) + Zeisberger, David, Sr. (3) + Zeisberger, Rosina (3) + Ziegenhagen (2) + Zinzendorf, Christian Ludwig von (1) + Zinzendorf, Erdmuth Dorothea von (3) + Zinzendorf, Nicholas Lewis von (Count) (29) +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s The Moravians in Georgia, by Adelaide L. 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