Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

148 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS
Cumberland Island there were three batteries: Fort St. Andrew, Fort
William, and a battery on the west to control inland navigation. There
was a fort at Darien garrisoned by Highlanders; while on Amelia
Island was stationed a guard of Highlanders in scout boats. Such
were some of the features in Georgia's plan of defense against the
Spaniards.
During the midsummer of 1742 the long-expected Spanish invasion
at last materialized, and in the historic battle of Bloody Marsh Ogle-
thorpe's crowning service to the colony of Georgia was rendered. The
best account of this renowned engagement is from Oglethorpe himself
in a letter addressed to the trustees, on July 30, 1742. It is preserved
both in the records of the Georgia Historical Society and in the Colonial
Records of Georgia.* On account of the far-reaching effect of this
battle not only upon the immediate fortunes of Georgia but upon the
future destinies of America, Oglethorpe's letter describing this cele
brated encounter is reproduced in full. It is to be regretted that in
repelling the Spanish invasion little help was received from South
Carolina. The victory was won almost entirely by Georgians. Says
Oglethorpe:
"Frederiea in Georgia, 30th July, 1742.
"The Spanish Invasion which has long time threatened the Colony,
Carolina, and all North America has at last fallen upon us and God
hath been our deliverance. General Horcasilas, Governour of the
Havannah, ordered those troops who had been employed against Gen
eral Wentworth to embark with Artillery and everything necessary;
upon a secret expedition. They sailed with a great fleet: amongst them
were two half Galleys carrying 120 men. each & an 18 pound Gun.
They drew but five feet of water which satisfied me they were for this
place. By good great Fortune, one of the half Galleys was wreacked
coming out. The Fleet sailed for St. Augustine in Florida. Capt.
Homer the latter end of May called here for Intelligence. I acquainted
him that the Succours were expected and sent him a Spanish Pilot to
shew him where to meet with them. He met with ten sail which had
been divided from the Fleet by storm, but having lost 18 men in
action against them, instead of coming here for the defence of this
Place he stood again for Charles Town for repair, and I having certain
advices of the arrival of the Spanish Fleet at Augustine wrote to the
Commander of His Majesty's Ships at Charles Town to come to our
assistance.
"I sent Lieut. Maxwell who arrived there and delivered the letters
the 12th of June, and afterwards Lieut. MacKay, who arrived and
delivered letters on the 20th of June.
"Lieut. Colonel Cook who was then at Charles Town, and was
Engineer, hastened to England, and his son-in-law Ensign Eyre, Sub-
Engineer, was also in Charles Town, and did not arrive here till the
action was over; so, for want of help, I myself was obliged to do the
duty of Engineer.
"The Havannah Fleet, being joined by that of Florida, composed
51 sail, with land men on board, a List of whom is annexed: they were
* Georgia Collections III, pp. 133 et seq.