Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

188 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS
had not been properly certified.* During these early days, he seemed
to manage his accounts rather well. Out of a total of about £55,137
spent during the years 1732-1734 by him, he was able to produce vouchers
for all but £1,874. t
The trustees were duly appreciative of the work that Oglethorpe did
for the establishing of the settlement. On June 13, 1733, Secretary
Martyn wrote to know how long he could remain in the colony and
asking who could best superintend the work when he left. Under date
of September 1, 1733, he wrote again, expressing appreciation of what
had already been done and telling him that the trustees wished to send
over as many settlers as possible before he left. Again on November 22,.
1733, Martyn regretted that the people were misbehaving and feared
that the troubles might revive when Oglethorpe left the province. J In
addition to the appreciation expressed, all these communications indi
cate that Oglethorpe Js stay in Georgia was expected to be only temporary
and that his great work was that of smoothing over the difficulties en
countered in the beginning. When he reached England in June, 1734,
he was welcomed by an unusually full meeting of the trustees, and he
was heartily thanked by them in a unanimous resolution for the '' many
and great services he has done the colony of Georgia." **
The general public received him with demonstrations of high regard
and honor for the work he was doing. Whatever may have been the case
in the beginning, he was at that time regarded as the decided leader in
the founding of Georgia. Poems in his honor were published in The
Gentleman's Magazine and.medals were struck to commemorate his
work, while the nobility and gentry poured congratulations upon him.ft
His one year of labors in Georgia had gained for him more considera
tion and honor than, he could have won from decades of service in Par
liament or from ,a whole life of mingling in the society of the times. It
is small wonder then that he determined to return to Georgia. He may
have intended to do so anyway; but there is no indication of such an
intention on his part or of expectation on the part of the trustees that
he would return, until after his very flattering reception at home.
While in England, Oglethorpe was very active indeed in behalf of
the colony, responding well to the encouragement he had received from
the public. In attendance on the meetings of the trustees, he was prompt
and regular. He was present at fifty-five of the sixty-four meetings
of the regular corporation, and he attended thirty-four of the thirty-
seven meetings of the common council, being surpassed in his record by
only one or two of the members; and he was also frequently called on
for service on committees.
He was largely instrumental in getting the trustees to pass three
laws that were destined to have a large influence on the future history
of Georgia. He was chairman of the committee which prepared the laws,
and it was through representations that he made that they were thought
*C. B. II: 53, 56, 58.
t Ibid., 117.
t B. T., Ga., VIII: Letter book arranged by dates.
**C. E. I: 175.
tt Wright 86, 91.