Untitled - the Digital Library of Georgia

222 GEORGIA AND GEORGIANS
Parker, who died while the surrender to the Crown was taking place,
was succeeded temporarily at the helm by Patrick Graham, whose four
associates were: James Habersham, Noble Jones, Pickering Robinson
and Francis Harris. The population of Georgia, as shown by a census
taken at this time, was 2,381 whites and 1,066 blacks. But this
enumeration did .not include the Midway Puritans who were then set
tling in the province, some 280 in number, with 536 slaves. Joseph
Ottolenghe, an Italian, succeeded Mr. Pickering in charge of the silk
industry, to relinquish which the Crown was still reluctant, since,
nowhere in the British dominions was silk produced; and to England
the success of this enterprise meant the saving of millions.
It was not until March 5, 1754, that a new form of government for
Georgia was proposed by the Board of Trade, to whom the matter was
referred. As finally agreed upon, this plan was as follows: that a
governor be appointed 'by a commission, under the Great Seal, in like
manner as the governors of his majesty's other provinces and planta
tions, with powers to call an assembly to pass laws, to erect courts, to
grant lands, and to do all other necessary and proper things; that
twelve persons be appointed by his majesty to serve as the king's council,
in said province, with the same powers, authorities and privileges given
to other councils of a like character; that the governor be appointed
vice-admiral of said colony; that such other officers be appointed as
registrar of grants and receiver of quit rents, a secretary of the prov
ince, to act as clerk of council and keeper of records, a surveyor of
lands, an attorney-general, and a provost marshal. Besides a governor,
there was also to be a lieutenant-governor.
Five months later, the foregoing plan having received royal sanc
tion, appointments were approved by the king as follows: Capt. John
Reynolds, of the Royal Navy, to be governor of the Province of
Georgia; William Clifton, attorney-general; James Habersham, secre
tary and registrar of records; Alexander Killet, provost marshal, and
William Russell, naval officer.
At a salary of £50 each, Messrs. Henry Yonge and William
De Brahm were commissioned as joint surveyors of land in Georgia;
while Sir Patrick Houstoun, with a like salary, was selected as registrar
of grants and receiver of quit rents. To serve as members of the
king's council the following were appointed: Patrick Graham, Sir
Patrick Houstoun, baronet; James Habersham, Alexander Killet, Wil
liam Clifton, Noble Jones, Pickering Robinson, Francis Harris, Jona
than Bryan and William Russell. Later the name of Clement Martin
was added.
On June 21, 1754, his majesty approved a design submitted by the
Board of Trade for a public seal to be used by the authorities of the
province in attesting its solemn transactions. Accordingly an order
was given for a seal to made of silver, to correspond in size with those
sent to North and South Carolina. The design of the seal was as fol
lows : On one face a figure representing the Genius of the Colony offer
ing a skein of silk to his majesty, with the motto, "Hinc Laudem
Sperate Coloni," and this inscription around the circumference: "Se-
gillium Provincae Nostrae Georgiae in America." On the other side
appeared his majesty's arms, together with his crown, garter, and sup-