Since the writing of this, I have heard of the _Spaniards_ making a descent upon _Georgia_. I cannot say the news of it damped me at all; because, I humbly hope, the LORD will not give that colony over as a prey into the enemy’s hand. The place where they landed, is about one hundred miles to the southward of the Orphan-house: and, supposing it should be taken, I do not repent the erecting it, because the ♦advantages that have flowed already from it, as appears from my accounts, have abundantly answered the pains and expence it has cost. What is due upon arrears, as it has been already laid out, and is a debt contracted for GOD, I doubt not but he will incline the hearts of his servants to help me by their contributions to discharge it. At the same time, I am not without expectations, that this very attack of the _Spaniards_ will be over-ruled for the good of the Orphan-house, and be made a means of freeing the colony from their future insults: for as _Georgia_ is a frontier colony, and stands as a barrier to all the other _English_ provinces, it is reasonable to believe, they will all unite in its defence and protection. But my trust is in the LORD; and, through the mercies of the Most High, I humbly hope this undertaking will not sink, but become more and more beneficial to _Georgia_ and the neighbouring provinces day by day. _Let all that love the_ LORD JESUS _say_, Amen!
♦ “advanvantages” replaced with “advantages”
_September 27, 1742._
Since the foregoing papers have been in the press, I have received a letter from Mr. _Habersham_, superintendant of the Orphan-house affairs, in which he writes as follows:
_Savannah, July 14, 1742._
_My dearest Brother and Friend_,
ABOUT four days ago I wrote you very fully in relation to our present state and circumstances, from Mr. _John Bryan_’s. I hope our dear family are well there. When my last comes to hand, you will find we removed there for fear of the _Spaniards_, who came in upon _Georgia_ like a flood. I hope the General will yet stand his ground, though the enemy is so numerous. I hear he destroyed and took one hundred and seventy of the enemy last _Thursday_. GOD only knows what he is about to do with us. Brother _Grant_ and I are here, to take care of our house and goods. I hope GOD will direct us in our distress. Surely you will now, if possible, come over. I believe the bearer is gone; I must have done. Farewel, Farewel. Brother _Grant_ gives his love. I must conclude by broken lines.
Yours,