CHAPTER III.
Project for settling the south-western frontier of Carolina--A Charter granted for it, by the name of Georgia--Trustees appointed, who arrange a plan of Settlement--They receive a grant of Money from Parliament, and from Subscriptions and Contributions--Oglethorpe takes a lively interest in it--States the Object, and suggests Motives for Emigration--A Vessel hired to convey the Emigrants--Oglethorpe offers to accompany the intended Colonists--His disinterested devotedness to the benevolent and patriotic Enterprise.
The project, which had been for some time in contemplation, of settling the south-eastern frontier of Carolina, between the rivers Savannah and Alatamaha,[1] suggested to Oglethorpe that it could be effected by procuring the liberation of insolvent debtors, and uniting with them such other persons in reduced circumstances as might be collected elsewhere, and inducing them to emigrate thither and form a settlement.
[Footnote 1: See _A Discourse concerning the designed establishment of a new Colony to the south of Carolina, by Sir_ ROBERT MONTGOMERY, _Baronet.

London_, 1717.] As such a project and design required for its furtherance more means than an individual could furnish, and more managing and directing power than, unaided, he himself could exert, Oglethorpe sought the cooeperation of wealthy and influential persons in the beneficent enterprise.

Concurring with his views, twenty-one associates petitioned the throne for an act of incorporation, and obtained letters-patent, bearing date the 9th of June, 1732; the preamble of which recited, among other things, that "many of his Majesty's poor subjects were, through misfortunes and want of employment, reduced to great necessities, and would be glad to be settled in any of his provinces of America, where, by cultivating the waste and desolate lands, they might not only gain a comfortable subsistence, but also strengthen the colonies, and increase the trade, navigation, and wealth of his Majesty's realms." And then added, that, for the considerations aforesaid, the King did constitute and appoint certain persons, whose names are given, "trustees for settling and establishing the colony of Georgia in America," the intended new province being so called in honor of the King, who encouraged readily the benevolent project, and contributed largely to its furtherance.
At the desire of these gentlemen, there were inserted clauses in the charter, restraining them and their successors from receiving any salary, fee, perquisite, or profit, whatsoever, by or from this undertaking; and also from receiving any grant of lands within the said district to themselves, or in trust for them.[1] [Footnote 1: Appendix, No.

IX.] "No colony," says Southey, "was ever established upon principles more honorable to its projectors.

The conduct of the trustees did not discredit their profession.