X.] The Abbe Raynal, in his _Philosophical and Political History of the British Settlements in America_,[1] states as the _cause_ of Oglethorpe's undertaking, what, when rightly understood, was but a _consequence_ of it.

He says, "A rich and humane citizen, at his death, left the whole of his estate to set at liberty such insolvent debtors as were detained in prison by their creditors.

Prudential reasons of policy concurred in the performance of this Will, dictated by humanity; and the Government gave orders that such unhappy prisoners as were released should be transported into Georgia.

The Parliament added nine thousand eight hundred and forty-three pounds fifteen shillings, to the estate left by the Will of the citizen.

A voluntary subscription produced a much more considerable sum.