When you get to Philadelphia or New York, I shall be glad of the favor of a line from you, to know how and when you make your route hither.
I am, with great respect, sir, Your most obedient, and most humble servant, JONATHAN BELCHER.
At the next Assembly of the Province, the Governor, in a special message, apprized them of the expectation which he had of a visit from the General; and in the House of Representatives "it was ordered that a committee should be raised to prepare for the reception of James Oglethorpe, Esq., who may be expected in Boston this summer; that so the government may express their grateful sense of his good services to the public interest of the Province." June 21st, 1733, the following motion was agreed on:-- "Whereas James Oglethorpe, Esq., a member of Parliament, and now at Georgia, near South Carolina, hath at several times appeared in favor of New England; and, in a particular manner done many good offices for this Province, of which this Court hath been advised by Mr.Agent Wilkes, and that he intends, in a short time, to return to Great Britain, by the way of Boston:-- "_Voted_, That Mr.Speaker, Mr.Cooke, Major Brattle, Mr.Thacher, Mr.Welles, Mr.Cushing, Mr.Hall, Mr.Webb, and Major Bowles, be a Committee, from this House, to congratulate that honorable gentleman upon his arrival at Boston; and, in their name and behalf, acquaint him that the Assembly are well knowing of the many good offices he hath done this Province, in that, when the interest, trade, and business thereof have been under the consideration of the British Parliament, he hath, in a distinguishing manner, consulted measures to perpetuate the peace and lasting happiness of this government.

And, as his worthy and generous actions justly deserve a most grateful and public acknowledgment, to assure him that this country will retain a lasting remembrance of his great benefactions; and that a recognition of the favors which they have so frequently received from him, is the least that the House can offer; while they earnestly desire the continuance of his good will towards this Province." His Excellency then made the following speech: "Gentlemen of the Council and House of Representatives, "I am glad to see the respect which you have expressed in your vote to the Honorable Mr.Oglethorpe, a member of that wise and august body, the Parliament of Great Britain; but, as there is no money in the treasury to defray the charge of the reception and entertainment of that honorable gentleman, I have taken early care to invite him to my house, when he may come into this Province, and I shall endeavor to entertain him in such a manner as may express the great esteem which I have of his attachment to his Majesty and to his Royal House, and of his regard to this Province, as well as of his great merit.

And this I will do at my own charge, till the treasury may be supplied.

And for these reasons I have not made your vote an order of this Court." The Editor of the publication, entitled "_The Political State of Great Britain_," makes the following remarks upon these doings of the Legislature of Massachusetts:[1] [Footnote 1: Vol.XLVIII.p.

173.] "This expression of gratitude towards Mr.Oglethorpe shows that the gentlemen who are members of the House of Representatives in that Colony, are men of good sense as well as lovers of their country; and there is certainly no greater incitement to generous and public spirited actions than that of public acknowledgment and praise." Circumstances, however, prevented his making a visit, so earnestly expected, and which would have been so mutually gratifying.
On Wednesday, January 23, 1734, Oglethorpe set out on an exploratory excursion, to view the southern frontiers, in a row-boat commanded by Captain Ferguson, attended by fourteen companions and two Indians; followed by a yawl loaded with ammunition and provisions.