Page:American History Told by Contemporaries, v2.djvu/143

No. 40] Saltzburgers were lodged in a Tent, pitch'd on purpose for them, till Mr. Oglethorpe's Arrival from Charlestown. A Jew invited our Saltzburgers, and treated them with a good Rice-Soop for Breakfast. And hath also moved the Hearts of several others here, to be very good and hospitable to us. The Country, as the Inhabitants say, is very fruitful ; and the Land chose by us, which is about 21 English Miles from hence, is still better. All that is sowed, grows in a short Time.

Night we Prayed on shore for the first time, in the English Chapel, made of Boards, and used for divine Worship, till a Church can be built ; the Use of which is allowed us, during our Stay here. The Inhabitants join with us, and shew much Devotion. The Jews likewise, of which there are 12 Families here, come to Church, and seem to be very devout : They understand the German Tongue. Though the Chapel is but of Boards, it is very convenient, and pleases the Saltzburgers. . ..

Day Mr. Oglethorpe arrived here, and received our Saltzburgers and us in a very friendly manner ; and we dined with him. He will speedily give Orders that our People shall go to the Place intended for their Settle ment. He being very sollicitous that these poor Indians should be brought to the Knowledge of, has desired us to learn their Language ; and we, with the Blessing of , will joyfully undertake the Task. . ..

Saltzburgers have often been admonished very earnestly to abstain from drinking a certain intoxicating Liquor like Brandy, called Rum ; which is made of Molosses, in the Islands of the West-Indies, &c. because this Liquor hath occasion d the Death of many People. Some good Persons, who lately visited our Saltzburgers, are much pleased with their Devotion, and with the whole of their Behaviour ; and on that Account, prophesy much Good to the Country. ..

. Oglethorpe went last Friday with the Commissary, Mr. Zwefler, Mr. Gronau, and a Saltzburger, to the Place where we are to live with our Saltzburgers, in order to shew them the Ground where they are to build their Houses. This Day the Commissary and Mr. Zwefler return'd back, and inform d us much of the Goodness and Fertility of the Ground, as also of the Goodness of the Indians. . ..