The date, at the close of the first preface, indicates that the publication of this work had been suspended.--A subsequent epistolary correspondence, in reference to it, with friends at Savannah, excited promptings, which were succeeded by a list of nearly two hundred subscribers for the volume in print;--a list that included the names of the most respectable gentlemen of the city, among whom were those that held distinguished stations and filled important offices in public life. For this flattering encouragement and honorary patronage, the most grateful acknowledgments are rendered. * * * * * The name of the capital of South Carolina was originally written Charles-Town and Charles' Town. At the time of the early settlement of Georgia it had become blended in the compound word Charlestown, which, being found in the documents referred to or quoted in this work, is retained here, though of later years it is spelt Charleston. In the following pages variations occur in the names of persons and places, principally in the extracts from German publications. This lack of uniformity in some instances, as also a few verbal errors in others, was not detected till the sheets had passed the press. "Acres circumfert centum licet Argus ocellos, Non tamen errantes cernat ubique typos." CONTENTS The chapters, into which this work is divided, are with reference to somewhat distinct portions of the history; and may be likened to a suit of apartments in a capacious house; some large and some small, variously furnished, and with different prospects abroad; but yet adjoining each other, and, if but fitly framed together, adapted to a duly constructed edifice. CHAPTER I. Parentage of Oglethorpe--Birth--Christian Name--Education--Military Profession and Promotion--In the Suite of the Earl of Peterborough--Service under Prince Eugene of Savoy--Elected Member of Parliament--Visits a Gentleman in Prison--Moves in the House of Commons for a redress of the rigors of Prison Discipline--Appointed on the Committee--Extracts from his Speeches in Parliament, CHAPTER II. Oglethorpe appointed first a Director, and then Deputy Governor of the Royal African Company--Takes a compassionate interest in the situation of an African kidnapped, sold as a slave, and carried to Annapolis, in Maryland, a Province in North America, who proves to have been an Iman, or assistant Priest, of Futa, and was named Job Solomon--Causes him to be redeemed, and sent to England, where he becomes serviceable to Sir Hans Sloane for his knowledge of Arabic; attracts also the notice of persons of rank and distinction, and is sent back to Africa, CHAPTER III.