[135] Of the condition of this town in 1743 we find the following account in the London Magazine for 1745: “Our first Stage we made _New Inverness_, or the _Darien_, on the Continent near 20 miles from _Frederica_; which is a Settlement of Highlanders living and dressing in their own Country Fashion, very happily and contentedly. There is an Independent Company of Foot of them, consisting of 70 men who have been of good service. The Town is regularly laid out, and built of Wood mostly, divided into Streets and Squares; before the Town is the Parade, and a Fort not yet finish’d. It is situated upon a very high Bluff, or Point of Land, from whence, with a few cannon, they can scour the River, otherwise it is surrounded by Pine-barrens, and Woods, and there is a Rout by Land to _Savannah_ and _Fort Argyle_, which is statedly reconnoitred by a Troop of Highland Rangers who do duty here. The Company and Troop, armed in the Highland manner, make an extreme good appearance under arms. The whole Settlement may be said to be a brave and industrious People; but were more numerous, planted more, and raised more cattle before the Invasion, with which they drove a good Trade to the Southward; but Things seem daily mending with them. They are forc’d to keep a very good Guard in this Place, it lies so open to the Insults of the _French_ and _Spanish Indians_, who once or twice have shewn Straglers some very bloody Tricks.” Page 551. [136] Samuel Cloake,—who was a prisoner on board the “Pretty Nancy” taken by the Spaniards from the English, and fitted out for the invasion of Georgia,—made oath that during the time they lay off the bar the Spaniards often “whetted their swords and held their knives to this deponent’s and other English prisoners’ throats, saying they would cut the throats of those they should take at Georgia.” Harris’ Complete Collection of Voyages and Travels, pp. 342, 343. London, 1748. [137] The governor of South Carolina did not unite in these congratulations and thanks; but the people of Port Royal did, much to his chagrin. [138] In the language of General Oglethorpe, “_they were so meek there was no provoking them_.” [139] See General Oglethorpe’s letters of the 12th and 21st of March, 1743. Collections of the Georgia Historical Society, vol. III, pp. 149, 151. Savannah, 1873. London Magazine for 1743, vol. XII, pp. 356, 357. London Gazette, July 9, 1743. [140] This demonstration had the effect of restraining the Enemy within the lines of St. Augustine; and the active cruizing of the English Guard Schooner and Scout Boats held in check the privateers which were in the habit of annoying the navigation to the southward. “In fine,” writes a Charles-Town merchant to his correspondent in London, under date August 10, 1743, “_Georgia_ is a Gibraltar to this Province and _North America_, however insignificant some People may make it.” London Magazine for 1743, vol. XII, p. 567.