A recent publication bestows also a tribute of commendation, in the following terms: "As governor of the new Colony, he was exposed to numberless difficulties and vexations; but persevered with great ardor in the scheme, and expended large sums out of his private fortune with a view to ensure its success."[1]
[Footnote 1: GEORGIAN AERA; or _Memoirs of the most eminent persons who have flourished in Great Britain from the accession of George I. to the death of George IV_. Lond. 1834. 4 vol. Vol. II. p. 43.]
I give, also, an extract from "lines to General Oglethorpe, on the settlement of Georgia," published in the _South Carolina Gazette, June_, 1733.
"The fame of Tyrants should, if justice swayed, Be bowled through deserts their ambition made; But OGLETHORPE has gained a well-earned praise, Who made the heirs of want, the lords of ease: The gloomy wood to plenteous harvests changed, And founded cities where the wild beasts ranged. Then may the great reward assigned by fate Crown his own wish to see the work complete!"
Oglethorpe's residence in England--Marriage--Military appointments--A Major General under the Duke of Cumberland for the suppression of the rebellion in 1745--Arraigned at a Court Martial and acquitted--Domestic and social life, and character--Death.
Having accomplished the great design of settling the Colony of Georgia, watched over its nascent feebleness, cherished its growth, defended it from invasion, vindicated its rights, and advanced its interests and welfare, Oglethorpe resigned the superintendence and government into other hands, and retired to his country seat at Godalming, "to rest under the shade of his own laurels."
In March, 1744, he was appointed one of the officers under Field Marshal, the Earl of Stair, to oppose the expected invasion from France.
Having been so happy as to form a tender attachment to an amiable lady, which was reciprocated, he married, on the 15th of September, 1744, Elizabeth, the only daughter of Sir Nathan Wright, Baronet, of Cranham Hall, Essex.[1]
[Footnote 1: On this occasion some congratulatory verses were written by the Rev. MOSES BROWN, and printed in the Gentleman's Magazine, Vol. XIV. p. 558.]
His chief residence was at his country seat; but he spent his winters in the venerable family mansion in St. James, Westminster, London, to attend his duties as member of Parliament and enjoy the society of men of the first respectability for rank, talents, and literature.