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Show 73 G24 INDIAN LAND CESSIONS IX THE UNITED STATES [K™.AN.V.I8 and their lands wholly subject to its control. From 1709 onward the assembly was frequently called upon to exercise its authority for their protection and relief. Commissioners were from time to time appointed to oversee and lease their lands. As time went on there was some change in the mode of management; laws prohibiting the purchase of lands were repeated, and the guardianship of the legislature was kindly exercised for these natives as their numbers continued to dwindle. Evidences of the method followed by the people of this colony might be multiplied, but what has been given is sufficient to show that the policy was a just and humane one, that was seldom if ever marred by official acts of injustice in this respect. (634) GEORGIA On the 9th of June, 1732, George II granted by charter to certain "trustees" the right to establish the colony of Georgia, including all the lauds and territories from the most northerly stream of Savannah river along the seacoast to the southward unto the most southerly stream of Altamaha river, and westward from the heads of said rivers in direct lines to the South sea, and all islands within 20 leagues of the coast. During the first year of the colony's existence, Governor James Oglethorpe, who was placed iu charge by the trustees, directed his attention to providing for the emigrants suitable homes at Savannah, Joseph's Town, Abercorn, and Old Ebenezer; the erection of a fort on Great Ogeechee river, and the concluding of treaties of amity and cession with the natives. "Having," according to one authority, "confirmed the colonists in their occupation of the right bank of the Savannah, and engaged the friendship of the venerable Indian chief Tomo-chi-chi, and the neighboring Lower Creeks and Uchees, he set out," etc. Ou the. 20th of May, 1733, at Savannah, Oglethorpe made a treaty with the headmen of the Lower Creeks, the summary of which, as given by Hugh McCall,1 is as follows: When Oglethorpe came over from England he was not vested with full powers, consequently the ratification of the treaty was to be made iu England. Soon after his arrival he sent runners to the different towns, and invited a convention of the 1 History of Georgia, vol. I, p. 37. |