[Footnote 1:  Account, shewing the progress of the Colony of Georgia from its first settlement; published by order of the Honorable Trustees, by Benjamin Martin, Secretary.  London. 1741.]

He was prompted to engage in this undertaking by the spirit of enterprise and an enlarged philanthropy and patriotism.  While the benevolent purpose called into exercise his noblest feelings, he considered that the settlement of a new colony, in a pleasant region, would not only raise the character and highly improve the condition of those by whom it was constituted, but contribute to the interests of the British empire.

In all this he was actuated by motives wholly disinterested; for he freely devoted his time, his exertions, and his influence to the enterprise; and not only bore his own expenses, but contributed largely to the means and assistance of others.[1]

[Footnote 1:  See Appendix, No.  X.]

The Abbe Raynal, in his Philosophical and Political History of the British Settlements in America,[1] states as the cause of Oglethorpe’s undertaking, what, when rightly understood, was but a consequence of it.  He says, “A rich and humane citizen, at his death, left the whole of his estate to set at liberty such insolvent debtors as were detained in prison by their creditors.  Prudential reasons of policy concurred in the performance of this Will, dictated by humanity; and the Government gave orders that such unhappy prisoners as were released should be transported into Georgia.  The Parliament added nine thousand eight hundred and forty-three pounds fifteen shillings, to the estate left by the Will of the citizen.  A voluntary subscription produced a much more considerable sum.  General Oglethorpe, a man who had distinguished himself by his taste for great designs, by his zeal for his country, and his passion for glory, was fixed upon to direct these public finances, and to carry into execution so excellent a project.”

[Footnote 1:  Book II.  Chap.  IV.  See also his History of the Settlements and Trade of the East and West Indies, by Europeans, Book XVIII.  Vol.  VII. page 359, of the English translation.  Lond. 1787.]

Mr. Warden, adopted this account, but varied a little from it; for he says, “It happened that Oglethorpe was named executor for the disposal of a legacy left by a wealthy Englishman for the deliverance of insolvent debtors, detained in prison; and this donation, with others, procured from generous individuals, and ten thousand pounds sterling advanced by the government, was employed for the establishment of a colony, where this unfortunate class of men might find an asylum."[1]

[Footnote 1:  Statistical, Political, and Historical Account of the United States of America.  Vol.  II. p. 471.]

Mr. Graham has also followed this statement, and given the testator the credit of projecting the release of prisoners for debt; a project which originated solely with Oglethorpe.[1]