The Virginia Gazette

LONDON, February 4.

Extract of a Letter from Ebenezer in Georgia, where the Saltzburghers are settled.

HERE are at present 65 Lots taken up, and all except three occupied; one only of which is deserted, one cultivated by the Owner 'til his Return from Germany, where he is sent on an Errand by a Deputation from the rest, and one not improved thro' the Inability of the Person who has it. After these People had cleared their two Acre Lots in the best Manner, instead of going on with their larger, they fell heartily to work on all their Waste and Common Land near and round the Town, which they have so effectually improved, that it makes a fine Appearance, and looks like one entire Field; tho' by proper Marks each Man knows his own, whether more or less, and one Fence incloses the Whole: which (including the Acre Lots) is by moderate Computation 180 Acres.

The Corn in general is strong and good, only where they planted of a different Kind, there it proves much inferior to the rest, which is a common Misfortune thro' the North Part of the Province, owing to the Scarcity of good Seed at the Time of planting; whereby People were obliged to take such as could be had, till better came. Their Land lies all neat and well ploughed, free from Weeds. The Oeconomy of the Town, under the Influence of Mr. Bolzius, their Minister, is exemplary and worth Notice. Their Huts (or Houses made at present of Clap-boards, are decent, and regularly set out in Streets, according to the Plan. For the more certain Benefit of the Milch Cattle, a Herdman is appointed from among them, to attend them in the Woods all Day, bring them all home in the Evening, and take them all out again next Morning: Their Stock of out-lying Cattle are also under the daily Care of two other Herdmen, who drive them to a Cow-pen at Night, and attend them in their Feed, when turned out in the Day. This secures the Owners from Loss of any kind; and the Herdmen are paid by a small Contribution agreed on among themselves. Here is no regular Court of Justice, no Lawyer to plead, or Rum to intoxicate; but Peace seems to prevail: And in Case of any petty Difference among themselves, the Minister calls 3 or 4 of the discreetest Elders together, who, in a summary Way, hear and determine as they think is just; and the Parties go away contentedly, submitting to their Judgment. Their regular Times of Worship, which is the Evening only, after Work on the Week Days; and in the Forenoon, Afternoon, and Evening on Sundays, are so strictly observed, that whoever neglects them, is not well looked on by his Neighbours; and but few Instances are to be found. A Tabernacle sufficient to hold their Number serves them for their Church. The largest Building they yet have for public Use, is a convenient House, built for the Reception of Orphans and other poor Children, who are maintained by Benefactions, and are neatly and well taken care of, and are taught to work according as they are able, and their Age will permit, and very carefully instructed in the Duties of Religion. Their present Number is 17. The Number of Souls reckon'd by Mr. Bolzius, whereof his Congregation consists, is 146.