One more interesting experiment in colonization, conceived and carried
out by a man of unusual personality, remains to be recorded. James
Oglethorpe, born in 1689, for forty years led the usual life of the
wealthy English gentleman--first the army, then a period of quiet
country life, and finally parliament. There, however, he took a place
apart, almost at once, by his interest in prison reform. The condition
of the English prisons of the day was indescribably foul and loathsome,
and as horror after horror was unearthed by his investigations, a great
project began to take shape in his mind. This was nothing less than the
founding in America of a colony where prisoners for debt should be
encouraged to settle, and where they should be given means to make a new
start in life. For in those days, a man who could not pay his debts was
cast into prison and kept there, frequently in the greatest misery, as
though that helped matters any.

In 1732, Oglethorpe succeeded in securing a charter for such a colony,
which he named Georgia, in honor of the King. Trustees were appointed,
the support of influential men secured, and on November 16, 1732, the
first shipload of emigrants left England. Oglethorpe himself accompanied
them. He had undertaken to establish the colony on the condition that he
receive no recompense, and was authorized to act as colonial governor.

Charleston, South Carolina, was reached about the middle of January,
and, after some exploration, Oglethorpe selected as the site of the
first settlement a bluff on the rich delta lands of the Savannah.
Thither the emigrants proceeded, and at once began to build the town,
which was named Savannah after the river flowing at its feet. Oglethorpe
himself was indefatigable. He concluded a treaty with the Indians,
provided for the defense of the colony against the Spaniards, who held