“As to the cow-pen it speaks of, it is a square Fort, with four carriage guns and four swivel guns, and had a garrison in it of forty-seven soldiers of the regular troops, and seven negroes, who were all made prisoners of war.  The cattle found there, and in parts adjacent, were distributed to the King’s troops and the Carolina regiment.

“In respect to the Carolina people being ready to enter the town of Augustine without opposition; it is entirely false, and without the least foundation.

“In regard to Colonel Palmer’s misfortune, who was killed in the first fire from the Spaniards; he brought it upon himself by disobeying the orders he received, which positively enjoined his keeping in the woods, and avoiding action, and by acting contrary to the advice of the officers under his command, some of whom were present when he received his orders, and lodging himself in the Negro Fort Moosa, where they were surrounded and defeated; the gates of which fort, and the house within it, the General had before burnt.

“With respect to the Carolina Volunteers; that they did go away is certain, without leave given, or asked, and their Captain with them.  A Captain of the Carolina regiment also left his command in the guard of the trenches, without being relieved, or asking any leave, and went with them.  After such behavior, what credit can be given to such men, though termed persons of note?

“As to Captain Warren, whose name is mentioned to endeavor to throw an odium elsewhere; I am convinced by the personal acquaintance I have with him, that he will upon all occasions, do his duty in the service of his King and country; as also Captain Law and Captain Townshend, that were ashore with him.

“The morning after we landed upon the Island of Anastatia, I stood by while Captain Warren read to General Oglethorpe a letter to Captain Pearse, then Commodore, acquainting him of our landing without any loss, and the Spaniards withdrawing from that Island, on which Captain Warren said, all that was now necessary to secure the reduction of the place, was the taking of the Spanish galleys, which undertaking he would himself head with the King’s boats under the cannon of the fort, if he would give him leave.  Several councils of war were held on board his Majesty’s ships by the sea captains, but Captain Warren’s proposition was not undertaken.

“Lest malicious people should suggest that I might be sent to England by General Oglethorpe on this occasion, I solemnly declare, that I came at my own desire by his leave, and had no instructions from him, directly or indirectly, concerning this affair; but my regard to truth, and abhorrence of all false and malicious reports whatsoever, have induced me to publish this, to which I set my name.  HUGH MACKLEY.”

Johnson’s Court, Charing Cross, Nov. 29, 1740.

XXV.

SPANISH INVASION.