After hesitating a few minutes, the miller continued, “Those of our faith are accustomed to displeasure from others and even abuse, and until now I have encouraged those at meeting to stand firm. But last week a friendly merchant came to tell me that there will be increasing pressure on us, both by legal and illegal means, to give up our property here. I don’t want this to be known, but I’ll be traveling to Georgia in a few days to see about getting some new land. I understand that the governor, James Wright, is an honest man and is eager to have settlers move into the northern part of the colony.”

“Yes, I’ve seen the public notices, but I understand that this is an isolated area exposed to Indian attacks, without protection, unserved by roads or other transportation, and with no nearby markets or trading posts. It’s much worse than this part of North Carolina was when we moved here.”

“Well, thy information may be right, but I wish to learn for myself.”

CHAPTER 6

Quakers Move to Georgia

SEPTEMBER 1767

A few weeks later, Ethan was surprised to see Joseph Maddock ride into his yard. It was the first time he had been to the farm.

“Have you already made your visit to Georgia?”

“Yes, and I have obtained tentative rights to about twelve thousand acres of land, just west of Augusta and the Savannah River. Governor Wright enjoys a good relationship with both the Creek and Cherokee Indians and has a firm agreement that cedes the land. The treaty with the Indians was signed in sixty-three, after the governor assembled leaders from the Carolinas and Virginia to meet with all the Indian tribes. More than seven hundred people participated in the agreement, so we can be confident that there will be no dispute about our property. Thy information is correct about roads and markets, but we are willing to help develop what we need. I was planning to take all the Friends’ families with me, but only forty are willing to go. The others will try to stay here or move back up north, where they came from. I’ve come to see if thou would be interested in joining us.”

Ethan was surprised by the proposition, but hesitated only a moment before replying, “No, I reckon Epsey and I will stay here. We’ve about got our place in order and haven’t been bothered by the officials any more than any other farmer in the Piedmont area. We’re still hoping that the government will respond to the Regulators’ petitions and that things will get better.”

“Well, we wish thee well. We’re convinced that once they set their eye on a farm, they’ll use any means to get it. So far they’ve just concentrated in this region on us, but thy land is in the midst of a good bit of ours, and thou may be next.”