Very rare original printing of a most important report for the history of Georgia and the United States. The account describes the Spanish invasion of Georgia which occurred from June to July 1742, and its defense by the first American regiment led by General James Oglethorpe (1696-1785). The eyewitness writer, Lt. Patrick Sutherland, an officer of Oglethorpe's regiment, details among others, the particulars of the naval and land engagements of the Gully Hole Creek Battle and the Bloody Marsh Battle, fought on St. Simons Island.  Sutherland's vivid description records the Spanish forces employed in the invasion, such as ninety Indians and fifteen African runaway slaves from South-Carolina...... These battles mark the end of the Spanish presence in the territory and the birth of the colony of Georgia.

This first printed narrative is exceedingly rare on the market.  It was issued in 1742 by The London Gazette.  The next year, in 1743, the same text was republished in separate, also in London (Sabin 93962).  The last registered auction result for the 1743 reprint is seemingly the Thomas Winthrop Streeter exemplar which sold in 1967 for the current value of about $21,000.  No sale records have been located for the offered publication.

Title: The London Gazette

Printed: [London], by Edward Owen in Amen-Corner, 1742.

Issue details: Number 8182, from December 21 to December 25, 1742.

Including: An Account of the late Invasion of Georgia, drawn out by Lieutenant Patrick Sutherland, of General Oglethorpe's Regiment, who lately arrived in England, and was sent Express on that Occasion, but being taken by the Spaniards of the Lizard, was obliged to throw the said Express and his other papers over board.

Physical description: about 29 x 19 cm; [7], [1 blank] pages.

Two George II period tax stamps at corners.

Condition:  Complete.  Very good overall condition despite, some browning and spots, small perforation at last leaf not affecting the text, leaves partially detached, inner blank margin with minor imperfections and restoration, margins trimmed. Disbound.