The Georgia Board of Trustees reacted to the complaints of the Malcontents in a largely resistant and dismissive manner during the early 1730s and 1740s. The Malcontents, primarily Scottish settlers near Savannah, objected to the Trustees' restrictions on land ownership, prohibition of slavery, and ban on rum, which they felt limited their economic opportunities. They first voiced their objections in 1735 and organized a petition in 1738 signed by 121 residents calling for drastic changes in the colony's administration. However, the Trustees refused to amend the laws in response to this petition
. The Trustees maintained their policies despite the Malcontents' persistent written protests, including pamphlets published by Malcontent leaders such as Patrick Tailfer and Thomas Stephens, who argued that the colony's survival required significant changes to allow slavery and greater land ownership. The Trustees' representatives believed that the departure of many Malcontent leaders by 1740 would reduce internal dissent
. In official responses, the Trustees and their supporters claimed that their policies had broad support and that the colony was economically successful under their unique laws, though this was disputed by the Malcontents. The Trustees' authority was challenged but remained intact through the 1740s, with parliamentary committees exonerating the Trustees despite the grievances presented
. Eventually, the Trustees did make a significant concession: in 1750, they passed a law allowing slavery in Georgia, a change many credited to the persistent efforts and writings of the Malcontents. This marked a turning point in the colony's policies, though the Trustee period ended shortly thereafter in 1751
. In summary, the Georgia Board of Trustees initially ignored and resisted the Malcontents' complaints, maintaining strict regulations despite petitions and pamphlets. Over time, facing continued pressure and changing political circumstances, the Trustees relaxed some of their policies, notably permitting slavery by 1750, reflecting the influence of the Malcontents' persistent advocacy
